Designing a Great Study Area for Kids

Up until age 7, most children are fine with simply having space on the dining room table to spread out their crafts upon, but after age 7, when children begin to have projects for school, a study area devoted entirely to your child will make him or her feel like a big kid, and will help develop their sense of responsibility and organization. The best way to emphasize the importance of this growth is to include your kid in the study area decisions.

Pull out a set of markers and ask your child what his or her top favorite colors are for a desk. The Kritter Children’s Table at Ikea comes in bright blue, red and white for only $24.99. Pick out a fun Mammut children’s chair in blue, green or dark pink for $14.99. When shopping for kids’ furniture make sure you are buying something that can hold up to a lot of punishment. Kids typically put furniture through the ringer.

If your child has progressed to the level of needing a computer, then a grown-up desk is in order, and you can feel free to make a big deal about this milestone to foster pride and independence. For a simple desk that can be easily moved to any location, pick out Ikea’s Dave laptop desk for $79.99. The height is adjustable, and can grow with your child. For a more serious worker, the Goliat computer desk is also only $79.99 and includes a shelf and a drawer.

Starting Good Habits

With a grown-up workspace comes great responsibility, and shelves and drawers are key to helping your child develop good organizational skills. Sometimes one open center drawer in the desk may not be structured enough, and your child may get into the habit of tossing everything into it in one big pile. So look for organizers to fit in your drawers, with separated components for keeping things neat. For something colorful and fun, check out the Vammen box with lid, which comes with a set of seven small boxes with lids in bright colors like yellow, purple and blue. Shelves help children learn to keep their desks clear by storing items in easy-to-reach places.

Let There Be Light

Good lighting is key to preserving your child’s eyesight and aiding concentration. If your child is using a computer, be careful not to position a light to be shining onto the screen, or an annoying glare will be created. Pick a functional lamp, nothing too fancy for your child to break, that shines down directly from above. The Antifoni lamp from Ikea for $39.99 is easy to position.

Sit down with your child and make a design of his or her perfect study space and then let that be your guide. Together you can proudly, and effectively, cross the workspace threshold.