67 Best Classroom Setup Ideas for Back to School

It’s that time of year again, time to get your classroom set up for back to school. In this post I'll give you the best classroom setup steps to take to create an amazing classroom this year. I'm talking about ideas to set up a gorgeous classroom library, organize your teacher cart and teacher toolbox, create epic calendars, create a gorgeous teacher space and so much more!

This post is packed with over 67 classrooms that'll inspire you to get organized, create the perfect classroom reading nook plus, where to get free classroom printables! Hope you can gleam some inspiration from these amazing classrooms and try some of these ideas in your class this year!

This post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase using my link, I make a small commission –at no cost to you. Read the full disclosure here.

Set Up a Classroom Library

You all need a classroom library, why not make it functional and beautiful? Get ready to be inspired, I've found 7 amazing classroom libraries to give you great ideas to get the perfect one set up in your class.

Display Your Favorite Books

IMAGE SOURCE | JILLIANSTARTTEACHING

The white shelves in the picture above make this library look bright and beautiful. I love how this teacher displays a few of her favorite books on the top shelf. It looks like such an inviting place to find the perfect book!

Color Coded Shelves

IMAGE SOURCE | MRSCOWMANSCLASSROOM

Having a single color container on each shelf will help the kids place the containers in the right spot and it also looks pretty, win, win!

Bins for Easy Access

IMAGE SOURCE | UPPERELEMENTARYADVENTURES

I love how this teacher puts all the new books in a basket on the top shelf. The read sign and the plant add a homey touch to this class library.

Top Shelf Display

IMAGE SOURCE | MISSFAIRCHILDSMUGGLES

This library has so much personality. I love the idea of making the top shelf a display for books, art and other fun stuff that the kids will love.

Rainbow Colored Bins

IMAGE SOURCE | CREATEANDEDUCATE

If you read my blog, you know that I'm a huge fan of the rainbow color scheme. This library nails it, enough said.

Crayon Theme Bookshelf

IMAGE SOURCE | THREEBLONDEBLOGGERS

Here's another way to do the rainbow color scheme. You can also gather some inspiration from the fun crayon theme that this teacher has going on.

Fun Classroom Library

IMAGE SOURCE | ASHLEYMCKENZIEPT

I saved my favorite for last. The details in this library are amazing. I love the pink cart, so the kids know where to return the books and how cute is the pillow container? The kids can grab their favorite pillow and book, get comfy and read.

What student wouldn’t want to spend some time in here?

Best Amazon Finds for Your Class Library

Below are some of my favorite containers to keep your bookshelf looking as picture perfect as the ones I just showed you.

WHERE TO FIND

ONE | BRIGHT CRATES SET OF 18

TWO | SET OF SIX TEAL FABRIC BINS

THREE | COLORFUL PLASTIC BINS SET OF 8

FOUR | COLORFUL MAGAZINE/BOOK HOLDERS SET OF 6 OR 12

FIVE | 10 RAINBOW FABRIC BINS

SIX | SIX PACK OF RAINBOW PLASTIC CONTAINERS

If you want some more ideas to create an Awesome Classroom Library, then check out this post...10 Epic Classroom Library Ideas

Get Organized

It helps to start the year being as organized as you can. That way the kids know where everything goes. I think when it looks nice, it gives you and the students extra motivation to keep it that way.

These teachers have found a way for organization to be beautiful. Read on to discover ideas to organize all the stuff, find the perfect containers, labels, file folders and more.

Pretty Bins & Teacher Cart

IMAGE SOURCE | SANDIEGOTEACHER

This teacher has got her pretty bins and teacher cart ready to get filled up! There's a lot of inspiration in this beautiful space.

Student Data File Box

IMAGE SOURCE | TEACHERAPPROVED

Get a student data file box set up. You can add bright folders to make it look pretty. Take a cue from this teacher and number the students so you don’t have to re-do all of your labels next year.

Pretty Custom Labels

IMAGE SOURCE | LAUGH.TEACH.SMILE

Here's another example of how creating custom labels can make organizing beautiful. These labels are a work of art!

Thoughtful Bookshelf Organization

IMAGE SOURCE | IEF_DES_BOULETTES

You can make an ordinary bookshelf look clean, organized and pretty when you coordinate colors, are thoughtful of the placement of everything and leave space for your stuff.

Weekly File Box Organization

IMAGE SOURCE | SASSYSAVYSIMPLETEACHING

Another great use for a file box, you can organize your lesson plans by week for the entire school year.

Dollar Store Organization

IMAGE SOURCE | CREATE_INSPIRE_TEACH

This classroom is full of dollar store organization finds. I especially love the small clear containers on the second shelf. These would be perfect for organizing small bright supplies like tacks, erasers or paperclips.

Organization Within a Color Scheme

IMAGE SOURCE | ATOUCHOFCLASSTEACHING

This is one of my favorite classrooms there's so much inspiration here. I love that this teacher kept with a simple color palette of green, black and white. It makes the room look so put together.

I also love the containers on the bookshelf and the storage basket for comfy seating.

Color Coded Organization Bins for Each Student

IMAGE SOURCE | KELLYSKLASSROOM

Each student’s class notebook is color coded for their personal container, brilliant! Plus, the kids would love these cute caricatures that look like them.

Turn in and Take Home Bins

IMAGE SOURCE | CHRISTOFS_CLASS

Create a turn in bin and a take home mailbox for your students with file boxes and file folders. This keeps the papers contained and organized in one spot.

Organize Classroom Supplies

What to do with all those supplies? If you get the organization for these set up right at the beginning of the year and train the kiddos to put everything in it's place, your life will be a little easier. We all love that, right?

These teachers have found gorgeous ways to keep all the stuff in it's place and looking amazing.

Crayon Organization Idea

IMAGE SOURCE | ARCHERSALLSTARS

My heart sings when I see crayons neatly organized by color.

Pencil, Marker & Pen Containers

IMAGE SOURCE | MRS.VOHS

I love these modern pencil, pen and marker holders.

Play-Doh Containers for Marker Organization

IMAGE SOURCE | FABULOUSFIGS

This is a clever use of Play-doh containers to organize markers.

Clear Containers & Colorful Labels

IMAGE SOURCE | LIVELOVEANDTEACH

These small containers with lids with a colorful label are perfect to keep all the supplies tidy.

Llama Organization Drawers

IMAGE SOURCE | FOCUSEDNFIFTH

Who loves llamas? These labels are amazing!

Create a Mini Teacher Toolbox

IMAGE SOURCE | TEACHINGWITHG

This mini teacher toolbox with the pretty labels is the perfect place for all of those little things like paperclips, erasers, glue sticks, staples and other miscellaneous supplies.

As a bonus this adorable pineapple has storage too! It’s nice to see someone else who loves pineapples.

Later in this post I'll show you more ideas and inspiration to create your own teacher toolbox.

Bulletin Board Border Organization

IMAGE SOURCE | PREKWOLFPACK

Here's a great idea to organize those bulletin board borders. You could also use magnetic hooks on a magnetic board to do the trick.

I have a ton more Classroom Organization ideas for you here...83 Best Classroom Organization Ideas

Classroom Layout Setup

Next, you’ll want to plan the layout for your classroom.  The first of the year is a great time to experiment with a new classroom layout.  Check out some inspiration below.

Classroom Layout with Desk Groups

IMAGE SOURCE | TEACHINGANDUPLIFTING

These desks are grouped in clusters of 6 each with their own supply caddy.  Each student is provided a desk name tag,  a class information sheet and a card from the teacher.

Classroom Setup Ideas with Tables

IMAGE SOURCE | DOLLARTREECLASSROOMS

When setting up your tables here’s a hack to keep the supplies neat.  Create a labeled tote for each table with lock top lid containers for supplies also labeled with the table number.

Combine Storage and Function

IMAGE SOURCE |TEACHOUTSIDETHEBOX

Take a cue from Brook, a teacher that specializes in literacy and STEM and combine storage and function in your classroom.  Her husband designed this “maker shop” which is a play and storage table.

It has a dry erase tabletop, header board, magnetic dry erase wall on one end and a LEGO wall/green screen on the other end.  There are storage bins on the top as well.

Create a Portable Teaching Station

IMAGE SOURCE | THATSWEETTEACHER

Kirstie, a fourth-grade teacher from Montana has created a portable teaching station with this adjustable height mobile table.  She rolls it to wherever she is teaching in the classroom and it holds her iPad, supplies, teaching manual, beverage and anything else that she needs.

Set Up a Teacher Cart

If you read my blog, you know that I'm big on this one. I just love an organized teacher cart, and I know I'm not alone.

Below is a little inspiration for you to get your teacher cart organized and if you don’t have one yet, I got you covered too, below are the top finds for teacher carts and where to get them.

Rainbow Teacher Cart

IMAGE SOURCE | MADEFORFIRSTGRADE

Add matching labels to your rainbow teacher cart to step up your organization game.

Daily Teacher Cart

IMAGE SOURCE | LEARNWITHMISSLAURA

Another great idea is to designate a drawer for each day, with a few to spare for miscellaneous papers like to copy, to file, to grade and anything else you need to stay on track.

Reading & Math Carts

IMAGE SOURCE | COFFEE.TEACH.GLITTER

This teacher has one cart for reading and one for math, just wheel it out when the lesson starts and have everything you need at your fingertips.

Things, Stuff, Etc. Carts

IMAGE SOURCE | SUNINTHECLASSROOM

These carts are cute, I love the labels, things, stuff, ect.

The Best Teacher Carts on Amazon

Below are my favorite teacher carts and where to find them.

WHERE TO FIND

ONE | RAINBOW TEACHER CART

TWO | TEAL CART (MORE COLORS)

THREE | PINK TEACHER CART

FOUR | BLUE CART

FIVE | WHITE TEACHER CART

If you want more ideas to create a teacher cart, I wrote an entire post on it.  You can find it here...The One Thing You Need In Your Classroom This Year

 

Set up a Spot to Display Student Work

So, you don’t have any student work yet, not a problem. Take a cue from these teachers and get the wall space ready to go for their amazing work.

Bonus, if you make it look as gorgeous as these teachers your students will be motivated to make their work onto your masterpiece wall.

Our Brightest Work Display

IMAGE SOURCE | 2NDGRADESASSYPANTS

To create “our brightest work” display you can use colored sheets of paper and then place their work on each sheet.

#BestWorkEver Board

IMAGE SOURCE | TEACHERAPPROVED

#bestworkever. This teacher uses matching clothes pins to hold the paper for a fun touch. I also love the bright rainbow banner.

Masterpieces Bulletin Board

IMAGE SOURCE | THEKINDERHEARTEDCLASSROOM

You could easily re-create this masterpieces bulletin board to display student work. Add a tassel banner for a playful accent.

Create an Epic Calendar

So, part of setting up your room for the year is creating a monthly or weekly and often a more detailed daily calendar so your kids know what to except when in the class.

Below are some of my favorites plus, check out the adorable birthday calendar at the end.

Printable Calendar Bulletin Board

IMAGE SOURCE | COOTIESANDCUTIES

To create this calendar, you can customize printables in your classroom theme. Simply find the images that you want and then place numbers over them to create your huge monthly calendar.

You could also find pre-made printables on Pinterest or Etsy. If you're a real go getter you can change your theme every quarter if not, then just re-arrange the numbers each month.

Black & White Calendar Board

IMAGE SOURCE | THELEMONADESTANDTEACHER

Here's a simple calendar idea that looks pretty. This teacher coordinates her calendar with the black and white color scheme that she has throughout the classroom.

Birthday Calendar Bulletin Board

IMAGE SOURCE | MS_HUGHS

This is a fun idea to create a birthday calendar. The best part may be the ice-cream cone garland banner. You can find a similar one here.

Best Finds for Your Classroom Calendar

Below are some of the best finds to create an epic calendar in your class this year.

WHERE TO FIND

ONE | CHALKBOARD WALL CALENDAR

TWO | CONFETTI CALENDAR

THREE | NUMBERED MAGNETS

FOUR | CACTUS CALENDAR

FIVE | LARGE CHALKBOARD CALENDAR

SIX | GIANT DRY ERASE CALENDAR

SEVEN | SUCCULENT CALENDAR DIGITAL DOWNLOAD

Label Your Teacher Toolbox

Have you joined the new teacher toolbox trend yet? If you haven’t heard of it, it's an efficient way to get everything organized and it looks amazing too. If you don’t have your toolbox yet read on to find out where you can get one.

If you're crafty you can create your own custom labels and if not read on to find out where you can buy gorgeous labels for your teacher toolbox.

Tropical Themed Teacher Toolbox

IMAGE SOURCE | ASHLEYMCKENZIEPT

This teacher created beautiful tropical theme labels for her toolbox.

Lemon Teacher Toolbox

IMAGE SOURCE | ASHLEYMCKENZIEPT

Here are some fun lemon labels created by the same talented teacher.

Black & White Teacher Toolbox

IMAGE SOURCE |THEINQUIRYGARDEN

These are simple labels with a small illustration of what's inside, perfect for younger kids still learning to read. Another idea is to take a picture of what is inside and use that as your label.

Colorful Teacher Toolbox

IMAGE SOURCE | KRAUSMATH

These labels are like the last ones but with a little color added.

Best Picks for Your Teacher Toolbox

Below are some of my favorite finds for teacher toolboxes and beautiful labels.

WHERE TO FIND

ONE | EDITABLE TEACHER TOOLBOX LABELS

TWO | FLORAL TEACHER TOOLBOX WITH LABELS

THREE | FLORAL TEACHER TOOLBOX WITH LABELS

FOUR | BLACK TEACHER TOOLBOX

FIVE | WHITE TEACHER TOOLBOX

SIX | CACTUS TEACHER TOOLBOX WITH LABELS

If you want more ideas for setting up your teacher toolbox check out this post-Teacher Toolbox Create the Perfect One for Your Classroom

Make the Kids Feel at Home

Why not create a home like atmosphere for your kids to truly make them feel at home in your classroom? What I mean by this is literally home furniture and decor in your class. Does it sound crazy? Well once you see the pictures of these amazing classroom below you may re-think the entire idea.

What I love about this idea is you can get really creative with how you want to do this. You can start small with wallpaper, a statement rug or cute throw pillows or go all out with a couch or a dining table. Get inspired by these knockout rooms below.

Add a Classroom Couch

IMAGE SOURCE | KICKINGITPAPERLESS

If you're lucky enough to have a large classroom you can add a full couch. Finish off the look with pretty throw pillows, a floor lamp and a coffee table.

Add Small Homey Touches

IMAGE SOURCE | APAPERLESSCLASSROOM

Sometimes all you need to do is add small touches to create a home like atmosphere like the cute cacti on top of the bookshelf or the small table with the side chairs and throw pillows.

Paint Stripes on the Walls

IMAGE SOURCE | THESUPERHEROTEACHER

Ok, are you in love with this class too? Don’t worry I'm going to show it to you from every angle. I love how this teacher took the time to paint pink and white stripes on her wall to coordinate her class colors.

Of course, we have to talk about the round dining table and chairs, I mean I would love this in my house!

Use Picnic Tables in the Classroom

IMAGE SOURCE | THESUPERHEROTEACHER

What a fun seating idea! She put together two picnic tables to create a huge farmhouse style table with benches. All of the small touches are amazing too, the paper lanterns above the table give a chandelier like feel.

Add Wallpaper in Your Classroom

IMAGE SOURCE | THESUPERHEROTEACHER

Here's another angle of this amazing class by the superhero teacher that shows a wall of gorgeous wallpaper that balances with the pink in the room.

A Pink Couch & More Fun Touches

IMAGE SOURCE |THESUPERHEROTEACHER

Then there's her seating area with a pink couch, of course! Plus, all the pillows on the floor make a perfect spot for the students to gather to read or work on group projects.

Choose Your Favorite Colors for Your Class

IMAGE SOURCE | UPPERELEMENTARYADVENTURES

Another one of my favorites. I love how she chose a pretty color scheme of pink, yellow and grey and incorporates it in the area rug, throw pillows and even the small accents like the stool.

You could re-create a spot like this in your classroom with small furniture and home accents.

Find the Perfect Classroom Rug

What I love about adding a bright, fun rug to a space is it instantly livens up and adds interest to the room.

Check out how these teachers made the rug a focal point of their class below and find out where to get your own work of art class rug.

Bright Geometric Rug

IMAGE SOURCE | ARTWITH_AJ

She's having her own PDX airport moment, which I love. If you're not familiar with the reference I'm from Oregon and our airport in Portland has unique carpeting so when you return home, you have to take a picture of your feet on the carpet to show you're home.

When you create your amazing class, you may be inspired to do the same thing!

Colorful Squares Area Rug

IMAGE SOURCE | SUNINTHECLASSROOM

This teacher uses her bright carpet as inspiration to incorporate these colors throughout her class.

Alphabet Classroom Rug

IMAGE SOURCE | TYPEAINPREK

This rug just adds even more personality to this fun classroom. What student would not want to learn in here?

Light Bulb Class Rug

IMAGE SOURCE | TEACHOUTSIDETHEBOX

I'm loving this bright lightbulb rug. It even fits with her theme of thinking outside the box.

Squares Classroom Rug

IMAGE SOURCE | ANAPPLEFOREDEN

Rugs with small squares work great in the classroom, everyone find a square and take a seat.

The Best Classroom Rugs on Amazon

Below are some of the best classroom rugs that I found and where to get them. Plus, if you don’t have space for a huge rug check out number five below, they're carpet circles that you can put anywhere.

WHERE TO FIND

ONE | COLORUL GEOMETRIC PATTERNS RUG

TWO | RAINBOW COLORED RUG

THREE | COLORFUL SQUARES RUG

FOUR | UNITED STATES MAP RUG

FIVE | COLORFUL FLOOR DOTS

SIX | HAND RUG

SEVEN | COLORFUL ABC RUG

Create an Amazing Reading Nook

All you need for an awesome reading nook is some fun seating and some cute pillows. Get inspired by some fun and beautiful classroom reading nooks below.

Your kids will be motivated to read if you create an amazing spot like this. Bonus, at the end I'll also show you some adorable throw pillows for your space.

Reading Bench with Storage

IMAGE SOURCE | AYANNA.SANDERS

This teacher uses patio chairs, a bench with storage and some cute throw pillows to create a fun place to kick back with a book.

Dr. Seuss Reading Corner

IMAGE SOURCE | LEARNLOVEGROW

Your students' imagination would soar in a bright, colorful reading spot like this.

DIY Benches for Your Reading Corner

IMAGE SOURCE | MISS_FAIRCLOUGH_

This is a playful and fun reading spot that the kids would love. You can re-create this space by adding cushions and pillows to standard bookshelves to turn them into custom benches.

You could re-create the gorgeous inspirational wall as well.

Fireplace Reading Area

IMAGE SOURCE | CRAZYCHARIZMA

Let your kiddos imagine they're reading by a cozy fire. Wouldn’t they have so much fun? You can re-create this cozy nook with a couple of bean bag chairs and some creative wall displays.

Create a Focal Wall for Your Reading Area

IMAGE SOURCE | CRAZYCHARIZMA

Create a focal wall with a simple inspirational saying on a large sheet of paper. If you don’t have the art skills, you can print the words and glue them on a paper. Add a bench and fun colorful pillows and you have yourself an epic reading nook.

Add a Couple of Chairs to Your Reading a Nook

IMAGE SOURCE | 2NDGRADESASSYPANTS

A reading nook can be as simple as two chairs and some book themed throw pillows and of course all the books!

Floating Bookshelves & a Bench

IMAGE SOURCE | THESUPERHEROTEACHER

You can re-create this fun reading nook with some floating bookshelves, a bench and a group of bright throw pillows.

Fun Throw Pillows for Your Reading Nook

IMAGE SOURCE | TEACHCREATEMOTIVATE

Did I mention you need awesome throw pillows for your reading nook? This teacher gets it, throw them on a bench and you have instant charm.

My Top Picks for Reading Nook Throw Pillows

Below check out my absolute favorite classroom throw pillows that would look amazing in your new reading nook this year!

Doughnut Pillow

 

WHERE TO FIND | DOUGHNUT PILLOW

Giraffe with Glasses Pillow

WHERE TO FIND | GIRAFFE WITH GLASSES

Positive Classroom Pillow

WHERE TO FIND | TODAY IS THE PERFECT DAY TO BE AWESOME

Display Pretty Printable Art

When you find the perfect printable art there are a ton of great ideas to display it in your class. I love the look of a simple clothes pins and string or symmetrical frames. Plus, read to the end of this post to find out how to get some free classroom printables that I created!

DIY Picture Frame Art Display

IMAGE SOURCE | WRITEONWITHMISSG

What a fun idea and even better you can re-create this display for cheap. Head to your local thrift shop or Goodwill and find an old frame and spray paint it your favorite color. Nail a few strings and clip some clothes pins and viola you have a display for your classroom printables.

Create a Modern Inspiration Wall

IMAGE SOURCE | THESUPERHEROTEACHER

For a simple yet beautiful modern look print inspirational messages on large paper and hang them in simple modern frames.

Clothes Pin Art Display

IMAGE SOURCE | ATOUCHOFCLASSTEACHING

Grab some string, clothes pins and pretty bulletin board paper and you have a beautiful display for your printables. This bulletin board paper can be found here.

Make a Beautiful Space Just For You

This is the final step in setting up your classroom for back to school. It's very important to carve out a space for you that is organized and beautiful. You need a place to relax after a hectic day. I think that a clean, organized, clutter free space can really rejuvenate your soul. You deserve that, so make this one a priority.

Get a little inspiration from some gorgeous teacher desks plus, check out some pretty accessories for your desk below.

Best Teacher Ever Cups

IMAGE SOURCE | KRAUSMATH

Inspirational messages are a must in your area. You can add cute touches to your space like these cups best teacher ever.

Pink & Gold Teacher Space

IMAGE SOURCE | MISSYBILINGUAL

This teacher has carved out a corner to make her own and has incorporated her two favorite colors throughout the space pink and gold.

Teacher Planning Zone

IMAGE SOURCE | STEPHANIESUTHERLAND_

A beautiful planner is a must for your teacher space. This is your spot to plan the day, the week or the year.

Check out the Best Teacher Planners Here...The Ultimate Teacher Planner

Fun Touches for Your Teacher Space

IMAGE SOURCE | MADEFORFIRSTGRADE

Your teacher space is the perfect spot to add those touches that are just you, like fun file folders or cheerful pen holders.

Add Plants to Your Teacher Corner

IMAGE SOURCE | COFFEE.TEACH.GLITTER

It's a great idea to add plants to your desk to liven up the space literally. I also love how this teacher has repurposed a straw holder for pencils.

A Bookshelf Just for You

IMAGE SOURCE | ATOUCHOFCLASSTEACHING

So much inspiration in this teacher’s corner. It's such a great idea to add a bookshelf by your desk with pretty containers to store the stuff that is just yours.

You can add flowers to your desk to instantly brighten your space. I also am loving this teacher’s polka dot chair.

Match Your Class Theme with Your Desk

IMAGE SOURCE | TEACHOUTSIDETHEBOX

This teacher matched her teacher desk area with the boho rainbow classroom theme.  The result is a fun and beautiful area that blends seamlessly with the rest of the classroom.

Best Finds for Your Teacher Space

Below check out some of my favorite finds to create your gorgeous teacher space.

WHERE TO FIND

ONE | GOLD ORGANIZATION SET

TWO | GREEN PAPER TRAY

THREE | SET OF SUCCULENTS

FOUR | WRITE CUP

FIVE | CREATE CUP

SIX | DESK PAD

Ok, so you now have the 13 classroom setup steps that you can take to create an epic classroom this year for your students just in time for back to school. Plus, you've seen 67 amazing classrooms to get you inspired to start.

Hopefully you now have some ideas for classroom decorations, organization, teacher toolboxes, creating a gorgeous teacher space, a creative reading nook and more that you'll actually use this year. You have one of the hardest jobs on the planet I hope this post might help add a little fun and beauty to your hectic day!

Feel free to save your favorite ideas to you Pinterest boards, just click on the red P on the picture!