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The chairs for primary and secondary schools must be chosen considering the height of the students, seat height, combination with the desk, materials and ways of using the classroom. In the Holity catalogue, school chairs in wood or polypropylene are available, stackable models, height-adjustable seats and configurations designed for more flexible teaching environments. One of the main technical references for the choice is the EN 1729, which defines functional dimensions, safety requirements and test methods for chairs and tables intended for educational institutions.
The EN 1729-1:2016 standard defines functional dimensions and sizes of chairs and tables for educational institutions. The EN 1729-2:2023 instead concerns safety requirements and test methods.
When a chair is declared compliant with EN 1729, it is important to check in the technical data sheet which part and edition of the standard the declaration refers to. In the Holity catalogue there are various models with expressly indicated conformity.
The standard should not be interpreted as a generic comfort certification: it is mainly used to verify the dimensional coherence, safety and performance of school furniture according to the relevant field of application.
One of the main criteria for choosing a school chair is the height of the seat. Four sizes are particularly popular in the Holity range:
Age and class attended are only indicative indications. The correct choice must take into account the height of the users and the height of the matching desk.
For primary school sizes 3 and 4 are common, with seat heights of approximately 35 and 38 cm. In classes with students of different heights, it may be necessary to use multiple sizes in the same institution.
For ordinary classrooms, stackable models with a steel frame and beech or polypropylene seats are particularly practical. Stackability makes it easy to move the seats and frees up space when the classroom needs to be cleaned or reconfigured.
Before making a supply for multiple classes, it is useful to check the distribution of the heights of the students instead of purchasing a single height based only on the average age.
For middle and high schools sizes 5 and 6 are particularly popular, corresponding approximately to seats of 43 and 46 cm.
Size 6 is widely present in the Holity catalogue and is offered both with a beech seat and backrest and with a plastic monocoque.
For laboratories, libraries and multi-purpose classrooms, mobile or adjustable seats may also be of interest, provided that the characteristics and dimensions are consistent with the planned teaching activity.
The Beech school chairs represent one of the most traditional configurations. Numerous Holity models use a seat and backrest in beech plywood combined with a steel frame.
Plywood allows for shaped surfaces and relatively robust structures. However, the wood finish, thickness, shape of the backrest and fixing system vary from model to model.
Not all beech chairs should therefore be considered equivalent: for intensive supplies, check the metal structure, feet, stackability and conformity declared in the technical data sheet.
The Polypropylene school chairs are available in numerous shapes and colours. They can use a completely plastic monocoque or a polypropylene seat and backrest combined with a metal frame.
The main practical advantages are generally low weight, ease of cleaning and a wide choice of colours. Some specific Holity products also declare characteristics such as self-extinguishing, resistance to UV rays or suitability for outdoor use.
These properties, however, are not common to all plastic chairs and must be checked on the individual model. Compatibility with detergents and cleaning products must also follow the manufacturer's instructions.
A stackable school chair allows you to stack several seats when they are not in use. This is a useful feature in classrooms that need to be vacated frequently, in multipurpose rooms and in spaces also intended for group activities.
The maximum number of stackable chairs varies. Some Holity products declare, for example, that they can be stacked up to 5 or 10 units, while for others the stackability feature is simply indicated.
Before purchasing, therefore, check the maximum recommended number, the size of the stack and how to move them.
The Height-adjustable school chairs are useful in environments shared by students of different heights or in laboratories used by multiple classes.
Holity offers models that can be adjusted to various heights. For example, one chair allows you to set the seat at 38, 43, 46 or 51 cm; another covers a range from approximately 35 to 46 cm.
Adjustment may require specific tools or systems and is not necessarily designed to be modified directly by the student. It is therefore important to check the mechanism, available range and locking method.
For courses, laboratories and reconfigurable teaching environments, school chairs with writing tablets, wheels or storage compartments are also available .
These configurations can facilitate the transition from frontal lessons to group work when the space is frequently changed. However, they do not automatically replace a traditional desk-chair station: the size of the writing surface and the planned activity must be evaluated before purchasing.
For notebooks or portable devices, it is also advisable to check the dimensions and capacity of the tablet and not rely solely on the commercial definition of a multimedia chair.
EN 1729-2 provides safety requirements and test methods for general school furniture. The aspects assessed also include tests relating to the stability of chairs, including their behaviour with respect to lateral and rear tipping.
It is therefore preferable to check a technical declaration of conformity rather than rely on generic descriptions such as “anti-tip” or “ergonomic”.
Edges, accessible components and the condition of the frame must also be kept in good condition during daily use.
The chair must not be chosen independently of the desk. To obtain a coherent workstation, the size of the chair and the height of the table must be compatible.
Using a seat that is too high or too low in relation to the desk can make the position uncomfortable during writing, reading and manual activities. For this reason, the sizes provided for by EN 1729 allow you to organize chairs and tables according to a coordinated dimensional classification.
When only the chairs in an already furnished classroom are replaced, therefore also measure the existing desks before placing the order.
The EN 1729 classification also associates a color code with the sizes: yellow for size 3, red for 4, green for 5 and blue for 6.
The identifying color of the size does not necessarily coincide with the color of the chair shell. A size 6 chair can therefore be sold in numerous shades even if it belongs to the same size class.
During the supply phase, it is useful to record the size and height of the seat for each classroom, avoiding identifying the models only by their aesthetic colour.
When purchasing multiple chairs for public or private schools, it is a good idea to prepare a short sheet with the number of students, required sizes, material, colour, stackability and quantity per classroom.
For tenders and supplies to the Public Administration, also check the specifications of the contract, the required EN 1729 documentation and any environmental requirements applicable to the purchase.
If the model is declared fireproof, Made in Italy, suitable for outdoor use or compliant with further standards, request the documentation relating to the specific product code instead of extending the characteristic to the entire category.
Explore the selection of chairs for primary and secondary schools on Holity and compare the models by size, seat height, material, color, stackability and adjustment options.
For schools, municipalities, private institutes or supplies intended for multiple classrooms you can request a personalized quote indicating quantities, sizes required and technical characteristics of the supply.
What height should a primary school chair be?
It depends on the height of the students. In primary schools, size 3 chairs of around 35 cm and size 4 chairs of around 38 cm are common, but the measurement must be verified in relation to the users and the desk.
Which chair should I choose for secondary school?
Sizes 5 and 6 are very popular, with seats of approximately 43 and 46 cm. Again, height is more useful than age to identify the size.
What does EN 1729 school chair mean?
Part 1 of the standard concerns functional dimensions and sizes, while Part 2 defines safety requirements and test methods. The actual declared conformity must be verified on the product sheet.
Is a beech or polypropylene chair better?
Both can be suitable for school use. Beech offers a traditional and rigid configuration; polypropylene allows for lightweight solutions and is available in many colours. The choice must consider the complete structure and characteristics of the model.
When is it best to buy an adjustable chair?
It is particularly useful when the same classroom is used by groups of different heights or in shared laboratories and training environments.
Are all school chairs stackable?
No. Many models are, but the maximum quantity and stacking methods vary. Always check the data in the technical data sheet.
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