How to choose a student desk

Measure the space where you intend to put the desk. Measure the height from the ceiling and the width of the space. A student's desk can be a freestanding piece of furniture but you will need to make sure that it fits in a given space.

Decide what kinds of options you want to the desk to have. A student desk can serve many purposes. A kid may use it solely for homework, designate it as his own personal computer work station or use the desk to serve multiple purposes. More than one student may use the desk. Some desks have a single top on which the user can write. Others have slide-out shelves to hold a computer keyboard. A desk may also have a space for a lamp and shelves for storing documents.

Choose a material. Student desks traditionally come in wood, metal and plastic. A desk may also include a combination of all three materials. Wood looks good, is durable and can be customized with stain. However, wood can be damaged easily. A younger child may spill liquid on the desk and ruin the finish or have trouble refraining from writing on it. Metal is easy to clean but may have sharper corners on which a child could get hurt.

Take the child with you as you shop. Have the child use the desk before you buy it. She should be able to reach all areas of the desk. Her legs should fit comfortably under the desk. Any student desk should have safety features. It should not tip over easily. Drawers should not have areas where her fingers could be caught.

Consider the price. If you have a younger child, you may want to spend less money on a desk because the child is less likely to take good care of it. Cheaper desks are made from materials such a particle board, a form of compressed wood, and have plastic trim. If your child is older, think about investing in a more expensive desk. More costly student desks are often made from solid wood and should still be functional when the student grows up and moves into his own apartment.