Furniture plays a vital role in shaping early learning environments. By embracing new learning and design trends, educators can create spaces that spark curiosity, support connection and nurture growth.
We asked Terry-Lee Smith, Category Manager – Furniture at Winc to share four trends in early learning furniture that can help infants learn, interact and grow in more meaningful ways.
“I’m seeing more soft textures, natural colours, wooden furniture, greenery and flexible pieces that create engaging, sensory-aware spaces connected to nature. We are also seeing ranges that reflect physical, emotional and cultural diversity with contributions from First Nations suppliers, and adaptive furniture designed to support both play and rest,” shared Terry-Lee.
1.Encourage the love of reading and respect for books.
In a time when screens are everywhere, creating inviting reading spaces helps children discover the joy of reading books while building focus, imagination and early literacy skills.
“Books remain an important part of early learning. Make your reading area stand out with a wooden display bookcase packed with colourful reading books to encourage curiosity and engagement. A well-designed reading area also promotes organisation, independence of choice and respect for books,” said Terry-Lee.
The Jooyes Kids 4 Tier Wooden Display Bookcase Single Side is a great choice. It features a four-tier, single-side design with safe rounded corners. Made from high-quality E1 grade birch plywood, this bookcase is easy to assemble, and its natural wood colour blends easily into any setting.
2. Seating solutions for infants.
Social relationships and interactions are crucial in the early stages of life for social, emotional and cognitive learning processes. Recent research1 uncovered that warm and supportive interactions and relationships significantly contribute to successful learning in early childhood.
“It’s important to have the tools to spark children’s curiosity and encourage children to interact with one another. Furniture can help aid this. Mix up hardwood and plastics by adding soft, top-quality foam and fabric materials,” advised Terry-Lee.
The Fineseat Winky Play Sofa Set For Kids 10 Piece Set is made in Australia with top-quality foam and fabric. The set encourages imaginative play, social interaction and gross motor development. Its flexible, reconfigurable design, soft textures and natural tones also create a safe, sensory-aware space that promotes comfort, inclusion and emotional wellbeing.
3. Versatile chairs to match the activity.
An early learning centre needs high-quality chairs for infants to participate in everyday activities such as art and crafts, while having meals, reading or writing.
“Seating is important, and chairs offer many unspoken features such as being coated with non-toxic paint and being easy to clean after spills or messes,” shared Terry-Lee.
Consider the Jooyes Toddler Chair 28cm H From Seat To Floor Set Of 4 which is sized at 28cm from seat to floor. It’s made from high-value, exceptional quality birch plywood with a lightly varnished finish, and is ideal for all early learning centres thanks to its durability and safety standards.
4. Bring the fun and colour!
Bright furniture can inspire creativity and make infants feel happier! Lightweight and available in a variety of bright colours, dipper chairs offer infants independence and comfort. Additionally, they are made from a single material build that’s easy to clean and maintain.
“Having fun is a key component of a great day for infants at an early learning centre. Introducing creative dipper chairs helps brings everyone together and brighten up the learning environment,” said Terry-Lee.
The Visionchart Creative Kids Dipper Chair 360-390 X 450mm Assorted Colour Set Of 4 has been designed for comfort, durability and style. These chairs are easy to clean, stackable for compact storage and sized to suit children aged 3 and up.
Winc can help you create an early learning space with furniture that promotes early childhood growth, independence and exploration. Get in touch with one of our Furniture Specialists to discover the right early learning solutions for your needs, or browse our wide range of early learning furniture and offers today here.
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