Buyer’s Guide

Struggling to determine the perfect table and chair heights for your needs? Our user-friendly height guide simplifies the process, adhering to the European standard EN1729 Part 1 for Dimensional Fit, specifically tailored for school furniture. Whether you’re furnishing a space for preschoolers, teenagers, or adults, our guide provides recommended heights for both tables and seating, ensuring optimal comfort and ergonomics for every age group.

However, selecting the right furniture involves more than just dimensions. At Peter Walsh & Sons, we take a holistic approach to design and functionality. We ask the critical questions:

  • Is the furniture ergonomic to support proper posture and comfort?
  • Will it withstand the daily demands of a busy learning environment?
  • Is it a wise investment, offering durability and longevity over time?

You can rest assured that our furniture meets the stringent European and British standard BS EN 1729, ensuring the highest levels of safety, quality, and suitability for educational settings. As a trusted supplier to schools and educational institutions, we provide purpose-built school furniture that combines durability, comfort, and functionality.

At Peter Walsh & Sons, we don’t just supply furniture—we deliver solutions that enhance learning environments and stand the test of time. Let us help you create spaces that inspire and support students at every stage of their educational journey.

Why Choose Peter Walsh & Sons?

  • Compliance with Standards: Our furniture adheres to BS EN 1729, ensuring safety and ergonomic excellence.
  • Durability: Built to withstand the rigors of daily use in educational settings.
  • Ergonomic Design: Prioritizing comfort and posture for students and staff.
  • Expert Guidance: Our team provides tailored advice to meet your specific needs.
  • Long-Term Investment: High-quality materials and craftsmanship ensure longevity and value.

Let us help you make the right choice for your educational space. With Peter Walsh & Sons, you’re not just buying furniture—you’re investing in a better learning environment

Why Choose Peter Walsh & Sons?

For many years, children in schools have been seated on a variety of polypropylene or wooden chairs, available in different styles and sizes. While these chairs may meet European standards for strength, stability, and safety, their designs often prioritize other factors, such as cost, style, or a compromise between value and functionality. Unfortunately, none of these chairs have been specifically manufactured to a standard that prioritizes encouraging good posture for children.

This is where EN 1729 Part 1 comes in. Developed by the Technical Committee for Europe (CEN/TC207), this standard sets precise dimensions, heights, angles, and back support contact points for chairs, tailored to every age group. The goal is to promote good posture in children, ensuring that their seating supports their physical development and well-being.

EN 1729 Part 1 Explained

Products tested to EN 1729 Part 1 adhere to the prescribed dimensions outlined in the standard. However, this goes beyond just size requirements. These products are designed with careful consideration of shape and ergonomic principles to promote proper posture and reduce the risk of issues such as repetitive strain injury (RSI) and back pain among school children.

By ensuring that furniture meets these standards, we help create an environment where children can sit comfortably and maintain correct posture, supporting their physical well-being and enhancing their ability to focus and learn.

EN 1729 Part 2 – Strength & Stability Explained

EN 1729 Part 2 certification indicates that a product has undergone rigorous testing to meet the standard’s stringent requirements for strength, stability, and safety. This certification is specifically tailored for the demanding environment of classrooms, where furniture must endure daily wear and tear while ensuring the safety of students and educators.

Furniture that complies with BS EN 1729 Part 2 is designed to withstand the rigors of classroom use, providing a secure and stable environment for learning and collaboration. This certification ensures that the furniture is not only durable but also prioritizes the safety and well-being of its users, giving you peace of mind that your investment is built to last.

Why EN 1729 Compliance Matters

  • Ergonomic Design: Promotes proper posture and reduces the risk of strain or injury.
  • Durability: Built to withstand the demands of daily classroom use.
  • Safety: Ensures stability and strength, creating a secure learning environment.
  • Compliance: Meets European and British standards, guaranteeing quality and reliability.

At Peter Walsh & Sons, all our educational furniture is designed and tested to comply with EN 1729 Parts 1 and 2, ensuring that we deliver products that are not only functional and durable but also supportive of students’ health and well-being. Let us help you create a learning environment that is safe, comfortable, and built to last.

Popliteal Height Explained

Popliteal Height is a critical measurement for determining the correct seat height to ensure optimal comfort and ergonomics. It is defined as the distance from the floor to the back of the knee when a person is seated, with their thighs positioned horizontally and their lower legs vertically, while keeping their feet flat on the floor.

This measurement is essential because it helps ensure that the seat height is appropriate for maintaining proper posture and minimizing strain on the lower back and legs. When the seat height aligns with the user’s popliteal height, it allows for:

  • Proper blood circulation in the legs.
  • Reduced pressure on the back of the thighs.
  • Support for the lower back, promoting a neutral spine position.
  • Comfort during extended periods of sitting, which is particularly important in environments like classrooms or offices.

By considering popliteal height when selecting seating furniture, individuals can achieve a comfortable and supportive sitting position, which is vital for overall well-being and productivity. At Peter Walsh & Sons, we incorporate ergonomic principles like this into our designs to ensure our furniture supports the health and comfort of its users.

Why Popliteal Height Matters

  • Ergonomic Support: Ensures proper alignment of the body, reducing the risk of discomfort or injury.
  • Comfort: Promotes a natural sitting position, especially during long periods of use.
  • Health Benefits: Minimizes strain on the lower back, legs, and joints.
  • Customization: Allows for tailored seating solutions that fit individual needs.

When choosing furniture, especially for educational or work environments, considering popliteal height is a key step in creating spaces that are both functional and supportive. Let us help you find the perfect seating solutions that prioritize comfort, ergonomics, and well-being.