Classroom Design & Layout Services
For schools, colleges, and universities, we create effective learning spaces that maximise capacity and adapt to different needs. Our bespoke classroom design & layouts are flexible to support a variety of teaching styles and activities — because no two classrooms are the same.
Trusted by leading educational institutions
Thoughtful classroom design has a significant impact on learner engagement, motivation and collaboration, so it’s essential to get it right. At Elm Workspace, we have decades of experience optimising the layout of educational spaces, including classrooms, canteens, libraries, ICT rooms, school offices and more, helping schools and colleges across the UK create effective learning environments for every student.
How we can help
Primary & early years classroom design
Safe, stimulating learning environments that support a range of activities and developmental needs.
Higher education spaces
Engaging, tech-forward spaces that put comfort, focus and acoustics at the forefront.
Teacher walls & classroom storage
Maximise space with classroom media walls with integrated storage and display areas
School library & common spaces
From reading corners to school canteens, create inviting spaces students look forward to using
Flexible learning spaces
Modern teaching styles need modern spaces, designed for blended and self-paced learning.
Classroom accoustics
Improve concentration and speech intelligibility with careful consideration for room shape and size.
Looking for help specifying classroom furniture for your next project?
Let our design team help you plan your space and select the right furniture to create the perfect educational environment
Simply complete the form and Gary will look forward to talking to you and discussing your requirements
Chat with our lead designer Gary
How we bring your classroom ideas to life
As a leading supplier of classroom furniture, we can work with you to design and plan exceptional learning spaces, incorporating colour, flexibility and storage options that work for your teaching staff and learners. Here’s our tried-and-tested process:
Brief
Your ideas, needs and goals are at the heart of every Elm Workspace design – making it the perfect starting point for your project.
Plan
Once we’ve worked with you to create a brief, the planning process begins! We’ll design a tailored layout to maximize the potential of your space.
Design
Our design team will create bespoke layouts that thoughtfully align with your needs and budget, blending your chosen products and colours to create an inspiring and functional space you’ll truly enjoy.
Installation
From delivery to installation, we oversee every detail to ensure a flawless finish, with all packaging carefully removed and sustainably recycled for a seamless experience.
Work with an experienced classroom layout designer
Over the last 30+ years, we’ve helped create countless inspiring learning environments – designed to get the best out of the space, and learners. We know how important it is to get the right furniture in the right places, and we’ve got the experience and industry relations to specify classroom design and layout that works for your budget and requirements.
Together with our manufacturers, we’re also committed to meeting your sustainability requirements, supplying superior education products that are manufactured and distributed responsibly.
Don’t just take our word for it
“Absolutely brilliant!” 
Elm Workspace were asked to design and install an agile working space for people to work either in groups, alone or just sit and collaborate over a cup of tea. They came up with a few suggestions and recommendations of how we could use the space and get the most out of it for the users. What we ended up with is absolutely brilliant! From initial discussion to confirmation of design, selection of furniture and materials, the team could not be more helpful. Installation went very smoothly and the occupants are very happy indeed – Thank you
Alex Black
Facilities and Services Manager
“Great to work with!”
Elm were great to work with. They came up with some really creative ideas for how we can maximise the use of our space with furniture, and were supportive (and patient) throughout the whole process. We would be very happy to work with Elm again.
Lorna Softley
Departmental Planning & Projects Manager
“Absolutely brilliant!”
Elm Workspace were asked to design and install an agile working space for people to work either in groups, alone or just sit and collaborate over a cup of tea. They came up with a few suggestions and recommendations of how we could use the space and get the most out of it for the users. What we ended up with is absolutely brilliant! From initial discussion to confirmation of design, selection of furniture and materials, the team could not be more helpful. Installation went very smoothly and the occupants are very happy indeed – Thank you
Alex Black
Facilities and Services Manager
Great to work with!
Elm were great to work with. They came up with some really creative ideas for how we can maximise the use of our space with furniture, and were supportive (and patient) throughout the whole process. We would be very happy to work with Elm again.
Lorna Softley
Departmental Planning & Projects Manager
University of Oxford, King Edward Street
For this project, we developed a comprehensive design and layout to maximise the use of space across three floors while creating a contemporary and inviting atmosphere. We achieved this by incorporating flexible working options like height-adjustable desks and acoustic pods for focused work, as well as biophilic design elements like live moss wall panels.
Haberdasher’s Knights Academy, Refurbished Sixth Form Area
We worked with the School Head and Business Manager at Haberdasher’s Knights Academy to create a modern, vibrant space with distinct areas for collaboration and social study, and a quiet area for students to fully focus on revising and homework. We chose education furniture that not only fit the space and style, but that was also hardwearing and functional.
London South Bank University, Passmore Centre
The Passmore Centre was a new business and networking hub for the university, which required a variety of flexible space for both mentoring and teaching. Our proposals sought to retain as much of the original building, an original Grade II listed former library, as possible, complementing the architect’s design but also providing the functionality required by end users.
Frequently asked questions about classroom design
Recent research from the University of Salford suggests that the design of a classroom can impact learning outcomes by 25% – both positively, and negatively. But we’re sure we don’t need a scientific study to convince teachers and headteachers of that! A great classroom design facilitates both the teacher and the learners to do their best work, whether it’s adequate storage, visual displays, acoustics or seating arrangement. And that’s where Elm comes in; we can help you get the layout and furniture right, creating a conducive learning environment for every type of learner.
A good classroom is well-equipped and student-centred, designed to be inclusive and adaptable to a range of learning styles. What that looks like exactly will depend on your space and requirements. Following a consultation, we can advise on the best way to lay out your space to get the most out of it.
Designing a classroom layout involves arranging the seating, lighting, storage and acoustics to meet your needs. That’s why we offer a free consultation, to better understand exactly what your school’s requirements are. If you need differentiation stations, flexible seating options for collaborative learning, furniture that creates a quiet reading corner, bulletin boards or teaching walls, we can help. We take into account your seating plan, classroom management and classroom décor for a space pupils can excel all school year long.
From early years and foundation level, to secondary school, colleges and university settings, we’ve got experience planning layouts and furniture for all kinds of classrooms. We can even advise on rooms with specialist functions, including outdoor classrooms, science labs, ICT rooms, SEN classrooms and outdoor classroom environments.
Believe it or not, there is a science behind classroom design. You need to get the following areas right:
Lighting – Poor lighting makes it harder to see materials and can even impact engagement.
Colour – Splashes of colours against a neutral background have been found to improve attention allocation.
Greenery – Natural and fresh always wins out over cramped and stuffy, so it’s no wonder biophilic design continues to be a rising trend in classroom design
Flexibility – A classroom needs to be able to adapt for group and independent learning
Classroom layout& design inspiration
10 Classroom designs for improving efficiency and effectiveness
With these 10 classroom designs for improving efficiency and effectiveness, you will see more positive student behaviour, so you can focus on delivering stand-out lessons
School designs can be used for building staff morale
Here’s an explanation of why the teaching environment is so important in schools and colleges and how you can use school design for building staff morale.
8 telltale signs it’s time for a school refurbishment
From overflowing classrooms to soaring energy bills, here’s what to look out for if you’re considering a school refurbishment.