Book Nooks and School Rooms: Design Inspiration
Schoolrooms, book nooks, and homework spaces may not be essential, but they sure do enrich a home. Find inspiration, design ideas, and organization tips for creating a study or reading space in your home!
Now that I have two children who are elementary school age (who homeschool part time), I am appreciating even more school rooms and book nooks: spaces devoted to inspiring them to read, to explore, to love learning. As I prepared to start school last week, I began gathering some adorable schoolrooms and book nooks to help me think through not only cute and stimulating spaces but also organization ideas. Who couldn’t use more of that?! I’ve also added at the end some of our favorite school supplies and school room accessories. So without further ado…
Decorating and organization ideas for schoolrooms and book nooks
Baskets, baskets, and more baskets
This space from The Handmade Home reminds me that all the markers, books, and craft supplies need a space to live or they take over your life.
Closet conversion
Lacking space for something like this? Try converting a little closet like we did with our closet turned reading room.
Snuggle space
What better way to inspire curling up with a book than to include a snuggle space like this little pillow-filled teepee in this space by Little Vintage Nest?
Multi-person desk space
I love the efficiency of wall desks like this one from Melinda Hawke’s home that was shared on Nesting with Grace. It’s like a table only each person can focus in front of them without a distraction across the table.
Built ins
Built-in bookcases and window seats are the perfect invitation to grab a book from the shelf and curl up immediately with your nose in it. This spot from Sand and Sisal would be hard to resist, wouldn’t it?
Cubbies
This spot from Making Home Base is a great reminder that you don’t need a ton of space to dedicate some to reading inspiration. A little cubby, some baskets for books and toys, and a simple rug completes the area!
Color coding
You know I’m a neutral gal at heart. In designing my header for my new YouTube channel, I realized that I have a pretty consistent color palette of whites, woods, and greenery… but let’s face it: homework spaces involve a lot of supplies. And what simpler way to organize than with a color-coded system like this awesome spot from The Moffatt Girls? If there’s any spot you can get away with primary colors thrown in, it’s a school space, right?
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Maps
I’m amazed by how many different books and topics allow for geographical discussion. We added this vinyl map to our reading room, and we probably reference it multiple times per day!
Simplicity
I love the simple white desk and chair of this spot by Perfectly Imperfect – it allows the amazing map to shine and invites creativity from the person sitting there.
Good lighting
I usually park my desk in front of a window if at all possible. Good lighting is so important! But in lieu of that option, add some wall sconces like Post Box Designs did for some quality lighting for your kids’ workspace.
Murals
If you asked me what was one thing I never thought I’d decorate with, it might be a mural. BUT, isn’t this space by Addison’s Wonderland about as charming as you can imagine? Maybe I need to rethink my stance on murals…
Chalkboard wall
I know that chalkboard paint was crazy popular for a few years and that popularity seems to be fading a bit… but how perfectly mood setting is it for a schoolroom space? I love how House Seven uses it to set the scene and organize tasks in this fun craft space.
Giant chalkboard
If you don’t want to take the plunge and do a full chalkboard wall, a giant chalkboard like we built for our school room might be just the thing.
Now, as promised, here are a few of our favorite accessories we use in our reading nook and school room as well as a few others that have caught my eye.
School Room Accessories
MAPS AND GLOBES
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
BASKETS AND BINS
Rachel, I really enjoyed seeing the ideas for book nooks and school rooms. They are and I can’t wait to share them with our daughter. She and her husband don’t have children yet, but are hoping within the next year or two to start their family. Your ideas are wonderful and I especially love the wall mural and the window seat between bookcases.
We are saying prayers for you and your family and everyone else down in Texas. Being originally from Charleston, SC we know all to well the havoc a hurricane can cause. Please be safe and take care of yourself and those beautiful babies.
Thank you for sharing, Claire! Thankfully, we have been ok, just lots of rain. I am so glad this post inspired you!
I’ve home-schooled my kiddos for 15 years. Each year I start out orderly, but not so inspiring. By the end of the year things were stashed, stacked and stuffed wherever there was room. These rooms are beautiful, inspiring and functional! Thanks for sharing.
Ha! We also have the best laid plans right? You know what they say. It’s nice to have a fresh start with the school year. Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for all the inspo. I’m in the middle of redecorating and adding some charming touches to my blogging office and my little ones new school/craft room and I think those homemade chalkboards would fit just perfect. Great content!
So glad it inspired you! Thanks for stopping by.