Two Twenty One

Organized Homework Station

This post is sponsored by Better Homes & Gardens at Walmart. All opinions are my own. 

School is in full swing around here! So it’s the perfect time to create an organized homework station– a place for all the pencils, glue sticks, crayons, and markers. Last fall, I put together a homeschool area for Owen, but with him doing in-person learning this year, I decided to tackle the small office area by the playroom.

So here are some of my tips for creating an organized area for all things school and crafts.

tiered wooden tray with pencils, glue sticks, and scissors in clear cups

Keep Everyday Items Handy

To keep everyday items, like pencils, glue, and scissors accessible, I put them in clear tumblers. And to keep those organized, I set them on a tiered tray. That way if Owen needs to do some homework while I cook dinner or while Brad works on his laptop, we can move the tiered tray to the kitchen island and Owen can work in the kitchen.

tiered tray with school supplies on it

Ditch the Boxes

It never fails that the marker and crayon boxes always get torn or otherwise destroyed. To solve that issue, I put he colored pencils, crayons, markers, dot markers, and dry erase markers in their own clear containers. I used these and these. The clear containers have an easy to open lid for little hands. But I could see them being a struggle for two years. I don’t see that as a bad thing though.

Markers, crayons, colored pencils in clear storage containers. The containers are inside wire and wood baskets.

Cozy It Up

To cozy up the space a little, I added a small tabletop lamp. And to attempt to protect it from harm, I put it inside a wire and wood tray. The lamp is the perfect size for this space. Plus, it puts off a good amount of task light.

A small lamp and giraffe print inside a wood and wire tray.

A Place to Sit

I opted to go with simple, white chairs in the homework station. Two chairs can fit somewhat comfortably in this area, but for the sake of photos, I only kept one. I know some people are scared of white with kids, but trust me, these show less dust and scuffs than darker chairs.

white chair in homework area

Additional Storage

You wouldn’t think we’d need more storage in this area, but we do. The cabinets house all of our miscellaneous craft supplies, board games, and other random things. Plus, the cabinets are rather small. So I added these white, 2-cube storage organizers and hyacinth baskets under the desk area. I intend to store school papers and crafts that we need and want in the baskets.

Cube storage shelves with 4 cubes. Hyacinth storage baskets in each cube.

Make It Theirs

We have shelves between the two upper cabinets in our homework area. I chose to decorate it with their toys and LEGOs Owen has built. Owen actually prefers him up there because he can climb on the counter and reach the shelves while Emmett can’t.

I used their crafts and artwork to decorate the backsplash area. I love seeing their art displayed here.

Homework area with wall cabinets and a built-in desk area.

I’m really liking how this space turned out. I’m hoping that by giving things designated containers and spots, it will help keep the kids organized and this area area tidy.

Homework area with wall cabinets and a built-in desk area.

This post is sponsored by Better Homes & Gardens at Walmart. All opinions are my own. 

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Comments

    • Marcia says

      I love that it’s not the kitchen table, when my kids were little we used our dining area and I felt like it was a chaotic disaster, looking back I think this would have made homework a bit more tolerable and calm.

      Reply

  2. Stacey says

    This is a great idea! I have de-canted markers and crayons as well, but put them in the $1 reusable party cups that the kids get when they go to birthday parties. Whatever works, right? Best of luck for a great, and healthy, school year!

    Reply

  4. Ris says

    Ooh, I love how organized this is! And such a great point about the boxes! I bet using your kids artwork for pops of color makes them feel like a million bucks 🙂

    Reply

    • Michele says

      Love these ideas and the colors!
      My grandson starts in person kindergarten in September, but I have a sinking feeling grandma might need a distance learning school spot.

      Reply

  5. Laura says

    I love the containers for crayons and markers! I always struggle on how to keep those organized. These will make things so much easier!

    Reply

  7. Tonya says

    What an awesome space! I’m a big fan of ditching the boxes that crayons and markers come in as well. Baskets and cups make them so much easier to access!

    Reply

  16. Erica says

    Putting the supplies in an easy carry container is genius. I always end up with markers and glue sticks scattered all over every room.

    Reply

  21. Tanja says

    Would you like to Vancouver, BC and create this in my home? I love the colours, the storage and all the little touches.

    Reply

  27. Jenn says

    This is fabulous – and I love that it’s organized and bright while still being fun and kid-friendly! Now can you come to my house and make my office look this amazing?!

    Reply

  29. Lori Johnson says

    Everything looks awesome! I’m starting to set up an area for my grandsons. This gives me some great ideas.

    Reply

  30. Rosemary says

    I like that this is streamlined but not sterile; it’s like you’re curating a gallery of their creative work! And that lamp is about to sell out, I’ll bet the farm on it.

    Reply

  33. Maura says

    Love this! What a good idea to ditch the boxes the crayons, etc come in!
    Hope the boys have a great & safe year!

    Reply

  37. Michelle says

    Lots of greats tips. Being able to see all the supplies definitely makes it easier for all! Use lots of those BHG bins in my pantry, they are a favorite

    Reply

  38. Kristin says

    This is such a well organized space. Easy for kiddos to know where to put everything back – a place for everything and everything in its place!

    Reply

  42. Jennifer says

    Love containers for everything! Makes my heart happy even when they aren’t put back the same way….🤪

    Reply

  43. Sarah says

    This looks awesome! I love the clear bins. I’m going to try to organize ours this weekend. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply

  45. Monica says

    1) using those containers for markers and crayons is genius- I’m stealing that! 2) I feel like I’ve never seen this part of your house before!

    Reply

  46. Amanda says

    I love this! Those clear containers are great for little hands…as my 2 year old discovered By sitting in the pantry eating Oreos. 😆🤦🏼‍♀️ I’m going to put crayons in them now.

    Reply

  47. Jessica says

    I love smart storage! Corralling kid stuff can be such a pain but looks like something even I could pull off!

    Reply

  51. Lauren says

    Wow this looks great and so functional. I have so many leftover school supplies because I love buying them so I may need to do something like this lol

    Reply

  53. Kristi says

    I really like the way you’ve organized everything. Although they have everything they need, it’s easy on the eyes with no clutter!!

    Reply

  55. Michele says

    Love these ideas — especially the clear containers for craft supplies. I’m curious to see how this space is layer out in relation to your kitchen — is it adjacent to it? Great job!

    Reply

  58. Tawanna says

    Love these ideas! Our school room needs a makeover, this is perfect I can update the home school area and get it organized.

    Reply

  59. Kelsey+Murray says

    That’s, ah, quite the upgrade from my childhood desk in the kitchen that was jam packed with all of our homework and take-home papers.

    Reply

  62. Karen says

    So nice! I especially love the baskets/containers for the markers and crayons! Looks like a great homework nook!

    Reply

  63. Kristin says

    I wish I had my act together like this when my kids were little! This is a perfect set-up for tear-free homework times, bright, cheery and organized – bravo!

    Reply

  66. Ashley says

    Love the idea of those clear containers! I made the mistake of using mason jars…with a 2 year old around. Sad choice.

    Reply

  69. Amy B says

    I love this!! Stealing the idea of putting crayons, markers etc in to new containers!! So smart. I love the tiered tray too..I need it!

    Reply

  71. María says

    Great ideas! I especially love that you put the most often used supplies on a tray so you can move it to other work areas. We have a plastic caddy, but I’ve got to upgrade to a pretty tiered tray like you!

    Reply

  74. Jo says

    Love the idea of putting the craft supplies on the tiered tray. My kids can’t seem to figure out how to keep things organized even though I try so hard to set them up for success. I think I’m going to try the tumblers and the tray and see how it works. Thanks for the inspiration-this space is so cute and fun!

    Reply

  77. Kate says

    Hi Chelsea – Great job, looks awesome!! Sorry if I missed this (and I may very well have, it has been that kind of night around here ), but the chairs linked look different than ones in the picture. Were they ones you already had? Only asking because the ones in your picture would be perfect in my daughters rooms! Thanks!

    Reply

  80. Beth says

    I love how organized it looks, and practical for the kids to use! Hope the school year is good and healthy for your family.

    Reply

  84. KrickettwithaK says

    Getting rid of the boxes is always a good idea. I’ve usually just used ziploc bags. Your idea is surely more anesthetically pleasing! I’m going to have to try that!

    Reply

  86. Erin says

    Love the space! All the little touches of baskets and especially the tiered tray. every mom’s organization dreams!

    Reply

  89. Erin says

    Such a great homework area! I’ve been looking for a tiered tray for my kitchen and the one you used is perfect. So I just ordered it!

    Reply

  90. Beth says

    What an inspiring space! I’m a big proponent of “if they can see it, they’ll use it.” Putting things on display like this helps items be used more frequently!

    Reply

  93. Liz says

    Love this so much! I just love school supplies, much like Meg Ryan in You’ve Got Mail. “I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address.”

    Reply

  98. Alayna says

    The space looks great Chelsea! Love the organization with the clear containers, the task lamp, and the personalized backsplash with the boys’ artwork.

    Reply

  102. Evelina says

    The colourful art is my favourite part! I would have loved to do homework in this space!! The organization really speaks to my heart ❤️

    Reply

  104. Bekke says

    We recently moved and now have a great sized space for crafts/homework stations and I was drawing a blank on how best to organize it, but you have given me so many great ideas. Love the space!!

    Reply

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