From after-school snacks to colouring in, homework and revision, tables and desks are an indispensable part of a child’s learning and play, growing with them as they move from toddlers to primary school-aged children and teens.
Whether you’re after one table to see your child from knee height to graduation, prefer an age-specific option or want something for all of the family, there are a wide range of options available, with tables and chairs made from a variety of materials, and at different price points.
When thinking about where to place a child’s desk, the obvious setting is in their bedroom beside a window to maximise the benefits of natural daylight and fresh air. If this is not possible, carving out an alcove or dedicated space elsewhere in the house is key to encouraging them to use the desks and help them develop good habits.
Best kids desks and tables at a glance
- Best for overall: IKEA LÄTT Children's table – £25, IKEA
- Best for style and aesthetics: John Lewis ANYDAY Lift Storage Desk – £249, John Lewis
- Best for customisability: Wayfair Kids Height Adjustable Table – £55.99, Wayfair
- Best for storage: A Place for Everything Giant Lego Storage Drawers – £292.60, A Place for Everything
- Best for large families: Costway 5-piece kids table and chair set – £88.95, B&Q
- Best for school-aged children: Dunelm Kids Nico Flip Desk With Chair – £60, Dunelm
- Best for multi-purpose: Dunelm Elements Kids Griffin Play Table and Stool Set – £89, Dunelm
- Best for students: Koble Apollo Height Adjustable Smart Office Desk – £379, Argos
- Best for retro charm: La Redoute Buton Vintage Metal School Desk and Chair – £230, La Redoute
- Best for high schoolers: IKEA LAGKAPTEN / ALEX Desk – £140, IKEA
How we tested
We tested a selection of tables, using the tint testers they were designed for. We considered affordability alongside size, practicality, materials, adjustability and aesthetics. Overall, we were looking for something that could stand the test of time, and endure lots of use, whether that was eating, playing, studying, or a combination of all three.
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IKEA LÄTT Children's table with 2 chairs, white/pine
Best for: overall
- Dimensions: Table H45 x L63 x W48cm
- Age range: toddlers
A classic for a reason, this budget-friendly children’s table comes with two chairs and offers great value for money.
On top of the affordable price point, we love the minimalist design and compact nature. It’s great for toddlers, although you may find school-aged children may soon outgrow it. Made from solid pine with an easy-to-clean surface, it’s great value, and like many IKEA designs, can also be customised to your taste.
Buy now £25.00, IKEA
John Lewis ANYDAY Lift Storage Desk, Deep Red
Best for: style and aesthetics
- Dimensions: H74 x W58.5 x D90cm
- Age range: high school
We loved the deep red and blue colourway of this sleek, stylish and modern desk. It’s a doddle to put together – it simply requires two legs to be screwed into the frame – and is made from high-quality MDF and bamboo. You’ll need to provide the chair, but overall this is a strong contender, especially if you're looking for a compact option that oozes style. Handily, the lid can also be lifted, so things like laptops and notepads can be neatly stored away once homework is done.
Buy now £249.00, John Lewis
Wayfair Kids Height Adjustable Table and 2 Chairs Set
Best for: customisability
- Dimensions: H49 x L50 x D78cm
- Age range: 18 months to 8 years
On top of being made of durable plastic and acrylic, this functional table is well worth its approachable price point given it’s designed for children aged 18 months to 8 years-old.
It’s well designed and thought-out with its users front of mind, whether that’s the chair and table anti-slip pads, or the small storage drawers for snacks, pens or toys. It’s lightweight, so you can easily move it around the house or to the garden, and straightforward to adjust the height; simply add the required height adjustment with no need for tools.
It’s modern and stylish, and available in grey/white and green/white colourways.
Buy now £55.99, Wayfair
A Place for Everything Giant Lego Storage Drawers
Best for: storage
- Dimensions: n/a
- Age range: schoolchildren
Whether your child is a Lego lover or you’re in desperate need for additional toy storage, this is a fun option that is easily adaptable and can grow with your little one. Comprising five large drawers, two medium drawers and a pencil case, this desk can be made to the height you want with ease. You’ll just need to provide your own desktop surface, such as wood or glass. The additional pencil case is a nice touch, and increases the back to school feeling. We like that this desk isn’t all work and no play, and as any parent knows, extra storage is always a win.
Buy now £292.60, A Place for Everything
Costway 5-piece kids table and chair set
Best for: large families
- Dimensions: 60 x 60 x 50 cm (L x W x H)
- Age range: 4+
Cute and colourful, this five-piece kids chair and table set is a great option for growing families, parties and playdates. The solid wood table looks the part and comes with supportive chairs with curved backs, meaning its a comfortable place to sit for hours. Non-slip foot pads add additional stability. We found the surface easy to clean (plus it’s handily waterproof) and enjoyed how the chairs can be stacked up when not being used.
Buy now £88.95, B&Q
Dunelm Kids Nico Flip Desk With Chair, Natural
Best for: school-age children
- Dimensions: W60 x D40 x H53.5cm
- Age range: primary school children
If you’re looking for a desk to encourage reading and studying, this is a great option that would sit nicely in a bedroom or playroom.
Mimicking the design of traditional school desks, it comprises a flip top, which alternates between a chalkboard and a whiteboard surface, and is perfect if your little one is at reception or primary school and learning to read and write. There’s also space under the top panel to store books, pens and more. It comes flat-packed, so assembly is required, and the chair is included.
Buy now £60.00, Dunelm
Dunelm Elements Kids Griffin Play Table and Stool Set
Best for: multi-purpose
- Dimensions: H49 x W60 x D60cm
- Age range: toddler/ preschool
Available in yellow or blue, this bright and modern table set comprises a table and one stool. Made from MDF and steel, the spacious table can double as a place to eat, read and play as well as study. Plus points for the easy clean surface and the pop of colour, although the lack of back support on the stool meant our tester didn’t stay seated for as long as other tables.
Buy now £89.00, Dunelm
Koble Apollo Height Adjustable Smart Office Desk – Walnut
Best for: students
- Dimensions: H121 x W120 x D60cm
- Age range: teens
A great option for students, especially those studying for exams or heading to university, this adjustable desk is sleek and stylish – and just the thing for spending long hours studying. With a simple touch of a button, the desk can extend to standing height, promoting mobility while working.
It does require some self-assembly and you may need an extra pair of hands to help you put it up, but the end result is impressively sleek and high-tech.
Buy now £379.00, Argos
La Redoute Buton Vintage Metal School Desk and Chair
Best for: retro charm
- Dimensions: L70 x H63 x D45cm
- Age range: toddler to primary
We loved the old-school rustic charm of La Redoute’s vintage-style school desk and chair. It’s recommended for children aged three and up, but we think this would also be a great option for reception and primary school-aged children. The combination of birch plywood frame alongside metal legs is a mark of quality, and the storage shelf is a handy addition.
Buy now £230.00, La Redoute
IKEA LAGKAPTEN / ALEX Desk, grey-turquoise/black
Best for: high schoolers
- Dimensions: H73 x L140 x W60cm
- Age range: high school
Complete with ample drawers and cupboards for storage and a choice of tabletops, this stylish desk is a great option for high school aged students and even university goers, and will help see them through from the first day to the final exam. We particularly liked the grey/turquoise design, but the desk also comes in a number of colourways including white/oak. As well as being stylish, we found it to be very sturdy – perfect for holding textbooks and lever arch files.
Buy now £140.00, IKEA
Verdict
For its longevity, simple design and attractive price point, IKEA’s LÄTT Children's table is hard to beat, while the John Lewis ANYDAY Lift Storage Desk is a well-designed and good-looking option for older students.
