A study room is a place that allows you to focus. This article lists some important aspects to consider while designing your study.
A study room is a room in the house that is generally used for paperwork, computer work, or reading. This room may be used by kids, or may function as a home office for you where you simply carry out your work in peace. In order to bring out your best work, an appropriate study room design is imperative.
Elements
When it comes to interior designing, you first have to keep in mind the function and form of the room. Here are some essentials:
- Study table (to fit a computer and provide space to write/draw/design)
- Storage cabinets (overhead, underneath, or both)
- Bookshelves
- Additional seating for reading (optional)
- Accessories to enhance the overall appearance
With the essentials in place, you need to figure out how to put all these together for a great place to study. Keeping in mind a theme is a great way to design the room. For instance, some of you could go for a zen room where everything reflects peace, creativity, and positivity. You could try a retro room with bright floral prints, polka dots, and striking colors. English style study rooms will require elaborate classical furniture and other accessories in rich brown, gold, and white tones. Modern and contemporary styles will require sleek furniture with personalized designs. The room can simply be what you want it to be, and reflect the person you are. Here are some ideas for you.
Study Table Design
Your study table or computer desk should be big enough to incorporate a desktop or a laptop, and it should have enough writing space. This is particularly true if you are designing the room for kids, as they need the space to complete their writing assignments, do craft work, and other creative activities. A study table with storage underneath is essential for kids, because of the numerous books and other items they have to store. Make sure that you are comfortable sitting at the desk before you purchase it. The chair you use should be of the appropriate height (for yourself or your child). Comfort is of prime importance.
Study Table Placement
Where you place the table is important. It should ideally be against a wall, so that you are not distracted by any other events. On the other hand, according to the principles of feng shui, you should place the table in a manner that is facing the door to the room. Whatever you do, don’t place it with the door behind you. Some prefer placing the table against a wall with a window, which is great to be able to enjoy the view while taking a break from studying. Finally, corner computer desks are also a good choice as they are great space savers. Just ensure that wherever you place your study table you get the maximum natural light and ventilation possible.
Cabinets and Bookshelves
Wall-mounted bookshelves and cabinets usually do the trick, particularly if you have limited space. If you have a big room, a floor-to-ceiling bookcase would be great. Bookshelves are not only functional, they can add a lot in terms of design and color to a room. Bookcase design ideas include the use of crisscross shelves, shelves of varying lengths, and lit up shelves. You can add color with different books. Keep in mind that bookcases need not have only books. If there is room, use simple accessories such as figurines, vases, or other items to break the monotony of rows and rows of books.
If you have the room, you may place a chest of drawers or other storage cabinets to store other stuff. For instance, if you are a designer or your child loves arts and crafts, then this storage will be helpful. Also, you may put up hanging shelves on an empty wall to display some sort of artwork, that will soften the appearance of the room.
Lighting
Lighting is very important in interior design. Artificial light is as important to consider as natural light. If you have cabinets above your desk, incorporate lights underneath the cabinet that will serve as a direct source of light in the room. You may also use a lamp for this purpose. Usually, having white light in a study room is always the best option. You may include a floor lamp or a hanging lamp with yellow light just for a change of mood.
Other Elements of Design
Now, it comes to other accessories that will help with interior decorating. Here are some great elements you can add to enhance the room.
- Chair for the Table: While the study table design is something you shouldn’t compromise on, the chair you use can be of any style as long as it is comfortable. Use this chair to add color to the study room. The chair can also reflect prints and textures when upholstered with interesting fabrics.
- Softboard/Whiteboard: A softboard or a whiteboard is very important in a study room whether it is used by kids or by adults. They’re great to pin up important information or motivational posters and to note things down to remember. Ideally, these should be placed right above the study table.
- Area for other Activities: If you require a design table or some additional space to create works of art and craft or perform any other activity, you may include an additional desk in the room. The ergonomics of this desk will depend on the function you want to use it for. For instance, it may be higher than your regular desk so you can conveniently stand and work if you have to.
- Area Rugs: An area rug is another beautiful way to add color to the room. If you have a monochromatic room, break the monotony by having an area rug on the floor. If you can place it against a wall, you can throw some cushions on the rug to make a seating area where you can take a break from work and relax for a bit. It could also function as a reading zone.
- Sofa: This is optional, but having a form of seating apart from your study table’s chair is good. It is likely that you will get bored of sitting in the same place and working, and a sofa or even a bean bag can give you the much-needed respite from the table.
- Curtains and Drapes: Based on who is using the room, choose appropriate curtains and drapes to give the room color and character. You may also use blinds instead of curtains for a change. Fabric blinds can be specially made to match the theme of the room, or you may stick to bamboo blinds for a zen look.
- Plants: Plants are refreshing, and they will give the room a gorgeous, simple look if you place them on the window sill. Choose from a simple bamboo, bonsai, or any other plant of your liking.
Tips for Design
Though you have your ideas in place, there are some very important tips that you should keep in mind when designing the room.
- Avoid cluttering the room. While basic furniture is essential, avoid trying to cram the room with more furniture if you don’t have the space. A study room is where you work and clutter is very unnerving. Keep the room minimalistic so that you can generate your best work.
- Do not use too much color in the room. This is a place where you are supposed to focus; it’s not an entertainment zone. Having too much color will distract you and it will affect the focus required to study or complete a task.
- Comfort is more important than design. Do not give up on personal comfort for the sake of design. If you love a table or chair but don’t find it comfortable, avoid purchasing it.
- If you are placing any wall shelves or overhead cabinets, place them at a height where you won’t hurt yourself. Avoid sitting under a shelf or overhead cabinet, and keep your safety in mind at all times.
Bringing together different elements to personalize your study room or home office is the only way you can come up with a tranquil zone for your best work.