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by Lauren Busser, The House Designers’ Editorial Director
The summer has flown by and it's time for your teen to go back to school. Soon, they will be coming home with homework and studying in the evenings, and they will need a space where they can focus and realize their full potential.
Much like a child’s bedroom, a study space needs to evolve over time. What worked for a child in fifth grade may not work for a middle or high school student who has three hours of homework each night and a budding career as an artist, musician, or designer. We set out to highlight some key features of teen study spaces to help you reform your teenager's work area with success in mind.
A Desk and Chair
The most important features in any study space are the desk and chair. A dedicated desk that is large enough for a student to spread out a few papers is certainly a must, and an ergonomically correct chair with an adjustable height is ideal so the student can sit at the desk properly without strain. Remember that as your child gets older, they will be bringing home more homework and sitting at their desk longer, so a good quality office chair will make studying more pleasant and prevent back problems down the line.
Keep It Illuminated
You want to make sure your young scholar's workspace is well-lit. Try task lighting or pendant lighting above the desk, or utilize a desk lamp so they can study in a properly illuminated area. Good lighting adds a decorative flair as well, and makes the study space an inviting place to be.
Storage
Making sure your teen has everything close by will help avoid distractions. You can use a bookshelf to hold important books and reference materials, and a bulletin board above the desk can help keep track of class schedules, appointments, and after school activities. The desk or surrounding area should have plenty of space for storing tools and supplies necessary for their assignments. If necessary, install a couple of shelves on the wall for added storage.
Let Your Teen Join In
When you are designing your teen’s study space, ask them for input when it comes to layout and décor. You want them to like spending time in this space, so it should reflect their personal style. You can even let your teen design their dream study space with tools like the Design Your Own Study Space from PBteen®.
Remember, the most important thing to consider in creating a study space is that every teenager is different. Take how your child prefers to study into account and give them a place where they can comfortably do their best work, and they are sure to succeed.
