6 Creative Study Spaces for Kids

Ah, back to school time. The holidays may nearly be over, but there's plenty to love about the dawn of a new school year: the smell of freshly sharpened pencils, new pencil cases and box-fresh shoes… It's also a great opportunity to reinvent your study space at home. A creative work station that kids can make their own will surely inspire them to get those textbooks out, so take a look at these smart schemes. Prepare for gold stars all round…

*Pastel Power**

A basic trestle table has been given a brand new look with a lick of mint green and pale pink. We love the clever use of a propped up piece of pegboard behind, which provides a customisable canvas for mini shelves and storage pockets (fashioned from Ikea spice racks) to be moved around at will. Try ‘Javan Dawn 4’ and ‘Party Surprise 3’ for a similar combo. Pegboard can be found from builders merchants or timber merchants.

Image via Petit and Small.

Urban Edge

Short on space? No problem – there's an array of bunk beds on the high street that cater for the less roomy room. This Svarta Loft Bed Frame, (€170) by Ikea, radiates industrial cool. Team it with shelves made using upcycled skateboards and a bright wall colour for an injection of fun.

Double the Fun

What makes homework better? Having a study buddy, of course. Making room for two can look twice as nice as these desks go to show – go for a reclaimed vintage look with old classroom chairs, tool boxes and industrial lighting, or opt for a designer edge with mini design classics, sleek finishes and bright splashes of colour. Create your own blackboard wall with some Blackboard paint, which also comes in a magnetic finish, so you can put up notes and pictures without pins or tape. Read our step-by-step guide to find out how to paint your blackboard.

Images via Casa Abril.

Global Vision

Using maps as wall posters or murals will inspire little jet setters (or geographers) to dream of future adventures in far-flung places, and it looks rather chic too. Broaden their horizons by using flag bunting to accessorise a crisp white and navy nautical scheme. Get the look with Great Little Trading Co's Whittington Desk and Hutch in white and try ‘Morning Jewel 6’ on walls for a New England vibe.

Images via My Scandinavian Home (left) and Great Little Trading Co (right).

Shelf Life

Keep a clean and uncluttered look in tight spaces by choosing a wall-mounted desk solution. Providing just enough room for spelling and handwriting practice, this cute study is nothing more complicated than a (sturdy) shelf. Have fun with putting up smaller display ledges around it – the ideal spot for those certificates of achievement.

Image via Boo and the Boy.

White Out

If pale and interesting is more your bag, take inspiration from these Scandi-licious schemes. On the left, Homebase's Hygena Desk, is paired with white floorboards and whitewashed brickwork for a look that lasts right through school and beyond (with a bit of tweaking, of course). Who could resist this clever study den by Dutch purveyors of kids' furniture Bedhuisje? If only it came in grown-up size…

Looking for more kids space inspiration? Check out 5 Ideas for Cool Kids Rooms.