Student Desks had an extensive history in public higher education. Evolved from its original parent, Anna Breadin, who was credited for inventing the first student desk in the late 1880s, the Student Desk actually found a bit of a rebirth during the Second World War. As the post-war economic boom to spread across the developed world, more students from underprivileged backgrounds were able to attend university. Consequently, more public and private institutions scrambled to locate space for these new students and in doing so created their very own student desk.

In the early years of the desk, the Student Desk usually comprised of three separate components. The top was the table used for teaching purposes; the two shelves on each side served as a space for placing reference materials such as books, newspapers and other reading material, while the center portion of the desk contained the table and hutch. A number of furniture designs of the time centered on the concept of the classroom, with desks, chairs and bookshelves designed to maximize the functionality of the space available in the classroom. The concept of the student desk evolved to include storage spaces above the tables and shelves. This evolution proved to be very useful, as it facilitated the easy accessibility of materials and apparatus needed for study.

In the last five decades, with the increasing emphasis on student development in our schools and universities, and with the growth of computer based educational technologies, we are seeing more emphasis on electronic desks. Electronic desks allow students to work without a corresponding free work surface. Many teachers report that it is much easier to teach students to concentrate when using electronic based equipment, as they are able to locate the resources they need for studying easier than they could if their work surfaces were nearby.

There are many different styles and sizes of student desks available to purchase today, which allows a teacher or administrator to easily customize a classroom in order to best meet the needs of their students. These desks often come with a variety of additional storage and organization options as well as shelving and accessories to accommodate a wide range of computer related items. It is possible to purchase an entire desk system in one piece, or there are many desk combinations available depending on the size and layout of a classroom.

For larger classes or groups of students, it may be necessary to purchase a set of student desks that are more mobile. Larger desks often have wide tracks and are used as computer workstations for multiple people. Many times these student desks are attached to the wall, which allows for easy movement from one area of a room to another. This type of mobility aids the process of group work. Not only does the student move freely within the classroom, but they are also free to conduct group work away from the main classroom and in the privacy of their own personal space.

In all, it can be said that a custom made student desk offers a student a way to maximize their learning environment. They are easy to set up and take down, and many times, they are fully customizable. This allows them to be used in any learning environment and helps them to fit perfectly with any decor. From small rooms, big rooms and even high school classrooms, student desks can be found in any size you can imagine. This versatility makes them a great investment for any classroom. The time and money you spend on a customized desk can ultimately reap rewards by providing a learning environment that is both productive and enjoyable for all students.