How to Set Up a Home Study Space

The right study space can help you focus so that you can get your work done more quickly. Here’s how to make one that’s right for you.

If you usually do your homework on the living room couch or lying in bed, it may be taking you more time to complete assignments than it needs to. That’s because those areas are filled with distractions, making it harder to concentrate on the task at hand. Plus, you might find it hard to unwind once your work is done, as simply being in the same spot where you work can make it difficult to relax and think about other things.

Here’s how to make a study space that will help you work quicker and more efficiently, so that you spend more time doing what you love, like diving into a summer read or volunteering for a good cause.

Find the perfect spot

Instead of hitting the books wherever you happen to be, create a dedicated study area. That way, you’ll have everything you need whenever you need it.

The right spot should be someplace out of the way, where people are unlikely to interrupt and distract you. If that’s your bedroom, try to place your desk so that it doesn’t face your bed—and vice versa, so that you’re not staring at your study spot when it’s time to get some rest. For example, if you’re a side sleeper, don’t put the desk on the side you sleep on. If you tend to sleep on your back, the foot of your bed is probably a bad place for your desk.

Ideally, you want a study spot with plenty of natural light, which can help reduce headaches and eyestrain. If you know you’ll need to do a lot of video calls, face a window if you can. That way the light will flatter you. (Pro tip: Avoid having a big light source behind you, which can put your face in a shadow.)

Get organized

Now that you’ve found your study spot, take the time to make sure you have everything you’ll need nearby. Find places for your books, notes, and papers, as well as other school supplies such as a calculators or ruler. You can use pouches to organize your pens, pencils, and cords. And be sure to leave room for your Superbreak backpack, so that it’s easy to quickly load and unload it.

Position your monitor so that it’s about an arms distance away and your eyes fall about two inches below the top of the screen. Using a laptop? You can easily raise it by placing a few books underneath—and then invest in a detached keyboard that lets you type comfortably.

Make it your own

This is your study space, so have some fun with it! Do a little DIY: You could decorate a bulletin board with pins, wallpaper, or ribbon, for example. You can also add a few photos or plants, which not only look nice but can also help reduce stress. (Psst, if there isn’t much sunlight on your desk, you’ll want a plant that does well in shade, like a monstera or snake plant.)

At the end of the day, you want a study space that you’ll enjoy being in. Just be sure to leave enough room to do your work!

What does your home study space look like? Share it by using #LifeUnzipped on social media.

By:  Jessen O’Brien