What Are Those Arm Tables Called In School
The arm tables you see attached to chairs in classrooms are commonly known as tablet arm desks or chair desks. These are single-seat School Desks where the writing surface is fixed to one armrest — usually on the right-hand side — combining the chair and desk into one compact unit.
They are designed to save space, improve classroom mobility, and provide a stable writing surface without the need for separate tables.
1. Common Names for Arm Tables in Schools
| Common Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Tablet Arm Desk | The most widely used term; a chair with an attached writing surface, usually on the right arm. |
| Chair Desk | A combined unit featuring a seat and a small desk arm. Common in lecture halls and classrooms. |
| Arm Writing Chair | Used in catalogs for ergonomic student chairs with fixed or foldable writing pads. |
| Combo Desk | Refers to the combined design of chair and desk; often used in middle and high schools. |
| Tablet Chair | Popular in universities; typically has a curved arm-mounted writing tablet, sometimes foldable. |
Modern designs, like those produced by Aoyasi Furn, include both right- and left-handed versions, adjustable steel frames, and high-density plastic seats for comfort and durability.
2. Structure and Features
Most tablet arm desks include:
Ergonomic seat and backrest (usually polypropylene or ABS plastic).
Steel tubular frame for stability and long lifespan.
Compact writing surface made from laminated MDF, plywood, or phenolic board.
Optional storage basket or under-seat shelf for books.
Foldable tablet arms in premium designs for easy access.
These designs make them ideal for classrooms, lecture halls, and training rooms where space efficiency is critical.
3. Materials Used
| Component | Material | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Writing tablet | MDF or compact laminate | Smooth, durable surface for writing. |
| Seat and backrest | Polypropylene or ABS plastic | Lightweight and comfortable. |
| Frame | Powder-coated steel | Strong, rust-resistant, and long-lasting. |
Aoyasi Furn’s models typically combine powder-coated steel frames with laminated writing tablets, ensuring easy maintenance and resistance to daily classroom wear.
4. Advantages of Tablet Arm Desks
Space-saving: Combines chair and table in one footprint.
Mobility: Easy to move and rearrange for different classroom layouts.
Cost-effective: Reduces the need for separate desks and chairs.
Ideal for exams or lectures: Compact design provides enough space for notebooks or tablets.
Durability: Reinforced joints and scratch-resistant surfaces for long-term institutional use.
5. Variations
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Fixed Tablet Arm | The writing surface is permanently attached. Common in schools and training centers. |
| Foldable Tablet Arm | Swings up or down for easy access and storage. Ideal for university or adult learning environments. |
| Left-Handed Tablet Arm | Designed for left-handed students, with the writing surface on the left side. |
| Dual-Use Models | Feature interchangeable arm positions or detachable tablet surfaces. |
✅ Summary
The “arm tables” used in schools are officially called tablet arm desks or chair desks.
They feature an integrated writing surface attached to the chair frame, typically made from steel, laminate, and plastic.
Compact, practical, and ergonomic — tablet arm desks remain one of the most efficient classroom furniture solutions, widely adopted by schools and universities worldwide.
Smart design. Strong build. Space-saving comfort — with Aoyasi Furn classroom furniture.