August 12th, 2015

Desk 101

It has been a hot summer and we have been enjoying almost endless amounts of sunshine. As vacations and weekend getaways wrap up in the next few weeks, many students will be getting ready to spend more time inside… at school. Yes, I said it, it’s almost time to get ready to go back to school. Homework and studying is on the horizon, but there is still reason to get excited. Why not create a study space that is functional, stylish and fun?  It can be a quick weekend project that will get the students a little more excited to hit the books again. Before you go out and shop, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Essentials

The bare bone essentials for a study space begins with a good desk, task chair and lighting. If homework isn’t done at the dining table, a desk and task chair is a must. It creates a space where they can have everything they need so they can get their work done. A study space doesn’t have to be a dedicated room either, it can be a corner!  A simple desk doesn’t have to be expensive, you can pick one up at IKEA for less than $25. If you want something a bit nicer, we like the industrial looking go-cart rolling desk from CB2. For those who would like the option to work standing up, a desk with adjustable legs is worth considering. Investing in a good task chair is crucial as it can make a huge difference in the long run for your back. The ones we have at our office are the Sayl Chairs from Herman Miller. Beautiful, yet so comfortable because of its ability to be adjusted. When looking for a good task chair, things you should consider is if you need the seat height, seat depth and arm rests to be adjustable?  Will your chair be stationary or on castors?  Did you know that at time of order, we specify if it will be used on carpet or a hard surface?  Don’t forget about a good task lamp. There are so many options available now – you are sure to find one that suits your style and budget. A few of our favorites include the clean and simple Pablo Lim C Table Lamp (is always stunning). The Artemide Demetra table lamp and West Elm Industrial table lamp offer an adjustable option. The IKEA Harte LED work lamp is quite unique and gentle on the wallet.

Stay Organized

From pens and paper to binders and textbooks, there is no shortage of stuff that end up in a study space. Having some storage is necessary to keep the clutter on your work surface manageable and organized. Depending on the size of your space, you can have a combination of wall shelves, bookcases, drawer units and storage cabinets. Desk accessories such as pen holders as well as boxes and magazine holders are also great to keep smaller items and loose paper organized on your desk. If you find that drawers are always an endless mess, trays and little boxes are super helpful. Take a browse through The Container Store or All Modern for inspiration. Cutlery trays are also a great solution!  No more digging around for your favorite pen or a paper clip!  To keep track of exams and due dates, a calendar drawn on a magnetic dry erase board is functional and can be easily maintained. For something a little fun, CB2 also has a brick wall corkboard for something more interesting than the usual Staples “special”. One accessory we love, love, love is the Kartell Uten.silo which was originally marketed for the kitchen. We love filling the various size pockets with tape, pens, rulers, envelopes, etc. Who says your study has to be boring?

 

What would you like to have in your study space? Share it with us using the hashtag #area3study

Blog 12 Study Space