How to Choose the Right Corner Guards for a School or Nursery

From toddlers learning to walk to energetic pupils running between classrooms, schools and nurseries are full of accidental bumps and scrapes — including to your walls. That’s why choosing the right corner guards is crucial: they help protect your walls and your students.

But with so many materials, sizes, and colours available, how do you choose the best wall corner protector for a school or childcare environment?

In this guide, we walk through everything you need to know: materials, safety standards, colours, installation tips, and what to avoid.

Why Schools and Nurseries Need Corner Guards

Safety-first: Children are more likely to trip, fall, or collide with walls
Durability: Chairs, tables, bags, and trolleys damage unprotected corners
Hygiene: Wall protection should be easy to clean — especially in nurseries
Aesthetics: Colours and design need to suit classrooms or childcare interiors

Without the right protection, corner damage can quickly become a recurring cost — and even a safety hazard.

1. Prioritise Child Safety (Rounded Edges & Impact Resistance)

Look for soft or flexible materials like rubber corner guards that won’t cause injury on impact.
Avoid sharp-edged metal protectors — stainless steel is better for secondary schools or service corridors.
Choose height based on child age group — install at toddler height in nurseries (~800mm) and higher in primary/secondary schools (up to 1500mm).

2. Choose the Right Material

Material	Best for	Notes
Rigid PVC-U	Schools, hospitals, care homes	Tough, cost-effective, wide colour options — browse styles here
Rubber	Nurseries, play areas, service corridors	Cushioned. Ideal for children or high-impact areas
Aluminium	Warehouse, back-of-house zones	Not recommended where children are present
Stainless Steel	Secondary schools, kitchens	Modern, hygienic — ensure edges are rounded

3. Consider Colour & Contrast (Accessibility & Design)

Use colours that provide visual contrast for accessibility and wayfinding
Use bright, engaging colours in nurseries for playful aesthetics
Use neutral tones for corridors or reception areas

Bonus tip: Use colour-coded guards by area — e.g. blue for staff zones, yellow for EYFS, green for SEN.

4. Fire Rating & Hygiene Standards

Choose materials with a Class 1 or Class 0 fire rating (UK standard)
Ensure they’re non-toxic and BPA-free
Look for antimicrobial or NHS-compliant corner guards for nurseries and SEN areas

5. Installation Advice for Schools & Nurseries

Adhesive fixings: Ideal for smooth indoor surfaces, safer for child environments
Mechanical fixings: Better for high-traffic corridors or exposed brick walls
Install at age-appropriate heights — younger age = lower height
Full-height protection is ideal for hallways with trolleys or wheelchairs

Quick Checklist: School/Nursery Corner Guards

Soft or impact-resistant materials
Rounded or flexible corners
Fire-rated and hygienic
Visually contrasting or colour-coded
Installed safely and securely

Need Help Choosing the Right Solution?

We supply a full range of corner guards ideal for schools, nurseries, and offices with colour and material options to suit any interior.

Final Thoughts

Corner guards aren’t just about protecting your wall corners — they’re about keeping people safe and your space looking professional. By choosing the right materials and designs, you’ll reduce maintenance costs and improve safety and style — whether it’s a classroom or a corporate boardroom.

For a deeper dive into corner guard types, safety standards, and installation best practices, check out our Complete Guide to Corner Guards & Wall Protection.