CEF

CEF: Innovative Educational Furniture for Modern Learning Environments

CEF (Custom Educational Furnishings) is a leading innovator in the educational furniture industry, known for designing and hand-assembling high-quality products that support today’s learning environments. With over 40 years of experience and a manufacturing facility based in Hickory, North Carolina, CEF creates purposeful, durable solutions for classrooms, makerspaces, CTE labs, media centers, and collaborative learning spaces. Their in-house engineering and product development ensure every piece is intentionally crafted to meet the evolving needs of modern education.

Built for CTE, Makerspaces, and Hands-On Learning

A hallmark of CEF’s offering is its robust line for Career & Technical Education. The expanded Forge Series delivers heavy-duty functionality for woodworking, welding, automotive, culinary, and advanced manufacturing programs. Products such as the Forge Quick-Set Table, Forge Metal Pods, and the DuraBench Series feature rugged steel construction, industry-grade work surfaces, and configurable storage designed to handle demanding daily use.

For STEM labs and makerspaces, CEF offers highly configurable workstations including the Brainstorm Workbench, Multi-Maker Cart, Quad Pod, HATT Tilt Table, and the feature-rich ED Series. These tables integrate mobility, storage, and optional electrical components to support hands-on learning, team collaboration, and rapid reconfiguration—key elements in project-based instruction.

Smart, Flexible Classroom Furniture

CEF’s classroom-focused collections—most notably the ESTO Series—are crafted to blend durability with modern aesthetics. Height-adjustable student desks and tables are available in multiple top shapes, caster options, finishes, and storage configurations to support both independent work and group collaboration. Coordinating pieces such as the ESTO Soft Seating Bench, Cafe Table, and 2-Student Team Table allow schools to create cohesive, flexible layouts across grade levels.

Soft seating lines like the Perch Series and Bide Series provide lightweight, reconfigurable seating with double-stitched covers and a limited lifetime warranty. These elements help define student-directed zones, reading areas, and breakout spaces that can be rearranged quickly as classroom needs change.

Storage That Maximizes Space and Organization

From the highly configurable Hideaway Storage Series to the compact MediaMate presentation cart, CEF offers thoughtful storage solutions designed to keep classrooms, labs, and makerspaces organized. Options include adjustable shelving, bin storage, pegboard panels, lockable doors, integrated ventilation, and cable management, with many units available on casters for easy mobility between spaces.