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Flexible seating on a budget . . . does it really exist? When it comes to outfitting your classroom with flexible seating, there are lots of options available – but not all of them come with a hefty price tag. You can find a variety of flexible seating choices for students without breaking the bank.
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The following list of types of flexible seating on a budget includes items that can be found for free and others that are a bit pricier. Keep in mind that you can often find a variety of free or very inexpensive end tables, pillows, cushions, chairs, and even lawn furniture on Facebook Marketplace or in thrift stores. Also keep an eye out for garage and yard sales throughout the summer. You might even find some great buys in the college dorm room areas of your local Walmart or Target during the months of July and August!
Most of my links below are for Amazon, and it might be easy for you to add them to your own Amazon wishlist or Donors Choose projects!
Here are some ideas for how you can create a great classroom environment with flexible seating on a budget:
1. Bean Bag Chairs: Bean bag chairs are a great way to add flexible seating on a budget. They can be easily moved around the classroom and provide great comfort for students of all ages. Check out these Big Joe bean bag chairs with handles and sturdy zippers!
2. Floor Pillows and Cushions: Floor pillows provide additional seating space anywhere on the classroom floor. Since they’re relatively inexpensive, you can buy multiple floor pillows without breaking your budget – plus they don’t take up too much space which makes rearranging classrooms much easier! I love these colorful floor cushions!
3. Balance Ball Chairs: Balance ball chairs are a popular choice when it comes to providing flexible seating on a budget. These inflatable balls allow students to sit comfortably while helping them stay active during class time by encouraging them to engage their core muscles while seated.
4. Stool Seats: Stools are another great option when it comes to flexible seating on a budget. They’re small enough to fit into every corner of the classroom but easy to pull out and use as needed!
5. Stand-Up Desks: While stand-up desks may not seem like an ideal solution for flexible seating on a budget, there are some affordable models available that don’t skimp on quality or design features such as adjustable height settings and laptop stands etc.. Many stand-up desks also come with additional storage shelves underneath which allows you to store textbooks, school supplies or other materials without taking up precious desk space in the classroom – perfect for keeping everything neatly organized!
6. Recliners: Recliners are an excellent choice when it comes to comfortable seating options for classrooms. You can often find them at super low prices during summer yard sales and on online marketplaces. These seating choices are among the most popular with students!
7. Rocking Chairs: Rocking chairs provide an inexpensive way of adding flexibility into a classroom environment while giving your students an extra sense of comfort too! These timeless pieces of furniture give off a homey feel – perfect for creating a relaxed atmosphere which will lead your students towards being more productive during class work times!
8. Folding Chairs: These types of seats offer several advantages over traditional stationary seating options. Not only do these folding chairs take up very little space but they also allow teachers to arrange classrooms according to different activities each day without having to re-arrange furniture constantly. Plus since folding chairs come in many colors, designs and materials (such as plastic or fabric) there’s something available for everyone’s budget!
9. Bouncy Bands: Bouncy bands have become increasingly popular in elementary schools due to their low cost yet effective ability to help keep kids focused during school hours. These elasticated bands attach securely onto chair legs allowing children physical movement which helps increase attentiveness – great if you’re looking for flexible seating on a budget, yet want your pupils engaged throughout lessons!
10. Hammock Chairs: If you’re looking for something truly unique yet surprisingly cheap, then hammock seats could be just what you’re looking for! Offering complete relaxation while still providing ample support, these swings provide children with gentle back-and-forth movements which help stimulate blood flow around their bodies thus increasing concentration levels – ideal if you’re looking for alternative ways of helping your pupils stay focused.
11. Outdoor Furniture: It’s no surprise that outdoor furniture is becoming more popular in classrooms! Due to their affordability and versatility, items like low-sitting lawn chairs or fold-up picnic tables offer plenty of seating space. Chances are, you or your friends have some older pieces of outdoor chairs that could be cleaned up and used for the classroom. Great for flexible seating on a budget. What a fun option!
11. Starfish Ball Chairs: I had never heard of these until recently, but I’m seriously contemplating getting one for myself! This yoga ball chair helps relieve back pain and encourages good posture. Its unique look will certainly attract your students’ attention!
12. Floor Seating: Floor seating is becoming increasingly popular in classrooms due to its low cost and versatility. This type of seating offers several advantages such as allowing more space for movement and providing different levels of comfort depending on what type of cushioning is used (such as pillows or rolled-up blankets).
13. Yoga Mats: They’re not just for yoga anymore! These soft, cushiony mats are perfect for flexible seating on a budget. Try cutting them in half for perfect sized seats that are even more affordable!
14. Camping Chairs: If you haven’t checked out camping chair options lately, you might want to take a look! Camping chairs come in all kinds and sizes, from traditional folding chairs to hammock-type seats to bungee chairs and more. These types of seats often are found on sale around Father’s Day or at the end of the camping season.
15. Milk Crates: I recently scored some sturdy milk crates at an auction for super cheap! They make the perfect individual seats, especially when you add comfy cushions to the tops.
16. Cardboard Boxes: Hear me out on this one. . . kids really do love cardboard boxes. Not for sitting on top of, but for sitting inside. You can sometimes find used sturdy boxes for free at appliance stores or other shops. Students really do like turning large boxes on their sides to sit in!
17. Stadium Chairs: Stadium chairs aren’t really chairs, but normally have a seat bottom and back. These fun stadium seats are comfy and perfect for placing anywhere on the classroom floor!
18. Faculty Room and Storage Room Finds: You know those places where all the teachers put their unwanted items and furniture at the end of each school year? Well, open the door and take a look in there! You might find spare tables, stools, chairs, cushions, or lab tables that could be repurposed into standing desks. This is definitely worth checking out for flexible seating on a budget!
19. Bucket Stools: Those sturdy 5 gallon buckets with lids are great options for flexible seating on a budget! Add a cushion to the top for an even better place to sit! I recently found some for right around $5 each at Home Depot. Win!
20. Lap Desks: Lap desks are a perfect choice for flexible seating on a budget. Students can take them anywhere in the classroom and use them to hold their books and supplies while they work. Plus, there are a ton of great lap desk options for you to choose from!
21. Online Marketplace Freebies: Okay. . . this isn’t really a seating option, but just a reminder that there are normally tons of free or super cheap options (depending on where you live) online every day! This past summer, I scored an antique student desk, two rocking chairs, and several crates on marketplace for not much at all. I cleaned them up, repainted some of them, and they were perfect!
22. Carpet Squares: Years ago at the beginning of my teaching career before flexible seating was even a thing, I went to my local flooring store and asked if they had any large carpet samples they wanted to get rid of. They gave me about 20 squares of carpet; each one was about 2 ft. x 2 ft. The samples were all different, so students loved seeing which one they would get to sit on during circle time! Talk about flexible seating on a budget!
23. Wobble Stools: These stools make a great alternative seating option for all students, especially students needing a little extra movement in their day! Wobble movements can increase blood flow to the brain, helping learners to better concentrate and focus.
24. Futon or Small Sofa: Once again, garage sales and marketplace are a great place to look for gently used furniture like futons. They make a great seating area in the classroom where students can comfortably work.
25. Side Tables: Cheap end tables and side tables are great options for adding additional work spaces to the classroom. Students can sit on cushions or carpet squares while they sit at these shorter tables.
26. Adjustable Desk on Wheels: Yes, these are a pricier option, but they will last a long time, plus they are quite versatile. Many come with storage space beneath the dek area, where you can store books and other classroom materials!
27. Coffee Tables: I love this option for flexible seating on a budget! These low coffee tables are perfect for placing in an area with a futon or other chairs. Students enjoy sitting on cushions or carpet squares while they work on these pieces of furniture!
28. Clip Boards: Clip boards are a great choice for flexible seating on a budget. Many clipboards are ultra cheap, and students can take them anywhere to work on in place of a desk. Perfect for working while sitting in a lawn chair, laying on the carpet, or even standing!
29. Sensory Floor Mats: These are honestly some of the coolest seating options I’ve seen. They can be found in a variety of tactile surfaces, including plush, satin, carpet, corduroy, sequined, and more. Students can sit on the mats while they work or use the mats as a calming source if stressed or anxious. I love them!
30. Chair Cushions: If you find an older sofa or chair with cushions, you can often unzip the covers and wash them, making them as good as new! I love these sturdy, yet comfy cushions designed for sitting on the floor. They are easy to pile in a corner, and learners love this cozy option for flexible seating on a budget!
As you can see, there are plenty of options available if you’re looking to furnish your classroom affordably. From folding chairs and hammock seats to outdoor furniture and bean bag chairs, the possibilities are almost endless! So don’t hesitate – start looking around now to get the perfect seating arrangement for your classroom! And remember, when it comes to flexible seating on a budget – creativity is key!
P.S. I would LOVE to see what options for flexible seating on a budget you are using in your classroom! Feel free to tag me over on Instagram. You’ll find me @shelly.rees!
Hi, I’m Shelly! Thank you for being here. I love helping third, fourth, and fifth grade teachers with fun and engaging activities that require no to little prep! Let me help you by taking some of the stress and work off your plate.
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