Dorm Room Decorating 101
Not to fear-there are plenty of smart things you can do to maximize that tiny residence hall square footage and make it feel homey and quaint.
Divide and Conquer
Since you will be studying, sleeping, eating, and relaxing all in the same space, it may help bring some order to your life if you can section it off into different areas. Decide the most logical place for large furniture items (if you have the option to move them), and then you can create a plan of attack. Where do you want to study? By a window, to take advantage of natural light? Where can you plug in kitchen appliances? Once you’ve answered these questions, it’s time to unpack your belongings into their logical designated areas and do your best to keep them there.
Store any snacks and beverages in plastic or thick cardboard bins near the mini fridge and microwave, if you have one-not at your computer desk or above the laundry hamper. If you can likewise keep your clothing area free of food, and your sleeping quarters free of books, you won’t see the clutter and will be much more likely to find a mindset of sleep, study, or relaxation when you set out to do those things. Atmosphere is everything.
Love those Lofts
If you have the option to loft your beds, talk this over with your roommates as a viable option. You will have loads more possibilities to create a unique living space by lofting the beds up in the air, thus maximizing your floor space. If your lofts are tall enough, you should be able to fit a TV and entertainment area underneath, or else move your desk and study materials in that space. For help on how to build a loft, visit www.askthebuilder.com or www.lifehacker.com.
Check your campus bulletin boards for students who may be selling lofts to fit your residence hall. This way, you won’t have to worry about the loft meeting safety criteria and you’ll save yourself (and your movers) a lot of strife. If lofts are illegal in your new home, ask if you can raise your bed on cement blocks to add extra storage space underneath.
The fun stuff
Colors, patterns, fabrics: this is where decorating your dorm room allows you to show off your style. If your residence hall hasn’t had its carpet updated in a few years, nothing is going to spruce up the place like a big, colorful rug (or a few smaller ones). Try to stay away from busy patterns like skinny stripes and lean toward wider stripes, solids, or big geometric shapes on your rug. It’ll make your room appear larger and less cluttered.
Whether it’s a neutral solid or crazy pattern, a comforter that you really love will go a long way. (I held onto the same neutral tan duvet for my down comforter for all four years of college). This is an item that it’s okay to splurge on, as long as it will last you for years to come. And when you are purchasing sheets, make sure to get an extra-long twin set; most colleges have extra-long beds and normal twin sheets won’t fit.
Large mirrors are a great way to create the illusion of having a bigger space than you really do. Check into your dorms rules about nailing or adhering artwork to the walls before making any holes. Poster adhesive tabs and putty are available at most convenience stores and they work especially well on cement walls, when you can’t nail a poster up. Check with your new roommate to see about getting a bulletin board, memo board, or a French message board for all of your little extras. When you’re moving away from home, it helps to have photos of friends and notes from loved ones scattered about. A clothesline strung across the room and clothespins or paperclips can also create a cheap way to display artwork or mementos.
Hall of Fame
Don’t forget to bring these essentials with you for decorating.
Twinkling Christmas lights framing your door will invite visitors right in, helping you make new friends in no time.
Duct tape will be the only tool you need in your kit. Seriously�it fixes everything.
Wrapping paper can be a festive way to spice up the outside or inside of your door.
Sheer fabrics in colors that you love look romantic when draped over the bed posts, from the ceilings, or in front of your clothing closet.
A shower curtain and rod can hide your closet clutter if there are no doors (an all-too common scenario).
