K-12 EDUCATION: Classroom Furniture Layouts
The right K-12 classroom design, furniture, and technology can transform how educators and students, teach, study, and learn.
We are a New England-based team with over 20 years of expertise in designing innovative K-12 educational spaces. We collaborate closely with schools, architects, and designers to create environments that elevate the learning experience for both students and teachers. Our extensive portfolio includes K-12 classroom, library, administrative and cafeteria furniture, as well as cutting-edge technology solutions tailored to fit any design vision or budget. We are here to support you every step of the way:
Our Value
Tailored Solutions
Find the perfect combination of furniture and technology solutions designed to fit your unique needs and elevate your space.
Expert Planning
Discover the latest trends shaping K-12 education, and develop detailed product specifications and floor plan layouts.
Smart Procurement
Navigate and select the optimal purchasing contracts to maximize value.
ECLPS Certification
Mary Sauvageau, our K-12 general manager, recently became an EDmarket Certified Learning Place Specialist (ECLPS). ECLPS is a new, research-informed certification program aimed at improving the learning experience for school districts and educating industry learning environment design professionals. It starts with the understanding that everyone learns differently and focuses on creating environments that meet these diverse needs.
Universal Design
Universal design transforms classrooms into inclusive, effective learning environments by accommodating all students’ needs, abilities, and learning styles. It moves beyond a one-size-fits-all approach, creating accessible and engaging spaces that foster a sense of belonging and promote student success. By utilizing flexible teaching methods, hands-on learning, and adaptable classroom layouts, universal design encourages active participation and increases engagement. This approach is not about lowering standards but raising expectations to help every student reach their full potential, ensuring equity in education regardless of background or ability.
Contracts
Red Thread Authorized Contracts:
- Massachusetts State Contract
- MHEC (Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium
- E&I (Educational and Institutional Cooperative Purchasing)
- Connecticut State Contract
Manufacturing Partners
Red Thread has partnered with industry-leading furniture and technology manufacturers to create innovative classrooms, libraries, and common spaces.
Our Partners
K-12 Classroom Guide
Our 21st Century Classroom Design lookbook provides inspiration for creating engaging learning spaces, including:
- 18 classroom layouts for elementary, middle and high school grades
- 20 shared and faculty space designs
- 4 classroom technologies
Our Projects
Boston University
Boston University
Date
Perkins Eastman, Commodore Builders
Timeline
Technology
Client
Boston, MA
Walter Brown Arena Undergoes Historic Renovation to Enhance Team Facilities
Walter Brown Arena has undergone the most extensive renovation of an existing facility in BU Athletics history. The men’s basketball and women’s hockey programs have received substantial upgrades to their team areas, including new locker rooms, team lounges, and recovery room. The team lounges now feature enhanced soft seating and cutting-edge audiovisual technology, allowing teams to relax, watch cable TV, or review film and practice sessions on dual 75” flat screens. These spaces also include a convertible ping-pong/dining table, a nutrition area, and bistro-style tables for studying and dining. Additionally, both the coaches’ offices and locker rooms have been equipped with 65” Smart Interactive flat-screen displays for film and practice analysis. The main arena has also been upgraded to integrate microphones and enable the previewing of broadcast video feeds.
Men’s Basketball Room
Film Room: 86” display for reviewing practice and game footage
Lounge: Dual 86” screens for presentations, cable TV, and Apple TV
Team Locker Room: 75” screen for game planning
Women’s Locker Room
Coaches’ Locker Room: 65” Smart Interactive display
Game Locker Room: 86” Smart Interactive display
South Portland Middle School
South Portland Middle School
Date
wbrc, Harvery Construction
Timeline
Furniture
Client
South Portland, ME
Empowering education: a student-centered school for innovation and community.
The $69 million South Portland Middle School serves grades five through eight in a single new building, consolidating two former middle schools into one. The project’s furniture selection, procurement and installation efforts were led by Red Thread in collaboration with WBRC Inc. Together, they conducted custom workshops that included leadership discovery and floor plan reviews with faculty, staff, and administration. These workshops played a key role in identifying the specific functions of spaces—such as library, cafeteria, art rooms, STEM areas, and classroom spaces—and creating tailored solutions that aligned with both the design direction and budget. To support confident decision-making, the approval process included detailed furniture renderings depicting architectural finishes. Mockup classroom test-fit installations during the design process allowed live feedback from both students and staff.
The innovative school design features academic wings connected to shared spaces for art, STEM, library, dining, and gym activities. New furnishings and visual displays enable flexible classroom layouts, accommodating both traditional seating and collaborative small group work. Students can also choose from a variety of seating styles to meet their preferences. Additionally, a versatile multi-purpose room serves as an auxiliary space for gym classes, stage performances, and large community gatherings.
Photos © Jeff Roberts Photography
CREC Academy of Aerospace & Engineering
CREC Academy of Aerospace & Engineering
Date
Friar Architecture
Timeline
Furniture
Client
Rocky Hill, CT
STEM Based Space Design
The wonder behind exploration and science inspired this pre-kindergarten through grade 5 elementary school. The school’s theme focuses on developing strong foundational knowledge for students in four interrelated domains of STEM literacy: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The 89,000 SF space on 7 Gardner Way maximizes natural light through large-scale windows with versatile learning spaces both indoors and outside. Not only does the curriculum reflect STEM, but each learning environment does, too, through a mix of products and solutions. The makerspace classroom features BCI height-adjustable tables and stools while the computer lab features all Smith System active learning stools. The music room features Kimball height-adjustable tables and stools and Smith System storage. Most of the furniture was purchased through the Connecticut State Contract.
Photos © Robert Benson Photography
