Designated study areas provide benefits for children and adults alike. They create personalized space for individuals to focus on their studies or work. If you want to create a study area in your home, you might be wondering what direction your study table should face. We have researched various ideologies to determine the most effective placement for your study needs.
Eastern ideologies believe that the energy of your surroundings can be used to increase your success. Because of this, they provide suggestions for where certain activities should be done in your home. The Vastu system indicates that your study table should face east or north. The Feng Shui ideology agrees that a study room should be east or north but states that the table should be in the south or west direction of that room.
What does this all mean, and how should you place your study table to adhere to these ideologies? We will explain each of these philosophies and how to execute their suggestions. But let's start with the most important first step, defining a study table.
What Are Study Tables?
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Study tables are workspaces designed specifically for studying and doing written work. Their setups should be basic to decrease distractions, but they have enough space to hold all of the materials necessary for a study or work session.
The Vastu System
Vastu was developed in ancient India. It uses principles of astrology, elements, and religion to determine how a home should be built or set up. This system holds the belief that the energy of a home influences those who live within it. Each space in a home should host activities compatible with that area's energy. For example, water is an element of the north-east, so a swimming pool should be placed on the property's north-east side. Similarly, an aquarium should be placed in the north-east of the home.
If you cannot build your own home, it may be difficult to put some of these ideologies into place. After all, you cannot move the location of the kitchen in a pre-built or rented home. That is okay. Instead, follow the principles you can control. For example, use Vastu ideologies to determine who gets which bedroom within the home and which rooms are bedrooms and which are study or hobby rooms. You can also use the principles to place furniture in a given room.
Placing Your Study Table Using Vastu
According to Vastu principles, your room of study should be on the northeast, east, or west side of your home. Within that room, the person studying should face east or north. This means that your study table will be against the east or north wall of the room used for study.
Feng Shui
Feng Shui is more well-known in the western hemisphere than Vastu. It is similar in that it also studies energy and uses it to the advantage of those living within a home. Like Vastu, Feng Shui takes energy fields and elements into consideration when determining how to set up a home. It differs, though, because it also studies how our Chi, or the energy that runs through our bodies, interacts with our surroundings' energy. Feng Shui touches on color psychology to determine how different colors affect our energy. For example, Feng Shui suggests something as simple as decorating with red flowers to bring passion and fire energy into the home.
Placing Your Study Table Using Feng Shui
Like Vastu, Feng Shui experts believe that a study room should be in the east of the home. They also agree that you should face north or east while engaging in study. This is because these directions are associated with positive energy and success. However, if the person studying struggles with focusing, your study table should face west because it is associated with the retention of knowledge.
Should Your Study Table Face Windows?
Study tables should not face the window. Even if you do not have an interesting view, a window makes it too easy to focus on anything but the work you are doing. It may also be more difficult to see your work properly if you face a window because of the natural light shining through.
What Should Be On A Study Table?
Your study table should include everything you need to complete your work. Have plenty of writing instruments and extra paper available, so you don't have to interrupt your study to grab some if you run out. Also, keep paper clips, post-it notes, a stapler, flashcards, and any other office supplies that are relevant to your work. This doesn't mean to clutter your space with items you don't need, though. If you never use a stapler, for example, don't take up space with one. You may also want to place a calendar or planner on your desk to help you keep track of deadlines and important work or school-related dates. Try not to add personal dates or activities to that calendar because you will find yourself distracted by these. You can also decorate your study table with decor items that you enjoy but try not to go overboard with too much clutter or distraction.
How Can I Make A Study Area In My Room?
Creating a study area in your room is a great idea. That way, you can have one space dedicated to your study and pre-stocked with everything you need. Follow these tips to create the perfect study area:
Choose a Desk or Table
The surface you choose for your study area should be the correct size for your space but large enough to store everything you need for a study session. You should also choose a comfortable chair to stay at your table.
Consider Lighting
If you have sufficient lighting in your room, you can certainly flip on your switch and get to work. However, you may find that a desk lamp is more ideal. That way, you have enough light right where you need it.
Eliminate Distractions
Your study area should be away from any distractions. Try to create your study area away from any windows or the television. If the other areas in your home tend to be noisy, shut the door to your room while studying.
Stock Your Area
Before sitting down to your study session in your new space, make a list of everything you use in a typical session. Then, gather all of those items and make a home for them in your area. You want to make sure that everything you will need is easily found and within reach. That way, you don't have to interrupt your focus to grab something you forgot. It is easy to overlook items such as reference books, notes from class, and textbooks, so make sure you have all of those items as well. It's okay if you can't keep some of those items in your area permanently because you need them for class, but make sure they are within reach at the start of your study sessions.
Add Some Decor
You want to feel at home in your study space, so it is encouraged to add some decorative items that make you happy. However, try to use items that increase motivation and focus rather than busy and distracting items. Fresh plants, photos, globes, or clocks are great options. Don't be afraid to use color psychology or aromatherapy to increase your focus if you enjoy those things.
Summary
Many ideologies govern where a study table should be placed within your home, and as demonstrated, they do not always agree with one another. To achieve the maximum benefit of your study sessions, choose what works best for you. If you follow one principle's tips and it doesn't seem to be working for you, don't be afraid to try another suggestion to see if there is an improvement. Both Vastu and Feng Shui are great references to help you use your own energy and the energy of your surroundings to ensure success. Use them as a guide and follow your own intuition and gut feelings to find the setup that works best for you.
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