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73 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 create an amazing classroom this year and to really optimize the learning environment for your students.  Hope you can gleam some inspiration from the amazing classrooms featured in this post and try some of these ideas in your class this year!

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Classroom Setup Ideas and Inspiration

Here are the classroom setup ideas that you'll discover in this post.

  • The best ideas to arrange student desks and layout your class.
  • How to add flexible seating options in your class.
  • How to setup an efficient library.
  • Inspiration for creating a reading nook.
  • Classroom organization ideas including storage and organizing class supplies.
  • Creative classroom management ideas to make your life easier.
  • What you should display at the front of the class.
  • Ideas for calendars, whiteboards, teacher carts and more!

Classroom Layout Setup

The first thing you'll want to consider for your classroom setup is how to layout your space.  A new school year is a great time to experiment with a new classroom layout.

Here are things to consider when planning your classroom design.

  • How much classroom space do you have?
  • What is your teaching style?
  • What is the best way to increase student engagement with your setup?
  • What kind of tech will you include in your class this year?
  • Be sure to add spaces for individual work.
  • Include areas for small group work.
  • What designs work well based on your grade level?
  • How can you include sections for teacher led stations?
  • What different activities will your class be doing?
  • What flexible seating options will work best for your students?
  • Be sure to create a space just for you.
  • What important resources do you want to feature in the front of the class?
  • What can you add to create a welcoming classroom environment?
  • Make sure you have a clear exit to the classroom.

1 | Classroom Layout Planning

classroom desk layout plan
Image Source | missmiddlelevel

Before you physically re-arrange your classroom plan out your new setup on paper or on the computer.  To find what works best for student desk arrangement color code areas for independent work, group workstations and teacher led stations.

A great way to do this is with Canva.  Canva is an online graphic design tool.  Here’s how to setup your classoom layout with Canva

  • Go to Canva
  • Search whiteboard (this will create an interactive whiteboard for you)
  • Go to elements and add shapes to represent the desks.
  • Change the size and color to get it just how you want it.
  • Then click on the shape and the plus button and it will duplicate it.
  • Add as many as you need and then move them around your whiteboard
  • Use this technique to add doors, windows, your desk, tables, your class whiteboard or anything else.

If you’re not familiar with Canva you can check out this post where I explain more about it and tell you how you can get a free account.  Canva for Teachers: Your Easy Guide to Get Started

Check out some different classroom layout ideas below.

2 | Classroom Seating Arrangements with Desk Groups

classroom setup with tables
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.

3 | Group Desk Layout Idea with Storage

desk arrangement idea for classroom
Image Source | abubblyclassroom

Consider adding desks in small groups and for each group include a storage area.  This storage section can include shared school supplies and books and assignments.

4 | Classroom Setup Ideas with Tables

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.

5 | Individual Student Desks

student desk arrangement idea
Image Source | teachercreated

You may consider adding a section of your room with single desks to use when students are working on individual work or for tests.  Space desk apart to limit distractions.

6 | Desk Arrangement Teacher Hack

student desk hack for teachers
Image Source | full_sped_ahead

If your student desks are constantly shifting considering adding tape around them so that you and students know exactly where they should go.  You can even color code the tape for example in this classroom:

  • green is for student’s workspace,
  • red is the teacher area, so students don’t crowd &
  • yellow shows students where to stand when working on the smart board.

7 | Combine Storage and Function

classroom setup idea with extra storage
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.

Flexible Seating Options

Since students learning need are all so different it's a great idea to incorporate some flexible seating options in your class.  Some of the most common flexible seating options are:

  • Floor Cushions
  • Wobble stools
  • Bean bags
  • Floor Desks
  • Throw pillows

Check out some classroom setup ideas that incorporate flexible seating below.

8 | Set up a Flexible Seating Choice Chart

flexible seating choice chart

Image Source | mrsmunchsmunchkins

A flexible seating choice chart was created by a teacher from Oklahoma, Mrs. Munch, as a way to give students the power to choose what learning space works best for them.

If you want to copy this idea in your class, here's how it works:

  • On a magnetic board add a picture of all of your class seating options, both traditional and flexible.
  • Add student names to round magnets.
  • Under each option have circles that represent how many students can sit there.
  • At the beginning of the day students can place their magnet on the spot that they want to sit for the day in addition to their individual desks.
  • Students have to change each day.

9 | Comfortable Group Work Seating Options

classroom setup ideas with comfortable seating
Image Source | mrsmunchsmunchkins

Comfy options like this are a great place for group work.

10 | Floor Cushions and Pillows

floor cushions for flexible seating
Image Source | kinder.and.kindness

Throw pillows are a great option, that is both inexpensive and space saving to add flexible seating to your class library or a reading nook in your class.

11 | Inexpensive Flexible Seating Idea

inexpensive idea for classroom setup
Image Source | keepingupwithmrsharris

Tiny stools from the Dollar Tree and plastic tables from Target create another seating option for students in this elementary classroom.

12 | Storage Seating Idea

classroom setup with storage seating

Image Source | brittanyjeltema

For those of you with small classrooms consider adding flexible seating options that also include more storage.

Get a Classroom Bundle

If you like everything in your classroom to match getting a printable classroom bundle that includes all of your classroom posters, and organization is a great way to go.  Many teachers like to get a bundle to refresh their class for the new year.

Editable Pastel Classroom Decor Bundle

pastel classroom decor bundle
Pastel Decor Bundle | Find it Here

I created this pastel bundle for teachers that want to have that coordinated classroom feel in a soft pastel color scheme.  Here is what is included in this bundle:

  • Editable Classroom Job Display
  • Editable Birthday Displays
  • Editable Classroom Calendar Display
  • Editable Classroom Rules
  • Editable Classroom Schedule
  • Flip Calendar
  • Calm Corner Posters
  • Classroom Affirmation Station
  • Color Posters
  • World Map
  • Growth Mindset Posters
  • Editable Teacher Toolbox Labels, (Variety of Sizes & Choices)
  • Editable Supply Labels
  • Editable 10 & 12 Drawer Rolling Cart Labels
  • Editable Binder Labels
  • Editable Table Labels
  • Shape Posters
  • Voice Level Posters
  • Editable Desk Name Tags
  • Number Line
  • Skip Counting Posters
  • Number Posters
  • 100 Poster
  • Alphabet Posters
  • Hand Signal
  • 50 Choices Bulletin Board Borders!
  • 16 Unique Bulletin Board Letters!
  • Graphics for Bulletin Board
  • Editable Bulletin Board Banners
  • Editable Meet the Teacher Templates
  • Editable Classroom Newsletter Templates
  • Editable Teacher Header & Signature
  • Editable Classroom wish list (Plus, how to add a custom QR Code!)

If you like this pastel classroom bundle you can find it here in my Etsy shop.  Here are some of the other classroom bundles I've created.

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 a few amazing classroom libraries to give you great ideas to get the perfect one set up in your class.

13 | Display Your Favorite Books

classroom library setup
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!

14 | Color Coded Shelves

classroom bookshelf organization
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!

15 | Bins for Easy Access

bins on bookshelf in library
IMAGE SOURCE | UPPERELEMENTARYADVENTURES

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

16 | Top Shelf Display

shelf display setup in classroom library
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.

17 | Rainbow Colored Bins

rainbow colored bins in class library
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.

18 | Fun Classroom Library

colorful classroom library setup idea
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? Students 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.

library storage for your classroom

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 your students know where everything goes. I think when it looks nice, it gives you and the students extra motivation to keep it that way too.

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.

19 | Pretty Bins & Teacher Cart

classroom organization idea with bins
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.

20 | Student Data File Box

student data filebox
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.

21 | Pretty Custom Labels

pretty classroom 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!

22 | Thoughtful Bookshelf Organization

classroom 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.

23 | Weekly File Box Organization

classroom setup idea for student work
IMAGE SOURCE | SASSYSAVYSIMPLETEACHING

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

24 | Dollar Store Organization

Dollar store classroom 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.

25 | Organization Within a Color Scheme

organized classroom inspiration
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.

26 | Color Coded Organization Bins for Each Student

classroom setup idea with colorful student bins
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.

27 | Turn in and Take Home Bins

turn in and take home bins for classroom
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 school 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.

28 | Play-Doh Containers for Marker Organization

marker organization in Play-Doh containers for classroom
IMAGE SOURCE |  FABULOUSFIGS

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

29 | Clear Containers & Colorful Labels

classroom setup organization idea
IMAGE SOURCE | LIVELOVEANDTEACH

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

30 | Create a Mini Teacher Toolbox

mini teacher toolbox idea
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.

31 | Bulletin Board Border Organization

bulletin board organization idea
IMAGE SOURCE | PREKWOLFPACK

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

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

Maximize the Front of Your Classroom

The front of the room is an ideal space to put important information that your students need daily.  Whether you use a whiteboard, a large tv, projector screen or chalkboards you’ll want to plan how to maximize this space.  Here are some things you may want to add to your information board at the front of the class.

  • Date
  • Class Schedule
  • Rules and Classroom Expectations
  • Classroom Jobs
  • Important announcements for the week.

Let’s check out how other teachers have optimized this space in the front of their class.

32 | Organized Classroom Resources

classroom setup for front of class
Image Source | thatyoungeducator

If you want to copy this amazing classroom setup then include these resources for students at the front of your class:

  • The Alphabet
  • Shapes
  • Clocks
  • A sheet for Calendar grid observations
  • A pocket chart calendar
  • A Whiteboard that you can update with current assignments

33 | Classroom Procedures

classroom procedures display
Image Source | mrsmunchsmunchkins

The front of the classroom is a great spot to remind students of classroom procedures.  It also is the perfect spot to add small bookshelves to display the next book you’ll be reading to the class.

34 | Flip Calendar on Whiteboard

flip calendar classroom setup idea
Image Source | missrodgersss

A flip calendar is an easy way to remind students of today’s date.  Then add a magnetic bin to hold supplies. Your students will love fun touches like cute pet head accessories on your display and pretty borders too.

If you want to try a flip calendar in your room, you can get a magnetic rod with rings here.  Then get a printable classroom flip calendar set, the one pictured below can be found here.

Printable Flip Calendar

Printable Flip Calendar | Find it Here
Printable Flip Calendar | Find it Here

Easy Classroom Management Ideas

Next let's check out some classroom setup ideas that you can incorporate into your classroom design that will make classroom management a little easier for you.

35 | Portable Whiteboard Easel

portable easel for classroom
Image Source | keepingupwithmrsharris

If you don’t have one consider adding a mobile whiteboard easel to your classroom this year.  You could use this for small groups, writing lessons and even as a place to hang your anchor charts.  Just wheel it to wherever you need it.

36 | Create a Portable Teaching Station

classroom setup ideas teacher workstation
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.

37 | Rainbow Teacher Cart

rainbow teacher cart
IMAGE SOURCE | MADEFORFIRSTGRADE

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

38 | Daily Teacher Cart

teacher cart with daily drawers
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.

39 | Reading & Math Carts

reading and math teacher cart
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.

The Best Teacher Carts on Amazon

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

teacher trolleys on Amazon

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.

40 | Our Brightest Work Display

display ready for student work
IMAGE SOURCE | 2NDGRADESASSYPANTS

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

42 | Masterpieces Bulletin Board

bulletin board for student work
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 favorite classroom setup ideas for calendars.

43 | Printable Calendar Bulletin Board

classroom calendar
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.

44 | Birthday Calendar Bulletin Board

birthday calendar display for classroom
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.

If you're looking for more fun ideas to setup a birthday display in your classroom then check out this post... 41 Creative Birthday Chart Ideas for the Classroom

45 | Best Finds for Your Classroom Calendar

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

classroom calendar ideas

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 created a teacher toolbox 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.

46 | Tropical Themed Teacher Toolbox

tropical themed teacher toolbox
IMAGE SOURCE | ASHLEYMCKENZIEPT

This teacher created beautiful tropical theme labels for her toolbox.

47 | Lemon Teacher Toolbox

lemon themed teacher toolbox
IMAGE SOURCE | ASHLEYMCKENZIEPT

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

48 | Colorful Teacher Toolbox

colorful teacher toolbox organization
IMAGE SOURCE | KRAUSMATH

These labels are great for youngers students because they include pictures and words.

Best Picks for Your Teacher Toolbox

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

teacher toolbox 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

Creative Classroom Setup Ideas

Now let's check out some creative ways to setup your room. Why not create a home like atmosphere for your kids to truly build that community feel in your classroom? One way to do this is to add home furniture and decor in your class.

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 amazing classrooms below.

49 | Add a Classroom Couch

classroom setup with 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.

50 | Add Small Homey Touches

classroom setup idea
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.

51 | Paint Stripes on the Walls

classroom with pink and white stripes on 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!

52 | Use Picnic Tables in the Classroom

classroom setup idea with picnic table
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.

53 | Add Wallpaper in Your Classroom

classroom with wallpaper
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.

54 | A Pink Couch & More Fun Touches

classroom with pink couch
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.

55 | Choose Your Favorite Colors for Your Class

classroom color pallet
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 colorful carpets the focal point of their class below and find out where to get your own work of art class rug.

56 | Bright Geometric Rug

colorful classroom 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!

57 | Light Bulb Class Rug

bright light bulb classroom rug
IMAGE SOURCE | TEACHOUTSIDETHEBOX

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

58 | Squares Classroom Rug

class rug with squares
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.

classroom rugs on Amazon

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 a cozy reading nook is some fun seating and some cute pillows. Get inspired by some comfy 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.

59 | Reading Bench with Storage

cozy reading nook
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.

60 | Dr. Seuss Reading Corner

Dr. Suess reading corner
IMAGE SOURCE | LEARNLOVEGROW

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

61 | Fireplace Reading Area

classroom reading area with faux fireplace
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.

62 | Create a Focal Wall for Your Reading Area

focal point on classroom wall
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.

63 | Add a Couple of Chairs to Your Reading a Nook

classroom setup idea with chairs in reading 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!

64 | Floating Bookshelves & a Bench

built in classroom 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.

65 | Fun Throw Pillows for Your Reading Nook

bench in 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

 

dougnut pillow
WHERE TO FIND | DOUGHNUT PILLOW

Giraffe with Glasses Pillow

giraffe pillow
WHERE TO FIND | GIRAFFE WITH GLASSES

Positive Classroom Pillow

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 clothespins 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!

66 | DIY Picture Frame Art Display

inspirational message display for classroom
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.

67 | Create a Modern Inspiration Wall

classroom 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.

68 | Clothespin Art Display

clothespin art display
IMAGE SOURCE | ATOUCHOFCLASSTEACHING

Grab some string, clothespins 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.

69 | Teacher Planning Zone

teacher planning space
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

70 | Fun Touches for Your Teacher Space

fun touches for teacher's corner
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.

71 | Add Plants to Your Teacher Corner

plants on teacher's desk
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.

72 | Match Your Class Theme with Your Desk

classroom setup teacher area
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.

73 | Best Finds for Your Teacher Space

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

Teacher's desk accessories

WHERE TO FIND

ONE | GOLD ORGANIZATION SET

TWO | GREEN PAPER TRAY

THREE | SET OF SUCCULENTS

FOUR | WRITE CUP

FIVE | CREATE CUP

SIX | DESK PAD

Classroom Decoration Ideas

The next step after you have everything set up is the fun part decorating your classroom!

I have created separate posts for that check them out below.

Classroom Decoration Ideas

55 Best Classroom Decoration Ideas for Teachers

Ideas for You Classroom Walls

43 Best Interactive Word Wall Ideas for the Classroom

37 Best Bulletin Board Ideas

Ok, so you now have the best classroom setup ideas 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 tons 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!

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