Do you want rooms that promote movement?
Room layouts and furniture are evolving rapidly in schools and homes across the UK. Gone are the days of static classrooms and living rooms dominated by bulky furniture. Instead movement-friendly interiors are being used to create dynamic spaces that support physical activity, comfort and improved wellbeing.
But here’s the kicker…
There’s a tonne of research proving why movement friendly interiors are better. Implementing them doesn’t just create cool spaces, it also has a huge impact on how people learn, work and live.
Let’s dive in!
You’ll learn:
- Why movement friendly interiors are important
- How common room furniture is evolving
- How schools are redesigning for movement
- Movement-friendly interiors ideas for your home
- How to start with movement friendly furniture
Why Movement-Friendly Interiors Are Important
Movement-friendly interiors are spaces designed with furniture and room layouts that encourage people to move around, instead of sitting still for long periods of time.
It seems obvious when you say it like that but most furniture found in homes and schools today is designed to keep people seated.
Chairs, bulky desks and heavy sofas actively encourage sitting. And too much sitting is terrible for kids and adults.
Data from recent research showed that over 85% of children worldwide are failing to meet WHO guidelines on daily physical activity. Yes you read that right. More than 85%.
And a large part of the problem is how indoor spaces are designed.
The solution? Movement-friendly interiors.
By changing how rooms are furnished and how furniture is laid out, schools and homeowners can create environments that naturally encourage students and residents to move more. Spaces that have options for standing, stretching, sitting on the floor and switching up activities throughout the day are key.
When it comes to schools investing in pieces of flexible school seating is one of the easiest ways to start creating movement-friendly furniture in school common rooms, libraries and classrooms. Pieces like modular chairs, soft seating pods and lightweight furniture allows kids to move and change position freely.
Not only does this allow them to move more, it also helps with classroom management.
Makes sense right?
How Common Room Furniture Is Evolving
Room layouts and furniture used to be quite straightforward. Buy some heavy furniture and stick it against the wall.
That mentality is dying fast.
Here’s why: Common room furniture isn’t just furniture anymore. Modern educational furniture designers and teachers know that how a room looks and feels affects how students feel and learn.
Studies like this report from The University of Salford have shown that well designed classrooms can improve learning progress by as much as 16% in a single year. Imagine how much better students could do if furniture design was prioritised.
So what does movement friendly common room furniture look like?
- Furniture that can be easily moved and rearranged
- Height adjustable tables so students can choose to sit or stand
- Options for soft seating, bean bags and floor cushions
- Lightweight chairs that aren’t too difficult for students to move
The idea is that furniture shouldn’t limit how people use a space. Movement-friendly furniture allows students to move more without even thinking about it.
How Schools Are Redesigning For Movement
Schools are at the forefront of this interior design revolution.
Anyone who spends most of the day inside knows that it’s super important to get up and move around. That’s why some schools are redesigning their entire interiors to promote movement and activity.
Here’s what’s happening:
Instead of having standard classrooms with desks and chairs many schools are creating common rooms, libraries and classrooms with movement in mind.
That means a school common room may have an area with floor cushions for quiet reading, a tall table for standing work and group activities, and then an open space with lightweight furniture that can be easily moved out of the way.
Furniture isn’t dictating how the room is used. The students are.
By creating spaces that support movement schools are noticing students are more engaged, more focused and have better behaviour overall. Many teachers have reported that if students have options to move and change posture they actually pay attention longer.
It shouldn’t be a surprise. Humans aren’t designed to be sitting all day. Movement friendly furniture just lets them be human.
Movement-Friendly Ideas For Your Home
This isn’t just a school problem. Homeowners can use these tips too.
Just like many classrooms, house interiors have been designed with limited movement in mind. Heavy furniture that’s difficult to move around and stagnant room layouts are exactly why so many people sit too much at home.
But that’s starting to change. As more people work from home and spend more time indoors, homeowners are adopting similar design philosophies to schools.
Here are some ideas to get started:
Let’s start with the living room. Swap out a heavy coffee table for a lighter option that can be easily moved out of the way. Add some floor cushions or a large rug where the family can sit, stretch out or even play games.
Standing desks are becoming popular for home offices too. Even a small adjustable desk converter can help people move more while working.
Another great idea is using lightweight furniture in kids rooms. Heavy desks, chairs and storage can be frustrating for kids to move around. Let them help by choosing furniture they can move themselves to create their own spaces.
Movement-friendly furniture can be used anywhere people live and learn. Just remember this…
Remove barriers to movement and people will move more. It’s as simple as that.
Getting Started With The Right Furniture
Movement friendly furniture isn’t going to break the bank.
There’s no need to completely revamp classrooms or living rooms to go movement friendly. Start small and build from there. Here are a few ideas to help get started…
For schools start by:
- Swapping out the biggest items of common room furniture for lightweight alternatives
- Creating 2 or more zones in each common area
- Providing a mix of seating options at different heights
- Removing bulky furniture that limits how students can move around
For homeowners try this:
- Clearing away some floor space in the living room
- Adding one or 2 lightweight seating options
- Creating a standing work station
- Designating an active play space for kids
Movement friendly interiors and furniture starts with a shift in thinking. Remember, furniture should encourage movement, not restrict it.
Wrapping Things Up
Movement friendly furniture and interiors are only going to become more popular in schools and homes.
There’s so much research proving that when spaces are designed with movement in mind, kids learn better and feel better.
School furniture suppliers and homeowners can start making a difference right now. Every room doesn’t need to change overnight. Just start with one and see how movement friendly furniture and room layouts can help people move more.
It’s a win-win situation for everyone.
