13 Awesome Study Room Design Ideas and Decorating Tips

Here is a how to create a perfect study room you're going to love.

Study room design ideas | New Africa on Shutterstock
This post was originally published Oct. 2022/updated Nov. 2024

A dedicated space is the key to staying productive, whether studying or working. Even if you can't devote your entire room to setting up a home office, having a study room area can make you more focused and organized.

With the right design, your study room can be a place that inspires productivity and creativity. Your home office doesn't have to be boring. In this post, we look at awesome study room ideas to help you create your own space.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Functional and inspiring: A well-designed home office boosts productivity by combining ergonomic furniture with sufficient lighting and decor that inspires focus.
  • Small space solutions: Clever use of compact desks, vertical storage, and multifunctional furniture makes even the smallest spaces practical for studying.
  • Natural elements matter: Incorporate plants and natural light for a calming and motivating atmosphere.
  • Personalization is key: Tailor the design to suit individual needs, whether for kids’ homework, a home office, or a quiet reading nook.
  • Stay organized: Maximize efficiency with storage solutions like shelves, organizers, and cable management.

What’s the difference between a home office and a study room?

Home offices and study rooms serve different purposes. A study room is a smaller space designated for school work or other quiet activities. It may have a desk and chair, shelves for books and a few personal items. It’s usually located in a quiet area of the house, away from distractions like television or foot traffic.

Study room with a table and chair, shelves and carpet
Bright study room | Photographee.eu on Shutterstock

On the other hand, a home office is intended for running a business or completing other professional tasks. It generally includes a larger desk, comfortable chair, computer, printer and other office supplies. Sometimes, a home office may also double as a study room. However, it is important to designate a specific work area to maintain productivity and focus.

Best colors for studying

The best colors that help with studying are those that are soothing and promote concentration. Blue is a great choice for a study room, as it has a calming effect that can help you focus. Green is another good option, as it is said to improve reading comprehension and memory recall.

Studay room with a dark blue wall
Blue is a great choice for a study room | foamfoto on Shutterstock

White walls can add calm but can also feel sterile. To inject some energy into your home office, try using shades of yellow or even orange, as these colors are known to improve mental productivity.

However, avoid using red, as it can increase anxiety levels and make concentrating harder. Ultimately, the best color for studying depends on your preferences and what makes you feel most comfortable.

Reading room ideas

A reading room should include comfortable furniture, good lighting and plenty of storage. The room should be inviting and warm, with plenty of natural light. Bookshelves and table lamps are a must.

Reading room ideas | Tim Wildsmith/Unsplash

A comfortable desk chair, couch or comfy bean bag chair can make your reading room even more inviting. Add color and texture with an area rug to anchor the space. Things like table lamps and candles can create a relaxing atmosphere. It's also important to have enough outlets for all of your devices.

cozy reading room with book cases, desk and a chair
Study room ideas | New Africa/Shutterstock

Kids study rooms

A study room is a great way to help kids focus on their homework and schoolwork. But what are the best ways to set up a study room? First, choose a quiet location in the house where there will be minimal distractions. Then, create a comfortable space for kids to work in by setting up desks and chairs.

Kids studay room with a desk, lamp and drawers for storage
Study room for kids | Africa Studio on Shutterstock

Ensure plenty of light so kids can see what they are working on. Finally, add some personal touches to the room, such as photos and posters, to help kids feel motivated and inspired. By following these simple tips, you can create a study room that is both functional and inviting.

kids study area with one wall used as a black board
Study room ideas for kids | Ground Picture/Shutterstock

Study room ideas for adults

Creating study rooms for adults is similar to kids' rooms but with a more grown-up decor. Choose quality, well-made furniture that will last and add some artwork or photos that motivate you.

Study room ideas for adults
Study room ideas for adults | Undrey/Shutterstock

Kids are not the only ones who get easily distracted, so make sure to eliminate distractions and set up your room away from busy parts of the house.

Create an inspiring place to study | zhu difeng on Shutterstock 

Contemporary/modern study room design

If you love a clean and simple aesthetic, consider finishing your study room in a contemporary style. This interior design style is about keeping things uncluttered and organized so that you can focus on your studies. A study room in this style might feature white walls, plenty of natural light, sleek furniture and minimal decor.

Stylish office with gray walls and shaggy rug
Go for a contemporary vibe | Sheila Say on Shutterstock 

Another popular option is to create a cozy and inviting study space where you can relax and feel comfortable while you work. This might involve adding some cozy throws and pillows and incorporating warm colors and soft lighting.

Small study room ideas

One way to make the most of a small study room is to keep the furnishings simple. Keep it to necessities like a desk and a chair, so there's no need to overcrowd the space with unnecessary furniture. Consider adding a wall-mounted chalkboard or peg board for an additional workspace that doesn’t take up a lot of room.

wooden desk with a chair against a wall with frames
A simple study room idea | Photographee.eu on Shutterstock

You can also maximize storage by choosing a desk with built-in drawers and installing floating shelves. Another way to create a more spacious feel in a small study room is to use light colors for the walls and furniture. Light colors reflect light and will make your room appear larger.

office wall decor
Spruce up your white walls | united photo studio/Shutterstock

Low budget, simple study room design

A study room doesn't have to be a grand space with soaring ceilings and walls adorned with art. Sometimes a basic setup can be the most effective.

Sometimes simple is best | JulieK2/Shutterstock

If you're working with a tight budget, opt for a quiet corner in your home or apartment. Opt for a space near a window to maximize natural light whenever possible. Then, set up a simple desk and chair that are comfortable and conducive to study.

Simplistic study room in white with desk and chair
A low-budget room can also be stylish | Photographee.eu on Shutterstock

Study room furniture

When choosing study room furniture, it's important to consider both form and function. You want stylish and practical pieces to help create an inviting and efficient space. Consider what you'll be using the study room for.

If you plan on doing a lot of reading or writing, you'll need a comfortable desk and chair. You might also want to consider adding a sofa or an armchair. Whatever your needs, there are plenty of options to create the perfect study room for you.

Study room decoration

When decorating your study rooms, the sky is the limit. It's an opportunity to let your personality shine. Select objects that speak to you and inspire you. However, ensure the items you choose won't overpower the space and won't be distracting and keep you from doing your work

Elegant office with book shelves and an arm chair
Photo by Huy Nguyen on Unsplash

Cozy study room

To create a cozy atmosphere in your study room, add some plants and natural fibers to your decor. Plants are great for purifying the air and creating a relaxing vibe. Warm lighting and natural textiles also add a cozy touch to any space. Pillows, throw blankets and wicker baskets are great for warmth and boosting the cozy factor.

Family study room

Creating a study room for your family can be a great way to encourage academic success. Setting aside a dedicated space for homework and study can help your children focus and stay on track. It can also be a good place to keep educational materials, such as books, textbooks, and reference materials.

Create a comfortable space to work | New Africa on Shutterstock

If you don't have an extra room in your house, you can create a study area in the corner of your living room or kitchen. Just make sure to designate it as a quiet space where everyone can concentrate.

Create a space your whole family can use | Photographee.eu on Shutterstock

Minimalist study room design

A study room doesn't have to be cluttered and crammed with furniture to be effective. A minimalist design can be more conducive to concentration and productivity. By keeping your office space clean and uncluttered, you can help to eliminate distractions and create a more focused environment.

Light small home office interior with corner desk and grey upholstered chair on hardwood floor
Keep focused with minimal decor | Artazum on Shutterstock

Your study should be where you can go to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and focus on your work or studies. All you need is your favorite study chair with a simple desk and ample lighting.

Study room storage ideas

Your study room should be uncluttered and organized. You can incorporate storage solutions to keep your study space tidy. Install shelves or filing cabinets to store books and other materials. Bins, baskets and hooks are great for storing smaller items and keeping items out of the way.

modern office storage shelves
Don't forget about storage | Floral Deco/Shutterstock

Conclusion

When it comes to designing a space that's dedicated to study, remember that everyone works differently. For some, a home office with a designated desk is the desired option, while others prefer an entire room filled with books. No matter what option works for you, we hope these study room ideas inspire you to create a space you'll love spending time in.

FAQ

How can I design my study room?

When designing a study room space, select a space that is quiet and free from distractions. Whether a small nook or a dedicated office workspace, ensure the area is well-lit and has plenty of storage space. Keep your study room decorations to a minimum to stay focused on your work.

How do I turn my room into a study room?

You can turn any room into a study space. Create a dedicated study area with a desk, sturdy tabletop and a chair. If you have limited space, consider adding a corkboard or a floating shelf for storage and accessories.

What a study room should look like?

Your study room should reflect you and your personality. Choose a style that works with the rest of your decor, or add pieces that complement it. You can opt for monochromatic color schemes, Bohemian flair or a traditional design as long as it helps you stay productive and organized.

How do I arrange a small study room?

A small room doesn’t mean that it can’t be functional. Make sure you have plenty of natural light and choose furniture that fits your space and is properly sized to your needs. Opt for an ergonomically designed workspace to ensure you’re comfortable and productive.

How can I customize my room?

To customize your room, add personal touches that reflect your tastes. Photos, artwork, souvenirs and favorite books can help you feel more at ease in your space, making it conducive for studying. You can also use Planner 5D to create your perfect room and preview it in 3D. Make changes until you're completely satisfied.