How to Set Up A Homeschool Room

Set up a homeschool room or distance-learning space for the kids with this guide from an interior designer, mom and teacher!

At this point, we don’t know what school will look like next Fall. But what we do know is that we’ll be learning from home at least a few days a week. We may even choose an all-online school option.

I just don’t know yet. And to be perfectly honest, I’ve never had any desire to homeschool my kids. AT ALL. Can you tell I’m a little frazzled over this decision?

There’s a lot of uncertainty right now, so I’m channeling my energy into something I can DO. This past school year, we were thrown into distance learning, so we made do with what we had. We set up a folding table and chairs in the playroom. And it sort of worked. Sorta kinda.

But now that this is looking like it will be most of the next school year, I want a space that feels like it belongs in our home… and of course, one that’s more fun and functional for distance learning. Once we go back to school, this space will serve as a homework and art station, so it will be useful for years come, even once the kids are back at school.

Time to create a super-cool, budget-friendly homeschool/play space with fabulous organization and storage!

Here’s our playroom in it’s current state. It used to be cuter… but it’s degenerated over time, and collected furniture we didn’t need in other parts of the house.

Our Distance Learning Space Wish list

A wish list is usually the first place I start when designing any space- for my clients or for my own family. What are the most important things we need in a homeschool room?

Whiteboard calendar to keep track of Zoom meeting times, classes, etc.
Art display wall
Space/organization for art supplies (colored construction paper, crayons, glue, scissors, etc.
task lights (I’m hoping to get wall-mounted lights so we don’t have to worry about them getting knocked off the desk update: here are the ones I got)
a cozy reading nook (the girls are eyeing bean bags… I’m eyeing a nice lounge chair).
storage for books- especially picture books & early readers
Floor space to play & build
kids desk chairs– this is a roundup of cute and inexpensive chairs available online!
space for me to sit between the kids while they work

I’m going to give you a glimpse into my thought process when I’m planning out a room. Function and organization always come first. But don’t worry, we’ll be sure to make it pretty too!

I also like to ask some questions that get to the most important considerations for the room. These are a few of the questions I’m asking myself:

How Will We Use The Space?

The two girls will be sitting at desks, working on laptops or iPads. They’ll also have paper and pencil work, science experiments, and art projects to do. Since E will be in 1st grade, I want to be sure there’s enough space for me to sit next to her while she works on her assignments.

Where is the best Lighting for Zoom Meetings?

They’ll need to do Zoom meetings with their teachers and classes, so it’s important for the desk to be in a well-lit location (but not backlit by a window). I also want to be sure their background won’t be full of clutter.

Durable Kids Desk

This kids desk will need to stand up to some tough love… and paint and glue and sticky fingers. So I’m planning to use a solid wood surface. If it gets too ugly, I can always sand and refinish it.

I’m looking at these Alex drawer units from Ikea, because they have some storage for desk supplies and a drawer for hanging files at the bottom. I’ve used these units over and over in home office projects (including in Peter’s closet office,) and they’re a winner every time!

I want this space to be fun, colorful, and stimulating, but not feel cluttered or overwhelming.

Here are the design boards I put together. I’m sure things will change as I go. But I like to have a basic plan-especially for the bigger furniture pieces like the desk.

rendering of kids homeschool room with ikea desk hack, multiple workstations, lighting for Zoom meetings, and more!

And here’s the reading nook plan…

homeschool room design board with lounge chair and reading nook

Mulhall Throw // More Throw Blankets	Potted Bush Tree // More Faux Plants
Wicker Basket // More Home Decor	Powerloom Gray Rug // More Modern Rugs

I’m still in the early stages of planning this space, but I would love for you to join me through the journey! Are you planning a homework station or homeschool room? I would love to hear about your plans in the comments!

UPDATE: The room is done! Check out the homeschool room tour here!