1. Start with the setup

How you arrange your study has a bigger impact than you might think.

If your desk faces a hallway, a TV or a busy kitchen, your attention will be constantly pulled elsewhere. That’s why a simple change in positioning can make a world of difference.

So, try turning your desk toward a blank wall or a calm window view. Less traffic, fewer distractions and a whole lot more mental clarity – guaranteed.

And if you’re short on space and have combined the study with another room? (Looking at you, dining table setups.) Create some psychological separation with a folding screen, curtain or bookshelf divider.

2. Clear the clutter

Clutter is distracting. Calm is productive. Aim for one, and you’ll reduce the other.

Those stacks of unopened mail, tangled cords and old stationery? They’re not just eyesores. They’re mental load.

Start by asking what actually needs to live on your desk. Your laptop? A notebook? Maybe a pen holder and a plant? The rest can be stored in drawers, tucked into baskets or neatly filed away.

And if you’re a fan of aesthetics, choose a few simple, functional organisers that match your style. Think timber trays, matte black file holders or sleek floating shelves.

3. Let there be light

Fluorescent glare. Dingy corners. Harsh blue LED strips. If your lighting makes you squint or sigh, it’s time to upgrade.

Natural light is best – it boosts your mood, supports your body clock and reduces eye strain. So, if you can, position your desk near a window. If that’s not possible, invest in layered lighting. A warm-toned desk lamp can add instant comfort, while ceiling or wall lights provide the necessary brightness.

Pro tip: steer clear of cold, overhead light at night. It tricks your brain into thinking it’s still daytime and makes it harder to wind down later.

4. Define your zones

Your study might not be a one-task room. And that’s okay – as long as each task has its place.

Consider zoning if you use your study for both work and creative pursuits. Add a lounge chair and lamp for reading. Use a different rug or colour for your creative nook. Even something as small as changing your cushions or moving your laptop from one surface to another can help your brain shift gears.

Not only does this improve focus, but it also helps you finish tasks. Because when your brain associates a space with a specific activity, it’s easier to enter – and exit – that mode.

5. Personalise – but keep it purposeful

You want your study to feel like your space – but not a museum of trinkets.

A few personal touches can go a long way. A framed photo. An artwork you love. A candle that smells like old books (they exist!). These small details help your space feel intentional, not accidental.

But go easy. Too many objects (or too much colour) can crowd your visual field and make it harder to concentrate. A good guide? Try the rule of threes: limit your desk décor to three personal items that make you feel happy, calm or inspired.

6. Create cues to clock off

One big challenge with working or studying from home is that you never really switch off.

That’s where visual and physical cues come in. When your work is done, shut the laptop, turn off your desk lamp and leave the space if you can.

Try small rituals like playing a song, stretching or lighting a different candle to help your brain transition out of work mode.

If your study doubles as your relaxation zone, consider a fold-down desk or a closed cupboard that hides work equipment after hours.

Out of sight, out of mind – and onto better things.

7. Curate your soundscape

Noise can be one of the biggest productivity killers – especially if your study is near a busy street, train station or shared kitchen.

If you need silence to focus, noise-cancelling headphones or white noise machines are worthwhile investments. If you prefer a little background buzz, try ambient playlists, nature sounds or instrumental music.

What you listen to doesn’t matter as much as how it makes you feel. If it helps you tune out the world and tune into your work, you’re on the right track.

8. Add a touch of green

Plants do more than just look good. They’ve been proven to improve air quality, boost productivity and reduce stress.

Whether it’s a tall fiddle-leaf in the corner or a petite pothos trailing across your bookshelf, greenery brings balance to even the most task-heavy spaces.

If you’re a gardening newbie, start with something low-maintenance like a snake plant or peace lily.

No green thumb? Even a realistic faux plant can trick the brain into feeling a little calmer.

9. Keep it simple, keep it yours

There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for a great study. Some people need total silence. Others thrive with soft music, colour and a bit of organised mess. What matters most is that your space supports your style.

So, if you’re a list-maker, hang a pinboard. If you’re a visual thinker, bring in colour and texture. If calm helps you focus, lean into minimalism.

The key is knowing what works for you and designing around it. Because the best study setups aren’t always the trendiest. They’re the ones that actually help you do your thing.

Looking for more tips and tricks to make the most of your home? Find them on The Peer Blog.