The past couple weeks; I have been working hard trying to set up a distance learning space since the kids will be heading back to school virtually. Last spring our distance learning spot was anywhere; the kitchen table, the dining room, even outside in the backyard. This fall we wanted to create a designated distance learning space for the kids to learn and be excited for school. Our kids are adjusting well to the idea of spending another year at home distance learning, but they are sad that they won’t be in class with their teacher or friends. My husband and I hoped that this learning area would spark that back-to-school feeling of excitement. This distance learning space could even work for homeschooling or working remotely!
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In the Bay Area desks are flying off the shelves and hard to keep in stock. On a recent trip to IKEA, I found that all of their desks were sold out. There is a very popular IKEA “Alex” hack using storage drawers and trestle legs that were both also sold out. My husband found these storage drawers and decided he would create his own trestle-type legs using 2×2 pine wood. We purchased this tabletop and did not put the wheels on the drawer unit.
My husband created two squares out of the 2×2 pine wood that would be the same height as the storage drawers and same depth as the tabletop. I used this charcoal chalk paint to give the wood squares the look I was going for. We used “L” brackets to secure the drawers and square trestle to the tabletop.
The picture ledge was repurposed from the playroom as was the décor. I made pennant flags to display as decoration with the same method I used to create these back to school flags. The pictures are engineer prints we had in our living room (now I need to find something to hang on those walls…oops!!). You can create your own for under $10, learn how with this post on engineer prints.
The desks came out so well and I love that they have their own designated distance learning space to help with the learning from home transition. I purchased almost everything from IKEA (chairs, headphone/tablet stands, desk lamps). The natural jute runner was purchased here.
Here is a look at some of the other desk spaces in our home (both my husband and I are working from home and we need our own space).
No matter what your plans are for back to school (whether it is homeschooling, distance learning or in-person) I hope your kids have an amazing year!
With love,
Shahla
Thanks for the post!! I’m also getting ready for the fall for my kids, too! A lot of desks are sold out!! How do you feel About putting the desk in front of the windows? That’s the only space I have left without putting the desk at a random place. Thanks
Hi Cathy! Isn’t it wild how desks have sold out?! I think a desk by the window would be great! I actually prefer it because it might help the kids adjust mentally. Good luck getting your space ready!