10 Home Classroom Ideas for Converting a Spare Bedroom

Schooling at home sounds easy enough, but without the right setup, staying productive and focused can be a real challenge for parents and young learners.

Even though the pandemic surge in homeschooling and virtual learning has subsided, there are many families who are choosing to enroll their children in a virtual classroom at home, or distance-learning program. Others will be attending school on campus, as per usual. In either case, it’s worth designing a home classroom where your children can comfortably and conveniently complete their schoolwork on a daily basis. Practical at-home classroom ideas can help set up an effective learning environment that is personalized, comfortable, and inspirational, catering to various learning activities and helping students remain focused and motivated during their educational journey.

How Do I Create the Ideal Home Classroom Setup?

Technically, almost any space in your house can be used by your kids for working on assignments and participating in virtual activities. However, it can be easy for students—especially young learners—to get distracted and off-task because of an unsuitable environment. The best option is to convert a spare bedroom or multi-use space such as a basement into a designated home classroom setup for kid-friendly study. Here are some home classsroom ideas to consider:

1. Choose the Right Space

Choosing the right space or room for your at-home classroom is crucial for creating a productive and effective learning environment. Consider the following factors when selecting a space:

• Natural light: A space with natural light can boost mood and productivity.

• Quiet and minimal distractions: A quiet space with minimal distractions can help your child focus and stay on task.

• Comfortable seating: A comfortable seating area can help your child stay engaged and motivated.

• Storage space: A space with adequate storage can help keep supplies organized and within reach.

Some popular options for at-home classrooms include:

• Spare bedrooms

• Dining rooms

• Kitchen tables

• Basements

• Attics

When choosing a space, consider your child’s needs and preferences. For example, if your child is in elementary school, they may benefit from a small space with a desk and chair. If your child is in high school, they may prefer a space with a comfortable seating area and access to technology.

2. Create an Enclosed Area

Choosing an enclosed room or area of your home is crucial. Your child will have the peace and quiet they need to focus on their work without getting distracted by other family members, non-school-related electronics, and their toys. Others may choose to add a homeschool classroom to a multi-functional space, like their child’s bedroom, an attic, or the family room. Even a large closet or alcove will do. If the classroom is going to be incorporated into a larger space, consider putting up curtains or a screen or using large furniture to separate and enclose smaller spaces within the study area. While it may not mitigate much noise, it still visually reinforces the idea of where your kids can play and where they should be studying.

3. Include Shelves and Storage Space

One of the main purposes of a functional homeschool room is to have a place where your child can easily store and access all the books, supplies, and other items they need to successfully complete their school assignments and engage in school-related activities on their tablet or laptop. To that end, make sure your list of homeschool room setup ideas addresses your child’s need for storage space. Add shelves to the vertical space on the walls next to the desk area, but leave room for hanging up a bulletin board, whiteboard, calendar, or pictures. You can also build an extra closet or bookcase in the room to provide additional storage.

4. Keep School Supplies Organized

Organizing school supplies is essential for creating a functional and efficient at-home classroom. Here are some helpful tips for organizing supplies:

• Use bins and baskets: Labelled bins and baskets can help keep school supplies organized and within reach. A homeschool workboxes system can be an organizational lifesaver.

• Designate a supply station: Designate a specific area for school supplies, such as a desk or shelf.

• Use a supply cart: A supply cart can help keep school supplies organized and mobile.

• Label supplies: Labeling supplies can help your child quickly find what they need.

Some essential school supplies include:

• Pencils

• Pens

• Markers

• Crayons

• Paper

• Notebooks

• Binders

• Folders

Consider organizing school supplies by subject or category. For your school stuff for example, you can have a bin for math supplies, a bin for language arts supplies, and so on.

5. Choose a Color Carefully

It may seem like a minor detail, but the color or pattern you choose for your wall treatment affects the ambiance of a learning space in a home office or classroom. Choose a neutral color or one that is soothing and relaxing, as opposed to bright, bold colors that can be overwhelming for young kids. Additionally, consider that a wall may be the background that instructors or fellow students see during virtual get-togethers each school day, so you don’t want a distracting print. Another fun idea is to paint one wall in the homeschool area with magnetic chalkboard paint, which enables your student to write notes and assignments on the wall, in addition to hanging up pictures and projects.

6. Design a Simple Background

Speaking of backgrounds for Zoom meetings or virtual hangouts via Facetime and other apps, think through the background beforehand as part of the school curriculum. If you are using a nook or alcove, situate the desk area on a side wall rather than the back wall, so your student can sit with their back to a wall, bookshelf, or other simple structure. This prevents others from catching movement or getting distracted by a busy background or visual distractions when video-conferencing with your student. Even if you’re converting an entire spare bedroom into a homeschool study, be mindful of what’s facing the desk area.

7. Ensure Adequate Lighting

Providing the optimal amount of both natural and artificial light is vital to improving the health and wellness of your child, in addition to enhancing their productivity in a homeschool learning space. Depending on the space you’re considering for your home classroom, your remodeling project may potentially include adding a window or a door or two. You also may want to install additional light fixtures to make the space bright and welcoming for young learners.

8. Incorporate Technology Smartly

Incorporating technology into your at-home classroom can enhance the learning experience and provide access to a wealth of educational resources. Here are some ways to incorporate technology into your at-home classroom:

• Use a computer or tablet: A computer or tablet can provide access to online educational resources, such as educational apps and websites. Almost all parents who homeschool rely on computers of some sort, but it is a personal choice how much emphasis and space you want to devote to screens in your homeschool room.

• Use educational software: Educational software can provide interactive and engaging learning experiences.

• Use online learning platforms: Online learning platforms can provide access to virtual classrooms and educational resources.

• Use digital tools: Digital tools, such as digital whiteboards and online collaboration tools, can enhance the learning experience.

Some popular educational apps and websites include:

• Khan Academy

• Duolingo

• National Geographic Kids

• ABCmouse

Consider incorporating technology into your at-home classroom in a way that is engaging and interactive. For example, you can use educational apps to create interactive lessons or use online learning platforms to access virtual classrooms.

9. Double Check Necessary Power Connections

A bedroom-turned-schoolroom or home study needs to have enough power points to plug in a laptop or computer, a phone, and potentially other electronics and appliances, such as an Internet router, printer, scanner, or second screen, especially if each child has their own desk. During your home renovation project, make sure you have the necessary power points to support that kind of operation, which may require having an electrician lay down new lines.

10. Add the Perfect Seating

Obviously, work space in your home classroom needs to have seating, but what should that be? The answer depends on how many kids will be frequenting the area and their ages. Some seating options include a built-in desk or table and bench, as you might see in a kitchen nook or even a kitchen table. Elementary-aged students tend to require flexible seating that encompasses a low table, stools, bean bag chairs, and/or mats on the floor.

Summing It Up: Creating a Homeschool Learning Space

There are numerous ways to design a homeschool space, study area, or even a home office. Depending on your budget and primary project goals, you may convert a spare bedroom into a designated homeschool classroom or section off part of another room. I hope these home classroom ideas have been helpful. If your vision requires a major renovation or home expansion, contact our team at Compelling Homes. We offer design and construction services to assist with a variety of remodeling projects for families in Central Iowa.