The physical environment and classroom décor have a major impact on education and learning in schools.. The working environment is very important for the pupils, but also for lecturers and teachers. What does a good learning environment look like? We can start by reflecting on the basic demands for workplace design.

Noise and sound. There is a often a great need for noise reducing material in schools, both for learning and for coping – children and youths can talk lots, and loudly. It isn't easy to concentrate in rooms with high noise levels, so managing a whole school-day requires good sound absorption. To put it simply, sound is absorbed by material that doesn't have a hard surface. Sound bounces off hard surfaces, so trying to dampen sound in several locations in a room gives more effective damping. For the best sound absorption in a room there should be absorbents in the ceiling, on the walls and the furnishings in the room. Examples of this are suspended ceiling sheets, curtains, sound absorbent wall décor, and soft textile-covered furniture.

Light and lighting. Lighting must be good and not contribute to any over exertion of the senses, that is not too dark or too light. Flickering lights or screens should be avoided, likewise dazzling light. Good workplace lighting includes good general lighting in the ceiling, and spot lighting where necessary. According to the Arbetsmiljöverket - The Swedish Work Environment Authority - (AFS 2020:1), the workplace should be designed so that one has both daylight and an outdoor view during the working day. On the other hand the views shouldn't be too distracting, so avoid windows overlooking school yards or corridors, in order to help concentration.

Ventilation, air quality and indoor climate. The indoor climate in a school is important. A well-ventilated room with fresh air helps concentration; sitting in a closed class room or conference room for several hours with poor air supply soon leads to a headache and loss of interest. Ensure that the ventilation system works properly and is sufficient for the number of people the room is intended for. The temperature must not be too hot or too cold and should be maintained at around 20 degrees. Avoid disturbing drafts from ventilation, doors and windows.

In addition to the purely technical aspects of the building, how can one decorate to achieve a good learning environment?
Start by reviewing the requirements. What activities are carried out in the specific room? Are a variety of activities carried out in the room or is it just used for seated class teaching? Do the pupils work individually or together in groups? Large tables with a white board close by can work well for groups. Extra screening and lighting is good for individual work where a high level of concentration is required.

Ergonomics are important for well-being, so ensure that workplaces with chairs and tables are suitable for the heights of the pupils. Height adjustable furniture promotes movement and standing work. It also challenges the norm of always sitting on a chair. Can balance balls be used as a complement? They contribute to good posture, which reduces weakness and pain in the long run.

Colour and shape. The colour scheme and décor depend on what the room is used for. Calming colours on furnishings work well where a high concentration level is required, because focus on the task in hand can be maintained rather than having a sensory overload from the interior decoration. Grey, green, blue, beige and white are ideal colours for this purpose. A more creative environment where the focus level is lower works with more colour and shapes. Eye catching designs and colour schemes in bold colours and furniture that promotes movement and interaction work well here.