The Best Kid's Desks

Consider Desk Size

• Your child will be ready to sit at a desk as soon as she's able to sit quietly in a chair and draw for a few minutes, possibly as early as the toddler years. Desks come in two basic sizes, those for preschoolers and those for elementary and high school students. Preschool desks range in height from 20 to 30 inches. Desks for elementary and high school students range in height from 30 to 40 inches. The best-sized desk will be the one you feel is the right height for your child. Sit her down and measure to get an idea of an ideal desk height.

Consider Desk Styles

• Children's desks come in as many shapes and styles as adult desks. Choose from writing tables, drafting tables, roll-top desks, computer desks and office-style desks with built-in drawers. The best style will be the one that's most efficient for your child and the one that fits best with your decor. Determine whether your child needs drawers and storage space or just a place to draw and work on crafts. You'll have to decide on the right wood color or the right paint color as well.

Consider Prices

• The range of prices for children's desks runs from less than a hundred dollars to more than a thousand dollars. The best desk will be the one that fits your budget. On the low end, desks are easy to find at discount stores such as Target between $60 and $200. On the high end, at specialty stores such as Pottery Barn Kids, desks range between $400 and $1100, when you include the desk hutch. Prices vary due to the brand, the quality of materials and the construction. Consignment shops and garage sales may have children's desks as well, and most likely at bargain prices.

Other Considerations

• The best desks for kids require other considerations. One important aspect is whether to buy a hutch, the matching bookcase that stands on top of a desk. This adds to the bottom line but provides great storage. Another aspect to consider is a chair. Desks for smaller children sometimes have chairs built into the unit. Otherwise, you'll have to buy a chair for your child's desk as well. Finally, consider your child's age and size. Only you can determine if it's prudent to buy a small desk that the child will grow out of. Think of how many years of use your child will get out of a desk before making the investment.