Last Updated on March 23, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford
Having an effective study space at home is a must-have for every student. It should be a place that keeps you focused and helps you get the work done. Therefore, it will never hurt to put some extra thought into organizing your study environment. Your goal is to make it as functional and productive as possible.
There are plenty of ways to reduce clutter, organize your supplies, and add smart decorations. With some simple DIY solutions, you can easily transform your study space. Here are ten DIY ideas that will inspire your study space makeover.
1. Dry Erase Board
If you like making lists, but you often find yourself misplacing them, a dry erase board is your solution. You can create it from an old frame and use a piece of patterned decorative paper as a background.
A dry erase board will make your life so much easier. With its help, you can write to-do lists and brainstorm ideas. Professional paper writers prefer to use it for creating essay outlines. Having a plan in front of your eyes allows you to stay focused during research and writing.
2. Custom Shelves
Custom storage is a must-have addition to your study space. It allows you to optimize the organization of your study materials and supplies. When you craft custom-sized units, you’ll make sure that all your books, papers, and gadgets fit perfectly into a dedicated space.
Besides, by going for a DIY shelving solution, you can experiment with shapes and colors. This has multiple benefits. Your study environment becomes more fun to look at, and its functionality improves at the same time.
3. File Organizer
A student’s desk is often cluttered with papers and writing supplies. Stationery, books, and notes are everywhere. Here are a few solutions to make your space more organized:
- Take a picture frame and wrap some fabric around its back to create pockets for your notes, mail, and pens.
- Use your old toy box to store files and study supplies.
- Items like shower caddy and kitchen hangers can be repurposed to store your stationery.
- Make a storage unit out of a basket. You can add dividers and labels to help you organize papers into subcategories.
4. Chalkboard Wall
Everything in your study space should support your creativity. Having a chalkboard near your desk is a useful tool to have whenever you need to jot down unexpected ideas. The only fact that you can write on a wall adds a playful element into your study routine and gets your creative juices flowing.
It’s easy to make this idea come to life. All you need is to apply chalkboard paint and enjoy the new space for drawings, lists, and messages.
5. DIY Frames
Motivation is an important component of your success as a student. You should use all available means to maintain it and keep yourself focused on your goals. You can add photos, paintings, and quotes that inspire you. With DIY frames, they get more personality. Almost everything can serve as material for your crafts. You can make an interesting frame out of:
- Mosaic made of tile, stone, or glass;
- Clothespins;
- Dry flowers and twigs;
- Candlesticks;
- Cardstock;
- Old books;
- Pieces of pencils;
- Yarn.
6. Cable Management Box
You can hardly imagine learning without technology. Aside from computers, tablets, and phones, students also use headphones, drawing tablets, cameras, and other gadgets daily. They make student life so much easier.
Yet, a large number of electronics at your desk creates a mess of chargers and cables. This requires a solution for cable management. A box made of cardboard with labeled slots for different chargers is a simple and practical way to get rid of tangled cables.
7. Clay Planter
Adding greenery to your study space is a great touch. Aside from looking pretty, it also has a number of psychological benefits. For example, Harvard research reveals that having plants in your physical environment improves cognition by 26% and boosts productivity and well-being.
You can breathe life into your study space by placing a plant in a DIY pot. There are a lot of ways to be creative with it. You can craft your own clay planter, decorate it with patterns, twigs, and seashells, or even knit a cover for it.
8. Standing Desk
A standing desk improves the ergonomics of your study space. It keeps the circulation going, corrects your posture, and reduces back pain. Yet, standing desks are on the pricey side. If you live on a budget, building your own desk is a good alternative.
A lot of options do not cost much and are easy to assemble even with no crafting skills. The easiest options are to raise your existing desk or to repurpose your dresser (if it’s high enough).
You can also build a simple standing desk converter by placing a small side table on top of your desk. A solution that requires more skill is to get a new higher table frame and complete it with the tabletop you already have.
9. Flashcard Holder
Flashcards have many benefits for students. They help you learn foreign languages, memorize complex terms, and boost your confidence in knowledge. Yet, if you want to make the most of this learning method, you need to keep your flashcards organized according to subjects and topics as well as categorize them into familiar and new information.
A simple way to arrange flashcards is to create a box with distinct sections for each subject. You’ll benefit if you also introduce a color-coding or labeling system for each category. You can easily turn a cereal or shoebox and decorate it with wrapping paper to organize all your flashcards.
10. Book Stands
As a student, you probably have a lot of reading assignments. A book stand is a useful tool for you to place your reading materials in a more comfortable position. It will make the process more comfortable and reduce eyestrain and back pain from incorrect posture. Here are a few ways to get a DIY book stand:
- Take a pair of pliers and a wire hanger to create a bookstand in less than 5 minutes. Bend the hanger in the middle, make the sides flat, fold the tips to fit a book, and connect the bottom wire to the top of the hanger.
- Use hot glue and bamboo sticks to build a chick-looking bookstand of any form.
- Repurpose an old box by cutting its angle to fit a book. Its inside also makes a good storage space for cables, bookmarks, and other supplies.
Book stands serve not only to read traditional print books but also can hold your Kindle or iPad. So whether you’re a fan of traditional books or prefer to keep your study materials digital, a DIY book stand will be a useful addition to your desk.
How can I study in bed?
It’s possible to get things done in bed, but it takes a little creativity. Here are some tips for making the most of your sleep space:
1. Get rid of distractions. Turn off your phone, computer, and TV. If you can’t focus with noise in the background, use earplugs or headphones.
2. Make a comfortable workspace. Use a pillow to prop up your back, and bring a lap desk or small table to put your books and materials on.
3. Get organized. Keep everything you need within reach so you don’t have to get up frequently. This includes snacks, water, and anything else that will help you focus.
4. Take breaks. Get up and move around every 20 minutes or so to keep your energy levels up.
5. Be flexible. Some days you’ll be able to focus better than others. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t get as much done as you planned.
How can I create study space without a desk?
One way to create study space without a desk is to use a laptop tray. This will allow you to have a flat surface on which to put your laptop, books, and other materials.
Another way to create study space without a desk is to use a coffee table or end table. You can put your laptop on the table and use it as a desk. You can also use the table to hold your books and other materials.
Finally, you can use a chair as your study space. You can put your laptop on your lap or on the arm of the chair. You can also use the chair to hold your books and other materials.
How can I study for long hours in bed?
There are a few things you can do to make studying in bed more comfortable and productive. First, make sure your bed is comfortable and supportive. A good mattress and pillow will help you stay in a good position for long periods of time.
Second, use a lap desk or similar surface to prop up your books and materials. This will help keep your hands and arms free to take notes or use a computer.
Finally, try to find a comfortable position for your body and stick with it. Changing positions frequently can lead to discomfort and wasted time. By following these tips, you can make the most of your time in bed and improve your study habits.
Which position is best for studying?
There is no definitive answer to this question as everyone learns and studies differently. However, there are certain positions that can help improve focus and concentration. For example, sitting up straight in a chair with good posture and having your feet flat on the ground can help you stay alert and focused.
Additionally, keeping your work area well-lit and free of distractions can also help you stay on task. Ultimately, it is important to find what works best for you and experiment with different positions and techniques until you find what helps you achieve the most success.
Wrapping Up
By customizing and decorating your space, you create a special study nook full of inspiration and comfort. The DIY element adds your unique personality to the space. Try out our DIY ideas! They don’t require a significant investment of time or money. Yet, each of them is a useful improvement that boosts your productivity and efficiency. It becomes so much easier for you to get down to your school assignments and complete them with ease.