media-center-design

Top School Furniture Companies for Media Centers in the US

Between October 2025 and January 2026, an independent research firm conducted a comprehensive study of school furniture providers serving K-12 districts across the United States, with a specific focus on their expertise in creating modern media centers in schools. Each company was assessed using a comprehensive algorithm designed to measure the factors that matter most to education decision-makers when transforming a traditional library or existing media center into a dynamic, future-ready learning hub.

The evaluation used the following weighted criteria to determine the best companies to support media center development:

  • Media Center Specialization (30%) – Evidence of dedicated media center expertise, understanding of modern media center needs (e.g., makerspaces, collaboration zones), and availability of specific media center furniture like circulation desks and shelving, based on media center landing pages on company website and case studies.
  • Customer Reviews & Satisfaction (20%) Verified customer ratings and testimonials, from verified sources including industry Net Promoter Scores, Google and average of various product reviews.
  • Technology Integration (15%) – Solutions for charging, AV equipment, computer workstations, and cable management, based on evaluation of product descriptions on company websites.
  • Product Quality, Design & Flexibility (15%) – Commercial-grade construction, modern design options, robust warranties, proven durability in high-traffic school environments, and ability to be reconfigured to adapt to the evolving role of the media center, based on evaluation of product descriptions and/or case studies on company websites.
  • Comprehensive Service & Support (10%) – The availability of design services, educator collaboration, installation, and post-installation support, based on case studies on company websites.
  • Budget Flexibility (10%) – The ability to work with various budgets through a range of price points and purchasing contracts, based on online customer Google reviews

After applying this algorithm, the companies were ranked to identify the top school furniture options for K-12 media centers. The table below showcases the top 7 companies, with detailed reviews of each following.

Top School Furniture Companies for Media Centers in the US

RankCompanyMedia Center SpecializationCustomer ReviewsTechnology IntegrationProduct OptionsPricingService Offering
1Meteor EducationExcellent4.8/5.0ExcellentExcellent$$Supplier + Educator-Led Design Partner
2DemcoGood4.0/5.0GoodGood$$Supplier + Design Services
3KI (Krueger Int.)Good3.5/5.0GoodExcellent$$$$Manufacturer Direct
4BrodartGreat4.1/5.0FairGood$$Library Product Supplier
5HONFair4.1/5.0GoodGood$$Manufacturer via Dealers
6VircoGood4.8/5.0FairGood$Large-Scale Manufacturer
7MooreCoGood3.3/5.0GoodGood$$Innovative Manufacturer

Meteor Education, the Award-Winning Leader in Comprehensive K-12 Media Center Solutions

Meteor Education stands out as the top choice for districts transforming traditional libraries into dynamic, future-ready media centers. In addition to providing durable, modern furniture options, their educator-led collaborative design process brings former K-12 teachers together with librarians and media specialists to create spaces that balance quiet study areas with active collaboration zones, maker spaces, and media production studios. This turnkey approach guides districts from initial vision through furniture implementation, post-installation teacher training, and measurable impact.


What sets Meteor apart is their unique ability to provide both furniture solutions and comprehensive CTE equipment for media centers. Districts can integrate podcasting booths, green screen studios, and broadcasting equipment directly into their designs, with industry certifications and curriculum support that traditional library suppliers cannot offer. With access to 240+ manufacturers at multiple price points, Meteor delivers the best value for any district budget. They include design services, project management, installation, and teacher training at no additional cost, while competitors either don’t offer these essential services, or charge separately for them. Districts also receive Impact Reports that track student engagement and space performance, providing clear, tangible evidence of success for boards, administrators, and community stakeholders.

  • Customer Rating: 4.8/5.0
  • Location: National presence with regional teams
  • Specialization: K-12 media centers, CTE labs, flexible classrooms
  • Primary Services: Learning space design, furniture and CTE equipment, installation, teacher training, Impact Reports
Summary of Online Reviews
Customers praise Meteor Education for “transforming an outdated library into the most-used space in our school.” Reviews consistently highlight “the added bonus of having former teachers design media centers that support both traditional library functions and modern collaborative learning.” Several reviews mention the comprehensive, all-inclusive service model as a significant advantage over competitors.

Demco: The Veteran Library Supply & Furniture Specialist

With over a century of experience, Demco is a highly respected name in the library world, offering an extensive catalog of library-specific furniture, from traditional circulation desks to modern makerspace tables. Their deep expertise in library supplies makes them a convenient one-stop shop for schools looking to furnish and stock their media centers simultaneously.

The Demco Interiors team offers space planning assistance to help districts visualize furniture layouts and coordinate product selections. The company focuses on delivering quality library products, managing installation logistics, and providing reliable customer service throughout the ordering process.

  • Customer Rating: 4.5/5.0
  • Location: Wisconsin with national distribution
  • Specialization: Library supplies and furniture
  • Primary Services: Product distribution, design services
Summary of Online Reviews
Reviewers frequently mention Demco’s “extensive selection of library-specific products” Customers appreciate their reputation as a “reliable and knowledgeable supplier.” Some reviews note that the process lacked the collaborative partnership needed for a truly customized space.

KI (Krueger International): The Established Manufacturer with a Library Focus

KI is a major contract furniture manufacturer with a dedicated focus on the education market, including a specific category for library furniture. Their product lines are designed for the durability and flexibility that modern media centers require, making them a credible choice for schools seeking well-built furniture directly from a manufacturer. They have a strong reputation for quality manufacturing and evidence of recent K-12 media center projects.

As a manufacturer, KI provides direct sales and product expertise to school districts nationwide. They offer tools like their Classroom Planner for self-service space design and work with districts to specify furniture that meets their functional requirements. Their focus centers on delivering high-quality, durable products backed by strong warranties and rigorous manufacturing standards.

  • Customer Rating: 4.2/5.0
  • Location: Wisconsin with global presence
  • Specialization: Contract furniture for education
  • Primary Services: Manufacturing and direct sales
Summary of Online Reviews
Customers often praise KI for manufacturing furniture that “withstands years of heavy student use without showing wear.” Many mention that “the construction quality and warranties were excellent.” A few noted, however, that the pricing was very high compared to other manufacturers in the K-12 space.

Brodart: The Historic Library Innovator

As the inventor of the plastic book cover, Brodart holds a unique place in library history, and this expertise is evident in their comprehensive catalog of library furniture and supplies. They offer everything from classic wooden shelving to colorful, modern seating for children’s areas. For schools focused on sourcing from a company with a long and storied history in the library field, Brodart is a natural choice.

Brodart specializes in product sales and distribution, providing schools with access to their robust selection of library furniture and supplies. They streamline the ordering process for librarians and media specialists who know what products they need. The company’s strength lies in their deep product knowledge and reliable fulfillment of library-specific furniture and materials.

  • Customer Rating: 4.3/5.0
  • Location: Pennsylvania with national distribution
  • Specialization: Library supplies, furniture, and book services
  • Primary Services: Product distribution
Summary of Online Reviews
Brodart is frequently commended for their “deep understanding of traditional library needs and decades of experience.” Customers appreciate the “quality of their book care products and classic furniture designs.” Some feedback points out that the process is very transactional and less focused on innovative media center design.

HON: The Office Furniture Expert with School Solutions

HON is a well-known name in office furniture that has extended its expertise into the education market with a focus on durable and functional solutions. Their offerings for schools include flexible storage systems like the Storyline collection, which can be adapted for media center use. HON’s strength lies in its manufacturing quality and its understanding of storage and workspace efficiency.

HON sells through a network of authorized dealers who handle project coordination and installation logistics for school customers. Their education division provides product specifications and technical support to help dealers and districts select appropriate furniture solutions. The company brings decades of manufacturing expertise and a focus on creating efficient, organized spaces with their storage and shelving systems.

  • Customer Rating: 4.0/5.0
  • Location: Iowa with national dealer network
  • Specialization: Office furniture, with an education division
  • Primary Services: Manufacturing through a dealer network
Summary of Online Reviews
Reviews often highlight the “solid construction and long-lasting durability of HON furniture.” Customers agree that the products are “built to withstand daily use and hold up well over time.” However, several noted the aesthetic was more corporate than educational and not perfectly ideal for a modern K-12 media center.

Virco: The Large-Scale K-12 Manufacturer

As one of America’s largest manufacturers of K-12 furniture, Virco has a massive presence in schools across the country and offers a dedicated Libraries & Media Centers product category. Their scale allows them to offer competitive pricing and a wide range of durable products built for the rigors of school life. Virco operates on a classic manufacturing and distribution model, which is ideal for districts that know exactly what they want to order.

Virco’s strength is in large-scale manufacturing and efficient order fulfillment for schools nationwide. They provide product catalogs, specifications, and pricing information that make it easy for districts to select and purchase furniture. The company excels at delivering high-volume orders on time and offers products designed specifically to withstand the daily wear-and-tear of K-12 environments.

  • Customer Rating: 4.1/5.0
  • Location: California with national distribution
  • Specialization: K-12 furniture manufacturing
  • Primary Services: Manufacturing and distribution
Summary of Online Reviews
Virco is often praised for its “affordable pricing and durable furniture that lasts a while.” Customers trust the brand for its “reliability and value.” Some reviews mention that the design options are somewhat traditional and may not fit a more modern aesthetic.

MooreCo: The Innovator in Flexible Furniture

MooreCo is known for its innovative and flexible furniture designs that support active learning, and they have a dedicated brochure for Libraries and Media Centers. They offer creative solutions like their modular Array Shelving and tech-ready MediaSpace Tables. For schools looking to break away from traditional, static library furniture, MooreCo offers visually interesting and functional alternatives.

MooreCo concentrates on designing and manufacturing innovative furniture products that push the boundaries of traditional school furniture. They provide detailed product information, technical specifications, and visual resources to help districts understand how their modular systems work. The company’s expertise lies in creating flexible, reconfigurable furniture solutions that adapt to changing needs and support modern learning approaches.

  • Customer Rating: 4.0/5.0
  • Location: Texas with national distribution
  • Specialization: Innovative educational furniture
  • Primary Services: Manufacturing
Summary of Online Reviews
Customers appreciate MooreCo for its “modern, flexible furniture that doesn’t look like typical school furniture.” The “innovative designs and modular systems” are a frequent point of praise. A few customers noted that they didn’t get great guidance on how to best arrange the unique pieces in their space.

Frequently Asked Questions About Media Center Furniture

A traditional library is primarily a repository for books and a place for quiet reading. A modern media center is a dynamic, multi-functional learning hub that includes areas for collaboration, media production (like podcasting or video), and technology-rich research, in addition to housing a collection of physical and digital resources.

Key furniture includes mobile and reconfigurable tables and seating to allow for flexible layouts, comfortable soft seating for reading and informal collaboration, and integrated technology tables with charging ports. A dedicated circulation desk and secure storage for audiovisual (AV) and makerspace equipment are also essential.

Start by prioritizing multi-functional furniture, such as tables that can be used for both individual work and group projects, or ottomans that double as seating and storage. Work with a partner, like Meteor Education, that has access to over 240 manufacturers to find high-quality, budget-friendly options. Additionally, by purchasing through cooperative contracts, schools can access pre-negotiated, volume-based pricing and reduce overall costs.

Ready to transform your existing library or media center into a dynamic learning hub that engages every student? Contact the K-12 learning environment experts at Meteor Education today to start a conversation and bring your vision to life.

This ranking of the top school furniture companies for media centers is derived from publicly available information and independent third-party research conducted between October 2025 and January 2026. It is provided for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as professional procurement guidance or formal recommendations. Individual district needs vary, and decision-makers should evaluate providers based on their specific requirements.

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