Elevbord

Elevbord is a term used in Swedish-speaking contexts to denote a desk designed for a pupil in a classroom. The word combines elev, meaning student, and bord, meaning table or desk. In Swedish educational settings, elevbord refers to the standard individual desk assigned to a student, as opposed to shared tables or teacher desks.

Typical elevbord have a flat work surface with a modesty panel and, often, a small storage compartment or under-desk drawer. The frame is usually made of metal or wood, with a durable laminate or veneered surface. In many contemporary classrooms, elevbord are height-adjustable to accommodate growing students and to support ergonomic study postures. Some models include cable management features for computers or tablets and a tilting surface for reading or note-taking.

Elevbord are used in elementary and secondary education and can be part of modular classroom systems allowing flexible seating arrangements. Materials range from solid wood to coated laminates, with finishes chosen for wear resistance and ease of cleaning. In older schools, simpler, fixed-height desks were common; modern designs emphasize adjustability, safety features, and space efficiency.

The concept of a personal pupil desk has long been part of Western classroom design. In the 20th century, ergonomic and adjustable desks became more common, influencing the standard elevbord in many schools. Related topics include classroom furniture, ergonomics, and school design.