Many thanks to Evelyn Long with her article, Back-to-School Bliss: Decorating Tips to Inspire Young Minds, just in time for when your summer vacation ends. Be sure to read Evelyn’s bio at the bottom.
– – – – – – – – – – – –
Going back to school has its ups and downs. As you go back to the world of books and lectures, seeing friends and diving into topics you enjoy is refreshing. Most people will prepare their bags and outfits ahead of the busy season.
One underrated task when returning to school is decorating and organizing the bedroom or dorm. After all, where else should you do your homework and study for exams? Follow these decorating tips to transform your room from unsensational to inspirational
1. Pick Out a Theme
Cohesion is the first step in any redecorating project. Choose a theme to tie your whole study space together. The contemporary aesthetic is pleasing for a simple and creative look. Here are other suggestions:
- Dark academia: Dark academia interior design has an exquisite ambience. It’s characterized by muted colors and wooden furniture. If you like books and vintage decorations, you’ll feel motivated by this theme.
- Scandinavian: Scandinavian is a clean interior design style. Minimal furniture or decor is involved, and the style is defined mostly by organic materials. Think wooden baskets and rugs with natural fibers.
- Industrial: Industrial is a modern style that takes on elements from warehouses and other factory spaces. It plays a lot with the texture of different materials, from sleek black metals to rough bare bricks.
2. Check Your Colors
Even if you don’t have a specific theme in mind, color can still be incredibly impactful in your study space. Blue is nice since it sparks calmness and relaxation in people. Just remember to avoid going neon unless it’s with little accents.
Murals are one of the most straightforward ways to incorporate color into a room. You can also choose table furniture or chairs in your desired hue. For example, a blue office chair is comfy and colorful for your space.
Resource Image: Casart Coverings Sea Spray Reusable Wall Mural
3. Consider the Ergonomics
The desk is the pièce de résistance of your at-home study space, so decorate it wisely. A desk and a chair are key furniture to help you work on your projects. Here are ergonomic factors for maximum comfort:
- Desk height: A too-low or too-high table height is quite uncomfortable. You should be able to position your elbows at 90 degrees and comfortably rest your hands on the surface. An adjustable desk is ideal to accommodate your body.
- Chair height: Most office chairs are adjustable, but you still have to set them to an optimal height. Ensure they’re high enough to let you rest your legs while studying. They should also be low enough to avoid dangling uncomfortably.
- Cushion and composition: If you’re going to study for multiple hours, you want the chair to be snug. The seat and armrest pads should have a thick cushion. The chair’s design should also offer good lumbar support to keep the spine intact.
4. Set Up a Digital Hub
Technology has become a part of almost every aspect of modern life, including school. Set up a digital space when you need to create a PowerPoint presentation or get a classmate on a video call to coordinate a project. Here are organizing tips:
- Have ample space: Some people pick petite desks for aesthetic purposes. However, you must consider whether your digital devices would fit. Laptops can work with smaller surfaces, but a full-fledged PC with a mouse and keyboard needs more room.
- Ensure accessible outlets: You don’t want devices to shut down when studying. Position the table near your electrical outlets. You can also get a power strip for easier access.
Take care of cable clutter: Use cable organizers to keep your desk space minimalist. You can also invest in wireless devices. In 2020, about 66% of people used wireless headphones at home, while 58% had wireless earbuds.
5. Utilized Closed Storage
Speaking of clutter, get closed storage options like cabinets instead of open shelves. These types of furniture can hide excess items to keep the study area distraction-free. If you don’t have enough space for an additional dresser, you can also get closed baskets and boxes. Put them under the bed if you want to keep them out of sight.
6. Have Wall Decorations
Decorative pieces on the wall inspire you to work hard. Some people like to put on motivational quotes to boost themselves up. Others are more sentimental as they add photos of them and their loved ones. You can also integrate abstract wood wall art for a unique but captivating twist in the study space.
7. Create an Accent Ceiling
If you find yourself staring up at the ceiling occasionally, make it more exciting with an accent. Even just a simple pattern is a nice break from the screen. If you want to commit, a painting of the sky can also be beautiful and make a room feel brighter. Imagine looking up and instantly seeing stars contrast with the dark background or clouds in front of a pastel setting.
Resource Image: Casart Coverings Casart Cloud Design Wallpaper and Decor Collection
8. Incorporate Some Nature
Studying indoors can get a little tiring. Even if you don’t have the energy to take walks, you should still be able to experience nature. Incorporate natural interior design elements into your home. Here are a few ways you can bring the environment into your room.
- Bring plants: Greenery is the simplest way to bring nature indoors. Get low-maintenance succulents like aloe or crassula. You can also bring fresh flowers for a visual pick-me-up during exam seasons.
- Use wooden furniture: Wooden furniture is a good addition since it can mimic natural tree trunks. Plus, many options incorporate timber, from your main study desk to the cabinetry in the home.
- Install sheer curtains: Natural light is ideal for studying during the daytime. Sheer curtains can bring the right amount of light into the room. Plus, you can pick one with a subtle design for extra flair.
9. Have Functional Fixtures
Functional fixtures like a clock are essential in your studying journey. They help you keep track of time without having to touch your cellphone and accidentally scroll through for an hour. If the clock has an alarm, it can even be used as a timer.
Mirrors are also an excellent addition to the room. You can glance at yourself now and then to check your posture and whether you feel tired. And if you need a little pep talk, it’s a pretty good tool to get through to yourself.
Resource Image: Casart Coverings Casart Decor Birds & Birch Orange Beige Clock
10. Create a Lounge Area
Create a small lounge area in your study space to decompress from all the studying. Have a small table where you can put snacks and drinks. Bean bags or a sofa are also ideal for stretching your legs and relaxing.
The lounge area can also be a good space for bringing friends over. Group studying can allow you and your friends to share different insights on the material. It’s also a great opportunity to bond with acquaintances and get to know each other better.
Get Your Space Study-Ready
Decorating your room is a fun way to welcome the back-to-school season. Plus, your organization and design choices can assist you when you need to concentrate on schoolwork. Curate an inspirational space and look forward to your study sessions!
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Additional posts & resources:
- Six Ways to Achieve Stylish Dorm Room Designs for your Digs
- Get Your Dorm Room On
- Beach Time While Reconnecting with Back to School Bags and Face Blankets
- 5 Ways to Gear Up for the School Groove
- Packing a Student for College
Many thanks to Evelyn for her back-to-school article on decorating tips to inspire young minds.
About the author:
Evelyn Long is an interior design writer passionate about helping homeowners bring life and personality to their spaces.
She is the Editor-in-Chief of Renovated, where she provides interior design tips and guides.
She also contributes to sites like DecorMatters and National Association of Realtors.
Leave a Reply