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Furniture & Space

Planning Guide

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Getting Started
Deciding you want to create a makerspace
is easy. Figuring out what it’s going to look like can
be the tricky part. Start by considering how users
will interact with your space. This will influence
the flow and layout, your furniture selections, the
activities you’ll offer, and how the space will be
staffed and managed.

“Design your space around the needs of

your students and staff, and you will find it
packed and messy on a regular basis.”
Nicholas Provenzano, Technology Coordinator and Makerspace Director

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What comes first —
your space or your
maker activities?
Actually, both. Because the two are so dependent
on one another, it’s helpful to think about them
in tandem.

To determine the type of maker activities you’ll

provide, first think about the needs of your users
and the making environment. Involve future users
and staff by seeking their input on what they’d like
to learn and topics they’re interested in exploring.

Then, list the activities you’d like to offer both now

and in the future. These activities will influence
the furnishings you select as you build out the
environment.

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What furnishings
will you need?
The learning environment has a critical influence
on learning outcomes. Furniture designed for
educational spaces will support users and enhance
their experience.

This guide will provide you with tips for the three
main categories of makerspace furnishings:

1. Tables & Work Surfaces

2. Storage & Organization
3. Seating

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Tables & Work Surfaces
• Makers need room to create a variety
of projects, so the space needs to be
dynamic. Look for flexible furniture, such
as tables that rearrange quickly and easily.
• Offer a combination of sitting- and
standing-height work surfaces to help
accommodate a variety of work styles.
• If a range of ages will be using your
space, height-adjustable tables can offer
additional versatility.
• When selecting a surface material that
will last, it’s important to consider the
types of tools that will be used on it, such
as power tools, hammers, sharp objects,
sewing machines, computers, electronics,
glue guns, tape, and more.

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Storage & Organization
• Making involves stuff. Make sure that
stuff is organized and accessible to keep
the focus on the making rather than
on spending time locating supplies and
resources.
• If you want to be able to share resources
or move them within your space or
between buildings, make mobility and
portability a priority when looking at
storage options.
• Consider whether or not you need
lockable closets or cabinets to secure
tools and materials.
• If you will be storing projects that are in
progress, consider adding extra shelving
either in or near your makerspace.

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Seating
• Consider your users and the work
surfaces you’ve chosen as you select
seating. If you have both standard- and
café-height tables, you’ll need seating
for both.
• Look for height-adjustable seating to
accommodate multiple work surface
heights and different age groups.
• For optimal flexibility and to make your
space multifunctional, look for mobile
and stackable chairs.
• Consider active seating options to
promote good posture and focus.
• Think about creating seating areas for
quiet time and reflection.

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Bring It All Together
Visualizing a transformation can be a challenge,
so Demco’s interior design team has created
four user-centered makerspace designs, from
small to extra large, to help you envision all the
possibilities.

If you see something that you like in a space, the

featured products are listed on the following page.
Click on any image to step inside a 360˚ panoramic
virtual tour.

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Small Tinker Nook (12' x 12')

Even the smallest space can inspire makers to get creative. This versatile, 144-sq.-ft. environment promotes exploration and experimentation. Work tables with
integrated storage make the most of the limited space. Mobile tables, seating, storage carts, and markerboards give the space the flexibility to reconfigure as
needs change.

Experience this space in virtual reality by clicking any image or scanning the QR code.

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Tinker Nook Featured Products
See something you like? Click any image to see the product details.
Looking for more options? Visit demco.com, search makerspace furniture

Mobile STEM Table Station Diversified Woodcrafts

Mobile Work Bench

Copernicus Premium OFM Teen Orbit Stools Luxor® Reversible Magnetic StickTogether® Mosaic
STEM Maker Station Mobile Markerboard Easel Sticker Poster

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Medium Creator Cove (15' x 17')

Take advantage of every opportunity to repurpose an unused space into a creative hot spot. For most makerspaces, including this 255-sq.-ft. space, durable work
surfaces and ample storage are fundamental features. Building a functional environment with just a few key pieces of furniture will help foster the creativity of your
students. Consider mobile and ergonomic seating, space dividers, and inspiring decor.

Experience this space in virtual reality by clicking any image or scanning the QR code.

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Creator Cove Featured Products
See something you like? Click any image to see the product details.
Looking for more options? Visit demco.com, search makerspace furniture

Seville Classics® 6-Tier Economy Work Benches OFM Vivo MediaTechnologies®

UltraZinc™ Steel Shelving Height-Adjustable Cheesewall Divider
Perch Stools

Colors of Nature
Wall Mural
Copernicus Premium Allied™ Imagination Station JSI™ Totem Pods OFM Teen
STEM Maker Station Colorful Dry-Erase Tables Orbit Stools

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Large Builder Haven (25' x 18')

Space is a tool that can be used to generate excitement for making and learning. Make the most of yours with durable, flexible furniture and inspiring maker tools.
Wall space can be utilized in creative ways, such as slatwall and pegboard storage or green screen production space. Users of an environment like this 450-sq.-ft.
space will be eager to create, tinker, problem-solve, and explore new ideas.

Experience this space in virtual reality by clicking any image or scanning the QR code.

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Builder Haven Featured Products
See something you like? Click any image to see the product details.
Looking for more options? Visit demco.com, search makerspace furniture

Economy Work Benches Smith System™ Westcott uLite

Seville Classics® Flavors™ Café Stools Green Screen Kit
Bin Rack System

Dremel® 3D
Luxor® Reversible Printer
Demco Slatwall
®
Smith System Flavors Smith System Magnetic Mobile
Display Panels Mobile Stack Chairs Silhouette Desks Markerboard Easel

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XL Innovator Sanctuary (30' x 22')

Makerspaces have a wide variety of functions. The appropriate furniture mix can help facilitate multiple activities, from large-group to small-group collaboration
to individual projects. Supporting all of these different work styles in one space can expose users to new ideas and inspire growth. In this 660-sq.-ft. space, ample
storage and a variety of flexible work surfaces and seating options create a space for users to come together and learn from each other.

Experience this space in virtual reality by clicking any image or scanning the QR code.

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Innovator Sanctuary Featured Products
See something you like? Click any image to see the product details.
Looking for more options? Visit demco.com, search makerspace furniture

Muzo Kite® Mobile Tables Smith System™ 3branch Skware Maker Table JSI™ Totem Pods Smith System Sit &
In2it Chairs Stand Student Desks

Seville Classics® Smith System D-Shaped Smith System Come In, Sit Back, Relax Smith System
Bin Rack System Media Tables Cascade™ Mega Tower Wall Mural oodle™ Seating

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 Need Help Getting Started?
Find all the products, services, and resources you need to prepare students for
future success through hands-on, project-based learning.

Furniture & Organization

Set the stage for inspired making
with functional furniture and
stress-free storage solutions.
Visit demco.com/makerspace

Lessons & Activities Interior Design & Project Management

Search 100s of low- to high-tech STEM projects by Collaborate with our interior services experts to
subject, grade level, or product. create spaces that meet all your users’ needs.
Visit makerhub.demco.com Visit demcointeriors.com

Inspiration & Professional Development

Get free lesson ideas, funding tips, advice, and
more from experienced maker educators.
Visit ideas.demco.com/makerspace-ideas

Maker & STEAM Tools Expert Consultation

Building, inventing, coding, crafting, and more — Our solutions consultants are here to listen and
the right tools can unleash kids’ creativity. guide you along your makerspace journey.
Visit demco.com/makerspace Call 800.356.1200
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