Pandemic living has drastically shifted many lifestyles, including students. Many students have found themselves spending more time studying at home versus on campus or in school. It is very similar to the shift many work-from-home people have dealt with as well.
If you are finding yourself at home more than away, you are probably in need of a space that inspires and motivates you to study hard. We have pulled together our favorite study room design ideas so you can remain focused and comfortable as you work hard.
What Does a Good Study Space Provide?
When considering study room design, think of what you are trying to accomplish within the space. Study rooms are similar to home offices—they need to promote an environment conducive to productivity, learning, and relaxation.
It can be easy for students to get distracted, so a study room designed specifically for focused work is necessary. So, what should you have in your study space to invite focus?
Make it Distraction-Free
Again, it is easy for students to get distracted. Adults struggle with it, and they have had years to perfect their mindset. Creating a dedicated space, whether it be an area in your room, a home office, or a separate nook in your home, is the first step to distraction-free studying.
Additionally, making sure the space is free of technology will help keep you focused on the task at hand.
Amp Up the Comfort Level
A study room design should put comfort first since people tend to be more productive when relaxed and cozy. A carefully selected chair and desk will be the most favorable for getting down to work. Making sure the room temperature is at a comfortable level is also important. Getting overheated or too cold can be a distraction in itself.
Need a study buddy? Who doesn’t love a good study buddy when you are hitting the books? In fact, a classroom pet provides plenty of benefits. Classroom pets have proven to increase empathy, stimulate learning, and increase responsibility.
A cozy pet bed strategically placed for your favorite furry friend ensures you will never have to study alone. It also makes the space more emotionally comforting for you, which is just as important as physical comfort.
Lighting Impacts Your Space
Depending on what type of day you enjoy studying, lighting can play a huge role in your space. Designing your study space near a window allows natural light and fresh air to be a part of your environment.
If you are more of a night owl, being next to a window is not as important as the lighting in your actual space. Make sure to choose good artificial lighting that enhances your work environment.
Why Does Environment Matter in Your Study Space?
Our environments directly affect our ability to focus and be productive. Concentrate on your study room design by bringing the necessary elements together to create magic. The most significant factor in your ability to focus is what is in your environment.
So, let’s explore some study room design tricks that can influence your overall performance.
Eliminate Clutter
Most study spaces aren’t that big, so any additional items that do not support your study habits should get eliminated from your workspace. Clutter is both a mental and physical distraction. Keeping your workspace clean and clutter-free will allow your mind the space it needs to focus and get down to work.
Set the Vibe
The more comfortable you are in your environment, the easier it will be to get down to work. Setting the vibe with your surroundings will help you get into the zone every time you come in to study.
Some ways to set the vibe are to:
- Add some color: Room color, or even accents around your workspace, can have a direct impact on your productivity. Try calming tones, such as blues, greens, and neutrals to create a space that promotes learning and comfort.
- Introduce room scents for focusing: The aroma of your space can also impact your emotional wellbeing. Try introducing candles, incense, or a diffuser into your work area. Lavender will relax you while citrus scents wake you up. If you need to get more productive, try cinnamon and pine.
- Bring in nature: Mentally and physically, nature impacts us. So, bring the natural world into your space. Leave a window open for fresh air, keep curtains open for direct sunlight, or select some houseplants to scatter around your study space.
- Reduce noise: Too much noise can raise your stress levels which adversely affects your productivity levels. Noise-canceling headphones and soft music can help redirect your focus to the task at hand.
Create an Alternative Space
Your desk and chair are the best options for really buckling down to work, but what happens when it is impossible to get comfortable? Moving around can help retrain your focus, and shifting positions into another space is good for your body.
If your study room has the space, consider adding additional furniture, such as a comfortable, plush chair or couch. Or, you can even take a break from your designated study area to visit a coffee house or library. A change of scenery can be just what you need to get back in the groove if motivation runs dry.
How Can You Remain Focused at Home?
Our homes are where we spend much of our time relaxing and unwinding, so it can be a challenge when your home space turns into a workspace. Remaining focused at home is crucial to your work... whether you are studying or working.
Whether you are distance learning or simply needing to study for exams, you need some strategic study tips to remain laser-focused.
Establish a Routine
Your routine at home is equally important to your one in the classroom. Consider establishing a schedule that mimics your daily school one. It includes when you eat, take breaks, and are most productive.
Structured schedules are necessary for wiring your brain to be on when it needs to be. A visual reminder of your daily schedule is an easy way to stay on top of your routine. Add a calendar or planner to your space as you develop your study room design.
Also, beware of multitasking. Make sure to stick to your routine where your brainpower is the highest and helps you achieve the most. Use the time during the day when you are the least focused to take your breaks, do chores, and step away from your study space.
Plan Time to be Active
Sitting in one place all the time is never good for your body. Also, your mind can become easily muddled when in the same position and staring at the same space daily. Self-care is just as important when it comes to planning your study space. So, make time to be active.
Take time to get out of your chair every hour to do some stretches, practice a yoga/meditation routine in a zen space, or simply look out the window and move around the room.
Build in Social Interaction
Your study space is not a prison cell. Sometimes, our work-from-home spaces can feel isolated and lonely. Yours does not have to feel that way if you build in time to interact with others.
Try scheduling video or phone chats daily or every other day to check in with others. When you need a break from your environment, plan a social outing or go and interact with your family. Part of productive studying is caring for your mental and emotional health needs. Step outside the walls occasionally.
Maintain a Healthy Diet and Sleep Pattern
Before you can even begin studying, you need to make your diet and sleep patterns a priority. Planning balanced lunches and energizing snacks throughout the day will help your brain remain focused.
Furthermore, getting enough sleep at night is crucial to performing well during the day. Make sure you clock in around seven to eight hours of sleep per night on a solid, supportive mattress.
Is Your Space Ready To Elevate Your Studying Experience?
Focused and comfortable may seem contradictory, but the more relaxed you are, the less you allow stress to infiltrate you while you work hard. Your study room should be an environment that makes you eager to learn and work hard.
Maintaining a space that has everything you need to thrive is necessary. Add in all the comforts that push you to do your best, like cozy furniture, nature, and scents that help boost your mood or calm your nerves.
You’ll find tons of study room design inspiration so you can make sure you are working in the most productive way possible. If your study room is lacking, make a few design adjustments. You’ll see the difference in no time!
Check out more cozy furniture options for your study room at CordaRoy’s. With a lifetime guarantee, they will be your trusty study companion for years to come.
Sources
How to Create a Study Space | Maryville University
Tips for Studying from Home | University of Washington
Benefits of Having Class Pets | Western Governors University
