Childcare furniture size guide
Table and chair heights in centimetres, with EN 1729 size labels used internationally as a planning reference. Pair this page with your room list and our team when you are ready to specify.
Choosing heights is part ergonomics, part room layout, and part realistic centre routines. The selector and table below summarise a commonly used EN 1729 ladder from toddler through to secondary-style sizes. Product compliance for your order is covered under AS/NZS expectations for the items we supply, not by reproducing EN 1729 certification on this page.
01 — Selector
Find indicative seat and table heights
Select an age band. The diagram scales to match the seat and table heights in the row, and the specification note updates for that band.
Select age group
Proportions drawn to scale · reference silhouette only
02 — Reference
Full ergonomic reference table
One place to scan the ladder when you are matching existing inventory or planning a multi-age order. Typical uses are indicative.
| Age group | Child height (cm) | Seat (cm) | Table (cm) | EN 1729 | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 yrs | 80–95 | 18 | 38 | Size 00 | Toddler activity |
| 2–3 yrs | 93–108 | 21 | 40 | Size 0 | Junior preschool |
| 3–4 yrs | 108–116 | 26 | 46 | Size 1 | Preschool |
| 4–6 yrs | 119–142 | 31 | 53 | Size 2 | Senior kindergarten |
| 6–8 yrs | 133–159 | 35 | 59 | Size 3 | Years 1–3 |
| 8–11 yrs | 146–176 | 38 | 64 | Size 4 | Years 4–6 |
| 12–14 yrs | 159–188 | 43 | 71 | Size 5 | Intermediate |
| 15+ yrs | 174+ | 46 | 76 | Size 6 | Secondary / adult |
03 — Principles
Three quick checks during setup
Numbers are a start; what you see when tamariki sit down still matters. Use these observational checks when furniture first arrives.
Feet supported
Feet flat on the floor or on a stable footrest, not dangling.
Thighs level
Thighs roughly parallel to the floor so the seat is not pressing under the knees.
Arms at the table
Forearms can rest on the tabletop without shoulders hunching or elbows stranded too low.
04 — Application
Mixed-age Montessori and Reggio-style rooms
A single averaged height for a 2-to-5-year-old room often leaves part of the group poorly supported. Younger children may not reach the floor; older children may sit too low relative to the table.
Two common approaches work well in practice. First, specify two or three compatible sizes and group children by developmental stage for structured activities. Second, use height-adjustable tables that span more than one EN 1729 step, with a range of chair heights available in the room.
Both approaches need a bit more planning up front and usually reduce the fiddling and discomfort that come from furniture that only fits part of the roll.
05 — FAQ
Questions we hear often
What is EN 1729 and how is it used on this page?
EN 1729 is a European standard for educational furniture that sets out seat heights, table heights, and size designations (such as Size 0 to Size 6) often used when specifying classroom furniture. Many suppliers and designers use it as a common reference. It is not a substitute for your licensing requirements or the safety standards that apply to products we supply in New Zealand, which we treat separately.
How do I choose heights for mixed-age rooms?
A single averaged height rarely suits everyone. Centres often specify two or three compatible seat and table heights, use height-adjustable tables where practical, or zone the room so younger and older groups have appropriately scaled furniture. Share your age mix and layout and we will suggest combinations that stay practical for staff and tamariki.
What should I look for when children sit down?
In brief: feet supported on the floor or a stable footrest, thighs reasonably level, and forearms able to rest on the table without hunching or reaching. These are practical checks during setup, not a medical assessment.
Can you supply custom seat or table heights?
Often yes, depending on the range and project. Note any non-standard requirements in your enquiry and we will confirm what is possible for the lines you are considering, including lead times and minimums where they apply.
Specify with your room list
Send ages, room names, and any furniture you need to match. We will respond with practical combinations and next steps for a quote.