Clever Kids' Desks that Make Homework Fun
Kick off the new school year with a study nook that encourages kids to knuckle down and get ahead of the curve
Joanna Tovia
20 January 2017
Houzz editorial team. Photojournalist specialising in design, travel and living well. Follow her photodocumentary about pets and the people who love them on Instagram @unfoldingtails
Houzz editorial team. Photojournalist specialising in design, travel and living well.... More
Whether your children are educational go-getters or lazy learners, having an inviting place to call their own for homework eases the road ahead for a successful school year. Workable desks can be slotted into all kinds of spaces, from tiny bedrooms to multi-purpose rooms that need to accommodate multiple kids … and desks can even be worked into the kitchen island. These innovative study nooks are sure to get you thinking about what could work for the little (and big) learners at your house.
Wall of fun
Shelving that incorporates a fold-down desk or two can be a valuable addition to a bedroom or playroom. The display of books and knick-knacks will change over the years as their tastes change, but the set-up can stay the same if you plan it to be able to grow with your child from the start.
Tip: Be sure any desks built into cabinetry are large enough to accommodate lanky teenage legs. Double power points by each desk are must-haves for charging up laptops and other devices without the need to relocate.
Shelving that incorporates a fold-down desk or two can be a valuable addition to a bedroom or playroom. The display of books and knick-knacks will change over the years as their tastes change, but the set-up can stay the same if you plan it to be able to grow with your child from the start.
Tip: Be sure any desks built into cabinetry are large enough to accommodate lanky teenage legs. Double power points by each desk are must-haves for charging up laptops and other devices without the need to relocate.
Two in one
Even bedrooms that are on the small side can squeeze in a sizeable desk with a bit of imagination. Instead of having a separate bedside table and desk, this room blends the two together. Lighting for both studying and reading has been built in beneath the overhead storage cabinetry, removing the need for a lamp.
Tip: Don’t scrimp on space on either side of the chair – there’s nothing inviting about having to cram yourself into an uncomfortably small area to study.
Even bedrooms that are on the small side can squeeze in a sizeable desk with a bit of imagination. Instead of having a separate bedside table and desk, this room blends the two together. Lighting for both studying and reading has been built in beneath the overhead storage cabinetry, removing the need for a lamp.
Tip: Don’t scrimp on space on either side of the chair – there’s nothing inviting about having to cram yourself into an uncomfortably small area to study.
Kitchen capers
Fold-down desks needn’t be segregated from the action. A desk incorporated into the kitchen island is ideal for primary-school-aged kids – they’re within earshot if they need help with their homework, and you can get dinner on at the same time.
See more innovative kitchen islands
Fold-down desks needn’t be segregated from the action. A desk incorporated into the kitchen island is ideal for primary-school-aged kids – they’re within earshot if they need help with their homework, and you can get dinner on at the same time.
See more innovative kitchen islands
Love interest
Whatever your child is mad about, work it into their study nook to personalise the space. What lover of horses wouldn’t want to sit themselves down at this desk to get their homework done? The horse image is actually magnetic wallpaper – the perfect opportunity for a child to make the desk area feel more like their own. And best of all, the wallpaper can be updated as their interests mature.
Whatever your child is mad about, work it into their study nook to personalise the space. What lover of horses wouldn’t want to sit themselves down at this desk to get their homework done? The horse image is actually magnetic wallpaper – the perfect opportunity for a child to make the desk area feel more like their own. And best of all, the wallpaper can be updated as their interests mature.
Upstairs downstairs
It pays to gets creative if two children have to (or want to) share a room. Making use of vertical space can create pockets for study, sleep and storage.
It pays to gets creative if two children have to (or want to) share a room. Making use of vertical space can create pockets for study, sleep and storage.
Restricting beds, cabinetry and the study area to one wall maximises the open space in this room. With so much storage built in, there’s plenty of room on the floor for play or lying around with a good book. A soft rug and a beanbag makes the floor space extra inviting.
This smart set-up uses vertical space in a different but no less innovative way, eliminating the need for a separate desk and chest of drawers entirely.
Browse more kids’ bedroom photos
Browse more kids’ bedroom photos
Lots of leg room
Bay windows are often used for bench seating but they can be even more useful as study nooks. A custom desk is an inexpensive solution for a room like this, and there’s plenty of room to move, particularly as short legs morph into long legs. Not having to face a blank wall can also make the prospect of doing homework more appealing.
8 exam-ready teen study nooks
Bay windows are often used for bench seating but they can be even more useful as study nooks. A custom desk is an inexpensive solution for a room like this, and there’s plenty of room to move, particularly as short legs morph into long legs. Not having to face a blank wall can also make the prospect of doing homework more appealing.
8 exam-ready teen study nooks
A cantilevered desk achieves the same purpose – plenty of desktop surface area and leg room – but this sleek design also manages to incorporate slide-out drawers to keep all the essentials within easy access.
Fun factor
You know what they say about all work and no play. A desk area that doubles as a spot for games or hanging out with friends is a smart move, no matter what the age of your children. Just be sure the bench seats are high enough and supportive enough to make studying ultra-comfortable.
YOUR SAY
What kind of desk do your kids use for their homework, or do they favour the kitchen table? Tell us in the Comments below.
MORE
Browse more kids’ study spaces
You know what they say about all work and no play. A desk area that doubles as a spot for games or hanging out with friends is a smart move, no matter what the age of your children. Just be sure the bench seats are high enough and supportive enough to make studying ultra-comfortable.
YOUR SAY
What kind of desk do your kids use for their homework, or do they favour the kitchen table? Tell us in the Comments below.
MORE
Browse more kids’ study spaces
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Love the shelving with the fold down desk for a wall in our new house. Fantastic idea!
Love some of these ideas, however, nothing can make homework fun. haha