Creating a Study Area in Your Apartment

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Creating a Study Area in Your Apartment

Staff Writer · Mar 24, 2010

For a student or an employee working at home, a study area is the key to being productive and successful. Not everyone is fortunate, though, to have a specific room to use as a study and must carve the space out of another room. With a few adjustments, a study formed within another room can offer the same amenities as a study in a separate room. Prior to creating a study, though, it is advisable to plan ahead by making the following considerations.

Review Your Floor Plan

The best areas for your study are those that are quieter, private and able to hold all electronics, papers and books you need. Consider your needs and then take a tour of your apartment to see if one area may best accommodate your study. Bookshelves or a nearby closet may assist you with storage needs and require less decorating work.

Good spaces for a study may be a corner in a bedroom, living room or dining room. You may even find that a larger walk-in closet will work, but keep in mind that you may want a window in your study which is typically not found in a closet.

Estimate the Needed Space

What you need or want in your study will determine the amount of space needed. If you have several computer screens, a printer or shredder or other electronic items, your chosen space will need to accommodate these items. Additionally, you will need storage space for office supplies, files and books.

Do not overlook the need for a desk. Working and writing space must be readily available without needing to move other items for its use. If you already have a desk to use, measure it to determine where it will fit in your residence. If you do not have a desk, measure the available space or look for shelves that you can use as a writing surface.

Lighting the Space

Adequate lighting is necessary for your study. Without artificial or natural light you may not be able to see text or your computer screen. Overhead lighting, while helpful, will not be enough to properly light the area. Prior to choosing the space for your study, check the area’s natural lighting, keeping in mind how it will progress during the day. A particularly sunny area may be inviting but may also cast shadows on your computer screen. After checking the natural lighting, check the number and availability of outlets to plug in one or more lamps. Remember that your printer, computer and other electronic items will also need an outlet.

Check the Surrounding Noise

Of course, a quiet area is essential for your study area. If you live alone, you can create your study in any space because you will be the only person making noise. However, if you live with roommates, do not place your study inside or near a loud or busy room where you will be frequently interrupted by other people or noise. To identify quiet areas, take note of how certain rooms are regularly used, paying attention to that seem unusually busy or quiet.

With careful consideration of the lighting, storage capabilities and privacy, you can create a study space that will perfectly suit your needs. To make the study fit as well as possible into your décor, make use of what your residence already offers.

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