Study (room)

A home office

A study is a room in a house that is used for paperwork, computer work, or reading. Historically, the study of a house was reserved for use as the private office and reading room of a family father as the formal head of a household, but today studies are generally either used to operate a home business or else open to the whole family.

A typical study might contain a desk, chair, computer, desk lamps, bookshelves, books, and file cabinets. A spare bedroom is often utilized as a study, but many modern homes have a room specifically designated as a study. Other terms used for rooms of this nature include den, home office, or library.

The study developed from the closet or cabinet of the Renaissance onwards. The advent of electronic communication and computer technology has widened the appeal of dedicated home working areas, with nearly 30% of all working adults in the United States reporting that they undertake at least some work from home as part of their primary employment.