Flexible Classroom Seating (29 Creative Ideas)
Are you thinking of trying out some new flexible seating options in your classroom this year? If so, then this post is for you. I’ll explore if flexible classroom seating actually works for students. Then, I’ll show you tons of creative ideas to implement it in your class. Plus, I’ll show you the best seating options and where you can get them.
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What is Flexible Seating in a Classroom?
It means that instead of having the traditional desk and chair for each student you actually have several seating options for your students. This could be all sorts of different types of seats like cushions, chairs, couches, stools, yoga balls and even more.
Does Flexible Seating Work?
Most teachers agree that it works for several reasons. It’s been shown to increase student engagement and productivity. Students are given the choice of what kind of space works best for them which increase student happiness.
Some of the seating options include movement like wobble stools which works great for many students. This environment also makes it easier for students to work with others and collaborate with their classmates.
The Benefits of Flexible Seating
It allows your students to choose where they sit and find an option that works best for them. It also allows kids to quickly and easily work in pairs or in small groups.
Ok, now I’ve told you all the benefits of having flexible seating in your classroom let's check out some options.
Flexible Seating Options
Here are some of the most popular flexible seating options:
- Wobble Stools
- Ergo Stools
- Benches
- Yoga Balls
- Cushions
Some unique options for flexible seating for the classroom are:
- Office chairs
- Yoga mats
- Living room furniture
- Tires
Now let’s get inspired by checking out the 29 ways some very creative teachers are providing these seating options in their classrooms.
Flexible Classroom Seating with Cushions
Cushions are one of the favorite seating choices by teachers. They are cheap, small, easy to store and move around the classroom. Plus, there are tons of cute options that can take your classroom décor up a notch too.
Check out how some innovative teachers are using cushions in their classrooms below.
1 | Create Seating Nooks with Cushions
IMAGE SOURCE | CREATE_INSPIRE_TEACH
Courtney, a teacher and teacher resource creator, created plenty of little spaces in her classroom including these cozy nooks with comfy pillows. Courtney says that each student has an assigned seat but they rarely spend much time there because they like to move through the class.
The assigned seat serves as their home base and a place to store all of their supplies.
She created plenty of spaces where they can choose to sit. For example, these little side by side nooks with cushions are the perfect cozy spot for a student to retreat to when they need some space or some quiet.
These would also work great for reading or small group time.
2 | Add Round Floor Cushions
IMAGE SOURCE | LEARNINGTOBLOOMCLASSROOM
Alle, a first-grade teacher from San Antonio, placed round chair cushions around a small table to create the perfect spot for students to explore activity bins during quiet time.
Students love to sit on the floor and this gives them the perfect spot for it. Bonus, the polka dotted chair cushions add a playful touch to the classroom décor.
3 | Try Chair Cushions on the Floor
IMAGE SOURCE | OHMEGANROWE
Texas teacher, Megan, created the perfect desk space for her students with cozy chair cushions.
What’s great about this setup is the cushions can easily be moved to another spot. The teal cushions match perfectly with her color scheme in this bright and fun classroom.
4 | Invest in Cleanable Floor Cushions
IMAGE SOURCE | SKATINGTHROUGHLITERACY
Jennifer, a third-grade reading teacher, swears by these seat cushions that she purchased on Amazon. She loves that she can easily wipe them down and sanitize them to keep her class germ free.
The small handles make it easy to move them around or stack them if needed. If you love these square wipeable floor cushions too you can find them here!
Best Amazon Finds for Classroom Cushions
Below check out my favorite finds for cushions that would make perfect seating choices for your students. I’ve included some fun options like cushions that look like tree stumps and fruit slices!
CLASSROOM CUSHIONS | WHERE TO FIND
ONE | TREE STUMP FLOOR CUSHIONS
TWO | 6 RAINBOW FLOOR CUSHIONS
THREE | SET OF FOUR FRUIT CUSHIONS
FOUR | 6 PACK BLUE, GREEN AND GREY CUSHIONS
FIVE | WOBBLE CUSHION
Classroom Stools
Stools make a great option to provide seating choices for your students. They don’t take up a ton of space and most can be stacked up when not in use. Check out how some other teachers are using stools in their classroom.
5 | Add Motivational Classroom Stools
IMAGE SOURCE | MYCLASSBLOOM
Kelsey, a teacher and teaching resource creator, created these bright, inspirational stools to add more flexible seating to her classroom. Why pass up on an opportunity to motivate your students?
If you’re wanting to create these for your classroom here are the steps below.
- Start with wooden stools of your choice and then add some colorful paint.
- Next, if you have a Cricut, (which can be found here) then you can purchase these I am files for your Cricut here.
- You could also use vinyl stickers, (here are some that are similar) and apply them to your stools.
When you’re done you’ll have your students’ new favorite seating option plus, you’ll be adding a little color and fun to your class!
6 | Incorporate a High Bar Seating Area
IMAGE SOURCE | GRADESANDGRACE
McKay, a first-grade teacher from Tennessee, is constantly rearranging her classroom to create amazing places for her students. Kids love to work from up high and that’s why a high desk with tall bar stools would make a great addition to your classroom’s seating options.
If you love the idea of adding a bar table and bar stools to your classroom there are tons of options to choose from here.
The happy place sign is a fun, homey touch to this space as well. Here’s a really cool large happy place sign in white. Here’s a smaller black happy place sign that is also super cute.
Top Finds for Classroom Stools
Here are my favorite picks for stools that would work great in your classroom.
CLASSROOM STOOLS | WHERE TO FIND
ONE | RAINBOW STACKING STOOLS SET OF 5
TWO | 2 PACK RED METAL STOOLS
THREE | 6 PACK WOODEN STOOLS
FOUR | TWO PACK YELLOW METAL STOOLS
FIVE | SET OF FOUR BLUE AND GREEN STACKING STOOLS
7 | Try Ergo Stools in the Classroom
IMAGE SOURCE | CREATE_INSPIRE_TEACH
Courtney, from Create Inspire Teach, added these bright yellow kids ergo stools to her classroom library. She loves that they are sturdy and flexible and that they promote good posture while encouraging movement. I also love that they really pop against the black and white carpet.
If you want to add these stools to your classroom, then Kids Ergo stools can be found here. They come in yellow, blue, green, red, pink and purple!
Classroom Wobble Stools
What’s great about wobble stools is that they can help promote active sitting at tables. Students can rock and move and it helps keep them engaged while they work. Wobble stools have been shown to increase energy and productivity which is why they work well in group work settings.
8 | Add Wobble Stools for Group Work
IMAGE SOURCE | MR.JAMESHUNT
Mr. James Hunt, a sixth-grade science and geography teacher, set up this amazing space for small group work and to organize materials for upcoming labs. He has noticed that this area has really encouraged trust, collaboration, laugher and conversation! Wobble stools for the win!
The orange wobble stools found in this classroom can be found here. They also come in tons of different colors as well.
9 | Create a Workstation with Wobble Stools
IMAGE SOURCE | HERTZFURNITURE
In this elementary school classroom this seating area is set up for personal teacher attention as well as small group activity. The colorful fun, wobble stools keep the students engaged while learning. Would you love a set up like this in your classroom?
If you want to add these to your class, then Amazon has quite the selection of wobble stools that can be found here.
My Favorite Wobble Stool Options
The best wobble stools that I found on Amazon are below. Click on the links to see all of the available colors too!
WOBBLE STOOLS | WHERE TO FIND
ONE | SMALL BLUE WOBBLE STOOL
TWO | TEAL WIGGLE STOOL
THREE | PURPLE WOBBLE CHAIR
FOUR | 2 PACK BLUE WIGGLE CHAIRS
Flexible Seating with Storage Stools
What’s better than adding a stool to your classroom? How about a stool that doubles as extra storage? Win, win! Below see how teachers are adding storage stools to their seating area for students in the most stylish ways.
10 | Add an Option for Storage Stools
IMAGE SOURCE | CREATE_INSPIRE_TEACH
Courtney added these Otto Storage Stools in a seating area in her classroom. Not only do they look great, but they are easy to move around the class and they double as storage. You can find Otto Storage Stools on Amazon here.
Yoga Balls as Classroom Seating
A lot of teachers have been adding yoga balls as a seating option for their students. Kids love them and they are shown to increase productivity, concentration and even creativity. Sitting on a yoga ball while working allows students to bounce and shift when their body needs it. This releases good chemicals in the body and the brain. Below check out some ideas to add yoga balls to your class this year.
11 | Try Bounce Ball Chairs
IMAGE SOURCE | MRSSTAMPSKINDERGARTEN
Karen, a kindergarten teacher, has tons of different seating options for her students. The one that I’ve never seen before is this bounce ball chair. It’s like a yoga ball but with back support for extra stability. Would your students love to sit on one of these? Amazon has options of bounce ball chairs in several different colors that you can find here.
Best Picks for Yoga Balls for Classroom Flexible Seating
If you’re loving the idea of adding yoga balls to your classroom this year then check out my top picks below.
YOGA BALL SEATING | WHERE TO FIND
ONE | YELLOW DONUT YOGA CHAIR
TWO | TEAL EXERCISE BALL CHAIR
THREE | GREEN BALL CHAIR
FOUR | PURPLE YOGA BALL SEAT
Benches as Flexible Seating Options in the Class
Benches work great for extra seating options for students. Not only can they fit several students but they also can be used for extra storage. Check out some of my favorite classroom benches below, to get you inspired to add one to your class.
12 | Add Benches in the Class Library
IMAGE SOURCE | EASYTEACHINGTOOLS
Veteran teacher, Kristen, created these benches in her classroom library. She used an Ikea bench and then added a cushion. Her pro tip is to use plastic fabric for the cushions. That way you can easily wipe of the marker, glue or whatever else the students get on them.
Here’s a similar bench with plenty of cubbies for storage.
13 | Create a Bright Fun Reading Area with Bench
IMAGE SOURCE | LEARNINGTOBLOOMCLASSROOM
Students would enjoy reading in this fun, colorful seating area created by Alle, for her first-grade class library. The bench includes more storage for books, and seat cushions.
I especially love the fun pillows and light up read sign that make this space extra fun and special!
14 | Add Fun Pillows for Comfort
IMAGE SOURCE | CREATE_INSPIRE_TEACH
Here’s another fun bench seating idea from Courtney from Create Inspire Teach. This’s a great example of making the most of a small space. Adding book bins underneath the bench utilizes the space to the max. The fun pillows add a pretty pop of color to this spot in the classroom library.
My Favorite Amazon Benches & Pillows
If you’re inspired to create your own cozy bench area in your classroom then check out some of the best benches and fun pillows below.
CLASSROOM BENCHES & PILLOWS | WHERE TO FIND
ONE | STORAGE BENCH WITH CUSHION
TWO | WE CAN DO HARD THINGS PILLOW COVER
THREE | PENCIL PILLOW
FOUR | WHITE STORAGE BENCH
FIVE | 2 I LOVE READING FOX PILLOW COVERS
SIX | TODAY IS THE PERFECT DAY TO BE AWESOME PILLOW COVER
Crate Seats in the Classroom for Flexible Seating
What’s great about crate seats is they’re cheap, cute and they can double as storage when school’s out of session. The key to a comfy crate seat is a nice thick cushion. They work well with a table that is also low to the ground. Check out below how you can add crate seats to a seating arrangement in your class.
15 | Build Crate Seats for Your Classroom
IMAGE SOURCE | WILDTHINGSLEARN
This fourth-grade teacher created this fun seating area with crate seats and home-made cushions. If you’re thinking of adding this seating option to your class, here you can check out tons of different options for crates on Amazon.
Dining Room Furniture as Classroom Seating
I love the idea of thinking outside the box when it comes to seating options in your classroom. Take a second look at dining room furniture to see if it may be a good fit in your class. It’s a great excuse to go thrifting and hitting up yard sales! Check out a creative idea below to get you inspired.
16 | Add Dining Room Furniture
IMAGE SOURCE | BRITTANYJELTEMA
This classroom serves as a wonderful example of using household furniture items for seating. Here the table and chairs are designed for a dining room but look stunning in the class. I’m always amazed at the classrooms like this that don’t even look like classrooms!
Lap Desks for Classroom Flexible Seating Options
Lap desks are great for the classroom. Students love to use them because they can sit or kneel on the floor. Teachers love them because they’re easily stackable and don’t take up a lot of space plus, they have compartments on the sides for supplies.
17 | Place Lap Desks on the Floor
IMAGE SOURCE | SKATINGTHORUGHLITERACY
Lap desks are just one of the classroom seating choices in Jennifer’s third-grade classroom. She surrounded them with colorful rugs and comfy pillows. That way her students can get comfy and get to work.
Top Finds for Lap Desks on Amazon
Below are the best lap desks that I found on Amazon.
LAP DESKS | WHERE TO FIND
ONE | PINK FOLDING LAP DESK
TWO | BLUE LAP DESK
THREE | GREEN LAP DESK WITH SIDE POCKETS
FOUR | PURPLE FOLDING LAP DESK
Office Chairs in the Classroom
Office chairs are a great option for your class that you might overlook. They’re made to be comfortable for working for long periods of time. Tons of different options are available so you’re sure to find some that are the right fit for your classroom.
18 | Create a Pretty Reading Area with Office Chairs
IMAGE SOURCE | NATIONALBUSINESSFURNITURE
Here, the quilted swivel office chairs fit perfectly in this beautiful reading center. Add some cute pillows to take the comfort and style up a notch. Here are some options of stylish office chairs, that would work great in a classroom.
Outdoor Furniture as a Classroom Seating Idea
Another overlooked flexible seating option is outdoor furniture. The pros for using outdoor furniture are they’re usually a little cheaper than indoor furniture, they’re made to be easy to clean which works great in the classroom and there are lots of stylish options. Check out some of my favorite ideas below.
19 | Add Outdoor Chairs
IMAGE SOURCE | SKATINGTHROUGHLITERACY
Jennifer, a teacher from Michigan, loves this set of orange chairs that she scored in the outdoor section of Ikea. What’s great about them is they’re super easy to wipe down every day to keep her class germ free.
20 | Use an Outdoor Bistro Set in the Classroom
IMAGE SOURCE | THEBASICLIFEOFBROOKE
This is a cute little outdoor bistro set that looks great in the classroom. If you find a set like this add some bright pillows to really make it an inviting place for your students to work.
21 | Add Yoga Mats as a Flexible Seating Choice for Students
IMAGE SOURCE | LEARNINGTOBLOOMCLASSROOM
Having yoga mats available for students is a genius seating option that Alle, a first-grade teacher, uses in her class. I’m especially loving how cute these animal ones are and I think your students would too. If you love these animal yoga mats you can find them here. Check out below how she stores these in her classroom.
22 | Store Yoga Mats in a Basket
IMAGE SOURCE | LEARNINGTOBLOOMCLASSROOM
Alle stores these yoga mats rolled up in a cute basket for easy access for students. She has several different mats to give her students the option every once in a while, to get comfy on the floor. If you love this storage idea here are some similar large rope baskets.
My Favorite Kids Yoga Mats for the Classroom
I love the idea of using cute yoga mats and so I searched Amazon and found tons of fun ones that your students would love. Check out my favorites and where to get them below.
CLASSROOM YOGA MATS | WHERE TO FIND
ONE | SET OF 10 COLORFUL YOGA MATS
TWO | ROCKET KIDS YOGA MAT
THREE | CAT YOGA MAT
FOUR | PEACEFUL LLAMA YOGA MAT
FIVE | HAPPY RAINBOW YOGA MAT
SIX | SHARK YOGA MAT
SEVEN | CACTUS YOGA MAT
Living Room Furniture as Another Flexible Seating Option
What I love about adding living room furniture to a classroom is that it really gives those homey vibes. It makes your students feel safe, welcomed and at home.
It might seem a little odd at first but try adding a couch or living room chairs to your classroom and I bet it’ll be the favorite spot for your students. Get inspired by some amazing classrooms that have incorporated living room furniture in their layout below.
23 | Add Living Room Furniture
IMAGE SOURCE | HELLOMISSROMEO
Teacher and blogger, Jess, calls this spot in her classroom her living room. This is where her classroom gathers during whole group instruction.
She said it’s also a place for the kiddos to sit when they’re doing independent or group work. I’m sure it’s the go to spot for her students.
24 | Incorporate Bright Armchairs
IMAGE SOURCE | TEACHERSFOLLOWTEACHERS
Here’s a bright and fun spot to work that I would want in my home! The bright accent chairs with fun pillows and the black and white striped table add a fun touch to this classroom.
Tires as a Seating Area Idea in the Class
Have you seen teachers add tires to their flexible seating options? I think this is such a fun and unique idea that students would love. You can hit up your local tire shop or buy some if you want to try this in the classroom.
Check out a fun idea to add this to your classroom below.
25 | Paint Tires & Add Cushions
IMAGE SOURCE | ADVENTURESWITHMISSWELLS_
I’m loving everything about this classroom library designed by Miss Wells for her Kindergarten students. The tires painted white are one of the most creative seating options I’ve seen. I also love how she added cute pillows inside for a little extra comfort.
Multiple Flexible Seating Options in the Classroom
The next few classrooms that I’m going to show you have tons of different seating choices available for the students. That way they can pick the perfect one for their needs. Would your students love to have a bunch of options too?
26 | Change it Up
IMAGE SOURCE | HELLOMISSROMEO
Jess, aka Miss Romeo, is big on changing up her seating options if something’s not working. This allows her to really be flexible to the needs of her students. She said her students love choosing the spot that’s best for them and she loves to create a space that they can thrive in.
27 | Provide Multiple Options
IMAGE SOURCE | SKATINGTHROUGHLITERACY
Jennifer provides her third-grade class with tons of different seating options including wobble stools, yoga balls and regular chairs. I love how all her seating options have a Teal color scheme to bring the whole room together.
28 | Add Fun Animal Heads
IMAGE SOURCE | MISSKINDERGARTEN
Would your students love fun flexible seating choices like these? Meredith, a Kindergarten teacher got these stools for $14.99 from Target and then spray painted them bright fun colors. The animal seats are from Amazon.
You can find the animal seats here. They come in four adorable animals.
29 | Create Options for Groups
IMAGE SOURCE | HELLOMISSROMEO
I saved on of my favorite classrooms for last. Miss. Romeo created this inviting library for her students with plenty of seating options. The black and grey reading forts create a perfect spot for a solo read. The Adirondack chairs and the low table with low chairs create a great space for pairs and groups.
Fun Options for Flexible Seating in Your Classroom
I found a few more fun classroom seating ideas to share with you all available on…you guessed it Amazon! Check them out below.
CLASSROOM SEATING OPTIONS | WHERE TO FIND
ONE | RAINBOW COLORED BUTTERFLY STOOLS
TWO | 4 PACK KIDS CHAIR BALLS
THREE | 6 PACK SCOOP ROCKER CHAIR
FOUR | PANDA BALL CHAIR
In this post I’ve shown you tons of flexible seating options for your classroom. I even included tires, panda heads and yoga balls! What else could your students want? Hope you got inspired to try some new seating options in your class this year and hopefully increase productivity and create a fun classroom environment.
Big thank you to all the creative teachers that contributed to this post! Feel free to save your favorite ideas to your Pinterest boards just click on the picture and then click on the red P to do it.
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