For many, school is back in session! The back-to-school season might look a bit different this year since many schools have moved online, so setting your child up with a productive learning space at home is essential.
If you're looking to help your child focus while learning at home, it might be time to set them up with a reliable desk that can act as their own personal school space. Shop TODAY spoke with education experts, including the National Education Association (NEA), to find out how to limit distractions and get your child into school mode.
"Create a space for students to work online at home that is designated for that purpose alone," a representative for the NEA told us. "When they sit at that table or desk, then that will help get them into the mode of learning."
The NEA also advised that if you have more than one child, have them work in separate rooms to help them maintain focus.
Dr. Sally Augustin, a design psychologist for Design With Science, recommends drowning out excess sounds with the use of white noise and nature sounds. She also suggests choosing furniture with visible wood grain as a way to create a familiar school-like environment.
"Seeing wood grain is very important — wood grain can be present on about half of surfaces visible," Augustin said. "Use something such as oak, where grain is visible, not ebony, where it's not."
Augustin also suggests incorporating views of nature by placing your child near a window or putting scenic photos around them.
If you're looking to upgrade your child's learning space, we found some bestselling desks that are still in stock and have tons of rave reviews. Better yet, they're all under $100!
Desks for children
1. Ebern Designs Payakumbuh L-Shape Desk
This could be your all-in-one school space! The L-shaped design provides enough room for both work and arts and crafts. Don't worry about messes either, the desk was designed to be both waterproof and scratch-proof. The open-concept shelves are perfect for storing school supplies as well.
2. Furinno Efficient Computer Desk
Designed with a compact style in mind, this desk was created to fit in almost any space. It comes with three square shelves on the side so that you can avoid clutter and keep all of your child's school supplies in one area.
3. Delacora Wide Glass and Steel Computer Desk
Made to fit in almost any space, this desk will provide your child with a simple place to study and do their daily assignments. The surprisingly spacious base has enough room to fit a laptop and several books.
4. Monarch Specialties 42" Wide Writing Desk
Bring a rustic style into your home with this wood desk. Made of plastic and wood, this desk comes in a dark taupe shade and features a single drawer for storage.
5. Mainstays Basic Student Desk
This is currently Amazon's bestseller for kids' desks. It features two shelves on the side for easy storage of their school supplies and usually ships within one to three weeks.
6. Homfa Writing Computer Desk
This desk proves that choosing a space-saving and affordable desk doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style. It features a sleek design and a sturdy base that is perfect for holding a laptop and textbooks.
7. Songmics Laptop Desk
For days when your child wants to lounge on the couch, this desk will keep them both productive and comfortable. The portability of the desk allows you to bring it with you to almost any room in the house. The built-in side drawer is perfect for storing pens and pencils, and is even magnetic to prevent slippage.
8. ECR4Kids The Surf Portable Lap Desk
![ECR4Kids The Surf Portable Lap Desk, Flexible Seating for Homeschool and Classrooms, One-Piece Writing Table for Kids, Teens and Adults, GREENGUARD [Gold] Certified, Red](f_avif,q_auto:eco,dpr_2/newscms/2023_18/1595751/41eoamgb7pl-5f22f55b65005.jpg)
This portable desk will provide them with a sturdy platform no matter where they choose to sit. Whether they're close by you or in the other room, this desk can be placed on the floor, a chair or even be used outside. The brand recommends using this for children ages 6 and up.
9. LumiSource Sigma Desk
This modern desk was made to fit anywhere, no matter how small of a space you're dealing with. The surface is made of tempered glass, adding a bit of style to students' workspace.
10. Mind Reader Adjustable Height Laptop Desk
Not only can the height of this desk be adjusted to account for students' comfort, but it is also on wheels, meaning once the school day is over, the desk can be rolled away to a storage space. The wire basket and base offer extra storage for school supplies.
11. Zipcode Design Meagan Desk
This wooden desk takes efficiency to the next level with three separate shelves built in. The desk was designed to take up very little space, so even though you can fit a lot on it, you don't have to worry about finding room for it.
12. ECR4kids Wood Adjustable Height Front Open Desk
Give your student the feeling that they're actually in the classroom with this class school desk. The desk has a storage space perfect for holding books, papers, and other school supplies, and has a 4.9-star rating on Wayfair.
13. Mainstays Conrad Desk
This chic desk isn't just adorable and functional, but it's also very affordable and has great reviews, many of which say the desk is perfect for doing work from home.
14. Zipcode Design Stephon Desk
This desk was designed to optimize space and storage, and that is something that is so valuable when it comes to doing work from home. A drawer, extra storage space, and a keyboard tray free up space for your student to spread out.
15. Ameriwood Home Parsons Computer Desk
Keep things simple with this minimalist desk that could be a good choice for students who are easily distracted. The desk has a small drawer for storage, and according to reviewers, it is easy to set up.
For more stories like this, check out:
10 products to help your child make the adjustment to virtual learning
Homeschooling the kids? 6 expert-approved products your at-home classroom needs
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