School design has shifted from traditional rows of desks and chairs to more flexible, comfortable, and collaborative spaces. A standout piece in this transformation is the round ottoman in NZ, which has become an increasingly popular choice in modern educational settings.
Round ottomans bring versatility, comfort, and a contemporary aesthetic to classrooms, libraries, and common areas, making them an ideal addition to schools. Here are some reasons why.
- Encourage Collaboration and Group Work
Round ottomans foster collaboration by providing informal, flexible seating that’s ideal for group work. Their shape makes them easy to place in clusters, creating a circular seating arrangement that encourages conversation and teamwork. Without the restrictions of traditional desks or chairs, students can gather comfortably in small groups, promoting a sense of openness and inclusivity.
- Provide Flexible Seating Options for Dynamic Spaces
One of the most appealing features of round ottomans in school settings is their flexibility. Unlike bulky desks and chairs, ottomans are lightweight and easy to move, making it simple to reconfigure seating arrangements to fit various activities. In classrooms or libraries where seating needs change throughout the day, round ottomans can be arranged and rearranged quickly.
- Enhance Comfort with a Welcoming Aesthetic
Traditional school furniture can be rigid and uncomfortable, which isn’t always conducive to learning. Round ottomans, with their soft, cushioned surfaces, provide a comfortable alternative that’s inviting and student-friendly. The padded design helps create a relaxed environment where students feel at ease, reducing the physical discomfort that can be distracting during long learning sessions.
- Add Colour and Personality to Learning Spaces
Ottomans are available in a wide variety of colours, patterns, and fabrics, allowing schools to incorporate vibrant hues and unique designs into their spaces. This colourful seating option can enhance the visual appeal of classrooms and common areas, creating an engaging and inspiring environment for students. Bright colours can be used to energise a space, while softer tones can add a calming effect in areas designed for quiet study or reflection.
- Promote Active Seating for Improved Focus
Round ottomans are particularly effective as “active seating,” which has been shown to improve students’ focus and engagement. Active seating refers to furniture that encourages slight movement, allowing students to shift, rock, or rotate as they sit. This subtle movement has been linked to improved attention, especially in students who may struggle with sitting still for long periods.
6. Safe and Kid-Friendly Design
Round ottomans are designed with smooth edges, making them a safer option for young students compared to traditional furniture with sharp corners. In active environments like classrooms or common areas, furniture safety is crucial. The round shape minimises the risk of students accidentally bumping into hard edges, which is particularly helpful in schools serving younger children.
7. Support Multiple Uses Beyond Seating
This furniture is more than just seating—its functional surfaces can serve multiple purposes in a school setting. Students can use ottomans as footrests, additional table surfaces, or even as a base for balancing books or tablets. In classrooms with limited space, some ottomans can even double as storage units, with models designed with removable tops for storing supplies like books, games, or art materials.
8. Perfect for Social and Relaxed Learning Zones
In addition to classrooms, these pieces are a popular choice for social and recreational spaces in schools, such as libraries, lounges, and student centres. These settings benefit from seating that is both comfortable and inviting, encouraging students to spend time socialising or studying in a relaxed environment.
Summing up, the round ottoman has become a staple in modern school furniture due to its versatility, comfort, and ability to support collaborative, flexible learning environments. With their modern design and wide-ranging applications, it’s no wonder that round ottomans are an increasingly popular choice in educational furniture today.
