Classroom Storage Walls – How (and why) to Choose One

Classroom White Storage Walls

Are you considering updating your classroom with a storage and teaching wall? These modular units can provide complete storage, I.T. and teaching solutions for your classrooms and create a positive impact on students’ learning. Here’s everything you need to know about these easily adaptable and innovative pieces of classroom furniture.

What is a classroom storage wall?

Classroom storage and teaching walls combine both technology and storage in one integrated design. This system is the smart choice for educational environments as they not only support modern teaching but maximise the available space. They provide enough space for teaching aids, stationery and equipment all in a compact, fitted furniture solution.

Each teaching and storage wall is made bespoke to fit the requirements of the classroom, the teaching styles, and the students’ needs. Working closely with you, we’ll design the perfect solution to enhance the learning environment, using the same high-quality materials our products are known for. From media display walls and trophy display cabinets to library shelving and art portfolio storage, our product diversity knows no bounds. Just check out our case studies for some great examples.

Classroom Storage Walls with TV

The impact of classroom design

As young children spend the majority of their day in the same classroom it’s important to consider the effect the design has. A well-designed classroom can boost the academic performance of students, with the decor having a significant impact on reading, writing, and maths skills.

Striking the perfect balance between bare and heavily decorated classrooms can be tricky. Too many decorations can disrupt and distract students, ultimately affecting their education, whereas bare classrooms can be uninspiring and de-motivating. A storage and teaching wall ensures you get the right balance, providing a stimulating focal point while keeping your equipment in one tidy place.

We designed a teaching wall for Orton Wistow Primary School, which featured ample storage space for teaching supplies, shelves to display students’ work and books, and a media display. In addition, allowance had to be made for storing and securing a laptop for each pupil, including a built-in charging system. On top of the high level of functionality, we also kept to the architects brief of minimalist design, by incorporating neutral gloss external finishes complementing a light woodgrain finish (Maple) internally.

To complete the desired minimalist effect we used handle-less, push-to-open doors and concealed hinges throughout. This setup resulted in an enhanced learning space that the students could engage with while still keeping the classroom tidy and organised.

Classroom Storage Walls with colours

What are the key benefits of a classroom storage wall?

There are many fantastic benefits a classroom storage wall can have on the learning environment, these include:

  • Maximising space – If there is a space in the classroom that is awkwardly shaped or not big enough for standard furniture then the storage and teaching walls are the ideal solutions. The dimensions of these systems can be fully customised to fit perfectly and make use of the space you have, ensuring each centimetre is used.
  • Concealing services – Schools all over the country use interactive whiteboards and other forms of technology to teach. While these are engaging and successful methods, the wires can look untidy and be a major source of frustration for teachers. With storage and teaching walls, all your wires and AV equipment is neatly hidden away.
  • Integrating whiteboards – Storage and teaching walls allow you to easily integrate whiteboards into them, creating a sleek and convenient teaching space.
  • Cost-effective – Storage and teaching walls are a cost-effective way to upgrade classrooms by taking individual products and combining them into one innovative unit. At Benchmark, we choose our suppliers carefully and use high-quality materials that will survive the daily demands of a classroom without needing to be replaced as often, saving money in the long run.
  • Inspirational – A unique and modern looking unit will both excite and inspire students. As these storage solutions can have a bespoke design, you have an opportunity to give the classroom that wow-factor, which will not only motivate students but could also be the difference between parents choosing to send their child to that particular school. Some classrooms may benefit from tray storage, a place to store bags and coats, trophy display cases or library shelving, whatever you need we’ll be able to deliver!

Classroom Storage Walls

 

How to choose the right classroom storage wall

With so many options to choose from it can be difficult to decide on the right classroom storage or teaching wall. Some things you’ll need to consider are:

  • Budget – Probably the most important thing to consider is your available budget. Your budget is your guide to making decisions on what features to include, how many units you need, and what materials to use. Whilst going for more cost-effective options may be appealing, it may cost you more in the long run as lower quality products and materials tend to be utilised to achieve the lower cost.
  • Design – Choosing the design of your storage wall is also an essential factor to consider. Think about whether you need a sink area incorporated into the system or a media display and how many shelves you’ll need. Also, bear in mind the best materials to use in a busy school environment and what the most stimulating colours would be. Our handy FF&E visualiser tool can help you mix and match colour schemes to discover which works best for your classroom.
  • Space – We can design bespoke pieces to fit seamlessly into challenging areas to fully optimise all the available space and make life easier for you. Take a look at exactly how much space you have and if there are any obstacles, such as awkwardly shaped corners of the room, to help you make the decision on the shape and size of the storage and teaching wall.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your requirements with us either give us a call on 01953 889 603 or send us an email to enquiries@benchmarkproducts.co.uk, we’re always happy and willing to help.

Other articles you may find useful:

Consideration Factors for Food Tech Furniture

Consideration Factors for Science Lab Furniture

Spur Style Shelving for Education

Bio of Author

Dean

This article was written by Dean Fryer, Estimator at Benchmark FF&E Solutions since 2012.
Passionate about collaboration between sub-contractors on site and a demonstrated history in assisting building contractors and architects with producing comprehensive and definitive schedules at pre-tender and pre-contract stage, Dean is an invaluable asset to Benchmark Products and contributes towards the end goal of perfect delivery every time.