Back To School: How To Create A Functional Study Space

The new school year is right around the corner. If you're looking to start off on the right track, a revamped study space will definitely help. Today on the blog we'll highlight products, tips, and ideas geared towards effective study habits for students of all ages.

First things first, you need to figure out which area of your home will be best suited for a study space. The kitchen, bedroom, dining room, and loft should all be considered. You'll typically want to select the area with the most space and available square footage to avoid making your student feel cramped.

Once you've determined which area will be best, measure your space to determine what kind of room you have to work with. Be sure to take note of all entry ways, power outlets, windows, and existing furniture that will affect the way your study space is laid out.

The desk you select will lay the foundation for your study space. It's the first piece of furniture you should shop for. Below are a 5 nice options to consider that are all priced below $200.00.

1. Respite Desk by Modway - $173.75
2. ESS-1002 Essentials Desk by OFM - $132.99
3. Clifton Desk by Flash Furniture - $96.99
4. 945 Eastwinds Desk by Mayline - $178.99
5. 1951 Small Table Desk by Safco - $176.99

In addition to the above mentioned desks, brands like Modway, OFM, and Mayline all offer additional options too consider. These are just a few of the many options available. We personally prefer the 945 model Eastwinds desk by Mayline. While it's the most expensive option on the list, it's also the most versatile. An integrated keyboard tray, spacious operating surface, and mobilized base make it the perfect option for home studying.

You might be wondering, what makes a good student desk? We recommend selecting something that isn't overly large. Select something big enough to fit your space that your student can get a few years of use out of. It's also important to select a desk with storage drawers so your student can always have stationary on hand. Selecting a desk with favorite characters and bright colors may sound appealing, but these things can often be a distraction when the time comes to study.

Once you've selected a study desk, it's time to select a comfortable chair for your student. You'll want to avoid selecting something overly bulky as it will waste a bunch of your available space. A sleek, ergonomically correct chair with a few basic adjustments will do the trick. Here's 5 options to consider under $200.00.

1. Entrada Chair by Modway - $84.50
2. E3035 Essentials Chair by OFM - $101.99
3. 11514B Mesh Chair by OTG - $151.99
4. MT4500 Maze Chair by Eurotech - $195.00
5. Mii Flip Seat Chair by Safco - $254.99

Pro Tip: Selecting a good study chair comes down to 2 key factors, maximizing comfort and space.

Now it's time to accessorize your study area with ergonomically correct tools that will improve functionality. Rest assured the options are limitless. That being said, they're not all necessary. Three key items will really do the trick.

1. Keyboard Tray - If the desk you select doesn't have a keyboard tray, we definitely recommend investing in one. They'll help create additional desk surface space for your student to work while encouraging healthy typing angles.
2. Dual Monitor Arm - This may seem a bit over the top for a study space, but it's definitely the way of the future. More than ever, students are working with multiple screens in the classroom. Investing in a dual screen setup will help them perform better at school. It takes some getting used to, but it will definitely help them be ahead of the curve. If you don't have room for a dual monitor arm in the study space, consider putting one in you main office area that your student can use for practice.
3. Power Hub - Providing your student with surface level power inputs will definitely improve functionality. These days, not having handy USB inputs is a productivity killer. 

If you really want to kick things up a notch, advanced ergonomic tools like height adjustable computer desks and perch stools are definitely an option. They encourage continuous posture changes and good blood flow while avoiding the need for extended sits.

Last but not least, it's time to talk about organization. There's tons of great DIY options that can be found on social sites like Pinterest. We highly recommend checking them out. Most can be duplicated for less than $50.00. In the long run, an organized study space is a functional one. Encourage good organizing habits now as they'll definitely help in the future. If you want to skip the DIY route, pick up a couple literature organizers from your local office supply store. They'll definitely come in handy.