Dubizzle data shows rising demand for multifunctional, space-saving furniture as families seek bunk beds with built-in study desks to support children’s learning needs.
UAE families are getting an early start on back-to-school preparations this year, with many looking beyond uniforms and stationery. New search trends on the marketplace Dubizzle show that parents are also investing time and money in creating dedicated study spaces at home, with second-hand furniture emerging as a popular option.
Study tables are the most sought-after furniture category on the platform, leading demand by a significant margin. Families are also actively searching for ergonomic chairs, bookcases and complete table-and-chair sets, highlighting a growing focus on creating comfortable, dedicated learning spaces at home.
Searches for study furniture
The latest data highlights what UAE families are prioritising ahead of the new school year. Searches for study table-and-chair sets recorded the sharpest increase, surging by 1,450 per cent, while searches for bookcases rose by 248 per cent compared with the previous month.
The data also points to growing interest in multifunctional furniture, particularly bunk beds with integrated study desks, as families seek practical solutions that maximise space while supporting their children’s learning needs.
Alongside essential study furniture, shoppers are increasingly turning to pre-owned and free items. Searches for free study tables rose by 163 per cent month-on-month, highlighting a growing appetite for circular shopping as families look to manage back-to-school costs while giving quality furniture a second life.
“Back-to-school shopping today goes well beyond traditional school supplies,” said Matt Gregory, Senior Director of Strategy at dubizzle. “Families are planning ahead and preparing more thoughtfully for the new academic year, from creating comfortable learning spaces at home to considering pre-owned furniture and educational materials.”
He added that consumers were also becoming more open to circular shopping.
“This allows consumers to save money while giving quality products a longer life,” he said. “It’s a practical shift that benefits both families and the environment.”
School bags and textbooks
School bags remain another major area of demand. While everyday backpacks continue to rank among the most searched items, interest in premium options is also growing. Searches for TUMI backpacks rose by nearly 65 per cent compared with the previous month, while Louis Vuitton backpacks also featured among the most searched premium items on Dubizzle. Some sellers are even listing items such as original Dior notebooks and Gucci backpacks ahead of the new school year.
Beyond furniture and accessories, textbooks are among the most actively browsed categories as parents and students look for more affordable alternatives to buying new. Some parents are also searching for notebooks, with sellers listing both laptops and unused notebooks on the marketplace.
The findings point to a broader shift in consumer behaviour, with UAE residents increasingly embracing recommerce as a practical way to prepare for seasonal milestones.
By choosing pre-owned furniture, textbooks and other school essentials, families can not only reduce costs but also help minimise waste and contribute to a more circular economy
