When it comes to kids’ learning time, their environment is essential. It should support quiet, focused study yet be an enjoyable space to be in. This means fewer distractions, calming colours, plenty of storage space and ergonomic furniture for good posture.
Designing your children’s study can be a fun project, especially when you do it together and include their input. After all, it is their space and having a say means they’ll have more ownership (read: it’ll be easier to get them to clean the room).
It also makes for great bonding! While picking out colours and themes, don’t forget to include these practical considerations.
1. & 8. Kartell bookworm shelves with bookends, from $810, and Moooi Paper Desk by Studio Job, from $5,930, from Space Furniture.
2. & 6. Julian bookshelves by Lilliewoods, $340, and Arod Study Table, $799, from Hipvan.
3. Evane Desk with Storage (Ash Wood), $289 from Fortytwo.
PLENTY OF STORAGE
Although schools are gradually moving towards an online-based learning approach, having space for textbooks, other publications and stationery is still a must. While most desks have built-in storage, there are always more options in the form of brightly-coloured cabinets and shelving. These also help to keep gadgets and toys out of sight, so there are fewer distractions when it’s time to study.
4. Bubble Gum Desk with Little Mermaid Chair, price upon enquiry, from Circu.
5. Wood desk and armchair by Oliver Furniture, $1,641, from Kuhl Home.
7. & 9. Cloud Study Table, $279, and Eiffel Study Table, $399, from Star Living.
10. & 13. Finnstarr work lamp, $19.90, and Ypperlig LED table lamp, $59, from Ikea.
11. Diana Table Lamp, price upon enquiry, from Circu.
12. & 15. Weevil Table Lamp, $99, and Yeelight Serene Lamp, $239, from Hipvan.
14. Nomi Study Lamp, $49, from Fortytwo.
ADEQUATE LIGHTING
Having sufficient overhead and task lighting can help prevent eye strain and myopia developing from an early age. Your child’s desk should have a task lamp that can be directed to wherever more light is needed. There shouldn’t be any shadows.
16. 3M Post-It DEF3X2 dry erase surface 3x2ft, $79.90, from Fortytwo.
17. & 18. Skadis Pegboard, $35, and Mojlighet Noticeboard/ Whiteboard with basket, $49.90, from Ikea.
19. Dekodur Distil Tank Magnetic Laminate, price upon enquiry, from Catalyste.
ROOM FOR CREA TIVITY
Every child needs room for self-expression. “Give them space to doodle, brainstorm and put up school notices on a magnetic laminate board,” advises Tony Tan, Catalyste corporate communications manager. Other options: noticeboards, whiteboards or pegboards with attachments, so your child can rearrange favourite stationery and other small items.
“CHILDREN NEED AN AVENUE TO EXPRESS THEIR CREATIVITY. SOMETHING THAT’S IMMEDIATELY ACCESSIBLE AND LARGE ENOUGH SO THEY CAN SKETCH, DOODLE OR WRITE TO THEIR HEARTS’ CONTENT.”
– TONY TAN, CATALYSTE CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
20. & 22. High Rise Kids Loft Bed with Step Ladder, $4,710, and Semi-high Study Kids Loft Bed, $3,426, by Lifetime Kidsroom from Kuhl Home.
21. & 23. Hilda N3 Junior Set, price upon enquiry, and Rail N2 3’ Single Bed with Table, $650, from Star Living.
SPACE-SAVING FURNITURE
Loft bed and desk combinations aren’t just an avenue for endless fun and creativity, they save you lots of space, too. The bed’s elevation usually means there’s sufficient space under it for storage or even a desk, making it a great choice for smaller rooms.
24., 25. & 26. Loberget/ Sibben children’s desk chair, $27.90, Skarsta desk, $399, and Eldberget/ Malskar swivel chair, $49.90, from Ikea.
27. & 28. Blot castors chair, $299, and Fondue side chair castors, $245, from Comfort Design.
29. Oriel Kids Rug 1.5 x 1m, $135.20, from Hipvan.
30. & 31. Mykonos Sunrise hemp rug, $590, and Peekaboo blue rug, $590, from Living DNA.
ERGONOMIC FURNITURE
Chairs that provide adequate lumbar support can help prevent slouching and facilitate proper spine development. Also factor in height-adjustable furniture that can adapt to your growing child, saving money in the long run.
CHOOSING A RUG
Rugs add visual interest to a room, provide an alternative space for your child to play and even save your floor from dents. For your child’s study, pick one that’s easily washable and has a pattern or texture, so stains or marks aren’t as visible.
text MELODY BAY
