The homework wars are upon us. Parents can strike early with an effective, yet flexible, plan for where the studying should take place.

Here are some riffs on cool ideas we found on About.com for making the most of limited study space. (As for the nagging, you’re on your own.)

The kitchen study. If your children are most productive when studying in the kitchen, work with that.

Consider buying an adjustable keyboard shelf like those you find attached to computer desks — and attach it to the underside of the kitchen table. Many slide out, can be adjusted to any height and swivel from side to side.

Go mobile. Maybe your child likes to vary his or her studying location from the bedroom desk to other rooms of the house.

Use a wheeled cart or rolling file to store school supplies and books. On the side, put a large calendar or white board for dates of assignments and tests.

The reading room. Reading should never be a chore. Throw a beanbag chair or some large body pillows on the floor to encourage kids to flop down and enjoy those chapters on the American Revolution.

Invest in a pair of noise-blocking headphones.

Hey, it’s still pretty nice out: What about the patio? You may not have a desk, but do you have patio furniture?

Patio tables can make great desks. And the patio may be the quietest space around.