10 Expert Tips for Creating a Homework Nook for Your Kids

Professional interior designers shared these awesome hacks for designing a space for your students!

August 16, 2021

By: Samantha Lande

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A Space Just For Your Student

Kids are heading back to school, but they’ll still need a comfortable space to do their homework! Unless you have a built-in office, it can be stressful to find a space or setup that works as a homework nook. We spoke with interior designers across the country for their best tips on where and how to set up a great space to do homework.

Swap Out a Nightstand, Swap in a Desk

If the best space for your child to do their work is in their bedroom, you might want to consider swapping out a nightstand and swapping in a desk. "Even if there is limited space, you can find smaller desks that would fit perfectly next to a bed," says designer Cara Woodhouse. This is also a favorite move of London Walder Most, who advises to select a desk that matches or coordinates with the other nightstand (if there are two). Worried about things being off balance? "If the height of the desk is higher than the nightstand, you can select a task lamp that is shorter than the lamp on the nightstand side to avoid the room feeling off balance," she says.

Look Behind the Couch

Don’t want to put in a full desk? Consider using the space behind your couch. "You'd simply use a console table with legs behind a sofa that floats off of a wall. This option is great for those who don't have the extra space — or don't necessarily want an actual desk — in their main living room," says designer Sarah Stacey.

Make Your Storage Pretty

Storage is key to making sure that things stay nice and tidy, but it doesn’t mean your containers need to stick out like a sore thumb. Using decorative storage boxes or baskets that are aesthetically pleasing will keep the clutter away and add a decorative element if they’ll be more out in the open.

Utilize an Empty Wall

"Take an empty wall and turn it into a homework station! You can implement built-in desks that can be used for coloring or homework but can also easily transition into work stations when your kids get older," says designer Tiffany Piotrowski.

Look Near the Kitchen

In or near the kitchen is a good spot to put a desk, if you have some room. "Sometimes it’s not always possible (or preferable!) to put a child’s workspace too far from the family action. A tucked away corner with easy access to mom is a great place for a small desk. Floating a desk in a small room adjacent to the kitchen is always a great option as well," says Shawna Percival from Styleberry Creative.

Display Their Work

Shawna adds, "For younger kids especially, it’s motivating to see their artwork hanging on full display. Whether it’s a pinboard or a string with clips, showing your children their work earned a prominent place in the home makes them feel so good — and sure makes a homework space an even more attractive place that they’re proud to call their own!"

Get Organized with a Few Good Supplies

Heather Fujikawa, Principal Designer and Owner of House Sprucing, offers a few ideas to get organized for an efficient and fun homework zone. She recommends having a wall calendar and organizer of some sort, butcher paper for writing to-do lists, solving math problems or doodling, a pencil caddy for pens and pencils, and a little faux greenery just to keep things looking fresh. She’s a big fan of this desk, which can double as a console table in the summer months.

Explore the Unexpected

There may not be an obvious place in your house to set something up, so get creative. One of our designers put a homework nook under her staircase! Fujikawa also suggests an entryway, an upstairs loft space, a small hallway or any other alcove you may have.

Replace a Chair with an Ottoman or Yoga Ball

It’s ok to find things that pull double-duty, especially when you are lacking in space. You can use an ottoman as a desk chair or even an exercise ball you can store away. You can get a desk that’s part of a bookshelf or a wall mounted cabinet that turns into a desk and can fold back up into the wall.

Transform a Reading Nook

We have a feeling you already have your favorite spot to read to your kids. Why not turn that into a homework area? According to Tiffany Piotrowski, "You can make built-in seating look more dynamic by installing open shelves directly above it, which will also create a comfortable environment for the kids to be productive. You can also pop in decorative pieces that are also functional with matching storage baskets to corral items like books."

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: How to Simplify Your Kid’s Morning Routine for School, Back-to-School Organizing Tips for the Whole Family, How to Transform Your Basement Into the Playroom of Your Kids’ Dreams

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