Believe it or not, back-to-school season is already here. If you’re a college freshman — or a parent, relative, or good friend of one — you might be wondering how to get that cinder block dorm room to feel a little less… like a cinder block dorm room.
While you should definitely put your own finishing touches onto your new space, we’ve come up with some basic tips for any first-year student to break through their dorm decor dilemmas. Or, if you never quite figured it out last year, we can help with that, too (we’re looking at you, sophomores).
Design a Functional Layout
Most dorm rooms come with a bed, desk, chair, and dresser, which will probably be the majority of your furniture for the year. Since space is limited, it’s your job to arrange this furniture in the most functional way possible, maximizing the functionality of your dorm.
Some space-saving furniture options include:
• Putting your and your roommate’s desks back-to-back
• Moving your dresser into your closet
• Turning your bed into a daybed by adding decorative pillows against the back wall
• Utilizing cubby-style shelving
• Hanging up a shoe rack
While it’s tough to envision exactly how your new dorm room will look, it’s a good idea to start thinking ahead. A little bit of planning will make your move-in day much less stressful, leading to a comfortable, inviting space that inspires you to take on the school year.
Loft Your Bed
Most dorms offer the option of lofting your bed, which leaves an open space under your bed to facilitate a desk or dresser. It’s also possible to add a futon under your lofted bed, creating an extra hangout space.
No matter what you decide to put under your lofted bed, you’ll certainly appreciate the extra space — especially if you’re having guests over.
Accessorize
Unfortunately, dorm rooms are often rather dull and boring, so accessorizing them is a must! But, before you start, check in with your future roommate to avoid clashing colors and styles. If you can agree on a coordinating theme, your dorm will look perfectly cohesive and unified.
Once you’ve chosen a theme, you can start to think about what sort of accessories you’d like to add into the mix. A great place to start? A comfortable rug. Some dorm rooms are smaller than others, but try to find the biggest rug that will reasonably fit your space.
Another helpful tip is to introduce some artwork into your dorm room. A little bit of art goes a long way in a smaller space, so head to Turn Style to find pieces that will bring your room together. Any small, decorative item can add visual appeal to your room; don’t be afraid to get creative!
Start Decorating
Half the fun of moving into a dorm room is making it feel like your own, and Turn Style can help! We have a massive selection of items at great prices, and our inventory is always changing. Start your decorating process by finding the Turn Style location nearest to you!
