Homeschooling is an adventure. It allows you to watch your children learn, discover themselves and their interests. It is a lifestyle that promotes freedom, curiosity, and joy.
It can also feel overwhelming, and you might find yourself daunted by the prospect of joining your child on their learning journey.
Having an organized space where you can learn together will make the homeschooling journey easier and more enjoyable. A dedicated area for “school” will save you time and allow you to get on with the business of living and learning.
How to Set Up Your Homeschool Room for Success
Every family’s homeschool room looks different because our situations are all unique. For example, you might have an entire room available, or maybe you school in the dining room.
Homeschooling is less about the space and more about fostering connection and the joy of learning. But there are a few things even the most minimal homeschooler needs to consider in their learning space.
Workspace
Whether it’s a desk or table, you and your kids will need a flat and comfortable surface to work on. Having a dedicated area where you gather can help you create a rhythm for your homeschool days.
A set workspace also helps your kids anticipate the type of learning they will be doing and sets the tone for your lessons.
Supplies
Despite what you might think, homeschooling doesn’t need a lot of ‘stuff.’ But a few staples will make learning at home simpler.
Homeschool Supplies for Kids
- Paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Markers
- Crayons/Colored Pencils
- Twine
- Watercolors
- Paint Brushes
- Notebooks
Homeschool Supplies for Mom
- Journal
- Planner
- Sticky Notes
- Colored Pens
- Trust
- Patience
- Intentionality
- Hidden Snack Stash
Decor
When it comes to decorating your space, anything goes. This space is for you and your children, so make it one you love being in. Here are some decor options:
- Educational Posters
- Alphabet and Number Charts
- Beautiful Learning Materials
- Kids’ Artwork
- Nature Finds
- Photographs
- Bunting
- Daily Rhythm Board
Storage
Keeping your resources organized will help them last longer. Your storage will depend on your area. Consider a mix of open shelving, bookshelves, and concealed storage. Having dedicated storage helps your children learn how to pack things away.
Accessibility is key in your homeschool room setup. You want to have games and resources that your children can easily use themselves and keep the more special resources out of their reach.
12 Inspirational Homeschool Room Ideas
Setting up your homeschool room is a fun process that allows you to cater to your family’s needs. You might be following a particular homeschool method for your family. But you can also pick and choose aspects that you love. This allows you to create something new that suits your family.
However you are doing it, here are some homeschool setup ideas to help you plan a space that you all love.
1. Play-Based Learning
According to psychologist Peter Gray, play is how children learn. Self-directed play is vital for kids. Try to incorporate areas into your homeschool room that allow your kids to play and explore. You can change these areas and activities weekly or seasonally. But, they must involve open-ended play options.
Having independent play spaces also gives you time to observe your children’s interests over a cup of coffee or plan activities for the week. If your kids have had time to play, then they will be able to dive into a formal lesson easier.
What to Include:
- Blocks
- Legos
- Art supplies
- Musical instruments
- Fabrics
- Dress-up clothes
2. Charlotte-Mason Inspired
If you have spent time learning about homeschooling, you would have come across the Charlotte Mason approach. Charlotte Mason was a 19th educator who believed that education should be about the whole child. She advocated for time in nature and living books that made learning come alive. Her mantra was, “Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life.”
Setting up your homeschool room according to these principles allows you to personalize your space. It is the idea that learning and living are synonymous.
What to Include:
- Engaging books
- Artwork
- Nature table
- Writing space
- Journals
3. Classical Learning
Classical homeschooling involves structure, facts, and memorization. It has aspects of traditional school, so a homeschool room based on this method can feature desks or a large worktable.
You will need a space for books, notebooks, memorization charts, and read-aloud. If you are a family that thrives on structure, this approach could be what you are looking for.
What to Include:
- Large bookshelves
- Writing table
- Educational posters and charts
- Reading area
- Notebooks
4. Eclectic Homeschooling
Like the learning approach, an eclectic homeschool room has a selection of elements. Eclectic homeschooling allows you to choose parts of other methods. You can design a way of learning that works for your family.
You might love the idea of a morning basket and a Montessori-inspired toy display. But maybe you also want online coding lessons and a weekly forest school class?
Your eclectic homeschool room can reflect the stage of learning you and your kids are at.
What to Include:
- Beanbags
- Writing space
- Funky artwork
- Nature trays
- Open-ended toys
5. Montessori-Inspired
The Montessori approach to homeschooling means your child directs their learning. You are the facilitator who provides a space and activities that spark curiosity and exploration. A Montessori homeschool room is clean, tidy, and simple with wooden toys and open shelving.
You should setup your homeschool room for your child. It is an opportunity to encourage independence, routine, accountability, and self-discipline. This homeschool room design is popular when homeschooling younger children.
What to Include:
- Wooden resources
- Low, open shelving
- Limited toys (8-10) on a rotational basis
- Keep resources in specific places
- Resources that promote engagement
- A mirror
- Open spaces
6. Reggio-Emilia Inspired
Another approach popular for younger children is Reggio Emilia. A homeschool room based on this philosophy is fun to set up. It includes interesting play and learning spaces for immersive play.
A Reggio Emilia space is about the child. The setup makes them feel respected, capable, and curious. Your space should offer a diverse range of materials and resources. Children express themselves in various ways and your resources should encourage that.
What to Include:
- Open, free-flowing space
- Easy access to outdoor space (if possible)
- Easy access to supplies
- Various seating options
- Watercolors, clay, chalk, and charcoal
- Natural loose parts
- Musical instruments
- Vases and mirrors
7. Small Space
If you don’t have a dedicated homeschool room, you can convert an unused area of your home into a school space. Learning is not area-specific. The joy of homeschooling is that your child learns through living.
A small corner can easily contain all the important elements needed for your homeschool time. For example, you can hang art supplies and posters on the wall. You can use a small desk for formal lessons or creative art time.
What to Include:
- Clever hanging storage
- Versatile supplies
- Small desk or table
- Personal elements like artwork
- Seasonal theme
8. Dining Table Schooling
If your home is compact and there isn’t a space to spare, then schooling at the dining table is a great option. All you need is a table large enough for you and your kids. There is something special about time around a table together. Having one spot for gathering means you can work on different lessons with each child.
Having limited space keeps your homeschool routine simple. It helps you only keep the resources that you really need. If you are a minimalist, then this space is ideal.
What to Include:
- Roller caddy for easy storage
- Basket for daily resources
- Dedicated resource cupboard
9. Outdoor Classroom
Take your learning outside with an outdoor homeschool room. Learning outside is a great sensory experience. It also helps keep messy projects out of your house. An undercover porch works well on hot summer days. It also gives your kids an outdoor option during rainy times. Easy access to nature will help your children concentrate and allow them to expend energy.
Your outdoor schoolroom can be simple and consist of a table and a small cupboard for supplies.
What to Include:
- Storage baskets
- Tools
- Chalkboard wall
- Nature finds
- Bowls and jugs
- Sticks, stones, and seeds
10. Artwork Display and Storage
Any experienced homeschooler will tell you that your kids will draw a lot!
Storing all that art can become problematic over the years. Create a display wall for some of the most special pieces of work. This can be in the form of a gallery wall or consider turning some pictures into paper lanterns or bunting.
A clever way to deal with art is to take photos of it and then make a picture book at the end of each year. This is a special way to cherish and document a year of homeschooling.
What to Include:
- Frames, clips, pins, or tape
- Binders for the most special pieces
11. Clever Storage
Storing your resources is an essential part of your homeschool room. Your learning space should be neat and uncluttered. Practical storage will help you achieve this. Bookshelves and baskets are the perfect solutions for organizing small things. They also help your children with tidying up. A large cupboard works well for those resources you don’t use every day.
If storage space is an issue, a caddy is a fantastic option. You can have one for art supplies or even give each child their own. That way, they can take responsibility for their supplies. You can also organize activities for each child easily.
What to Include:
- Baskets
- Shelving
- Glass Jars
- Caddy
12. Reading Nook
Reading is one of the most important things you can do with your children. Having a reading nook in your homeschool room is vital. Reading aloud together has fantastic educational benefits. It is also a point of connection during the day. It can be a sofa, a beanbag, a chair, or a pile of pillows. As long as it is comfortable and has books, your reading nook will be effective.
What to Include:
- Books
- Comfortable seating
- Blankets
Important Things to Consider
Your homeschool room should be a space of learning, joy, and moments of connection. Try and create a space that makes your children feel safe and comfortable as they test the limits of their growing abilities.
Curiosity is key to learning, so your environment should inspire your children to question the world around them. In doing this, you are helping foster their independence. Be sure to have resources and activities that your children can enjoy independently.
Areas for Different Activities
Learning at home gives your kids the freedom to learn in the way that best suits them and their rhythm. If possible, have areas in your homeschool room for different activities. For example, a reading nook is a quiet space, but the dress-up box is social and loud.
Having different areas helps your kids understand the tone of the space. It allows them to assert their boundaries and cater to their needs.
Personalized Homeschool Ideas for Your Learning Space
Creating a homeschool room is about being intentional about your learning journey with your kids. It can be big, small, simple, or busy. But most importantly, it should reflect your family and suit your learning goals.
There are amazing examples of homeschool rooms available. But the reality is that you need to work with the space you have. Your children don’t need a perfect homeschool room to learn. But they do need one that is clutter-free and personalized for them.
Don’t overthink it, but instead, take the time to create a space for living, learning, and loving.
