How To Create Your Child's First Bedroom Study Area

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Child's First Bedroom Study Area

When children reach age four, something magical happens – they start colouring, writing, and reading. Four is also when most children start school, with homework introduced after a few months of reception.

Children learn best in a quiet environment; there is no better place than their bedroom. A bedroom study area is perfect for drawing, reading, and doing homework while freeing up space in the rest of your house.

Here's how to create your child's first bedroom study area:

Create a study zone

Study zones are simple to make – you only need wallpaper, lighting, a desk and a chair for your little one to get creative.

Here's how to create a study zone:

• Choose where your child's desk will live and then wallpaper the wall behind it – you can wallpaper the whole wall or only around the desk. This will give your child a productivity zone they associate with studying.
• Install a wall light above the study zone or get a desk or floor lamp so your child can work in all conditions. 
• Purchase a desk and chair suitable for your child's height – children under five do best with desks up to 22 inches high.

Save space with desks.

The desk is the most crucial aspect of your child's bedroom study, but the last thing you want is to eat into precious floor space.

You have two main options to save space:

• Replace a chest of drawers with a desk – this will ensure your child's study takes up no more floor space than is already taken. You can replace lost drawers by getting a wardrobe with drawers built in.
• Install a fold-out desk – fold-out desks mount to the wall and take up no space when not in use, preserving floor space. They are perfect for small bedrooms; you can install wall shelves/cubes for stationery.

Look for innovative storage solutions.

The best place for stationery, books, and other bits and bats is directly above your child's desk with shelves and pick boxes. You can mount these to the wall at a reasonable height so your child can safely retrieve items.

It would help to have many storage boxes for artwork, paper, and supplies. The IKEA Trofast range is a great product – these furniture items have multiple plastic tubs suitable for everything your child throws in them.

Get creative with lighting.

Lava lamps, fairy lights, LED light strips, and touch-sensitive desk lamps are brilliant ways to make your child's bedroom study unique.

We recommend adjustable (dimmable) lighting to change the ambience from relaxation to study time. It's also worthwhile considering smart control so you can control lighting remotely anywhere in your home.

However, ensure lighting does not promote play – study lighting should be smooth without flashing or funny effects.

Go big on little extras.

Little extras can make a big difference to your child's bedroom study area. Here are some top recommendations from our experts:

• Paint a wall in blackboard paint to make a creative wall
• Put up learning posters for topics that interest your child
• Put baskets on walls for tidying bits and bats
• Let your child decorate their desk with stickers
• Get a multi-adjustable children's desk chair
• Buy cable-tidy units to hide away cables and power bricks safely.

One last word on sleeping at a height

In your quest to create your child's first bedroom study, you will come across mid and high-sleepers as a study and sleep combo solution.

These beds ARE NOT SUITABLE for children under six years old – there is a risk of severe injury and death below this age. If your child is under six maybe consider a cabin bed instead such as the one (pictured below).

We recommend a regular single bed for children under six, and you can keep things fun with a novelty bed like the Birlea House.

Breakdown For Creating the Perfect Childs Study Space For £1500

As a parent of a 6-year-old in Year 2 (Key Stage 1), you’re taking a crucial step in supporting your child’s educational journey by creating a dedicated study space, with specific requirements in mind - an 8 square metre bedroom, need for extra storage, easily distracted child, and a £1500 budget, we created a guide which gives you a starter point for creating a study space for your growing child.

1. Ergonomic Essentials for Key Stage 1 Students

Ensuring proper ergonomics is crucial for your child’s comfort, focus, and long-term health. Here are the key considerations:

Seating Solution

Recommendation: HINOMI Zee V2 Ergonomic Chair

• Price: £389.00 (fits well within your budget)
• Features:
  • Adjustable height, seat depth, and backrest
  • Detachable footrest
  • Dynamic spinal support
  • Breathable boneless mesh material
• Benefits: This chair grows with your child, supporting proper posture and comfort during long study sessions.

Desk Selection

Look for a desk with the following features:

• Height-adjustable (to accommodate growth)
• Rounded edges for safety
• Tilt-adjustable desktop for various activities (writing, reading, drawing)

Recommended dimensions for a 6-year-old:

• Desk height: 55-62 cm (adjustable)
• Desktop size: Minimum 80 cm wide x 60 cm deep

Budget allocation: £300-£400 for a quality, adjustable desk

2. Space-Saving Solutions for 8 Square Metres

Maximizing your limited space is crucial. Here’s how to make the most of 8 square metres:

Multifunctional Furniture

1. Mid Sleeper Bed with Integrated Desk:
   • Utilises vertical space
   • Creates a dedicated study area underneath
   • Budget allocation: £500-£600
2. Wall-Mounted Folding Desk:
   • Can be folded away when not in use
   • Ideal if a loft bed isn’t suitable
   • Budget allocation: £150-£200

Smart Storage Solutions

1. Wall-Mounted Shelving:
   • Install adjustable shelves above the desk
   • Use colorful storage boxes for organisation
   • Budget allocation: £100-£150
2. Under-Bed Storage:
   • If using a regular bed, invest in under-bed storage containers
   • Budget allocation: £50-£75
3. Pegboard Organizer:
   • Install above the desk for frequently used items
   • Customisable and grows with your child’s needs
   • Budget allocation: £30-£50

3. Distraction-Minimising Techniques

Creating a focused environment is key for an easily distracted child:

Desk Positioning

• Place the desk facing a wall or use a room divider to create a dedicated study nook
• If near a window, position the desk perpendicular to it to benefit from natural light without direct visual distractions

Lighting

1. Task Lighting:
   • Invest in an adjustable desk lamp with warm, dimmable light
   • Budget allocation: £40-£60
2. Ambient Lighting:
   • Use soft, indirect lighting to create a calm atmosphere
   • Consider LED strip lights for a fun, customisable option
   • Budget allocation: £30-£50

Organisation System

1. Colour-Coding:
   • Use different colored storage boxes or folders for various subjects
   • Implement a simple labeling system
2. Daily Planner:
   • Install a wall-mounted weekly planner or whiteboard
   • Encourage your child to manage their tasks visually
   • Budget allocation: £20-£30

Noise Reduction

1. Noise-Cancelling Headphones:
   • Child-friendly, volume-limited options are available
   • Use during focused study time or online classes
   • Budget allocation: £50-£80
2. Soft Furnishings:
   • Add a small rug or cushions to absorb sound
   • Budget allocation: £30-£50

4. Growth-Friendly Design Elements

Ensure the space can adapt as your child grows:

1. Neutral Base Colours:
   • Use calming, neutral colors for walls and large furniture pieces
   • Add pops of color through easily changeable elements like cushions, rugs, or wall art
2. Flexible Wall Decor:
   • Install a magnetic or cork board for displaying artwork and achievements
   • Use removable wall decals that can be updated as interests change
   • Budget allocation: £40-£60
3. Adjustable Furniture:
   • Prioritise adjustable options for desk and chair to accommodate growth
   • Consider modular storage units that can be reconfigured

5. Technology Integration

While minimizing distractions, prepare for future tech needs:

1. Charging Station:
   • Set up a dedicated area for charging devices
   • Use a cable management system to reduce clutter
   • Budget allocation: £20-£30
2. Tech-Free Zone:
   • Designate the immediate study area as device-free during homework time
   • Store tablets or learning devices in a specific drawer when not in use

Budget Breakdown

Here’s a suggested allocation of your £1500 budget:

Item	Allocation
Ergonomic Chair	£389
Adjustable Desk/Loft Bed	£500-£600
Storage Solutions	£180-£275
Lighting	£70-£110
Organisation Tools	£20-£30
Noise Reduction	£80-£130
Decor and Accessories	£70-£110
Total	£1309-£1644

This breakdown allows for some flexibility and potential savings, keeping you within or close to your £1500 budget while ensuring all essential elements are covered.

Conclusion

By implementing these recommendations, you’ll create a study space that not only meets your 6-year-old’s current needs but also adapts as they grow. Remember, the key is to balance functionality with comfort and personalisation.

Involve your child in some of the decision-making processes, especially for colour choices or organisational systems, to help them feel ownership of their space.

Regular reviews and minor adjustments will ensure the space continues to support your child’s learning journey through Key Stage 1 and beyond. With this thoughtful setup, you’re providing a strong foundation for your child’s educational success.