Create a Study Space for Your Child

When your kids get home from school, it’s often hard to keep them motivated to do their homework. Many distractions exist that can pull them out of their thoughts and onto things they find more fun, such as computer games and television programs.

Some parents use the kitchen island or the bar area of a kitchen peninsula for their kids to do homework so that they can monitor their progress. Sitting on a bar stool can become uncomfortable for children though when they have to sit there for an extended time. Also, you often need this space for other purposes, such as meal preparation.

You can create a specialized area in your home; however, that is comfortable for your children and where you can still monitor their work. You simply need to reevaluate the space in your home to find the perfect area. Here are three ideas for study spaces that work:

1. Under the Stairs

   If you have an open staircase with nothing underneath it, this space is ideal for a study area. For a staircase that is walled-up underneath, if you can remove the wall without compromising the structure of your home, you can free up that space for use. Set a long table or desk under the stairs that will accommodate multiple children at the same time, if the area is large enough. Hang shelving above the desk or table for notebooks, research material, and supplies. If possible, also include a set of drawers on both sides to hold pens, pencils, paperclips, rubber bands, and other small items. Your children will love this study space, where they can set up their laptops, read, or create art. They’re still working in a common area of the house, so you can easily supervise their progress.

2. Breakfast Nook

   If you have a breakfast nook in your kitchen that you don’t use very often because the family eats at the bar or in the dining room, consider converting this area into a dedicated study space. A conversion will make better use of that space than having your children work on a table with hard seating and no storage — with all their items strewn everywhere. They’ll have a space of their own that won’t always need cleaning up to accommodate the family. To start, select wood for a desk that matches your kitchen cabinetry for the best look. Then, don’t choose regular rolling chairs. You should choose upholstered Parsons-style chairs. These chairs are comfortable and will look great in your kitchen. Finally, instead of open shelving over the desk area, opt for closed shelving to keep things looking neat. If designed correctly, the study area will look great in your home. With the children so close, while you’re working in the kitchen, you can watch what they’re doing and not worry about them becoming distracted.

3. Desk Armoire

   Using an armoire is another way to create an efficient study space. An armoire hides all the clutter when not in use and looks like an elegant piece of furniture. You can set it up in your dining room or if you need more than one, consider placing them in your great room. Select one wall and set an armoire in each corner. Angle the armoires so you can open them up with ease. Between the two armoires, set two desk chairs that your children can roll in front of each armoire when needed. Place a small table between them, so it looks like a sitting area when the children aren’t studying. Even though the seats will have rollers, if you select chairs with expensive looking leather or fabric that matches your home’s style, they will still fit in well with your décor.

Various options exist for study areas in your home, where you can watch what your children are doing. You simply need to look for creative solutions that will work for the entire family.