Mommyfaithe Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 I can't stand doing schoolwork in the kitchen...and I find my kids just can't get serious about school WORK on the recliner. Besides...seeing them sprawled out drives me nuts.:D I need a table ...maybe with storage....easily moved...where bigger kids can use chairs...or any other solutions for lots of kids...very small house. I need a place to have school...a nook...or something, but I definitely need a table they can sit at...any great ideas from the hive mind? Thanks, Faithe...who is getting her homeschool umph back Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1GirlTwinBoys Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 (edited) I'll post a couple of ideas: :001_smile: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20116071 http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=316438&CategoryID=35569 Edited March 20, 2009 by 1GirlTwinBoys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melinda Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 What about a folding table? Costco has them from individual sizes (2' x 3'?) up to 8' long. And they are not expensive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterPan Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 How about one like this: http://www.schoolfurniture2go.com/product/IBA042/60-in-x-30-in-Activity-Table-by-Virco.aspx Be careful about the folding tables, because many have a textured top that is hard to write on and hard to clean compared to a smooth top. I have one of those folding ones from Walmart and a couple of the plastic ones from the office supply store. They're fine for puzzles and sewing on, but for schoolwork the texture is a problem. It makes their writing wobble, and the cracks are hard to get paint out of. I have a table like the one above, just a different size, and it's a dream, exactly what you want for school work. It has a high density laminate top and adjustable legs. We started using it in K5 and have used it all the way up, letting it grow with her. If you want to work on both sides, get 30" wide, not 24". I have not ordered from the link above. I just googled to find one like I have. If the place is legit, it certainly seems like a good price. You can google high density laminate school table adjustable leg (if that's important to you) and find plenty of options. I ended up getting mine from a local school supply place that had an overstock/2nds area. A ding or the wrong color for a school didn't bug me, lol! I even got a rolly teacher's chair there. Rolly chairs are really nice to go with your table, and they don't have to be expensive. My dd's was like $15 on clearance at Staples. They make a juvenile size, aimed at college kids, that is smaller than adults, just right for our kids. You can also find laminate tables at your office supply store. They'll have both kind, the plastic and the laminate, so you can decide for yourself. The school kind don't have the ouchy skirt around the underside and usually have adjustable legs. The office supply ones have the same quality high density laminate top, meaning paint will wipe right off, but are sometimes less expensive, especially on sale. Either type is very nice. I think I've even seen those office supply laminate top tables down to like $50, so that would be a good deal! Just check around and see what you can find. We've been having recliner school because of nursing the baby so much, but I think I'm with you, that it's going to be time soon to transition back to our regular formality! The handwriting isn't quite as good on the floor, haha... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterPan Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 BTW, you can fit the 3-stack plastic drawers under your table, no problem. If it's a folding table, you'll have less room because of the angled supports, but you can still store some. With a school table, you'll have total room, because it's just 4 straight legs. Those suckers are HEAVY! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyfaithe Posted March 20, 2009 Author Share Posted March 20, 2009 Something made out of concrete would be good. :laugh: My kids have destroyed our dining room table. Oh well. Luckily it wasn't expensive. HAHAHAHA!!!!!:lol: yUP!!! I HEAR YA!!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mazakaal Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 What about something like this: http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/40089000 We have this table for our dining room table, but we have a similar one that's smaller that we use for school. The sides fold down and it's only about 1 foot by 3 feet. The IKEA table is bigger, meant to seat 8 as opposed to 6 and folding down to about 16" x 40". We got our school table used from a second hand shop, so I can't recommend where to get the same table, but maybe you could keep your eyes open for something similar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann@thebeach Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 If you have an IKEA nearby I would definitely suggest going there to look at the many options. They have tons of ideas and most are very affordable. Some are foldable, some have drawers, and some are adjustable (like drafting tables). Look in the tables and desk sections. We found a great table there that we use as a desk/table for only $30. It has a shelf below that I can sit storage boxes on too. Here's a few options: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S69831118 http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20104718 http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10103677 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JumpedIntoTheDeepEndFirst Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 How about you hunt some thrift stores or garage sales or the like for one of those farm style tables that were so popular 10-15 years ago. Typically wood finish top with painted legs and chairs to match. That way a vinyl table cloth would fit at craft time, smooth enough for writing and cheap enough to not worry about markers, glue etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlychan Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 I don't have a specific table in mind, but I would suggest a round table. It takes up less space than a retangular table and more kids can sit at it. I can easily fit 6 chairs around my 6 foot table. If it were square it would be a bit harder. We use the center for our book and paper pile and it isn't in anyone's way. It is very functional. carly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaT Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 I actually found a library table at an estate sale. You should check the want ads, etc. We also have a table similar to the one OhElizabeth had a link to. I have to say, even though we HAVE those tables, my dc usually do their schoolwork on the living room floor! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Once Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 I'll post one. If we had the space and money I would seriously consider this. There was an article online about a month ago (lost where it came from) that was supporting stand up desks for kids. They get to wiggle around and the children that use them seem to do better. Now, they also put stools with the desks so kids can sit if they want too. The thing under the table is a foot rest that swings! http://www.ergoindemand.com/school-desk-standup-desk.htm Happy shopping! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reya Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 Can you build one? I'm planning on building my own after I remodel the kitchen and get the old kitchen turned into my HS room! (By then I'll be an expert--I have about a bazillion cabinets to build first *makes face*). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyfaithe Posted March 20, 2009 Author Share Posted March 20, 2009 I'll post one. If we had the space and money I would seriously consider this. There was an article online about a month ago (lost where it came from) that was supporting stand up desks for kids. They get to wiggle around and the children that use them seem to do better. Now, they also put stools with the desks so kids can sit if they want too. The thing under the table is a foot rest that swings! http://www.ergoindemand.com/school-desk-standup-desk.htm Happy shopping! OH MY GOSH!!! This would have been a dream for my 14 yo when he was little. We always just let him stand...and when he had to sit, we used a hippity hop...(kid sized yoga ball w/ a handle.) This kid learned latin while jumping on the couch and doing pull ups!! LOL I think this is a dream come true for my 5 year old....I am definitely going to consider something like this...thanks for the link! Faithe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyfaithe Posted March 20, 2009 Author Share Posted March 20, 2009 Thank you all for your ideas...we are so limited on space, (think tiny house...lots of teens...OY VEY!) so, I think I will have to shop around...Ikea sounds good...just worried about durability. My boys are hard on things. Thanks again for the ideas.... Faithe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnTheBrink Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 Call your local school district and ask to speak to whomever is in charge of their warehouse. Ask that person if they have any tables for sale. You could hit the jackpot and find something nice and sturdy, but no longer needed, for a song. A friend of mine did this and got solid oak school tables (about 6 of them!) for $10 each. She also got solid wooden chairs for next to nothing. Schools don't care who they sell to and you could find some other treasures, too, such as storage cabinets and such. My friend also got an old library card catalog and uses it for storing office and school supplies. Can't hurt to call! Worst they can say is they don't have anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rafiki Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2hunangirls Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 I agree with the school district idea. We called a friend that is a principal and asked if they had any they were done with. We got a desk and chair for free!! My dd5 loves it!!! So does my dd2, so we've started asking around for another one! Seriously, they are usually in great shape, whatever you get from them. You have already bought them once technically. :) And now is a great time to hit them up because they are getting ready to rid themselves of whatever is being replaced. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skaterbabs Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 I'd also suggest checking your local freecycle. A few years ago I got two very sturdy (HEAVY!) metal office desks and a kidney-shaped table and a bunch of other similar office/school-type things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcconnellboys Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 I've been using a six foot folding table since I began. It's a heavy one, but they now have out the plastic topped ones that are very light and easy to move around. My table folds in half in the middle and fastens shut for transporting and storage. I haven't often had to take it down, but that feature is a handy one. I use it as a partner's desk, with chairs opposite and diagonal from each other. I got padded, folding chairs to use at the desk. We do most of our written work there, although we still read on the couch (or in bed, LOL)..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsMe Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 How about one like this: http://www.schoolfurniture2go.com/product/IBA042/60-in-x-30-in-Activity-Table-by-Virco.aspx Be careful about the folding tables, because many have a textured top that is hard to write on and hard to clean compared to a smooth top. I have one of those folding ones from Walmart and a couple of the plastic ones from the office supply store. They're fine for puzzles and sewing on, but for schoolwork the texture is a problem. It makes their writing wobble, and the cracks are hard to get paint out of. I have a table like the one above, just a different size, and it's a dream, exactly what you want for school work. It has a high density laminate top and adjustable legs. Yes, the folding tables you see everywhere have textured tops. Not good for writing. These activity tables ARE a dream. I have one as well. I even was able to replace my original legs with longer legs. Your kids could stand on these and not wreck them. They weigh alot but are really indestructable. I bought mine from here: http://busy-kids.com/shop/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=BK&Category_Code=kids-table-rectangle the Mahar table and was able (like I mentioned) to replace my shorter legs with the taller ones. It was so easy to replace them. Definitely worth the money. We also had bought the chairs, but it was easier to use the cheaper office chairs that you can regulate height with from Walmart or whatever. Then they can use office chairs as they grow taller too and you'll spend less. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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