DESIGNING A STUDY ROOM | An Architect Explains

A Study is used for Studying, Writing, Reading, Using the Computer, Storage of files, Books and as a  Library. Sometimes, in smaller houses, a Study is also used as a Bedroom by a teenager or pre-adolescent child or an adult.

A Study is used for Studying, Writing, Reading, Using the Computer, Storage of files, Books and as a Library.

The design of a Study room requires careful planning considerations in order to have a comfortable and peaceful space. As an Architect, I have explained some of the design considerations that you must take into account before you plan or renovate your Study room. They have been explained here under the following headings:

What is the planning consideration for a Study?
What is the typical furniture used in a Study?
What are the minimum clearances to be kept in  Study?
What are the different types of furniture arrangements in a Study?
What is the minimum space required for a Study cum bedroom?
What is the best location for a Study

 


WHAT ARE THE PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS FOR A STUDY?
  • Size and type of Furniture.
  • Space allowance for Furniture.
  • Clearance and space around the Furniture for movement.
  • Storage space for books, files, clothes, etc
WHAT IS THE TYPICAL FURNITURE USED IN A STUDY?

The Typical pieces of furniture in a Study and their sizes are listed below.

  • Desk – 2’6″ x 5’0″, 2’0″ x 4’0″
  • Computer Table – 2’0″ x 2’3″(smallest), 2’6″ x 2’6″, 3’0″ x 2’6″, 3’6″ x 2’6″ etc.
  • Chair – 1’10” x 1’10″File storage – 1’4″ x 2’4″
  • Single Bed – 3′ x 6’10” (Cramped for an adult but suitable for a child)
  • Twin Bed – 3’3″ x 6’10” or 3’4″ x 7’0″ ( Okay for an adult)
  • Double Bed – 4’6″ x 6’10” or 4’6″ x 7’0″ (Cramped for 2 adults, but okay for 2 children)
  • Dresser or Chest of Drawers – 1’6″ x 3’0″, 1’10” x 4’0″
  • Bedside Table – 1’2″ x 1’2″, 1’6″ x 1’6″, 2’0″ x 2’0″
  • Closet or Wardrobe – Each shutter size is about 1’6″ x 7’0″. A 2 shutter Wardrobe is the minimum in a single occupancy bedroom and hence is sufficient in a Study which is also used for sleeping.
The Study desk ina Study room
WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM CLEARANCES TO BE KEPT IN A STUDY?

To ensure adequate space for movement and the convenient use of furniture in the Study, the following minimum clearances must be observed:

  • Wall and the furniture – 2″.
  • Between furniture units – 3″.
  • Space to push back the chair from the Desk and pulling out the desk drawers – 3’0″.
  • For using and arising from a computer table – 2’6″.
  • In front of the file storage for pulling out drawers – 3’6″.
  • In front of the desk/computer table to allow walking past a person seated at the desk – 4’0″.
  • In front of Closet, Dresser/Chest of Drawers to open and use them – 3’6″.
  • On one side of bed to allow for movement and making bed – 2’0″.
  • On the least used side of the bed for making the bed – 1’0″. However, in case of single beds, they can be placed against the wall on the least used side.
  • For movement from the door through the room – 2’6″.
  • Turning diameter for a wheelchair – 5’0″.
There should be adequate space all around the desk
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF FURNITURE ARRANGEMENTS IN A STUDY?
There are different types of arrangement of Office equipment in a Study namely Parallel, Right-angle and One-wall. The minimum sizes required for these arrangements have also been explained.
 
Parallel arrangement of office equipment only: With furniture consisting of a Desk and chair on one wall and a Computer table and file storage on the parallel wall, the minimum space occupied is 5’0″ x 8’4″. For a study room with this parallel arrangement, the minimum size is 6’6″ x 8’4″ since additional space for opening a door into the room is needed.

Right-angle arrangement of only office equipment: With furniture consisting of a Desk and chair and a file storage on one wall and a Computer table at right angles to the desk on the adjacent wall, the minimum space occupied is 7’8″ x 7’6″.

One-wall arrangement of only office equipment: With furniture consisting of a Desk and chair, a Computer table and file storage on one wall, the minimum space occupied is 9’4″ x 6’4″.

WHAT IS THE MINIMUM SPACE REQUIRED FOR A STUDY CUM BEDROOM?

With a single bed and bedside table, study desk/computer table, chair and 2 shutter closet, will be  a minimum size of 8’0″ x 7’6″.
With a single bed and bedside table, a dresser/file storage/computer table, study desk with chair, 2 shutter closet, will be of a minimum size of 9’0″ x 11’0″. If the cot size is bigger, then the room dimensions will be more.

A study cum bedroom
WHAT IS THE BEST LOCATION FOR A STUDY?

The study is a private space used for studying, reading, writing, working, sleeping, etc. Hence there is a need for privacy, quiet and peace. It should also be well lit and airy and away from the noisy parts of the house and the rooms where guests are entertained. For some tips on the best location of a Study, go to:

Good placement of furniture in a study: The correct placement of furniture determines whether a room looks spacious, aesthetic and un-cluttered. It also decides whether the room becomes a relaxed place for study and learning.

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3 thoughts on “DESIGNING A STUDY ROOM | An Architect Explains

  • June 26, 2020 at 12:35 pm
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    Thanks !
    Hi,
    Thank you for your appreciation.
    Admin

    Reply
  • September 29, 2011 at 6:16 am
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    office size is 14′ x 35′
    entrance is in south face
    i want to establish a real estate business. so can u suggest a plan how to design the office.

    Reply

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