With a new school year just around the corner, parents everywhere are thinking about how to get their kids ready to learn – and that doesn’t just mean fresh notebooks and uniforms. The environment where children study at home can make a big difference to their focus, motivation, and creativity.
Decorating a kid’s study space should be a fun experience, but balancing a playful feel with a calm, distraction-free atmosphere isn’t always easy. Sedar Interiors, renowned for its custom-made wallpapers, blinds, and fabrics, is here to help. Their “print anything you like” service lets you turn any design, pattern, or character into wallpaper or blinds, creating a space as unique as your child.
Creative Director Nahel Selo shares his top tips for creating a one-of-a-kind yet affordable study environment that helps kids focus, stay organised, and feel inspired to learn.
1. Light the Way to Better Learning
Lighting is one of the most important elements in a study area. The right setup not only helps with concentration but also prevents headaches, eye strain, and fatigue.
Ambient light – Use overhead lights that spread light evenly, such as a pendant lamp, recessed downlights, or wall-mounted fixtures. If the space has natural daylight, position the desk to make the most of it, but add blinds or curtains to control glare. Sedar’s blackout curtains are ideal for bedrooms where study areas share space with sleeping zones.
Task lighting – Desk lamps or adjustable gooseneck lamps ensure bright, focused light for reading and writing. For a modern twist, try sleek LED directional lights.
Selo advises: “If your child’s study space is in their bedroom, combine blackout curtains with a second layer of themed Roman blinds or slatted blinds to manage light during the day without making the space too dark.”
2. Choose Colours that Boost Mood and Focus
The colour palette you choose can have a powerful impact on how kids feel in their study space.
Green (like moss or sage) creates a calming atmosphere and supports concentration. Orange adds energy and enthusiasm. Yellow can spark creativity and optimism. Turquoise promotes productivity and focus.
Pick shades that suit your child’s personality, then carry the colour through with Sedar’s easy-to-clean matching wallpaper and fabric designs. Educational prints such as world maps or astronomy themes can add subtle learning cues, while nature-inspired designs bring calm. For a personal touch, use Sedar’s print-on-demand service to feature a favourite character, pattern, or even your child’s own artwork.
For an added element of creativity, consider a strip of chalkboard paint or a section of magnetic wall – perfect for notes, to-do lists, and art displays.
3. Keep Clutter Under Control
A tidy space is essential for concentration. If toys and distractions creep in, study time quickly turns into playtime. Selo suggests using floating shelves or raised beds to free up floor space. Bunk beds are making a comeback and can be paired with a desk or storage area underneath.
Choose a sturdy, age-appropriate desk and chair, and if space is tight, opt for wall-mounted tables or fold-down designs with built-in storage. Hide unsightly storage bins by covering them with custom wallpaper to match the room’s theme.
4. Create Zones for Different Activities
If space allows, separate the study zone from play or relaxation areas. For siblings sharing a study space, use a large bookcase as a divider, with each desk on either side for privacy. Curtains or folding doors can also work as simple, flexible room dividers, allowing you to open up or close off spaces as needed.
A reading nook is another great addition – it can be as simple as a window seat with throw pillows in Sedar’s playful fabrics or as fun as a mini tepee or bean bag corner. “Soft, comfortable seating encourages quiet time and gives children a break from the desk,” says Selo.
5. Small Space? Think Big
Kids are more likely to use and enjoy a space they feel connected to. Add accessories that reflect their hobbies and interests, from themed pen holders to patterned rugs. Use prints and fabrics that awaken imagination and creativity.
Even an awkward corner can be transformed into a homework haven. Under-the-stairs areas can be fitted with a small desk, corkboard, and shelves, while compact wall-mounted desks work perfectly for tight spaces.
WIN Sedar Interiors’ Back-to-School Giveaway
To celebrate the new school year, Sedar Interiors is teaming up with Skip Hop, Citron, and Done by Deer for a Back-to-School Giveaway running in the UAE from 18 August to 1 September 2025. Two lucky winners will each receive:
- An AED 5,000 Sedar kids’ room makeover voucher
- AED 800 worth of back-to-school goodies, including backpacks, lunch boxes, water bottles and more from Skip Hop, Citron or Done by Deer
Visit @sedarinteriors @skiphop.arabia, @citron.hq, or @donebydeer.arabia on Instagram to enter.
Image Credit: Sedar Interiors
