How to set up a kid-friendly workspace for at-home learning

During this pandemic, many parents have taken on an additional role of being a school teacher. Creating a designated work area at home for your kids can be tricky - especially if you're already tight on space. If you're looking for ways to create a clean and organized "home school" for your kids, we've got you covered! Designer Amanda Aerin walked us through how she sets up a homework station and her top tips for how you can do the same. 

USE A DINING TABLE AS A DESK

One of the first things to tackle when it comes to creating an at-home classroom is finding a reliable tabletop. A dining table makes an excellent desk while also eliminating the need for a designated office room. Dining rooms typically already have good lighting and comfortable chairs, so why not utilize them during the day?

ORGANIZE SCHOOL SUPPLIES WITH JARS OR TRAYS

When it comes to keeping a variety of pens, pencils, markers, rules and general school supplies organized, you might be wondering what the best storage solution is. Jars, whether they're originally meant for cookies or not, are a simple way to keep everything your kids need in one place. Best of all, they look great on a table and prevent the workspace from looking cluttered.

USE YOUR DINING ROOM SIDEBOARD AS STORAGE

A dining room sideboard is usually something most people don't use often, but now is the perfect time to take advantage of that piece of furniture by using it for school storage! You can assign a drawer to each kid so that their work is quick to put away and even quicker to find. 

CONVERT A BOOKCASE INTO CLOSED STORAGE

If you have a bookcase with extra space available, consider hanging a drapery panel or use leftover paper to cover the contents so that everything looks visually tidy. If you don't have a drapery panel or leftover paper available, you can still make sure of your bookshelf by storing laptops, school supplies and everyday essentials.

STAY ORGANIZED WITH DECORATIVE BOXES

Decorative or plain boxes are one of the best tools you can use to hide any additional tools or papers. Rather than having to tuck them under a table or in a closet, decorative boxes look great on display and you'd never be able to tell what's inside (unless they're clear).