1. Dedicate one wall in your bedroom or dorm room for your study area.

We know that most dorm rooms, bedrooms, and guest rooms may be limited on space, but that doesn’t mean you are out of luck. It just means that you have to get a little creative with your planning. For instance, in this swanky setup the ARKELSTORP desk has been paired with a petite stool that tucks nicely underneath, instead of a bulky task chair that would take up valuable square footage. In addition, the open desk design allows a clear line of sight to the mauve-colored wall behind it. Shelving offers additional storage and helps keep the desk free of clutter, while a table lamp and sconce provide ample light for those late night study sessions. Try adding the ARKELSTORP desk to a design in IKEA Kreativ.

2. Swap a console table or bookcase in the living room or common area for a desk.

Dedicate some space in your living area for a workstation. It might seem counterintuitive since these areas tend to be noisier and get more traffic than a private room, but you have to make the most of the space you have. Layout your design in IKEA Kreativ, and share it with your roommates or family members to make sure that everyone approves. If they don’t like what you’ve suggested, they can remix the design in IKEA Kreativ to try something different. Opt for a desk with a simple and fuss-free design like the  LAGKAPTEN / ADILS desk, which you can try here in IKEA Kreativ. This minimal piece will blend right in with the rest of the decor, plus it will keep your living area from feeling like an office. Frame the desk with a bookcase and some shelving to help visually separate the study space from the rest of the room as well as provide additional storage. Due to the fact that this setup sits in an open space with the potential for many distractions, consider implementing quiet/study hours with your roommates. And if all else fails, noise-canceling headphones can work wonders.

3. Turn that underutilized kitchen wall or nook into a charming workspace.

Not typically an obvious choice to locate a desk, the kitchen actually offers some unique benefits for a study space. For example, in this open floor plan there is just enough wall space between the living room and the kitchen to add a workstation big enough for two and a filing cabinet. Not only can you use this area to manage household bills, but students can complete their homework without feeling isolated from everyone else. Here, the MICKE desk almost disappears alongside matching white walls. The bookcase acts as a divider, plus offers a little extra storage and privacy. Pegboards not only provide visual interest, but they also make a convenient place to hang art, important reminders, clever ideas, inspiration, or even essential supplies. Click here and try a MICKE desk in IKEA Kreativ.

4. Put an awkward unused corner to work.

Don’t let an awkward corner or alcove go to waste. Make the most out of every square inch and turn the area into an efficient study zone. You might be surprised at what you can actually fit in your unique space, once you start moving different pieces of furniture around in IKEA Kreativ. The LAGKAPTEN / ALEX desk looks right at home nestled in the corner of this setup. Follow this design and incorporate a tall bookcase and a small but comfy task chair to complete the scene. Add the LAGKAPTEN / ALEX desk to IKEA Kreativ to try it in a design of your own.

5. Transform a spare room, den, or garage into a dedicated study zone.

If you’re lucky enough to have a spare room — such as a den, garage, or attic space — use IKEA Kreativ to transform it into a quiet refuge perfect for studying. And while it’s nice to have a larger canvas to work with, you still want to make the most out of the space. Perhaps there’s room for more than one workstation? If so, consider the petite LISABO desk which won’t take up too much space. Not to mention, its Scandi good looks and ash wood veneer will add undeniable warmth and style to your room while giving you a clean, solid surface for writing, drawing, or using your laptop. Click here to add a LISABO desk to a space in IKEA Kreativ and see how it looks for yourself.

Just a few things to keep in mind

When designing your study space, it can be easy to focus on aesthetics. However, you want the setup to be functional as well as stylish. With that in mind, here are a few essential things to consider when creating your space. 

• Adequate lighting: When possible, try to locate your desk near a window for natural light. Incorporate fixtures such as a task lamp and a wall sconce to illuminate your space during those all-nighters. 
• Plenty of storage: Make room for shelving, a drawer unit, or a bookcase to stash all of your highlighters, notecards, Post-Its, and any other essentials.
• Comfortable seating: You’re going to be spending a lot of time studying, so invest in a comfortable chair. Just be sure to consider that the size makes sense for your space. Don’t forget to compare the seat height with the desk height.
• Be yourself: Don’t be afraid to integrate your personality. Add some art that speaks to you, a small plant, or a cozy rug.
• Go vertical: When floor space is limited, use your walls. Add a cabinet, floating shelves, or a pegboard for extra organization and visual interest.

Now try our tips for yourself, and use IKEA Kreativ to plan the best study space whatever your living situation.