Setting Up A Homework Corner That Works

With the new school year on the way, a proper desk space helps children settle into homework routines. Here is how to build an organised, comfortable corner that works for study and creativity alike, suited to Malta's smaller bedrooms and box rooms.

Wall storage that keeps supplies within reach

A good desk area starts with organisation, since children spend long stretches here reading, writing and dreaming up projects. Mounting storage to the wall rather than crowding the floor makes sense in compact Maltese bedrooms. IKEA's EKET cabinets can be fixed above or beside the desk in whatever combination of doors, shelves and drawers suits the space, keeping books and notebooks close at hand without eating into the room. Underneath, IKEA's TROFAST storage combination with boxes separates schoolwork, artwork and paper for recycling, so each type of clutter has its own home and tidying up becomes a quick, simple task.

TROFAST storage combination with boxes, white/dark grey, 99x44x56 cmTROFAST storage combination with boxes, light white stained pine/dark grey, 44x30x91 cmTROFAST storage combination with boxes, light white stained pine/dark grey, 93x44x52 cmTROFAST storage combination with boxes, white/light green-grey, 99x44x56 cmTROFAST storage combination with boxes, white/dark grey, 46x30x94 cmTROFAST storage combination with boxes, light white stained pine/dark grey, 94x44x91 cm

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Small drawers and boards for everyday essentials

Beyond the big storage pieces, it is the small organisers that keep a desk workable day to day. Drawer inserts separate pens, rubbers and rulers so children can find what they need without upending everything onto the floor, while a magnetic board above the desk is a practical spot for pinning up timetables, certificates and medals. It gives a child a sense of ownership over the space and a visible record of their progress, which matters as much as the furniture itself when school routines are just beginning.

DRÖNJÖNS desk organiser, white, 25x20 cmELLOVEN monitor stand with drawer, anthracite, 47x10x26 cmELLOVEN monitor stand with drawer, white, 47x10x26 cmVATTENKAR laptop/monitor stand, birch, 52x26 cmDRÖNJÖNS pen cup, white, 10x10 cmGRÅSIDAN box, set of 5, grey

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A chair and stool built for homework together

Comfort deserves as much thought as storage. A desk chair should support a child properly, and good lighting, both a direct desk lamp and softer ambient light, makes reading and writing far less tiring, which matters through Malta's long bright summers and darker winter evenings alike. It is worth adding a seat for an adult too, since homework often works best as a shared task. A simple step stool does double duty here, giving a parent somewhere to sit while also helping little ones reach higher shelves on their own.

FLISAT children's stool, pine, 32 cmÖRFJÄLL children's desk chair, white/Vissle pink, 53 cmMAMMUT children's chair, in/outdoor/white, 39x67x36 cmÖRFJÄLL children's desk chair, white/Vissle light grey, 53 cmKRITTER children's chair, white, 27x53x29 cmMAMMUT children's stool, in/outdoor/yellow, 35 cm

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Making room for drawing, painting and mess

A desk should not only be for schoolwork. Fixing a curtain rod to the wall above the desk creates an easy way to hang a roll of drawing paper, keeping it close without taking up desktop space, and clip-on rings can hold a small basket for extra supplies or finished artwork. A light box turns paintings and craft projects into something worth displaying, and a desk pad protects the surface underneath from paint, glue and scratches, which matters when enthusiasm outpaces tidiness.

DRÖNA box, white, 33x38x33 cmDRÖNA box, dark grey, 33x38x33 cmSKÅDIS pegboard, black, 76x56 cmUPPDATERA box, white, 24x17 cmDRÖNA box, blue, 33x38x33 cmDRÖNA box, black, 33x38x33 cm

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A well planned desk corner makes the start of term far smoother for everyone. Browse the range online and have it delivered to your home in Malta or Gozo.

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