Size Matters: Furniture Fit for Function

When a child struggles with handwriting, we often look first at the pencil grasp, the pencil, or the handwriting itself.

But sometimes the problem is much closer to the child’s body.

Is the furniture the right fit?

A desk and chair that are too high, too low, too deep or otherwise poorly matched to a child can change the way they sit, position their arms, hold their pencil and use their hands for writing.
Before we start teaching a new pencil grasp or changing the way a child writes, it is worth taking a moment to look at the whole writing set-up.

Furniture is part of the environment that supports function.

The goal of a good workstation isn't to make a child sit perfectly still in one "correct" position. It is to provide enough support and stability for the child to use their hands effectively, while still allowing them to move.

In the previous article "The why and how of vertical surfaces" we looked at proximal to distal stability of the upper body.  The principle continues to apply when the child is seated at a table.  When the body has a supportive base, the upper limbs have greater freedom to move. When the furniture doesn't fit, a child may use extra effort to stabilise themselves, leaving less capacity for the fine motor demands of writing. 

This is why furniture fit matters for function.

What does a good writing position look like?
There isn't one perfect posture that every child needs to maintain.

Children naturally shift, lean, move their feet and change position while working. Movement is normal and often helpful.

Instead of looking for a rigid "correct" posture, look for a position that allows the child to be:

• comfortable
• supported
• stable enough for the task
• able to move their arms freely
• able to see and reach their work
• able to change position when needed

Consider the relationship between the feet, chair, desk and child.
Feet: Create a stable base
Ideally, a child's feet should be supported on the floor or on a stable footrest. When feet are dangling, children may compensate by swinging them, wrapping them around chair legs or hooking them underneath the chair.  They may even choose to sit crosslegged on their chair.  One of my previous students was referred to me as they were squatting on their chair! Foot support provides a stable base for the body but it doesn't mean feet have to remain completely still.

Chair: Support the body
The chair should allow the child to sit comfortably with their pelvis and trunk supported. A backrest can provide useful support, particularly during longer writing tasks. The child should be able to sit back into the chair rather than constantly perching on the edge or using their legs to create stability. The chair also needs to work with the desk height. A chair that is too low or too high can change the child's entire position at the desk.

Some children benefit from movement with a wobble chair or alternate seating. A balance cushion to sit on or a cushion behind the child's back can also provide additional support. 

Desk: Writing surface function.
The writing surface should allow the child's arms to rest comfortably while keeping their shoulders relaxed. The writing surface can sit approximately 2 inches (5 cm) above the child's bent elbow when they are sitting comfortably. This is a guide and some children may benefit from a slope (slant board) for forearm and wrist support. 

Look for:

• relaxed shoulders
• comfortable elbow positioning
• forearms that can rest or move freely
• enough space to move the writing arm
• the ability to reach and reposition the paper

What happens when the furniture doesn't fit?
Children are excellent compensators.
If something in their environment isn't working, they often find their own solution.
You might see a child:

• slumping forward
• sitting on their legs
• swinging or wrapping their feet
• leaning heavily on the desk
• raising their shoulders
• sitting very close to the page
• standing at the desk
• moving constantly
• changing their pencil grasp
• using their whole arm or trunk to compensate for limited hand movement

"Does this position support what this child is trying to do?"
A quick furniture fit check can provide valuable information about a child's positioning and posture.  The goal is furniture fit for function.

We've created a free How to Size a Desk resource to help you quickly check a child's desk and chair set-up.
It provides a visual guide to:

• desk height
• chair support
• foot positioning
• sitting position
• posture
• signs that it may be time to check the desk size

It's designed to be an easy reference for OTs, teachers and families; whether you're checking a classroom workstation, therapy space or homework desk at home.
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Download your free copy and check whether the furniture is fit for function.

Make sure to also download the previous free resources if you haven't already:
* School Readiness Skills
* The Developmental Progression of Pencil Grasp
* Check your grasp
These resources are part of Gripipedia — a practical guide to pencil grasp evaluation and intervention. More details coming soon!

Cindy is a registered occupational therapist practising in Sydney, Australia.  She has two growing children who are a constant source of inspiration and learning.  Cindy loves working creatively to help children to reach their potential, finding opportunities in everyday living and making learning fun. She is also addicted to making printables (even when they take a long time to complete).  Cindy is the author of the Occupational Therapy blog Your Kids OT.  Read more articles from Your Kids OT at https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog

Cindy is a contributing author of the Functional Skills for Kids Therapy Team.  They have together published THE HANDWRITING BOOK, THE SCISSORS SKILLS BOOK and THE TOILETING BOOK.

​The information on this site is general in nature. The activities are safe for most children, however, you should consult an Occupational Therapist or health professional to address specific movement, sensory or other medical conditions. Affiliate links are used throughout this website to promote recommended products. Your Kids OT receives a small commission if any purchases are made through these links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details. ​​​
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