United States School Furniture Market

United States School Furniture Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

The global United States school furniture market size is set to reach US$ 2 billion in 2023. Overall sales of United States school furniture are likely to surge at 5.5% CAGR, taking the forecasted market valuation to US$ 3.42 billion by the end of 2033.

The market is being shaped by various trends. These include:

• Schools are moving away from traditional classroom setups with rigid, immovable furniture and instead opting for more flexible furniture that can be easily rearranged to suit different teaching and learning styles. This can include school chairs and tables with wheels or that can be easily stacked or arranged in different configurations. This trend is driven by the desire to create more dynamic, adaptable learning environments that can accommodate different activities and teaching methods.
• Many schools are also moving towards collaborative learning spaces that encourage teamwork and group learning. This includes commercial furniture that allows students to work together on projects or share materials. Collaborative spaces can take many forms, from small group workstations to large, open areas that can be easily rearranged. The goal is to create an environment that promotes communication, cooperation, and creativity.
• Technology is becoming an increasingly important part of school, and classroom furniture is no exception. Many schools are integrating technology into furniture to enhance the learning experience. For example, some desks now come equipped with charging ports and built-in tablets, while others have adjustable heights to accommodate different devices. This trend is driven by the need to keep up with advances in technology and ensure that students have the tools they need to succeed in the digital age.
• There is growing awareness of the importance of ergonomics in classroom furniture to support students' physical health and well-being. This includes school chairs and desks that are adjustable to fit a variety of body sizes and shapes. Ergonomic commercial furniture can help reduce back pain, neck strain, and other issues that can arise from prolonged sitting. This trend is driven by a growing understanding of the importance of creating comfortable and healthy learning environments.
• Many schools are also seeking eco-friendly furniture options made from recycled or renewable materials. This includes furniture made from sustainable wood or recycled plastic. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important consideration for schools as they look for ways to reduce their environmental footprint and teach students about the importance of sustainability.

United States School Furniture Demand Analysis (2018 to 2022) Vs Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

According to recent research by Future Market Insights, the United States school furniture market is projected to expand at a rate of 5.5% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2033. The market outlook could be divided into short term, medium term and long term.

Short term (2023 to 2025): Schools are also incorporating "active seating" options into their furniture choices. These types of seats allow students to move and fidget while they work, which has been shown to improve focus and concentration. Examples of active seating options include balance balls, wobble stools, and rocking chairs. This is expected to drive the demand in short term.

Medium term (2025 to 2028): Schools are also looking for furniture options that can be customized to meet their specific needs. For example, desks and tables that can be adjusted in height or width, or school chairs that can be fitted with special features like armrests or lumbar support. Customization allows schools to create commercial furniture that is tailored to the needs of their students and teachers.

Long term (2028 to 2033): Schools are starting to incorporate outdoor learning spaces into their furniture choices. This can include picnic tables, benches, and even tree stumps that can be used for outdoor classrooms or other learning activities. Outdoor learning spaces provide a change of scenery and can help students connect with nature while they learn.

What are the drivers in the market?

Increased Focus on Student-centered Learning: The move towards student-centered learning is a major driver of the classroom furniture market. This approach prioritizes the needs and preferences of individual students, emphasizing their unique learning styles and abilities. In order to support this approach, schools are seeking furniture that is flexible, modular, and adaptable to different types of learning activities. This can include furniture that can be easily reconfigured to create different types of learning spaces or furniture that can be customized to meet the needs of specific groups of students.

Technological Advancements: Technology is playing an increasingly important role in education, and schools are incorporating more technology into their classrooms. This has led to a growing demand for furniture that can support this technology, such as desks with built-in charging stations or adjustable heights to accommodate laptops and tablets. Schools are also seeking out classroom furniture that can be easily integrated with other technology, such as interactive whiteboards or projectors.

Health and Wellness Concerns: With a growing emphasis on student health and wellness, schools are prioritizing furniture that supports student well-being. This can include ergonomic designs that reduce strain on students' bodies, as well as furniture that promotes movement and active learning. For example, standing desks or balance balls can help students stay active and engaged during lessons, while school chairs with lumbar support can help prevent back pain and other issues.

Environmental Sustainability: Many schools are also prioritizing furniture that is environmentally sustainable and made from renewable or recycled materials. This reflects a broader trend towards eco-consciousness and a desire to reduce the environmental impact of schools and their activities. Schools are seeking out furniture that is durable, long-lasting, and made from materials that are safe and non-toxic.

Changing Classroom Environments: As classrooms become more diverse and inclusive, schools are looking for commercial furniture that can accommodate different learning styles and abilities. This can include furniture that is adjustable in height, width, and other dimensions to meet the needs of all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs. Schools are also seeking out furniture that is easy to clean and maintain, as well as furniture that is designed to withstand heavy use and frequent movement.

Overall, the drivers of the United States school furniture market reflect a desire to create learning environments that are flexible, adaptable, and supportive of student well-being and success. As schools continue to evolve and change, the demand for innovative and customizable classroom furniture solutions is likely to continue to grow.

Sudip Saha

Principal Consultant

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What is restraining the market growth?

There are several factors that are currently restraining the growth of the United States school furniture market:

Budget Constraints: One of the key factors that are hindering the growth of the market is budget constraints. Many schools are facing financial constraints and are unable to allocate significant funds toward purchasing new furniture. As a result, they may opt for cheaper or lower-quality options, which can limit the growth of the market.

Lack of Awareness: Another factor that is hindering the market growth is a lack of awareness among schools about the benefits of investing in new furniture. Many schools may not be aware of the latest trends and innovations in classroom furniture, or may not understand the potential impact that new furniture can have on student learning and well-being.

Competition from Used Furniture: The market is also facing competition from the used furniture market, which can be a more affordable option for schools on a tight budget. While used furniture may be less expensive, it may not offer the same level of quality, durability, or customization as new furniture, which can limit the growth of the market.

Short Product Lifecycle: Another factor that can restrain market growth is the relatively short product lifecycle of school furniture. Furniture that is designed specifically for schools must be able to withstand heavy use, frequent movement, and the wear and tear of daily use. As a result, schools may not need to purchase new commercial furniture as frequently, which can limit the growth of the market.

Challenges with Installation and Maintenance: Finally, the installation and maintenance of new furniture can be a challenge for schools, especially those with limited resources or staff. This can make it difficult for schools to adopt new furniture solutions, which can limit the growth of the market.

What are the challenges that the market is facing?

The United States school furniture market is facing several challenges, including:

Supply Chain Disruptions: The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant disruptions in the supply chain, including manufacturing delays, shipping and transportation issues, and shortages of raw materials. This has made it difficult for commercial furniture manufacturers to meet demand and has led to longer lead times and higher prices for customers.

Price Volatility: Another challenge facing the market is price volatility, which can make it difficult for schools to budget and plan for new furniture purchases. Fluctuations in the cost of raw materials, labor, and transportation can all impact the final cost of furniture, making it difficult for manufacturers and retailers to provide consistent pricing to their customers.

Sustainability and Environmental Regulations: As schools become more environmentally conscious, they are seeking out furniture that is sustainable and eco-friendly. However, complying with environmental regulations can be a challenge for manufacturers, who may need to invest in new materials or production processes to meet these standards.

Category-wise Insights

In 2022, the largest application type in the United States school furniture market was the classroom segment, which accounted for about 76% of total revenue. The increasing focus on innovation in raw materials used for classroom furniture production has led to a rise in demand for furniture that supports collaboration, reconfiguration, and ergonomics in classrooms. Additionally, the growing number of students enrolled in schools across the country has resulted in a greater need for school chairs and tables in classrooms.

Over the forecast period, the library and labs segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.6%. This growth is fueled by the significant amount of time that students spend in libraries and labs for activities such as homework, projects, assignments, discussions, and classroom instructions. In recent years, there has been an increased focus on commercial furniture that enables and encourages interactive and collaborative learning in libraries and labs.

Competitive Landscape

The United States school furniture market is highly competitive, and the market players have adopted various strategies to gain a larger market share. Here are a few examples:

Product Innovation             

Herman Miller, a well-known furniture design company, developed an innovative classroom furniture line called Metaform Portfolio that was designed to be highly flexible and adaptable. The furniture can be easily rearranged to create different learning configurations, making it easier for teachers to facilitate different types of activities. This innovative approach to classroom furniture has helped Herman Miller gain a larger market share in the education sector.

Strategic Partnerships

Steelcase, a leading office furniture company, formed a strategic partnership with Microsoft to create a new line of classroom furniture called "Steelcase Education Solutions." The furniture line is designed to support the use of technology in the classroom and includes features like adjustable-height tables and school chairs, integrated power outlets, and whiteboard surfaces. By partnering with Microsoft, Steelcase was able to gain access to new distribution channels and expand its market reach in the education sector.

Competitive Pricing

Virco, a company that specializes in school furniture manufacturing, has focused on offering competitive pricing to gain a larger market share. By streamlining its manufacturing process and optimizing its supply chain, Virco has been able to offer high-quality furniture at a lower cost than many of its competitors. This strategy has helped the company become a leading supplier of school furniture in the United States.

Key Segments

Product Outlook:

• Seating Furniture
• Storage Units
• Lab Furniture
• Other School Furniture

Application Outlook:

• Classroom
• Library and Labs
• Others

Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Asia Pacific
• Middle East and Africa
• Europe