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Big Ideas for Small Spaces
> Study
Corner
> Creative
Corners
> Modular
Desk Furniture
> Putting
Light on the Subject
> Selecting
a Desk Chair
> Big
Ideas for Small Spaces
> Homework
Corner Sources and Links
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Small
areas are perfect! |
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because a room is small does not mean you can't
have a great study area for your kids. One of
the best ways to get ideas is to ask children
what they need or want since they are the ones
using it. If you're lucky, their ideas may be
easy to implement, if not, try suggesting a more
workable, space-saving or economical solution
that is still appealing to the youngster.
Although teen-agers need
more space for studying than younger kids, a small
homework corner can work well for them too. If
possible, provide your teen with some privacy,
room to spread out books, a source of music, and
some kind of seating for a homework buddy or friend.
A simple folding chair or floor pillow will serve
this purpose.
If you need more help on
how to set up a homework corner - ask friends
how they did it, go to office supply showrooms,
look over catalogs that offer desks and accessories,
consult decorating magazines or the Internet for
more information. |
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Although today's manufactured home rooms
are more spacious than ever before, finding enough space for
a homework corner could present a decorating problem. Here
are a few other ideas to maximize your child's study area:
- Wooden crates make a versatile,
stackable shelving unit. Stack multi-purpose crates in a
small space for added storage in the homework area. You
and your child can even decorate, paint or stain wood crates
to match any décor. Plastic crates are also useful,
colorful and often less expensive than wood crates.
- Shelving units that hang on the
wall free up floor space. Wall hooks or pegs can also provide
additional off-the-floor storage near the homework corner.
Just be sure they are well secured.
- An inexpensive cork bulletin board
serves many purposes. Use one to display artwork, homework
assignments or show off that "A" paper in your
homework corner.
- Make your own chalkboard with special
chalkboard paint. It's available at most paint stores and
comes in green or black. Apply the chalkboard paint directly
to a wall or piece of hardboard that can be attached to
the wall. If wood is used, be sure to seal it with a primer
before painting.
- Adjustable shelves are a real space
saver, just be sure the shelves are sturdy enough to bear
the weight of their expected load. Since wider shelves take
more weight than narrow ones, wide shelves are a better
choice for your child's homework area.
- Bookcases are available in all sizes.
Prices depend on size, style and materials. You can buy
an inexpensive bookcase for under $20, but a heavy-duty
bookcase will hold up better. A sturdy, functional bookcase
with 5/8th inch thick adjustable and removable shelves can
be purchased for around $50. Some younger kids think it's
fun to climb on bookcases, so be sure the unit can hold
both books and the child without falling down or collapsing.
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