Whether you’re living at home, in a college dorm, or even working in a home office, having a comfortable and optimal work environment is the key to maintaining a high level of productivity, enabling you to get more work done.
While sitting with your computer in your bedroom or kitchen may seem enough, there are many essential design factors that go into creating the perfect study space, allowing you to get the most out of your work.
Not sure where to begin? Today, we’re going to explore all the design tips you need to know in order to create this successful working environment.
Positioning Your Desk Right
The first, and most important, piece of furniture in your working environment will be your desk, so it goes without saying that placing it in the right place will dramatically influence your working ethic. Ideally, you’ll want to get as much natural light and you possibly can, since artificial lights can be distracting and unhealthy over long periods of time.
“However, you don’t want the desk right up against a window as this can cause a distraction with what is going on outside. Instead, try placing your desk directly opposite a window with your back to it. This way you can still have optimal levels of natural light while maximizing your focus” – comments Trinidad Kidd, an Office Designer at Ukwritings.
Consider Your Lighting
While natural light will help you study dramatically, you’re not always going to be working in the daytime and, therefore, will need to think about your lighting for the nights. While an overhead light may already exist in your study space, this is not always the best.
Instead, consider investing in table lamps or pendant lighting. This will help you not to strain your eyes while providing you with ample light, so you can see what you’re doing.
A Smartphone-Free Zone
Phones (and tablets) are one of the biggest distractions in our lives and will dramatically harm your productivity levels when you’re trying to work, especially if it’s sat right next to you. When it comes to work times, put your phone in a drawer, or better yet, in another room.
Out of sight, out of mind.
Build Up Your Inventory
There’s nothing worse for your focus or productivity than trying to get on with work, only to spend half your time trying to track down pens, pencils, rulers or other stationery that you might need to use.
Lisa McCowan, a Freelance writer at Essayroo and HuffingtonPost contributor, explains: Instead, buy all of the things you need beforehand and stock them in or on your desk. Make sure that you never take this stationary off the desk and replace it before it runs out. This way you can make sure that you’ve always got everything you need to hand.
Creating a Reading Space
When you’re studying, the chances are that you’ll need to read a lot of books (especially if you’re studying literature!) However, your bed is for sleeping and reading a desk can get uncomfortable over long periods of time.
With this in mind, try to create a comfy, secluded and inviting reading space in your room or home. You could get beanbags, a window seat or some kind of soft chair. “Perhaps even a little table to keep a drink and snacks. This makes reading much more enjoyable, and you’ll be able to focus a lot more when you do” – says Deborah Avalos, an Office Manager at Bestbritishessays.
Using Creative Tables
Since you’re dedicating a certain space in your home to become a study space, why not take things to the next level by creating organization charts that can help you to focus and manage your workload.
You could invest in a corkboard, or even a chalkboard, allowing you to easily create a to-do list so you can make sure that you’re on top of everything that you need to be doing.
Author: Gloria Kopp is a freelance blog writer and editor at Paperfellows. She is an expert contributor at HuffingtonPost and Studydemic blog. Besides, Gloria works as a part-time tutor at Boomessays.
