Once your kids reach school age, parenting is often a series of reminders and negotiations. So, while we can’t guarantee a desk will mean your kids will do all their homework without being asked, begged and nagged, we can guarantee that they can’t use having to move their books off the table because it’s dinnertime as an excuse anymore.

The key to a successful study space is to make it both comfortable and accessible. Here are a few steps to putting together the perfect study space.

Step 1: The desk is the focal point here, so that’s the best place to start. Think about just how much space your child needs to work. If he has a desktop computer, be sure that there’s enough room to accommodate the monitor, while still leaving space to spread out books and papers. If they use a laptop, a smaller desk will work just fine, as they can move the laptop out of the way when needed. I’d suggest choosing a desk that can work through high school. So, opt for neutral colors and a more sophisticated design. Also, size is a big factor here. Be sure the desk accommodates a standard sized chair, so your child can fit comfortably as he grows. Lastly, you may want to consider a desk that can serve another function once it’s no longer needed as a desk, perhaps as a table elsewhere in your home.

Step 2: A comfy seat is key. If you’re counting on a scholarship to pay that lofty college tuition bill, the kid’s going to need a place to sit and study. Choose a chair that’s comfortable, but not so plush that it puts them to sleep on the job. An adjustable seat height is a good idea, since it can get taller as your kid does.

Step 4: Your child may be bright, but chances are they’ll need a lamp to pull that all-nighter.   A bendable, task light is a great option for a desk. It’ll allow them to shed light wherever’s it’s needed. Plus, they can put on killer shadow puppet shows when the homework’s all done.

Step 5: Now you just need a place for all the supplies. Pencil cups, magazine butlers and a trash can will all help your child stay organized, so she can focus on more important things, like learning the state capitals. Our I Could’ve Been Storage Collection comes in a variety of bright colors, and can hold anything your kid can throw at it.

Overall, the more comfortable your child is in the space, the more likely it is that they’ll want to spend time there. So, think about their interests when designing the space. And, don’t discount the fact that their needs will continue to change as they grow. Investing in furniture that can last and change with your changing needs is key to building a study space. Class dismissed.

By Danielle Kurtz

Danielle is the Creative Director at Nod and an over-protective mother of two. She’s also completely obsessed with Pinterest, Twitter and her Kindle, but not necessarily in that order. Danielle loves to craft, sew and crochet, but all her supplies have a layer of dust on them about 5-years-thick, wonder if it's just a coincidence that her oldest kiddo is 5 years old?