5 Tips for Carving out a Kid’s Homework Area in Your Office Space

Much to your child’s chagrin, the start of a new school year means the onslaught of homework, school projects, and studying.

If you’ve got a busy, school-age child, a dedicated workspace or office is a must. No more taking over the dining room table!

1. A Big Table for Home Office, Homework, and Craft Projects Combined

No, your dining room table doesn’t count, although we do love the functionality of a large table instead of a desk. In the space above, we used a large zinc-topped dining table as a craft table in a kid’s playroom.

The zinc top means that it’s easier to clean than a wooden table, and pens and markers won’t stain the surface. With one of our home office collections hugging the exterior walls, it also leaves plenty of room for a big open workspace where the whole family can spread out.

The great thing about this home office is that there is plenty of room for everyone to get things done. Multiple people can spread out at the work table, while someone else can be working at the computer in the corner. Everyone is out of each others way and able to focus!

2. Use a Two Sided Desk for an Office + Homework Area Combo

For a workspace that multiple people can use, we love our Tuscan Return Office Group. The bookshelves pack in a ton of storage space, and the floating desk enables two people to work simultaneously. This hardworking office makes homework hour much more enjoyable and frees up that dining table that’s been taken over by spelling note cards, algebra homework, and history books!

3. Prettify Your Old Home Office Desk & Chair

If you don’t have enough room in your home for a full on work room, you can always squeeze in a pretty desk + chair combo. But don’t just throw together odds and ends from elsewhere in your home. Paint your old desk, reupholster a chair, be sure to add lighting, and hang a pretty bulletin board, this way your kids can have a workspace that motivates them to sit down and knock out their studies!

4. Bring Fun Elements into Your Work Area

A couple of playful elements can go a long way in turning the dreaded homework space into an area your kids won’t mind spending time. We used a fun rug for a little pattern and colorful accessories to brighten up the room.

5. Labeling Storage Helps You and Your Kids Stay Organized

Let’s face it, once you’ve gotten your homework space organized and up and running, how long will it be before that neat and tidy system starts to break down? We love the idea of using chalkboard drawers to keep things organized, and having large labels mean that your kids can more easily put things back where they belong. Now isn’t that a nice thought?

Just because homework and studying can feel like a drag doesn’t mean your workspace has to be, and we feel confident that an organized, inspiring space will help motivate your kids (and even you!) to sit down and get things done.

Find more home office and organization inspiration from these posts below:

• Podcast, Ep. 133: homeschooling expert and supermom Erika Ward
• Home Office Ideas: How to Work from Home Enjoyably
• Room Organization Ideas for Your Hardest Working Spaces