Solar roller shades are a good choice for reducing computer screen glare

With about 5 million college students taking at least one online course among their studies, developing a work space at home that has limited distractions and good lighting has become an important feature in home design.

U.S. News and World Report reports that online education has grown steadily by nearly 20 percent since 2007. It's 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.

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 treatment will limit computer glare and protect heat-sensitive computer equipment from direct sunlight. Solar roller shades or blinds, which reduce screen glare, come in a wide range of colors to fit any decorating scheme.