September is just around the corner, and with it comes the nerves and excitement of starting a-fresh in a new academic year.
Whether your little (or not so little) one has a year full of coursework and revision ahead, or even if they’ve not yet reached the age for full-on studies, ensuring that they have a dedicated space to take homework seriously is a must-have for any school age child.
Creating a study station that’s just for them, places emphasis on having the right approach to school work, and lets them realise that they (and their studies), truly matter.
So, what are the practical things to consider when it comes to designing study spaces?
“It might sound obvious, but having their own desk and chair is really quite important for a child. It gives them a space to call their own, and somewhere they can leave their homework where it’s not going to get tidied away, or even scribbled on by younger siblings. Seek out desks with nifty little storage spaces for stashing away books and notes, and with large surface areas on which to spread out.” Fi Campos, interior stylist.
A free standing study desk with matching chair is a great idea if you have the space. Tuck it in the corner out of the way of the rest of the room, making it easier to zone the room, or place under a window for a light and bright focus.
Top tip: Use storage totes and desktop accessories to keep the clutter at bay, and look for desks with storage shelves for books and notes. After all, a tidy desk space makes for a tidy head space too!
Our large Fargo study desk (also available with matching ladder back chair) also has a handy foot rest underneath, creating the perfect perch for homework and course work.
For an option that's a little more modern Scandi inspired, the storage desk with natural beech legs provides sleek lines and a large worktop space, with handy shelves underneath for notes.
If space is at a premium, and you prefer a less traditional bedroom set up, it may be time to consider a mid-sleeper.
Many mid-sleeper (cabin) beds include a desk that pops right underneath a raised bed. These are often on castors and can be wheeled back away when not in use.
They’re a great option for compact bedrooms as they are not too imposing, and a really nice way of encouraging children from age 6 to own their study space. By virtue of the fact that you have to clear away the books and notes in order to roll the desk back away, it also instills good house-keeping from a young age.
For an older child, high sleeper beds with desks, (or often referred to as bunk beds with desks) are really popular.
Raised up to the height of a bunk, the high sleeping platform allows for desks to be fitted underneath, so that they are not adding to the footprint of the bedroom.
High sleeper desk sizes can vary, from space saving style ones that fit neatly into the corner underneath the bunk, through to large fitted options, which span the full length of the bed.
Some loft beds also come with independent desks, which can start off being used underneath the bunk, and as the needs of the family/child change, can be moved into other rooms entirely. This makes high sleepers with independent desks a great option for longevity.
Lighting is another factor to consider when it comes to setting up a desk station. Position desks next to or near a source of natural light, and if the room is south facing, you will probably need some decent blinds to filter out the harsh light during the day in order to prevent glare on screens and paper.
Look for decent task lighting such as office desk lamps and clip on lamps, but be sure to always check the safety standards and that they are suitable for use by children.
Lastly, just because a desk area means work, it doesn’t need to be dull in terms of decoration! Why note let them create their own notice board to hang above the space, or even paint the wall directly above the desk so as to help zone the work space. You could even look for funky shelves on which they can stash their files and stationery, helping them to keep things spick and span.
For a final finishing touch, a bookcase is always handy. Look for storage bookcases with moveable shelves so that as their book collections grow, you can accommodate larger books and files more easily. - It’s surprising how easily bookcase can slot into the smallest of spaces!
Happy (study space) styling! x
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