- Furniture Articles -
30+ Kids Desk Ideas
for the Perfect Homework Spot
It’s more important now than ever to have a designated desk space at home that keeps your kid engaged in learning. A desk is a versatile piece of furniture for anyone of any age. But for children, it provides a special place for them to grow and learn through a myriad of activities.
From reading, and writing to arts and crafts, your kid’s desk will become their favorite workplace in the house. Check out these kids’ desk ideas that will inspire creativity and imagination, while keeping organized!
Study Room Desk Ideas
It’s going to take more than just placing a desk in a corner to make it an effective study room. If you’re having trouble getting your kid to study, the following study room desk tips should help.
1. Add a Corkboard
One way to improve a study room is to install a corkboard above the desk. This allows your child to pin important documents and anything else they may need to remember. Pinning artwork allows them to customize the space while still leaving plenty of room for work on the desk itself. You can also buy a desk with a corkboard to avoid installing one on the wall.
2. Use a Chalkboard
A chalkboard introduces that classic classroom sensibility while still providing all of the same benefits of the more modern dry-erase whiteboard. Encourage drawing and writing with chalk to promote those skill sets in a new medium. Try chalkboard paint or a chalkboard decal to make installation easier.
3. Install a Whiteboard
Similar to the chalkboard, a whiteboard makes for a valuable addition to a kids’ desk area. Your kids will be able to draw and write while giving the room a more modern aesthetic. If you have a magnetic whiteboard, your child can also post up fun photos, school documents or other decorations to customize the space.
4. Add a Pinboard
A pinboard adds adaptability to a desk space. You can pin important reminders, favorite pieces of art and prized photos on the wall, without cluttering up the desk below. They’re typically lighter and easier to install than a chalkboard or whiteboard— especially if you pick a no nails pegboard for the wall.
5. Use a Lap Desk
If you don’t have a lot of room, lap desks are a space-conscious alternative. Just as the name implies, they allow your kid to work from anywhere in the house. Lap desks are also a good option for younger children who may not fully need a desk yet. There are also fun-shaped lap desks that’ll appeal to many kids.
6. Include a Stuffed Animal
A stuffed animal or two can make a desk seem cozier and inviting. Add some to the desk area to give your child a friend for the occasional support (or hug!) Encourage your child to choose their own stuffed animal so that they can build a bond.
7. Hang Wall Art
Artwork with simple, inspirational phrases can help motivate while adding some pops of color. As your child grows, wall art can be changed out easily to meet a more sophisticated taste.
8. Place Succulents Around the Room
A recent study from the University of Hyogo in Awaji, Japan has shown that indoor plants like succulents may reduce stress. This can help improve the overall well-being of your growing child. Transfer it into a planter to add some extra style to the desk. Just be sure that your succulent choice is kid-friendly and avoid spiky plants!
9. Add Fun Wallpaper Around the Desk
Wallpaper can be used to differentiate the study area in your child’s room. Work with your child to choose a wallpaper with fun shapes, a simple design or solid colors. It’s also a good way to provide color to the room.
DIY Desk Ideas
You don’t always have to make a dent in your budget if you’re in need of a new desk! If you’re feeling handy or are a lover of the refurbished look, the DIY option is a great way to go.
Here are a few DIY desk ideas that anyone can make at home with materials they already have:
10. Refurbish a Sewing Cabinet
Old sewing cabinets can provide a fun new work area with an old school feel. First, be sure to remove any wires and sharp metal objects. Then, sand down the tabletop to smooth it out and remove any splinters. You can even get your kid involved by painting it a fun color and adding their favorite stickers to the sides.
11. Repurpose an Armoire
If you have an old armoire that you’re not quite ready to get rid of, consider repurposing it as a spacious desk space for your kid. Depending on the height of the bottom shelf, it can be as simple as opening the doors and adding a desktop. If the height is too short, you may need to adjust the legs and/or consider extending the desktop so that a chair can fit underneath. For the final touch, add a bit of paint and dress it up with pictures and other desk accessories.
12. Build a Rustic, Handmade Desk
If you’re comfortable working with wood, try creating your own desk from scratch. For a simple desk, you only need five pieces: a flat top and four legs. Building one from scratch also allows you to customize it to your kids’ size and pick the color, making it a truly unique piece.
13. Refurbish a School Desk
If you happen to find one, you can refurbish an old school desk for a traditional classroom set up. A school desk is space-conscious and can fit in almost any room, which makes it perfect for any type of house. It might be a good idea to sand down the desktop to smooth it out and clean up any rust you may find. To make this space extra comfortable, place a seat cushion on the desk chair for a cozy addition.
14. Mount an Old Table to the Wall
Another way to conserve space is to install a wall-mounted desk. Save time and resources by using an old table and attaching it directly to the wall. Depending on the size of the table, you may need to remove or replace the legs to match your kid’s height. Their arms should rest on the top of their desk without any discomfort, so be sure to measure before mounting.
15. Repurpose a Nightstand into a Desk
If you need a new place for your nightstand, repurpose it as the base of a new desk. Take a flat surface for the desktop and attach two legs on the left or right side. On the opposite side of the legs is where the nightstand will go, which provides plenty of storage space. Don’t forget to paint the nightstand a fun color that your kid will love!
16. Make Use of an Old Cabinet Door
You can also make a desk out of an old cabinet door by placing it on a flat surface and adding the legs underneath. Give the cabinets some TLC by smoothing them down and adding a fresh coat of paint. To tie in a more creative touch, add a chalkboard wallpaper on the top of the desk so your kids can draw to their heart's content.
17. Make a DIY Pop Up Desk
If you prefer the DIY route, you don’t have to limit yourself to just reusing old furniture. Instead, think outside-of-the-box and use other materials. For example, you can create a simple DIY pop up desk using a cardboard box. To give it the desk feel, incorporate accessories, such as a nameplate, pencil holder, paper bin or even a mailbox. This is a fun way to get creative without breaking the bank and can be a project for the whole family to participate in.
Kids Desk Storage Ideas
Between school projects, artwork and homework, your kids’ desk can very easily turn into a cluster of scattered crayons, dried glue, and messy papers. With proper storage and organization, your kids' desk area will become the perfect place to focus and be productive.
Here are seven of our favorite storage ideas that can work with any type and style of desk:
18. Use a Storage Box
Storage boxes are a simple way of organizing extra clutter and can be made out of any type of container. Something small like a shoebox on the desk will do the trick, or you can add a toy box to store larger items like books. Having a storage box like this nearby can help encourage your kids to keep clean and keep the clutter under control.
19. Incorporate Storage Carts
Storage carts are a convenient storage solution to any kids’ room. They’re maneuverable and spacious so you can place them anywhere. To incorporate even more storage, add one to both sides of the desk for convenient access to anything from crayons to toys.
20. Attach a Hutch to the Desk
A hutch is a simple and affordable way of upgrading the space on your kid’s desk. There are a variety of styles, ranging from a simple hutch with a shelf and drawers to a smart hutch with charging ports. Whatever you choose, attaching one to your kid’s desk improves storage while keeping the floor space clear of extra furniture.
21. Install Wall Shelves
If you’re looking for more storage space but are also space-conscious, consider installing shelves above the desk. Wall shelves provide storage while keeping the floor and desk space clear and make it easy to add some decoration. If you want to be a little more adventurous, try a rope wall shelf for a unique way to encourage them to stay tidy.
22. Place a Bookshelf Next to the Desk
For larger rooms with more space, a bookshelf provides storage for everything from textbooks and binders to toys and blankets. Put one bookshelf on one or both sides of the table, depending on how much extra storage you need. Add baskets to the shelves for a decorative touch that doubles as a way to hide clutter,
23. Upcycle Everyday Items
Consider improving your kid’s desk storage by upcycling everyday items. For example, hold writing and coloring tools with an old mason jar or tin can. Or, file homework and other school-related paper in a redecorated cardboard box. Upcycling items you otherwise would have thrown away is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Desk Accessory Ideas
Utilize your desk space and add some accessories. Accessories can provide a nice decorative touch and can aid in organization. Here’s a list of ten desk accessories that every kids’ desk should have:
24. Pencil Holders
A pencil holder is an essential when it comes to desk accessories. These holders keep your kids’ pencils, pens and any other writing utensils they have in one place. Go one step further and add a lazy susan to their desk. They feature four separate compartments, which makes it easy to separate all your kids’ gadgets and supplies while also keeping them accessible.
25. Desk Mat
A desk mat is a protective covering that preserves the desk surface and allows personalization. Your kid can place artwork, a calendar or A+ papers underneath the mat for display. They’re also easy to remove and clean, making them a perfect mess-proof addition to a kids’ desk space.
26. Clocks
Clocks act as a classic decor item for desks as well as a functional one. Pick an easy-to-read digital clock to keep your little one on time. Or, use a fun analog clock that adds a stylish touch to their desk. Choosing an analog clock is also a great way to teach them how to tell time the traditional way.
27. Piggy Bank
For a modern twist on a classic favorite, consider adding a mini piggy bank to the desk. A simple piggy bank like this can quickly add style and help teach them about spending, saving and budgeting.
28. Desk Lamp
Desk lamps are a staple for every kid’s desk and can contribute to your overall design. A simple, bright lamp can help keep kids focused on their reading and work. Keep it simple and cute with a colorful solid task lighting lamp.
29. Trash Bin
Kids sometimes make mistakes, so include a simple trash bin in their desk area to make sure all of that clutter stays in one place, rather than the floor. Kids are more likely to use a trash bin if it’s out in the open and easy to see, so make sure it’s next to the desk instead of under. For extra flair, use a unique scallop topped trash can.
30. Backpacks
A backpack is an accessory every kid needs to hold their books and other school supplies. If they’re younger, encouraging your kid to pack their own backpack provides them with a task they can do all by themselves. Keep it by their desk or on a wall hook so they know where it is at all times — especially when they’re ready to go back to school!
31. Books
Reading is a fundamental skill to develop early in a kid’s life. Encourage your little one to read by keeping a few books on or near their desk. Start them off with a personalized book to encourage them in the beginning, and then slowly introduce them to some classics.
32. Bookends
Spruce up a pile of books with some stylish bookends. Having some on hand allows you to place books in an easy-to-access area. Since this is for your kids, grab some bookends that are age-appropriate and won’t be too distracting.
33. Tablet Stand
Kids often use tablets due to their compactness and versatility. A tablet stand will keep it upright, making the tablet easy to use, and keeping it from falling on the ground. Place a tablet stand on their desk for whenever your kid is using one for any online classes or to simply enjoy some cartoons.
34. Homework Holder
To keep school work and other papers together and in one place, consider adding a homework holder to your kid’s desk setup. This will ensure optimal organization, plus it’s a fun and personal way to keep their work nice and tidy.
35. Chairs
Last but not least, complete your desk setup with a comfortable chair! Children’s bones are still developing, so investing in a sturdy and ergonomic piece is important in supporting their posture and willingness to stay at their desk. Pick an adjustable desk chair so that it can keep pace with your kid’s growth, and don’t be afraid to go with a bold and fun color that your kid will love!
A desk creates a place for your kid where they can concentrate on studying or drawing. Since they’ll be spending a lot of time there, it’s important to get a quality desk with good storage and organization accessories. With these desk ideas, you’ll be able to achieve the perfect stylish space for your little one to enjoy.