Soft sheer shades provide privacy and limit computer glare for studying at home

The growth in online education is one of the biggest trends in education, whether for college degrees, professional certification courses or secondary schools that have broadened their curriculum through internet services.

According to U.S. News and World Report, more than 4.6 million college students were taking at least one online course as of last year, an increase of 17 percent since 2007.

With more people studying at home, a work space that is comfortable with few distractions, good lighting and some privacy is an ideal way to ace an online course.

To stay focused, a home study space should be away from the kitchen and high-traffic areas that are noise magnets. The desk or work surface should be as organized as possible and divided into sections, with the computer and telephone on one side, and the remaining space available to spread out any worksheets and study supplies.

If the desk is near a window, choosing the right window shades will limit computer glare and protect heat-sensitive computer equipment from direct sunlight. Soft sheer shades have the look of soft fabric shades and the functionality of horizontal window blinds. Tilting them will bring filtered light into the room.