Bid farewell to uncomfortable desk naps! A new national standard has been established to offer students in primary and secondary schools a more comfortable way to rest during lunch breaks. Approved by the State Administration for Market Regulation, the standard (GB/T 46016—2025) will come into effect in February 2026. It aims to make desk-chair sets used for napping safer, more comfortable, and longer-lasting. The regulations cover everything from design and manufacturing to everyday use.

The standard specifies size measurements based on the physical development of students. Desk height should range from 455 mm to 730 mm for primary students and from 565 mm to 790 mm for middle school students. Seats must be no less than 360 mm wide to promote good posture. There should also be sufficient legroom — 110 mm for younger students and 150 mm for older ones — enabling free movement of the legs.

Unlike ordinary chairs with fixed backs, these napping-friendly chairs can recline. When fully flat, each chair must measure at least 1050 mm in length, with a backrest that tilts beyond 135 degrees. A headrest and leg support are also required for improved comfort, allowing students to lie down rather than slump over the desk.

Practical features are also emphasized. Surfaces must be easy to clean — even from common classroom messes like ink or stamp pad stains — with a standard eraser. Moreover, the furniture must meet strict durability standards. Leg supports must withstand 20,000 uses, adjustable mechanisms are rated for over 10,000 cycles, and plastic components must pass 500-hour aging tests.

This updated standard represents a significant step forward in improving students’ rest environment at school. Well-designed napping desks and chairs will help students enjoy better quality breaks, allowing them to return to afternoon classes refreshed and focused.