School Furniture Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Product (Seating Furniture, Storage Furniture, and Others), By Material (Wood, Metal, Plastic, and Others), By Distribution Channel (Online and Offline), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global school furniture market size was valued at USD 4.25 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow from USD 4.49 billion in 2024 to USD 7.35 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.36% during the forecast period. Asia Pacific dominated the School Furniture Market with a market share of 35.06% in 2023.

School furniture generally comes in single or double-seater desks, often with attached storage for books and supplies. These types of furniture are often used in science labs and art rooms, providing a more flexible seating option. The expanding educational infrastructure, including the establishment of new schools and colleges, has increased the demand for different furniture for schools, including outdoor school furniture. Moreover, increasing launch of government programs aimed at improving educational facilities and infrastructure, such as elementary and kids school furniture can significantly boost the market’s growth. Besides, the rise of e-learning and hybrid learning models requires furniture that supports computer use and adaptable learning environments. This, as a result, will increase the market’s share in the long run.

The COVID-19 pandemic greatly impacted the market. With many schools shifting to remote learning, the immediate need for traditional classroom furniture decreased significantly. Moreover, schools that remained open or reopened had to reconfigure their classrooms to ensure social distancing, thereby impacting the overall demand for the products. Also, lockdowns and restrictions affected manufacturing operations, leading to delays in the production and delivery of school furniture.

School Furniture Market Trends

Rising Trend of Sustainable and Eco-friendly Furniture to Propel Product Demand

Schools are increasingly opting for furniture made from renewable resources, such as bamboo, sustainably sourced wood, and recycled materials, driving their demand. Besides, sustainable furniture is often more durable and of higher quality, increasing their lifespan and reducing the need for frequent replacements. This long-term cost efficiency is attractive to budget-conscious schools, surging the growth of the market. Furthermore, educational institutions, such as schools, nowadays, are looking for furniture that meets green certifications, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and GREENGUARD, among others. This ensures that the products are eco-friendly and contribute to healthier indoor air quality, leading to high product demand. For instance, in February 2024, Manurewa High School, a New Zealand-based high-school, renovated its science block with ‘Cleanstone Table Tops’. Cleanstone is crafted from a solid block of 100% recycled plastics sourced from Aotearoa. It is durable, fully waterproof, and highly impact-resistant.

School Furniture Market Growth Factors

Rising Demand for Tech-Enhanced Furniture in Schools to Accelerate Market Growth

Schools are increasingly embracing digital learning tools, such as laptops, tablets, and interactive displays. Tech-enhanced furniture complements these devices with integrated charging stations, efficient cable management systems, and robust surfaces tailored for digital engagement. Besides, with the rise of hybrid learning models and combination of in-person and remote instruction, schools need furniture that can meet both physical and virtual learning requirements. Therefore, tech-enhanced furniture enables adaptable configurations that facilitate live streaming, video conferencing, and collaborative digital activities seamlessly. This, in turn, will augment the demand for technologically advanced furniture and school library furniture, driving the market growth. For instance, in September 2021, Spark Connected, a global leader in advanced wireless power technology, announced The Kraken technology platform. This is the industry’s first Qi-certified solution that enables individuals to transform virtually any existing desk, table, or countertop into a wireless phone charger.

Increase in Education Spending by Governments to Intensify Product Demand

Increased government funding allows for the construction of new schools and the expansion of existing educational facilities. This drives the demand for a wide range of school furniture, including desks, chairs, tables, and storage solutions. Moreover, government investments often comprise upgrading outdated school buildings with modern facilities. This includes the purchase of new furniture that meets the current educational standards and safety regulations. Besides, many governments may also allocate funds for initiatives aimed at improving digital learning capabilities. This includes purchasing furniture that facilitates digital interactions and supports modern teaching methods. These factors, as a result, are accelerating the school furniture market growth. For instance, in April 2021, the Government of India extended the scheme ‘Samagra Shiksha’ that aimed to tackle the challenges of Indian schools by offering financial assistance to states and union territories for the development of school infrastructure.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Infrastructure Challenges Faced in Rural Areas May Restrict Product Demand

Rural areas often have limited access to transportation networks and distribution channels. This makes it difficult for furniture manufacturers and school furniture suppliers to deliver products used in schools, especially in remote locations. This results in longer lead times and higher logistical costs. Moreover, in some cases, rural schools may prioritize funding for educational programs and essential infrastructure needs rather than allocating resources to invest in new furniture. Therefore, limited budgets and competing priorities can hinder schools' capacity and willingness to allocate funds for furniture upgrades or replacements. This, in turn, can restrict the school furniture market growth.

School Furniture Market Segmentation Analysis

By Product Analysis

Daily Use of Seating Furniture to Augment Its Demand

On the basis of product, the market has been divided into seating furniture, storage furniture, and others.

The seating furniture segment is anticipated to hold the highest share of the market. Tables and chairs are fundamental components of classroom environments, providing students with comfortable and functional spaces for engaging in educational activities. Besides, seating furniture is versatile and typically designed for durability, withstanding daily use and frequent rearrangement within classrooms.

The storage furniture segment is expected to hold a significant share of the market in the coming years. This type of furniture helps reduce disorder in classrooms by providing designated spaces for books, supplies, and personal items. This promotes an organized learning environment conducive to focus and productivity.

By Material Analysis

Strength and Durability of Wood to Foster Its Use in School Furniture

Based on material, the market has been segregated into wood, metal, plastic, and others.

The wood segment is estimated to capture the largest share of the market. Wooden furniture is known for its strength and durability, making it suitable for rigorous use in educational settings. It can withstand heavy use and frequent movement without significant wear and tear. Besides, high-quality wood furniture tends to last longer compared to other materials, propelling the segment’s growth.

The metal segment is also expected to capture a substantial share in the future. Metal is resistant to impacts, scratches, and dents, ensuring the furniture's appearance and functionality over time. Also, metal furniture often includes adjustable features, allowing customization to fit the needs of students and educators.

By Distribution Channel Analysis

Proper Inspection Facilities to Enhance Product Sales through Offline Channels

Based on distribution channel, the market has been segregated into offline and online channels.

The offline segment is projected to lead the market during the forecast period. Schools and educational institutions prefer to physically inspect furniture before making long-term investments. This allows them to assess the quality, durability, and comfort of the furniture, which, as a result, will amplify the segment’s growth.

The online segment is predicted to hold a growing share in the coming years. Online platforms offer a broader range of products compared to physical stores. Schools can explore various styles, materials, and designs that perfectly suit their needs. Moreover, many online suppliers provide bulk purchase discounts, which can be beneficial for schools needing to furnish multiple classrooms or entire facilities.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The global market has been classified into Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, South America, and the Middle East & Africa on the basis of geography.

In 2023, Asia Pacific attained the maximum school furniture market share. China and India have significant youth demographics, leading to increased demand for educational infrastructure, including school fixtures. Many governments in the region are heavily investing in the education sector to improve literacy rates and educational outcomes. These investments include the construction of new schools and the upgrading of existing ones, which in turn, will boost the demand for the products. For instance, according to the Union Budget of 2020-2021, the Indian government allocated USD 8.06 billion to the Department of School Education and Literacy and a total of USD 13.37 billion to the Ministry of Education. This funding is intended to elevate the country’s education standards and integrate newer, more effective method infrastructure into the curricula.

In North America, there is a growing trend of creating modern, flexible, and collaborative learning environments in schools. This shift necessitates the adoption of new furniture designs that support these educational paradigms in the region. The integration of technology in classrooms, such as interactive whiteboards, tablets, and other digital devices has also fostered the demand for specialized furniture used in schools across the region. For instance, as per the data of the U.S. Department of Education, there were 98,577 public schools and 30,492 private schools in 2020 in the U.S.

Many European countries are undergoing educational reforms to improve the quality of education. These reforms often include significant investments in educational restructuring, which drive the demand for new and updated school furniture in Europe. Besides, there is a growing awareness of the importance of ergonomics and student health, leading to a high demand for furniture that supports the health of the students in Europe. For instance, in February 2024, EIB Global, the European Investment Bank's financial arm for activities beyond the European Union, secured a USD 11.91 million EU grant for the Montenegro education program. This funding aims to modernize and equip 13 educational facilities, including kindergartens, primary schools, vocational schools, and secondary schools.

South American and the Middle Eastern & African consumers and institutions place high value on sustainability and environmental responsibility. Therefore, there has been an increasing demand for school equipment made from sustainable, recyclable, and non-toxic materials.  Moreover, many schools and educational institutions in these regions are undergoing renovation and modernization projects. These projects often include the replacement of old and outdated furniture with new, modern, and more functional pieces, thereby augmenting the product demand.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Increasing Partnerships of Companies with Educational Institutions to Support Market Growth

Partnerships with educational institutions can provide school furniture manufacturers with valuable insights and market opportunities. Educational institutions, such as schools can serve as sites for testing new furniture designs, allowing manufacturers to gather data and launch new products. Furthermore, collaboration with large educational institutions or school districts can lead to bulk purchasing agreements, providing companies with significant and stable revenue streams. Also, by working closely with leading educational institutions, manufacturers can help shape and influence future trends in school furniture and classroom design. For instance, in September 2023, the Indian Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan, initiated a three-year partnership titled "Education to Entrepreneurship: Empowering a generation of students, educators, and entrepreneurs". This partnership involved the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, and Meta.

LIST OF TOP SCHOOL FURNITURE COMPANIES:

• Virco Inc. (U.S.)


• VS America, Inc. (U.S.)


• Paragon Furniture (U.S.)


• Smith System (U.S.)


• Artcobell (U.S.)


• Fleetwood Furniture (U.S.)


• Global Furniture Group (U.S.)


• Aumke (Onmuse (suzhou) Office Furniture Co., Ltd) (China)


• Picano (India)


• Scholar Craft (U.S.)


• Inspaceschoolfurniture (India)


• Hertz Furniture (U.S.)


• Bonton Technomake (P) Ltd. (India)


• EDU Furnitures (India)


• Haskell Education (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• March 2024 – Smith System, a furniture producer for schools, partnered with Landscape Forms to introduce 'OpenSpaces' — durable outdoor school furniture designed to enhance learning experiences.


• February 2023 – Smith System, along with its parent company Steelcase, appointed six new Premier Dealer Partners. These partners will provide integrated furniture solutions to educational environments in key Latin American regions: the expanding education markets of Colombia, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Peru, Chile, and Puerto Rico.


• October 2022 – Knoll, a renowned leader in modern design, unveiled the Newson Task chair designed by pioneering industrial designer Marc Newson.


• October 2021 – Godrej & Boyce, the flagship company of the Godrej Group, announced that its business unit Godrej Interio, India's leading furniture brand in home and institutional segments, launched its festive season sale, the 'Great Indian Furniture Fest'. The launch of the sale was accompanied by a concise and impactful digital and television video campaign.


• March 2021 – Steelcase, a global furniture manufacturer, unveiled more than 40 products that are tailored to meet the evolving demands of both residential and commercial sectors. One such innovation is the 'Work Tents' collection, aimed at providing innovative privacy solutions to reduce visual distractions and enhance productivity of individuals.

REPORT COVERAGE

The report analyzes the market in depth and highlights crucial aspects, such as prominent companies, product types, sales channels, and application areas. Besides this, it provides insights into the market trends and highlights significant industry developments. In addition to the aspects mentioned earlier, the report encompasses several other factors contributing to the market's growth.

Report Scope & Segmentation