How to Create an At-Home Learning Space

Starting off the room with a blank slate will help you create your vision from the ground up. You can update walls with a new paint or perhaps add a treatment to the surface, like board-and-batten. This will open and brighten the area and create a perfect backdrop for your new modern school room.

Make the work area fit both the space and the number of people who will be using it. A long desk or table will provide enough elbow room for multiple students and their books and materials, so no one feels crowded. You may want to place the work table along the wall to help maintain focus.

Floating shelves are a great way to give everyone their own space to hold school supplies. A book ledge provides easy access to some favorite books. Matching the shelves to the wall color helps them blend in. Add attractive storage like small bins in neutral colors to store small things like flashcards or chargers.

Desk chairs are an essential and should be chosen carefully. Pick out something aesthetically pleasing. Interesting details on the chair can add a lot to the overall decor. However, be sure that the desk chairs you choose are all comfortable and durable enough to stand up to daily use and possible rough treatment.

A cozy couch is a great addition to the learning space. A firm cushion with a soft texture can make a great spot to take a quick break, or an alternative place to curl up and read or study.

Create a reading nook in the room with a comfortable large, single chair and a well placed reading lamp. Add a pouf for additional texture and it can serve double duty as a foot rest or additional seating in a pinch.

The right rug brings in color and pattern to the room and helps tie the room together. Choose an easy-care option if the room will be a high-traffic area.

Use decor to personalize your learning space, but consider both beauty and function. A standing globe is an attractive addition that can also support exploration in geography and history. Framed wall maps make interesting art as well as learning tools for various subjects.

Add plants around the space to bring in hints of nature. Plants lend a fresh look to the space, and tending them can be a way for your learners to have a brain break during the day.

With a solid plan and some creativity, you can design a learning space that works well for the whole family. Plan for a room that is comfortable and functional for many uses. But don't forget to give it your family's own personal style.