Back to School Edition: Home Study Areas

The Fold Down

If there’s no permanent place of residence available for a desk, a fold-down is the solution for you. Of course, you could opt for fold-away, but finding somewhere to stash it in-between uses could be problematic. Wall-mounted fold-down desks are both fashionable yet functional; perfect for adorning with much-loved childhood trinkets, but also provide ample space for study materials once extended.

Try it at home:

Pembridge Wall-Mounted Fold-Down Desk, Swoon, £229

Sighwaldi Rectangular Folding Table, Wayfair, £102.25

Norberg, Wall-Mounted Drop-Leaf Table, IKEA, £35

The Cubby

Every now and then there must be a compromise. Do you have a wardrobe or inbuilt cupboard that could be cleared out? By investing in a few key items, such as a floating desk, peg board, desk lamp, office bin, and a small stool, you can makeover your storage space into a fun and quirky study zone.

Plus, someone else could benefit from your micro-renovation if you make a charitable donation of the things you put aside. Goodbye, clutter! Hello, cubby!

Try it at home:

Bergshult, Shelf, IKEA, £13

Pegboard, IKEA, £19

Stool, IKEA, £4

The Pop-Up

When the only place you can possibly fit a desk is in a random spot in a room, turn it into a pop-up stop. Colour blocking is bang on-trend right-now, so why not add a pop of colour to a wall and use it as the backdrop for your workstation? A bureau is ideal in this instance; it not only adds to the aesthetic but also provides sufficient space to work. Children will love getting involved in the creativity required to make a pop-up study area; it can be as unique, colourful, and fun as their imaginations allow.

Try it at home:

Half wall painting

Geometric shapes

Contrasting colour blocks

The Magic Curtain

If your child is fortunate to have a larger bedroom, but needs to break away from distractions, a magic curtain could be in order. Use a curtain, folding panels, or even bookshelves to create a nook for studying. This creates the same effect as “leaving work at work”; your child will have somewhere dedicated to work, and still be able to enjoy the rest of their bedroom as a place for relaxation.

Try it at home:

Williamson Bamboo/Rattan Hanging Room Divider, Wayfair, £79.99

Folding Room Divider Privacy Separator Screen, ManoMano, £75.99

Kallax Shelving Unit, IKEA, £75

The Potter

For the ultimate touch of magic, leverage those awkwardly shaped under-stair spaces and transform them into homework hideaways. A small desk, desk lamp, and carefully-selected wall art can turn an otherwise useless space into a reading retreat. An under-stair desk might not be suitable for tall teens, so make the most of this trick while the children are still small enough to fit comfortably.

Try it at home:

Astrid Chair Yellow Fabric, Dunelm, £55.20

Harry Potter™ Hogwarts™ Crests, Lego, £114.99

John Lewis Abacus Small Desk, John Lewis, £99