Study Room Ideas

With the constantly changing perception of home and lifestyle, every house now requires a specific space carved out for each activity. Be it entertainment, work, sleep, or just some alone time, no matter how small the house is, if not a room, there is at least a dedicated zone for the activity. In keeping with this changing concept, the need emerges for a special study room or zone, where one can work without any other distractions. This study room may be used by kids, or may function as a home office for you where you simply carry out your work in peace. In order to bring out the best in you, an appropriate study room design is imperative.

Elements of Study Rooms

When it comes to interior designing, first one has to keep in mind the function, after which form will follow. As such, let's start with the essentials of a study room.

• Study table (to fit a computer and provide space to write/draw/design)
• Storage cabinets (overhead or underneath or both)
• Bookshelves
• Additional seating for reading or a break (optional)
• Accessories to enhance the overall appearance

With the essentials in place, you need to figure out, how to put together all these to come up with a great study room. Keeping in mind a theme is a great way to design a study room. For instance, some of you may like a zen study room where everything reflects peace, creativity, and positivity. On the other hand, you may want a retro room, with bright floral prints, polka dots, and striking colors. English style study rooms will require elaborate classical furniture and other accessories in rich brown, gold, and white tones. Modern and contemporary will require sleek furniture but a design that can be personalized by you. Finally, a study room can simply be what you want it to be, and reflect the person you are. Here are some ideas for you.

Study Table Design
As mentioned earlier, your study table or computer desk should be big enough to incorporate a desktop or a laptop, along with writing space. This is particularly true if you are designing a study room for kids, as they need the space to complete their written assignments, do craft work, or any other creative activity they wish to engage in. A study table with storage underneath is essential particularly for kids, because of the numerous books and other items they have to store. Make sure you are comfortable while sitting at the desk before you purchase it. The chair you use should be of the appropriate height (for yourself or your child). Comfort is of prime importance when it comes to study room design.

Study Table Placement
Where you place the study table is important. Ideally it should be against a wall, so that you are not distracted by any other events. On the other hand, according to the principles of Feng Shui, you ought to place the study table in a manner that is facing the door to the room. Whatever you do, don't place it with the door behind you. Some of you may prefer placing the table against a wall with a window, which is also not a bad idea if you want a break from your work without having to get up and distract yourself. Finally, corner computer desks are also a good choice as they are great space savers. Just ensure, wherever you place your study table, you are able to get maximum natural light and ventilation.

Room for Cabinets and Bookshelves
Usually, wall mounted bookshelves and cabinets do the trick, particularly if you have limited space. Of course if you have a huge room, a full-fledged floor mounted book case would be great. Bookshelves are not only functional, they can add a lot in terms of design and color to a room. Bookcase design ideas include the use of crisscross shelves, shelves of varying lengths, and lit up shelves. Color is added in terms of books. Now, keep in mind that bookcases need not have only books. If there is room, use simple accessories such as figurines, vases, or other items of interest to break the monotony of rows and rows of books.

Apart from bookshelves, if you have the room, you may place a chest of drawers or other storage cabinets to store other stuff. For instance, if you are a designer or your child loves creating arts and crafts, then this storage will be helpful. Also, you may put up hanging shelves on an empty wall to display some sort of artwork, that will soften the appearance of the room.

Lighting
Lighting is very important in any aspect of interior design, and the same goes for a study room. While the importance of natural light has already been mentioned earlier, artificial light is important. If you have cabinets above your desk, incorporate lights underneath the cabinet, that will serve as a direct source of light in the room. You may also resort to a lamp for this purpose. Usually, having white light in a study room is always the best option. You may include a floor lamp or a hanging lamp with yellow light just for a change of mood every once in a while.

Other Elements of Design in a Study Room
The basics are in place. Now it comes to other accessories that will help with study room interior decorating. Here are some great elements you can add to enhance the room.

• Chair for the Study Table: While the study table design is something you shouldn't compromise on, the chair you use can be of any style as long as it is comfortable. Use this chair to add the much-needed color to the study room. The chair can also reflect prints and textures when upholstered with interesting fabrics.
• Soft Board/Whiteboard: A softboard or a whiteboard is very important in a study room, whether it is used by kids or by adults. To pin up important information, or even motivational posters, to note down things to remember and do, these are essentials that should find their place in the study room. Ideally, these should be placed right above the study table.
• Area for other Activities: If you require a design table or an additional space to create any works of art or craft, or perform any other activity, you may include an additional desk in the room. The ergonomics of this desk will depend on the function you want to use it for. For instance, it may be higher than your regular desk so you can conveniently stand and work if you have to.
• Area Rugs: An area rug is another beautiful way to add color to the study room. If you have a monochromatic room, break the monotony by throwing an area rug on the floor. If you can place it against a wall, you can throw some cushions on the rug to make a seating area where you can take a break from work and relax for a bit. It could also function as a reading zone.
• A Single Sofa: As mentioned earlier, this is optional, but usually, having a form of seating apart from your study table is good. It is likely that you will get bored of sitting in the same place and working, and the sofa or even a bean bag can give you the much-needed respite from the study table.
• Curtains and Drapes: Based on who is using the room, choose appropriate curtains and drapes to give the room color and character. You may also use blinds instead of curtains for a change. Fabric blinds can be specially made to match the theme of the room, or you may stick to bamboo blinds for the Zen look.
• Plants: Plants are refreshing, and even if you can just place on the window sill, it will give the room a gorgeous, simple look. Choose from a simple bamboo, bonsai, or any other plant of your liking.

Tips for Appropriate Study Room Design

Though you have your ideas in place, there are some very important tips that you should keep in mind when designing the study room.

• Avoid cluttering up the room. While basic study room furniture is essential, if you don't have room for the rest, avoid trying to stuff it up. A study room is where you work and clutter is very unnerving. Keep the study minimalistic so that you can generate your best.
• Do not use too much color in the study room. This is a place where you are supposed to focus, not an entertainment zone. Having too much color will just distract you and will affect the focus required to study or complete a task.
• Comfort is more important than design. For the sake of design, do not give up on personal comfort. If you love a study table or chair but don't find it comfortable, avoid purchasing it. It is for your own good.
• If you are placing any floating wall shelves or overhead cabinets, place them at a height where you won't hurt yourself. Avoid sitting under any shelf or overhead cabinet, and keep your safety in mind at all times.

Bringing together different elements to personalize your study room or home office is the only way you can come up with a tranquil zone that allows you to bring out your best. As such, a study room where you find yourself most comfortable and capable will obviously be designed the best.