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Storage
One of the most important things you can do to make a dorm room feel like home is organizing it in a way that makes sense for you. By using storage containers and organizational solutions, keeping your dorm room neat, organized, and clutter-free will be easy!
Some solutions that work well for the average college student are:
- Over the door shoe racks
- Closet organizers
- Under the bed storage containers
- Cubby storage bins or baskets
- Storage ottoman or bench
- Bookshelves (built-in or freestanding)
- Ladder shelf or modular shelving unit
- Nightstands with built-in drawers or shelves
- Desks with built-in drawers
Floorspace is your friend
You’re typically provided with a small, plain room to decorate as you wish (within reason). Although the space can be challenging, it’s also exciting to make the space feel like home and create an environment that boosts your creativity. No matter what size or shape your dorm room is, try these tips to maximize the space you have and set up a creative college dorm room.
The main concept in decorating a dorm room is to make the most of your floor space. You don’t want clutter or unnecessary items strewn across the floor, which will make the room appear smaller than it is.
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A lamp
You should pick a lamp that:
- helps you with homework – the right desk lamp is essential for studying
- adds style to your space – a floor lamp can help bring your room together. There’s no doubt that a unique floor lamp will turn heads and spruce up your space.
- has a dimmer – A dimmable LED bulb (and a dimmer) are key so you can adjust the light brightness levels from dim to bright to suit your needs. This will help save energy too by using only what you need when you need it!
- has a unique shade or base – Lamps come in all different shapes and sizes, but if you want something really unique, try adding some flair with an interesting shade or base design. You might be able to find one at Goodwill or any thrift store near campus!
A place to stay organized
Regardless of how small or large your dorm room is, you’ll need to stay organized. Dorm rooms come with plenty of built-in storage, but it’s all on the floor and can take up a lot of space. Using different types of rugs can keep the items hidden and help you stay organized in your tight quarters.
While you’re at it, keep clothing off the floor by using drawers that fit under your bed. Don’t buy a desk if you don’t have one already; instead use a storage ottoman, storage cube or storage trunk as a table and a place to store away extra items like books and writing supplies. You can also use these storage options as seating if needed.
You’ll need a place to sit down
Unless you want to spend your entire senior year eating and chilling on the floor, you’ll also need a place to sit down. First and foremost, it should be comfortable. After that, it’s all about aesthetics. Look for options that are space-efficient and easy to move around; if you need more sitting room in one corner of your dorm room, simply slide the chair over there! As with everything else design-related in this blog post, stay true to your own personal style when choosing a chair for your dorm room.
Plants, plants and more plants!
If you love the idea of having plants in your dorm, but you’re worried about your ability to keep them alive, don’t panic! While some houseplants have higher maintenance needs than others, there are plenty that are hardy enough that they won’t wilt at even the slightest signs of neglect.
Below are a few popular houseplants that are easy to take care of:
- Aloe vera
- Succulents (such as jade plant or hens and chicks)
- Cast-iron plant
- Chinese evergreen
- Bamboo palm tree
Create a place that feels like home.
Your home away from home is supposed to feel like a place that’s yours. You can’t expect to live a healthy and happy life if you don’t feel comfortable in the room you spend most of your time in. So, it’s crucial that you decorate it in such a way that makes you feel cozy and comfortable. That way, when you walk into your room after a stressful day at school, working out, or attending classes, all your worries will be gone.
If plants are what make you feel more at home and relaxed —and they should be —you should definitely include some on your dorm room décor checklist! The best thing about indoor plants is that they come in all sizes and shapes; just decide which ones suit your needs the best and don’t hesitate to fill up every available space with them!