MiEN at EDspaces 2025: Booth 1301, Sessions, EDfest, and Rising Stars EDspaces lands in Columbus, OH, November 5–7, bringing together educators, facilities leaders, A&D pros, and industry partners for 60+ sessions on research-driven, future-ready learning environments. MiEN will be there all week at Booth 1301, speaking, celebrating our people, and cheering on product innovation. Where...

Hallways to Homerooms: Using Every Inch of Space This School Year Every square foot of your school building can be a thriving space for learning, whether it’s the high-tech computer lab or a humble flex-space tucked away in an underused corner. Your educational facilities hold countless opportunities to create dynamic learning environments––beyond just classrooms. Through...

Supporting Self-Regulation Through Environment Design In today's classrooms, educators are increasingly focused on helping students develop the tools they need not only to learn but to regulate their emotions, behavior, and attention. This ability—known as self-regulation—is essential for academic success and lifelong well-being. But while curricula and teaching strategies play a vital role, so too...

Fall K-12 Classroom Furniture Trends: What’s In and What’s Out For 2025 Fall is the season of new beginnings, and your classroom is a great place to start! As the seasons change, it’s an ideal time to reimagine how learning spaces can better support classroom priorities and student needs. Whether you’re designing a new building...

Welcoming Spaces: Designing Classrooms Centered Around a Sense of Belonging From the moment students step into your classroom, their mindset, engagement, and sense of security are shaped by the space that greets them. When it comes to learning spaces, first impressions aren’t just about appearances, but rather the overall atmosphere and energy emanating from your...

Back-to-School Classroom Setup Checklist: Quick Guide for Teachers This back-to-school classroom setup checklist helps you get your room ready fast. It covers layout, learning zones, seating, storage, tech, safety, and routines. Use it start to finish or jump to what you need. The goal is simple: a calm room that supports learning on day one....

5 Keys to Designing Career-Ready Learning Spaces As today’s workforce is transformed by emerging technologies, flexible work models, and a growing emphasis on collaboration and innovation, modern work spaces are evolving. To prepare students for successful careers in these dynamic environments, high schools must rethink traditional classroom design and create spaces that reflect the real-world...

Designing Sustainable Inclusive Learning Environments: A Guide for Educational Leaders Learning spaces shape how students engage, collaborate, and grow. A well‑designed campus can cut energy use, support all learners, and spark creativity. We explore how to build sustainable inclusive learning environments that pair green design with universal access. Sustainability in schools, K-12 to Higher Education,...

MiEN Heads to Key Education Conferences to Close Out 2025 As the year draws to a close, MiEN continues its national tradeshow tour, bringing our innovative, future-ready educational furniture solutions to districts, designers, and decision-makers across the country. This fall and winter, we’re exhibiting at some of the most influential events in education and design,...

How Collaboration Can Transform Special Education Classrooms Special education teachers and paraprofessionals have a shared purpose: creating nurturing and effective learning environments that support student needs and help learners reach their personal and academic goals. Together, special education teachers and paraprofessionals form a powerful duo. By collaborating with one another and cultivating positive relationships, these...

Universal Design Principles for Schools Every student learns in a different way. Universal design principles for schools set clear rules to make classrooms work for all learners. These principles use flexible furniture, varied materials, and thoughtful layouts to support students with and without disabilities. Addressing the needs of both physical spaces and learning spaces, universal...

Designing Real-World Learning Spaces for Career-Ready Students Students need skills they can use on day one of a job. Yet many classrooms still look like rows of desks and static labs. Real-world learning spaces bridge that gap. They give learners hands-on practice with tools, tech, and workflows they will see in the workplace. Increasingly, these...

Designing Classrooms for Generation Alpha Generation Alpha, children born from 2010 onward, now fill our elementary and middle schools. They grew up with touchscreens, streaming video, and instant answers. They learn best when lessons feel visual, hands-on, and social. Traditional rows of desks no longer match their needs. Designing classrooms for Generation Alpha means blending...

Designing for Every Generation: A Guide to Multigenerational Office Design Today’s workplaces are more dynamic and diverse than ever before. For the first time in history, four generations, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, are working side by side. This blend of experiences, perspectives, and work styles offers incredible opportunities for innovation, but...

Inclusive Office Furniture Design: Creating Workplaces Where Everyone Thrives The modern office is no longer a sea of matching cubicles. Teams blend remote and on-site days, and every person works in a different way. Inclusive office furniture design answers this change. Inclusive furniture plays a vital role in modern work environments by promoting accessibility, diversity,...

MiEN Company Employee Spotlight: Kevin Foote, Regional Sales Director (West Coast) At MiEN Company, creating innovative, functional, and flexible furniture solutions for evolving learning environments is central to our mission. We are fortunate to have a team of dedicated individuals who work hard every day to position MiEN as a leader in learning space design...

MiEN in the News: How Teachers and Paraprofessionals Can Transform Special Education In today's inclusive classrooms, the collaboration between special education teachers and paraprofessionals is more crucial than ever. MiEN's Cecilia Cruse is featured in SmartBrief, offering insights into how intentional partnerships can enhance student outcomes and staff satisfaction. By establishing clear roles, fostering open...

MiEN Company Employee Spotlight: Bill Hillgrove, Learning Environments Specialist (Eastern PA, NJ, and Upstate NY) At MiEN Company, creating innovative, functional, and flexible furniture solutions for evolving learning environments is central to our mission. We are fortunate to have a team of dedicated individuals who work hard every day to position MiEN as a leader...

The Evolution of a Learning Space: A Montessori School's Renovation Journey Since opening its doors in 2000, Creative Montessori Academy has been providing students with an outstanding education based on the work and observations of Maria Montessori, an Italian physician, educator and innovator who developed her educational approach through scientific observation of children. Located in...

Are You Standing Comfortably? The way students learn is evolving, and so is the furniture that supports them. Sit-to-stand desks, once seen primarily in modern office environments, are now making their way into classrooms across the country. But how do these desks, designed with adult employees in mind, translate to younger learners? And how can...

New MiEN White Paper: Rethinking Learning Space Design at Community Colleges Community colleges have always held a vital role in higher education, providing affordable, accessible, and flexible learning pathways for students to pursue their educational goals. But in the years after the pandemic, shifting student expectations and evolving workforce demands are prompting community colleges to...

MiEN Company Employee Spotlight: Steve Norton, Regional Account Manager (CA and NV) At MiEN Company, creating innovative, functional, and flexible furniture solutions for evolving learning environments is central to our mission. We are fortunate to have a team of dedicated individuals who work hard every day to position MiEN as a leader in learning space...

Explore MiEN's 2025 Tradeshow Lineup MiEN is hitting the road in 2025, bringing our innovative learning space solutions to tradeshows across the country! With 12 events already listed and nearly 40 total scheduled, our Tradeshow Page is your go-to resource for where to find us next. Upcoming Events: March 11-14: PASBO Conference March 19-21: MACUL...

MiEN in the News: 5 Ways to Create Career-Ready High School Spaces As education shifts to better prepare students for future careers, high school learning spaces must evolve to support collaboration, hands-on learning, and real-world skill development. MiEN is featured in Tech & Learning, offering insights into how intentional design can create career-ready learning environments...

MiEN in the News: 5 of the Biggest Education Trends for 2025 MiEN continues to expand its thought leadership in education design, with our expertise featured in eSchool News. Our commitment to creating innovative and flexible learning environments ensures that educators have the tools needed to support evolving educational trends. In the latest article, "5...

MiEN in the News: 5 Trends to Watch in Higher Education for 2025 MiEN continues to expand its thought leadership in education design, with our expertise featured in Campus Technology. Our commitment to creating dynamic and adaptable learning environments ensures that institutions can meet the evolving needs of higher education. In the latest article, "5...

MiEN in the News: 6 Ways to Create Engaging Elementary Learning Spaces MiEN continues to expand its thought leadership in education design, with our expertise featured in eSchool News. Our commitment to creating dynamic and engaging learning environments ensures that educators have the tools and spaces needed to support active learning and collaboration. In the...

MiEN Company Releases Thousands of Revit Family Downloads MiEN now offers over 6,000 fully sorted and searchable Revit Family Downloads, making it easier than ever for designers to access the files they need directly from our new Symbols Library page. In addition to our extensive Revit collection, we’ve also introduced the MiEN CET Extension, available...

5 Key Design Trends Shaping the Future of K-12 Cafeterias Historically, school cafeterias have been utilitarian spaces designed to serve one purpose: providing students with a place to eat at school. These food halls were useful, yet they remained largely uninspiring until recent design trends began to transform the function of cafeterias in K-12 schools....

Pantone Color of The Year 2025: Incorporating Mocha Mousse in Learning Environments The Pantone Color of the Year 2025 is Mocha Mousse, a hue Pantone describes as “a warming brown, imbued with richness, nurturing us with its suggestion of the delectable qualities of chocolate and coffee, and answering our desire for comfort.” Mocha Mousse is...

Designing Elementary Media Centers to Accommodate Growing Students: A Guide to Choosing the Best Furniture Sizes Media centers are evolving to become versatile hubs for learning, collaboration, and technology. These learning spaces must be flexible to support various activities, from individual reading to large group presentations to dynamic discussions between peers. In elementary schools, media...

MiEN’s GROW Nest Wins Association for Learning Environments Industry Partner Award at LearningSCAPES 2024 [October 29, 2024] – MiEN Company proudly announces that our GROW Nest and GROW Series have received the distinguished Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) Industry Partner Award at LearningSCAPES 2024. This prestigious accolade celebrates the GROW Series as a transformative solution...

New MiEN White Paper: Redesigning Learning Spaces for Neurodiverse Learners During the 2021-22 school year, nearly 15% of students in U.S. public schools received special education services. Many of these students are considered to be neurodivergent––that is, they experience a neurological or learning disorder such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and sensory processing issues. Neurodiversity...

MiEN Company Employee Spotlight: Christian Frank, Midwest Regional Sales Director (IL, MI, WI) At MiEN Company, our mission is to create innovative, functional, and flexible furniture solutions for evolving learning environments. We wouldn’t be able to make this vision a reality without the dedicated individuals who work hard to make MiEN a leader in learning...

MiEN Company Employee Spotlight: Kim Diaz, Regional Director (AL, FL, GA, NC, SC) At MiEN Company, our mission is to create innovative, functional, and flexible furniture solutions for evolving learning environments. We wouldn’t be able to make this vision a reality without the dedicated individuals who work hard to make MiEN a leader in learning...

MiEN in the News: 5 Ways to Turn Underused Space into a Vibrant Environment MiEN continues to expand its thought leadership in education design, with our expertise featured in University Business. Our commitment to reimagining learning environments ensures that institutions can transform underutilized spaces into dynamic, engaging hubs for students and educators. In the latest...

Q&A with Tyler Pellerito and Ryanne Lane on Their Top 5 Favorite MiEN Products Welcome to the newest installment of the MiEN Environments Top 5 Series, where we delve into the preferred selections of MiEN Company's finest. In this edition, we have the pleasure of featuring insights from Tyler Pellerito, Regional Account Manager for the...

MiEN Company Employee Spotlight: Tyler Pellerito, Regional Account Manager (CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT) At MiEN Company, our mission is to create innovative, functional, and flexible furniture solutions for evolving learning environments. We are fortunate to have a team of dedicated individuals who work hard every day to position MiEN as a leader...

Meet Katelyn Forcucci, Chief Education Strategist at emPOWERED PD Powered by MiEN As classrooms evolve, teaching methods must adapt to prepare learners for the dynamic demands of today’s rapidly changing world. Recognizing this need, Professional Development by MiEN delivers emPOWERED PD to equip educators with the skills and pedagogy needed to foster engaged learners. Through...

10 Steps to Integrate Teacher Input into Learning Space Design: Empower Educators to Transform Their Classrooms The thoughtful design of learning environments is key to improving educator satisfaction and fostering student engagement and success. In order to create transformative educational spaces, the design process should consider the needs of both the students and educators who...

MiEN in the News: 5 Ways to Transform Multiple Media Centers into STEM Learning Hubs MiEN continues to expand its thought leadership in education design, with our expertise featured in The Learning Counsel. Our commitment to creating future-ready learning environments helps schools and institutions reimagine traditional media centers into dynamic STEM hubs that foster innovation...

Creating an Ergonomic Learning Environment: A Guide to Choosing the Best Furniture Sizes for Educational Spaces In ergonomic learning environments, both the physical environment and the furnishings within it play a pivotal role in fostering learning and wellbeing. While much of the focus of learning space design is placed on the layout and function of...

MiEN in the News: 5 Ways to Rethink Classroom Design for Collaborative Space MiEN continues to expand its thought leadership in education design, with our expertise featured in SmartBrief. Our dedication to designing flexible and student-centered learning environments helps educators create collaborative spaces that foster engagement and active learning. In the latest article, "5 Ways...

Furniture Designed to Last: Promoting Sustainability with High-Quality Furnishings In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on the environmental problem of “fast furniture,” which refers to the disposable nature of many modern furniture products. “Fast furniture” is a fairly new term, describing the inexpensive, trendy furniture pieces that are often mass-produced with low-quality...

Designing Better Learning Spaces: Drew Wodarski, ECLPS Learning Environment Specialist helping school districts across AZ, CO, NM, UT, and WY plan modern, effective classrooms. Before a school district makes a single furniture purchasing decision, Drew works directly with facilities teams, educators, and leadership to translate their teaching goals into actionable space planning. As an EDmarket...

MiEN in the News: 5 of the Biggest Trends in Higher Education MiEN continues to expand its thought leadership in education design, with our expertise featured in eCampus News. Our commitment to creating adaptable, future-ready learning environments ensures that higher education institutions can meet the evolving needs of students and educators. In the latest article,...

MiEN in the News: Create Engaging Multipurpose Learning Spaces MiEN continues to expand its thought leadership in education design, with our expertise featured in eSchool News. Our commitment to designing adaptable and student-centered environments ensures that schools can maximize space efficiency while fostering collaboration and engagement. In the latest article, "Create Engaging Multipurpose Learning Spaces,"...

MiEN in the News: Wiggle, Wobble, Learn – The Power of Flexible Furniture As learning environments continue to evolve, so does the furniture that supports them. MiEN is once again at the forefront of the conversation, featured in Spaces4Learning for our commitment to dynamic, student-centered spaces. By embracing movement-friendly and adaptable designs, we help schools...

Pantone Color of The Year 2024: Incorporating Peach Fuzz in Learning Environments As we enter a new year, new color trends are on the horizon. The Pantone color of the year 2024 is Peach Fuzz, a color Pantone describes as "a color radiant with warmth and modern elegance. . .that resonates with compassion, offers a...

5 Education Trends for 2024: A Look Into K-12 Education Unleashed As we welcome the new year, educators and industry leaders are anticipating the top education trends for 2024. In recent years, the education industry has seen a rapid transformation, marked by new ideas and emerging technologies. In 2024, this momentum will continue, bringing forth...

A Year in Review: 2023 at MiEN Company Each year as we enter the New Year, we like to look back upon all that we’ve been able to accomplish throughout the year. 2023 at MiEN Company has been a vibrant and transformative year––from emerging educational technology trends to inspiring learning space designs. Reflecting on 2023,...

MiEN in the News: 6 Tips for Designing an Esports Space Esports is rapidly becoming a core part of modern education, bridging the gap between technology, teamwork, and career readiness. MiEN is proud to be featured in SmartBrief, sharing insights on how intentional design can create esports spaces that enhance student engagement, collaboration, and competitive...

MiEN Company Employee Spotlight: Jonathan Gossom, Regional Director (KY, TN, IN, OH, WV) At the MiEN Company, our mission is to create innovative, functional, and flexible furniture solutions for evolving learning spaces. We take pride in the dedicated individuals who make our vision a reality. Today, we’re highlighting Jonathan Gossom, MiEN's Regional Director overseeing Kentucky,...

EDspaces 2023: Discover Esports Innovation with MiEN Environments The EDspaces 2023 conference and exhibit is drawing near, and we can’t wait to gather once again to share and discover the latest innovation in education design. At EDspaces 2023, discover esports innovation with MiEN’s expansive booth at the exhibition. Join us for enriching presentations, and immerse...

4 Tips to Design Learning Spaces for Middle School Students Middle school is a transitional phase in students’ academic careers, ushering students from elementary school into high school––and beyond. In middle school, students are often presented with a new schedule, different approaches to learning, and faster rates of acquiring new academic content. During their middle...

MiEN Company Releases White Paper on Use of Teacher Spaces to Stop Teacher Burnout and Turnover New paper explains how investing in teacher lounges and workrooms can reduce stress, increase retention, boost academic outcomes and attract new teachers GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Oct. 10, 2023 – Addressing the increased rates of teacher burnout and resignations...

MiEN in the News: 4 Signs That Your School Needs a Media Center Upgrade As learning environments evolve, so should the spaces that support them. MiEN is featured in District Administration, offering insights into how modernizing media centers can enhance student engagement, collaboration, and digital literacy. By integrating flexible furniture, technology-driven workstations, and adaptable layouts,...

MiEN in the News: Schools in the Office – How Non-Traditional Spaces Can Transform Education The way students learn is evolving, and so are the spaces where learning happens. MiEN is featured in The Learning Counsel, offering insights into how non-traditional learning environments, including office spaces, coworking hubs, and community centers, can be transformed into...

MiEN in the News: 5 Ways to Update Media Centers for Modern Learning As education evolves, so must the spaces that support it. MiEN is featured in eSchool News, offering expert insights on how schools can transform traditional media centers into dynamic, multi-functional learning hubs. By integrating flexible furniture, technology-driven workstations, and collaborative zones, educators...

5 Ways to Organize Your Classroom for Back-to-School As summer ends, teachers and students eagerly prepare for the new school year ahead. Before learning takes off at full speed, it’s important to organize your classroom to create a successful learning environment for students and teachers alike! A well-organized learning environment fosters a positive atmosphere for...

5 MiEN Educational Products Going Viral If you’re searching for the latest trends in furniture design, you’ve come to the right place. Prepare to be inspired by these five MiEN educational products that are going viral! Here at MiEN, we offer a diverse range of educational furniture products that meet the needs of schools and...

6 Essential Library Spaces: Beyond the Books With the new function of media centers, there are a lot more zones to consider to meet all student and faculty needs. These six essential spaces created with MiEN products can help you create a 21st century library that provides function and comfort for all who use it!...

4 Tips for Designing a Student-Centered Library In modern library spaces, the design is no longer centered around books and other reading materials. While these media still require a home in the library, a modern media center holds more functions, acting as a hub for students to engage in a variety of social and academic...

4 Key Factors to Starting an Elementary Esports Program The benefits of scholastic esports make a compelling case for starting a program, and many schools have done just that to enhance students’ learning experience and future opportunities. Starting an esports program is beneficial to learners of all ages: Research shows that students who participate in esports experience social and emotional benefits,...

Designing Learning Spaces for Developmentally Appropriate Practice In order to provide students with an effective education, early childhood educators need to utilize developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) to teach children. This teaching strategy acknowledges what children know and what they can do, while also setting reasonable goals for learning and development. Younger learners have different abilities...

How to Design a Montessori Learning EnvironmentNurture children’s independence and natural motivation by designing a Montessori learning environment equipped to support their learning! Montessori is an alternative form of education––primarily used with early childhood and elementary students––that is built around supporting children’s natural behaviors and instincts. This learning method is known for its child-centered approach...

MiEN in the News: 4 Tips for Starting an Elementary Esports Program Esports is making its way into elementary education, offering young students opportunities to build teamwork, problem-solving, and digital literacy skills. MiEN is featured in eSchool News, providing insights into how schools can design esports spaces that foster engagement and support the unique needs...

MiEN in the News: Aligning Learning Space Design with NAEYC Standards Early childhood learning environments play a crucial role in shaping a child’s educational experience. MiEN is featured in Spaces4Learning, offering insights into how intentional learning space design can align with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards. By prioritizing flexibility,...

5 Steps to Take When Building a 21st Century Media Center When Voorhees School District decided to give all of its media centers makeovers, Osage Elementary School was one of four elementary schools that was more than ready for the experience. Its 600-student school would become the first in the district to use MiEN furniture...

MiEN in the News: 5 Ways to Create a More Functional and Inviting Teachers’ Lounge Educators dedicate their time to shaping the future, and their spaces should support their well-being just as much as student learning environments. MiEN is featured in District Administration, offering insights on how schools can design teachers’ lounges that are both...

Funding for Private Schools: Upgrade Your Learning Spaces with EANS Funds The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic are still greatly impacting schools today, and federal funds from pandemic relief programs can be the key to recovery. The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund allocated roughly $190 billion to K-12 schools across the country, with a...

5 Ways to Use ESSER Funding to Transform Learning Spaces The September 2023 deadline to allocate ESSER II funding provided through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act is quickly approaching––here’s a reminder of the five ways to use ESSER funding to transform learning spaces in your school or district! Since March 2020, the federal government...

Pantone Color of The Year 2023: Incorporating Viva Magenta in Learning Environments The Pantone color of 2023 is Viva Magenta, a color Pantone describes as “a new animated red that revels in pure joy, encouraging experimentation and self-expression without restraint, an electrifying, and a boundaryless shade that is manifesting as a stand-out statement.” Viva Magenta is...

MiEN in the News: 5 of the Biggest Education Trends in 2023 The education landscape is constantly evolving, with new trends shaping the way students learn and educators teach. MiEN is featured in eSchool News, offering insights into the biggest shifts in education for 2023. From flexible learning environments to technology integration, schools are embracing...

6 Modern Ideas for Innovative K-12 Learning Spaces Classrooms aren’t the only place for innovative design––more and more schools are coming up with modern ideas for innovative K-12 learning spaces. From media centers and cafeterias to STEM labs and English literacy spaces, schools are approaching learning space design with flexibility, collaboration, and multi-functionality in mind....

5 of the Biggest Education Trends for 2023 With the start of a new year and education conference season just beginning, educators and industry leaders are discovering the biggest education trends for 2023. The past few years have seen a significant transformation for education and edtech, and 2023 will continue to bring new ideas and...

MiEN in the News: Creating Modern Collaborative Learning Spaces Collaboration is at the heart of 21st-century learning, and the design of learning environments plays a crucial role in fostering engagement and teamwork. MiEN is featured in Spaces4Learning, sharing insights on how modern classroom design can support student interaction, flexibility, and active learning. By incorporating adaptable...

Collaborative Learning Spaces Designed Nationwide by the MiEN Company GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Jan. 4, 2023 – A growing number of schools chose MiEN to support learning and collaboration in their schools and districts. Twelve schools and one district-wide project are a few of the most recent educational institutions to make MiEN Company their furnishing and...

4 Ideas for Designing Collaborative Learning Spaces Designing collaborative learning spaces in your school is a great way to expand learning opportunities and enable teachers to engage students in new ways. These spaces are usually designed to meet the needs of a variety of different subjects or activities and are an effective way to encourage students...

4 Easy Ideas for Social Spaces that Encourage Student Connection Schools are not just a place for learning––they are also hubs for community and connection. After spending much of the past two years learning remotely and separated from their peers, students are excited that things at school have returned to normal. One of the primary...

MiEN in the News: MiEN’s New KIO Tinker Table Quickly Switches from a Bookcase to a Workstation and More Innovation meets adaptability with MiEN’s latest addition to its dynamic learning furniture lineup—the KIO Tinker Table. Featured in The Learning Counsel, this multi-functional solution redefines flexibility in educational spaces, allowing educators and students to seamlessly transition...

MiEN Company Announces New and Pending Patents GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Oct. 31, 2022 – MiEN Company announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued patents for three of MiEN Company’s furnishing designs: the MUST+ Sit-2-Stand Table & Lectern, FFL chair series and FLEX Steps modular lounge and seating unit. Four other products...

MiEN in the News: MiEN Company Announces New and Pending Patents As a leader in innovative learning space design, MiEN took center stage at EDspaces 2022, where we had the opportunity to shape an immersive educational environment. Featured in Education Writers Association (EWA), this highlight showcases MiEN’s role in designing dynamic spaces that foster collaboration,...

Q&A with Kara and Mary: Top 5 Favorite MiEN Products Welcome to the MiEN Environments Top 5 Series, where our regional directors, account managers, and designers share their favorite MiEN Company top 5 products. Here we will breakdown the value our employees and our customers find in the solutions designed with specific products and why...

EDspaces 2022: Come See MiEN’s Innovative, Patented Furnishings The EDspaces 2022 conference and exhibit is right around the corner, and it’s one of our favorite places to gather each year to share and discover the latest innovation in education design. Come visit us at the exhibition to learn about our top patented furnishing products and creative ideas...

3 Types of Modern Media Shelving: Curved Bookcases, KIO Tinker, & DIVIDE Storage For a long time, the only storage option available for K-12 media centers was lining up rows and rows of traditional bookshelves. While we still love to see a row or two of traditional straight bookcases for vertical organization of reading materials in a...

MiEN in the News: Five Ways to Turn an Existing Media Center into a Multipurpose, Collaborative Space Modern learning environments require spaces that evolve alongside educational needs. MiEN is featured in Spaces4Learning, highlighting the transformation of St. Stephen’s media center into a dynamic, technology-driven learning hub. By reimagining traditional library spaces with flexible furniture and...

Q&A with Scott and Mary: Top 5 Favorite MiEN Products Welcome to the MiEN Environments Top 5 Series, where our regional directors, account managers, and designers share their favorite MiEN products. Here we will breakdown the value our employees and our customers find in the solutions designed with specific products and why those products meet...

5 Tips for Designing Accommodating Learning Spaces for Students with Sensory Needs As the number of students with special needs, students with sensory sensitivities, and students with other support needs increases nationwide, educators are finding ways to design accommodating classrooms that support positive student behavior and academic performance. Today’s students are increasingly being bombarded with...

3 Reasons to Use Sit-to-Stand Desks in the Classroom So long to a classroom full of stationary, seated desks that keep students sedentary all day––the future holds flexible, student-centered sit-to-stand desks that promote student choice and engagement! Sit-to-stand desks have become common in the workplace and home offices as an option that allows flexibility, encourages...

MiEN in the News: What Goes Into Designing a Student Union? Student unions serve as the heartbeat of a campus, providing a space where students can gather, collaborate, and recharge. MiEN is featured in Spaces4Learning, offering insights into how intentional design can create dynamic, inclusive, and engaging student union spaces that foster both community and...

4 Ideas for Innovative Teacher Stations For decades, teachers have sat in the front of the classroom behind a bulky, stationary desk. While this approach works for many educators, these teacher stations have always left something to be desired. At MiEN, we’ve created the THX Double Pedestal Teacher Station, a traditional-style desk with storage that solves...

5 Tips for Back-to-School Classroom Organization It’s once again time to head back to school and putting a focus on your classroom organization now can set you up for a smooth and efficient school year. With the right organization tools and classroom furnishings, you can create a well-organized learning space that both you and your...

Five Elementary Classroom Design Tips for Engagement and Success Gone are the elementary classrooms of the past––where students were confined to their desks for all day lectures––make your early childhood classrooms a welcoming space where students are engaged and excited to learn! The classroom environment is an essential part of learning for elementary students, as...

Q&A with Eliza and Hannah: Top 5 Favorite MiEN Products Welcome to the MiEN Environments Top 5 Series, where our regional directors, account managers, and designers share their favorite MiEN products. Here we will breakdown the value our employees and our customers find in the solutions designed with specific products and why those products meet...

5 Design Tips for an Elementary Media Center Away with dark and boring brown school libraries! Make your library a place kids love to visit and learn skills to prepare them for the future at the same time! The media center is an important place for learning, discovery, and collaboration, especially for elementary school students who...

MiEN in the News: Five Steps to Creating a Winning Esports Space At Any School Esports is rapidly becoming an essential part of modern education, offering students opportunities to develop teamwork, strategic thinking, and career-ready skills. MiEN is featured in The Journal, sharing expert insights on designing esports spaces that enhance engagement, collaboration, and competitive...

MiEN Company Appoints Krzysztof Skrzypek as VP of FinanceMiEN strengthens executive leadership team with new VP of Finance hire GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – July 5, 2022 – MiEN Company has announced that Krzysztof (Chris) Skrzypek is joining the company as its VP of Finance. In his new role, Skrzypek will coordinate with MiEN’s business units, vendors and sales teams...

Designing Elementary Learning Spaces to Encourage Movement in the Classroom Incorporating movement into elementary learning spaces offers benefits to students’ physical health, social and emotional wellbeing, and academic success. Physical activity is a powerful tool for improving learning and focus, increasing engagement, and reducing classroom management challenges. Research suggests that increased physical activity in schools can...

How Cooperative Purchasing Can Simplify the Buying Process and Increase Your Purchasing Power When you’re searching for the best furniture for your facilities, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with comprehensively reviewing and vetting all the different furniture partners you want to consider. However, it’s important that suppliers are going to be able to meet all...

New MiEN K-12 Esports White Paper Available: Creating an Esports Space That Supports Academic Success and SEL K-12 esports, or competitive online video gaming is a rapidly growing and trending industry projected to surpass $1.8 billion in 2022. The growing popularity of esports as a school extracurricular is supported by the North America Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF), which aims...

MiEN in the News: MiEN Releases White Paper on Creating a Scholastic Esports Program Esports is transforming the educational landscape, providing students with opportunities for teamwork, leadership, and career development. MiEN is featured in eCampus News, spotlighting the release of our white paper on Creating a Scholastic Esports Program. This comprehensive guide explores best practices...

6 Key Ideas for Designing an Esports Space Academic esports, or a competitive school video-gaming team, is the next big extracurricular opportunity for today’s students. Esports offers the same social and emotional learning benefits as traditional athletics and can also provide a pathway to teach topics like literacy, STEM, and career and technical education. Currently,...

MiEN Company Releases White Paper on Creating a Scholastic Esports Program New paper covers curriculums, career pathways, funding, planning and effective space design for competitive gaming  GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – June 9, 2022 – An increasing number of schools are finding that scholastic esports – competitive online video gaming between schools – provide the same social and emotional learning...

Power Up and Press Play with Esports Spaces The rise of esports is paving the way for schools to embrace structured esports programs spaces as an extracurricular sport alongside traditional competitive sports programs. School leaders understand that esports offers the same valuable lessons and skills that traditional sports do, making these programs key to engaging...

3 Key Factors in Designing Sustainable Buildings When creating new schools and workplaces of the future, designing sustainable buildings should be a top consideration for architects, designers, and building planners. Sustainable design emphasizes the needs of infrastructure, efficient energy consumption, durability, and air quality to ensure environmental sustainability and the health of those who use the...

4 Reasons to Create an Esports Space in the Media Center Academic esports continues to grow in K-12 schools as an extracurricular activity that attracts students of all backgrounds. The benefits of esports in schools are clear: evidence shows that academic esports benefits students’ overall academic performance and social emotional learning––plus, students who are successful in...

MiEN in the News: Transforming a Dormant Computer Lab into an Engaging, Modern Learning Space As technology continues to shape the way students learn, modern computer labs must evolve to support collaboration, engagement, and digital literacy. MiEN is featured in Spaces4Learning, showcasing the transformation of Lamphere High School’s computer lab into a dynamic, future-ready learning...

Is Polypropylene Safe and Sustainable? Uncovering the Facts About Polypropylene Polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic polymer (a type of plastic) that has a wide variety of applications. As one of the most common thermoplastics in the world, uses range from food packaging to medical devices to fabric fibers. Of the variety of commercial plastics available today,...

What is Sustainability? Defining Common Sustainability Terms At MiEN Company, we are driven by environmental sustainability, which is reflected in both the materials and designs we use for our products. By utilizing innovative design and sourcing high-quality raw and recycled materials, we create products that balance durability with comfort and style to ensure a long...

4 Benefits of Flexible Seating: From Floor Learning to Standing Desks Traditional classroom seating was created with traditional learning in mind, but with many schools transitioning to modern, flexible, and active learning practices, classroom design must also transition to support new ways of learning. And while traditional seating approaches still have their function in the...

What It Means to Be a Sustainable Furniture Company: Designing With Sustainability in Mind Schools and workspaces of the future are designed with environmental sustainability in mind for everything from architectural design and creative reuse to the furniture pieces we use in the spaces we create. Design decision-makers in these spaces need to not only...

Q & A with our Founder and CEO Remco Bergsma Ever wondered what Remco is thinking about the business landscape right now or his plans for the future? Or why he started the company in the first place? How his European heritage gives MiEN an edge in the US market? How he sees the future...

6 Workplace Design Tips for Collaboration and Productivity When moving to a new office or remaking your existing space, it’s critical to approach the design process with function in mind. An innovative and engaging workplace design can make the difference when it comes to your company’s productivity and collaboration among your employees. Finding a furniture partner...

5 Tips for Building an Esports Program in Your District A unique opportunity to capitalize on after-school activities and get students involved with extracurricular activities, esports’ competitive, organized video gaming has been gaining in popularity in the K-12 sector. Not only is an esports program a great way to engage students through an activity they...

5 Tips for Building an Esports Program in Your District A unique opportunity to capitalize on after-school activities and get students involved with extracurricular activities, esports’ competitive, organized video gaming has been gaining in popularity in the K-12 sector. Not only is an esports program a great way to engage students through an activity they...

6 Ways to be Environmentally Friendly in the Classroom Whether you’re a teacher or administrator, improving the sustainability of your school can be beneficial. A focus on sustainability can help you create a healthier learning space, as well as engage students in important environmental principles. Educating students to be more eco-friendly gives them a better understanding of...

A Year in Review: 2021 at MiEN Company Every year with the arrival of December, it’s hard to believe the year is actually coming to a close. And this year is no exception. As schools have reopened for in-person learning again in 2021, learning spaces have seen great transformations––from improved technology to better cleaning and disinfection practices...

5 Tips to Design an Active Learning Space When building a new school, it’s important to design a building that not only fits the academic needs of modern learners, teachers, and administrators, but that also is equipped with features to support the school’s mission. Many schools are now focused on incorporating active learning principles into...

4 Steps to Designing Modern Learning Environments Many schools face steep challenges on the road to creating collaborative, modern learning environments that students, teachers, and staff can enjoy and thrive in.  One of the biggest barriers to developing these learning spaces is the state of aging school buildings, which often haven’t been updated and reworked...

MiEN Company’s New KIO Tinker Table Quickly Switches from a Bookcase to a Workstation and More GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Nov. 9, 2021 – Schools’ limited space means that they need furniture that can adapt to multiple situations. For this reason, MiEN Company has created the KIO Tinker table, a 360-degree mobile bookcase that doubles as a workstation...

Introducing the 2021 MiEN Showroom When designing new school and/or office spaces, it’s important to choose furniture solutions that will best serve the people who will use the space. For the designers of these spaces, it can be challenging to imagine exactly how a product will function for a specific purpose or how the materials...

MiEN in the News: 7 Design Tips for Active Learning Spaces Active learning spaces are redefining education by fostering collaboration, engagement, and adaptability. MiEN is featured in SmartBrief, sharing expert insights on how educators can design classrooms that support movement, interaction, and hands-on learning. With intentional layouts, flexible furniture, and technology integration, schools can create...

MiEN in the News: Four Tips for Modern Learning Spaces As the educational landscape evolves, so must the spaces where learning happens. MiEN is featured in Spaces4Learning, sharing expert insights on how to design modern learning environments that enhance engagement, flexibility, and collaboration. By incorporating adaptable furniture, intentional layouts, and technology integration, schools can create...

MiEN in the News: 4 Ways Active Learning Spaces Support the Modern Educational Environment Education is evolving, and the spaces where learning happens must evolve with it. MiEN is featured in District Administration, offering expert insights into how active learning spaces enhance engagement, collaboration, and adaptability in today’s classrooms. By incorporating flexible furniture, dynamic layouts,...

3 Reasons Why University Libraries Still Matter Universities have had to innovate to meet student expectations and school needs, and university libraries and learning spaces play a central role. Librarians have been at the forefront of a shift in the usage of university libraries, reimagining libraries to accommodate new technologies, expanded media sources, and multi-use...

4 Reasons Why School Libraries Still Matter From K-12 to higher ed, a shift in school needs and technology has led school libraries to reimagine how they support students and educators in their learning communities. Schools are implementing new learning standards, and many have integrated technology-enabled instruction into their daily curriculum. This has created an...

5 Functions of Active Learning Classrooms Active learning classrooms are more than just learning spaces outfitted with technology. These engaging and dynamic learning environments support new pedagogy, active learning, and students’ development of essential skills. Implementing active learning spaces puts a greater focus on creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration in schools and supports modern...

5 Steps to Establish a Collaborative Learning Environment When Designing New Learning Facilities Not all schools have designated spaces for collaborative learning, so sometimes student collaboration must take place in the hallway, cafeteria, or other makeshift spaces. While finding multiple ways to use a learning space can be great for space efficiency, designing intentional collaborative...

MiEN Company Releases New Guide on Creating Active Learning Spaces GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – June 21, 2021 – During the pandemic, schools rapidly adopted technology and flexible learning models so they could better support students. Now, many district administrators are deciding to keep those flexible models when the pandemic ends. To help educators make the most of new teaching...

4 Benefits of Active Learning Environments Traditional classroom design is in transition, with the integration of technology, personalized learning, collaboration, and the implementation of a learner-centered approach being at the core of the conversation. This shift in design mirrors the needs of the modern workplace, helping to prepare students for next-generation careers and empowering them...

5 Reasons to Implement Active Learning Environments There is a clear shift from traditional pedagogy to a focus on creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and social-emotional learning. As the demands of college and careers have also changed, these skills have become critical for students to be successful in their future endeavors. Active learning environments are better...

Level Up Your Learning Space with These 5 MiEN Products Creating future-ready learning spaces that invite students to explore, spark creativity, and engage in learning doesn’t accidentally happen. Warm inviting environments are carefully curated with functional durable products. Level up your learning space with the DIVIDE, EDGE table, 2G2BT Open Face, FLEX Steps, and SLICE...

MiEN in the News: How to Create a Learning Space That Nurtures Tomorrow’s Workforce As the workforce landscape shifts, educational spaces must adapt to equip students with the skills and experiences needed for future careers. MiEN is featured in SmartBrief, offering expert insights on how intentional learning space design fosters collaboration, critical thinking, and adaptability—key...

MiEN in the News: 5 Essentials for an Active Learning Classroom Active learning classrooms are designed to promote engagement, collaboration, and flexibility—key elements in modern education. MiEN is featured in eSchool News, offering expert insights into how intentional classroom design can enhance student participation and support diverse learning styles. By integrating adaptable furniture, technology, and...

How to Furnish Classroom Learning Zones We recently posted a blog about creating classroom learning zones to promote engagement and meet the diverse needs of students. Creating organized zones for students to engage with different learning environments and types of content can support a wide variety of teaching and learning approaches, as well as student voice and...

MiEN in the News: 5 Ways to Infuse Collaboration into Learning Spaces Collaboration is a cornerstone of modern education, and learning environments play a crucial role in fostering meaningful student interactions. MiEN is featured in Spaces4Learning, offering expert insights into how classroom design can enhance collaboration through adaptable layouts, flexible furniture, and intentional space planning....

5 Ideas for Federal Stimulus Relief Funds to Transform Learning Spaces The Corona Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act includes a set of plans and funds that aim to help schools rebuild with an emphasis on equity, classroom safety, social and emotional well-being, and academic success. The CARES act provides funding for a variety...

3 Key Elements of Future Ready Science Labs Gone are the old, stuffy, and institutional-looking labs of the past, and now in their place are bright and airy future ready spaces that support collaboration and student-centered learning. Students benefit from working in spaces that are designed for their comfort and to support their learning, and––in...

5 Classroom Learning Zones to Promote Engagement When designing a classroom, creating differentiated classroom learning zones is a useful way to personalize the learning environment to meet the diverse needs of students. This strategy can be used with all age levels to organize learning spaces into established zones where students can engage with different learning...

MiEN in the News: Build a model for continuous learning As education continues to evolve, technology plays a crucial role in supporting flexible and continuous learning experiences. MiEN is featured in ACTE Online, sharing insights on how intentional classroom design and technology integration create adaptable spaces that foster engagement and student success. By embracing modern...

5 Office Design Trends for a Post-Pandemic World COVID-19 has changed everything about our lives, from the way we shop, to the way we interact with people, to the way we work. In particular, COVID-19 has ushered in the remote working trend, with some analysts predicting that 25 to 30 percent of the workforce will be...

Q&A with Jonathan and Ryanne: Top 5 Favorite MiEN Products Welcome to the MiEN Environments Top 5 Series, where our regional directors, account managers, and designers share their favorite MiEN products. Here we will breakdown the value our employees and our customers find in the solutions designed with specific products and why those products meet...

MiEN in the News: How to Design Future-Ready Science Labs Science education is evolving, and the spaces where students conduct experiments and collaborate must keep pace. MiEN is featured in Tech & Learning, offering expert insights into designing future-ready science labs that foster exploration, critical thinking, and hands-on learning. By integrating adaptable furniture, advanced technology,...

MiEN in the News: 6 Must-Haves in a Modern Media Center As education continues to evolve, school media centers must transform to meet the needs of today’s students and educators. MiEN is featured in eSchool News, offering insights on the key elements that make modern media centers dynamic, flexible, and engaging. By integrating adaptable furniture,...

Q&A with Christian and Claire: Top 5 Favorite MiEN Products Welcome to the MiEN Environments Top 5 Series, where our regional directors, account managers, and designers share their favorite MiEN products. Here we will breakdown the value our employees and our customers find in the solutions designed with specific products and why those products meet...

MiEN in the News: 5 Tips for Creating a Future-Ready Science Lab STEM education is evolving, and science labs must keep up with the changing demands of hands-on, technology-driven learning. MiEN is featured in SmartBrief, sharing expert insights on how future-ready science labs can enhance collaboration, adaptability, and student engagement. By integrating flexible furniture, modular...

MiEN in the News: 5 Tips for Modernizing a K–12 Media Center Media centers are no longer just quiet spaces for books—they have evolved into dynamic learning hubs that foster collaboration, creativity, and digital literacy. MiEN is featured in Spaces4Learning, offering expert insights on how K–12 schools can transform traditional media centers into engaging, future-ready...

MiEN in the News: Rethinking the Computer Labs of the Future As digital learning continues to evolve, traditional computer labs must adapt to support collaboration, flexibility, and hands-on learning. MiEN is featured in EDmarket Essentials, offering expert insights on how to design future-ready computer labs that move beyond static rows of desktops to dynamic, multi-functional...

A Year in Review: 2020 at MiEN Company Every year as we come upon the end of December, we like to look back to reflect upon all that we have been able to accomplish throughout the year. 2020 has been a year like no other, with COVID-19, social movements, and a historic election changing daily...

MiEN Company Releases White Paper on How Flexible Furniture Creates Active Learning Environments GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Dec. 15, 2020 – Districts and schools are increasingly adopting active learning practices in order to address businesses’ demand for employees capable of creative and collaborative work. But one commonly overlooked factor in this transition is classroom design. However, research...

Q&A with Kim and Marissa: Top 5 Favorite MiEN Products Welcome to the MiEN Environments Top 5 Series, where our regional directors, account managers, and designers share their favorite MiEN products. Here we will breakdown the value our employees and our customers find in the solutions designed with specific products and why those products meet...

MiEN in the News: School Library Design and the Coronavirus Pandemic The role of school libraries has rapidly evolved, especially in response to the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. MiEN is featured in SmartBrief, offering insights into how library spaces can be reimagined to support hybrid learning, social distancing, and long-term flexibility. By integrating...

MiEN in the News: How Flexible Classrooms Support Active Learning in Preparing Students for Tomorrow’s Workforce The modern workforce demands adaptability, collaboration, and problem-solving skills—traits that are best cultivated in active learning environments. MiEN is featured in The Learning Counsel, offering insights into how flexible classroom design supports student engagement, deeper learning, and future career...

MiEN in the News: 5 Ways Flexible Learning Environments Boost Student Engagement Student engagement is the foundation of effective learning, and the design of a classroom plays a crucial role in fostering active participation. MiEN is featured in eSchool News, offering insights into how flexible learning environments create dynamic spaces that enhance focus, collaboration, and...

MiEN in the News: 5 Educational Trends to Watch Right Now Education is constantly evolving, with new trends shaping the way students learn and educators teach. MiEN is featured in EdTech Digest, offering insights into emerging educational trends that are redefining modern learning environments. From flexible classroom design to technology integration, these trends emphasize adaptability,...

MiEN in the News: 10 Ways to Create Collaborative, Engaging Classrooms During COVID The pandemic reshaped the way schools approach classroom design, emphasizing the need for flexibility, collaboration, and safety. MiEN is featured in Christian School Products, offering expert insights into how adaptable learning environments can support student engagement while maintaining health-conscious layouts. By integrating...

MiEN in the News: 5 Ways to Redesign a Media Center During COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the way schools approach learning environments, including media centers, which have evolved into multi-functional, flexible spaces that support both in-person and hybrid learning. MiEN is featured in Spaces4Learning, offering insights into how thoughtful design strategies can enhance safety,...

Classroom Design with SEL in Mind Social-emotional learning (SEL) is a critical skill set that all K-12 students should learn and master. SEL competencies include self-awareness, self-management, decision-making, social awareness, and relationship skills and give students the ability to manage emotions, set and achieve goals, create positive relationships, and more. These skills help students build...

Cleaning & Disinfecting to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 in Learning Spaces As students, faculty, and staff return to school this fall and beyond, there is a new emphasis on the importance of cleaning and disinfecting surfaces throughout schools in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. While students and educators will be...

MiEN in the News: Building Flexible Classrooms to Conform to Learners—Not the Other Way Around Traditional classroom designs often dictate how students learn, but flexible learning spaces empower students to take control of their educational experiences. MiEN is featured in The Learning Counsel, offering insights into how adaptable classroom design supports diverse learning styles, encourages...

MiEN in the News: 5 Ways to Create a Great Esports Space for Your School Esports is rapidly becoming an essential part of school communities, offering students opportunities to develop teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills. MiEN is featured in District Administration, providing expert insights into how intentional design can elevate esports spaces, making them more...

MiEN in the News: How to Keep COVID-19 from Negatively Impacting Learning Space Design The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the way schools approach learning environments, emphasizing the need for flexibility, safety, and adaptability. MiEN is featured in Campus Security Today, offering expert insights into how intentional learning space design can maintain student engagement while adhering to...

MiEN in the News: Five Tips for Creating a Vibrant, Modern Learning Space A well-designed learning space can transform how students engage, collaborate, and succeed. MiEN is featured in Spaces4Learning, offering expert insights into how modern classroom design fosters creativity, adaptability, and deeper learning. By integrating flexible furniture, multi-purpose layouts, and technology-driven workspaces, schools can...

Cleaning and Disinfecting Surface Materials During COVID-19 With only three and half months until many U.S. schools are scheduled to begin a new school year, American students, teachers, and staff are wondering what the new normal will be in classrooms to keep COVID-19 from a resurgence in the fall. Many districts are considering what this...