It is almost time for students, including my oldest, to be going off to college or univerisity. Whether you are choosing to study from home, rent an apartment or live on campus you need a place that is organized and is a quiet place for study and sleep. Let’s look at durable furniture, small space solutions and incorporate your style to create a place to inspire and help you succeed at school no matter where you live.
Durable, Functional Furnishings
Dorm-style furniture is often simple in design and gets top marks for durability with its typically solid wood construction. If furnishing an off-campus room, be sure to include these dorm-room necessities: a desk with drawers; a tall bookcase or if you have more floor space, go long and low to make the room feel bigger; an ergonomic chair, because you’re going to be sitting there … a lot; and if space is in short supply, look for a bed with bookshelves built into the headboard.
These functional pieces will last for years but, they might not take your breath away with their style. No worries. You can have fun with the bedding, pillows, desk lamps and other practical accessories that will add style to the space.
You can also switch things up every school year with the latest trends in smaller accessories. Make the space yours!
A Dream Closet
The benefit of most dorm room closets is that they are spacious and incorporate storage needs: rods for hanging, shelves for folded items, mirrors for primping, and hooks for hoodies, robes and jackets. But we always need more storage, right?
So, whether you’re in residence, an apartment or home, consider adding a shelf above the existing top shelf in the closet, go for a temporary one if in residence, and a multi-level shoe rack that can triple the closet floor space. Over-door hanging organizers both inside and out keep your dailies, bathrobe, shower supplies, hats, knapsacks, and more, in clear view and off the floor. By doubling or tripling your storage capacity, you should be able to forgo a bulky dresser in the room.
Make the closet as attractive as the rest of the room. In residence, that might be limited to choosing coloured hangers or you could try an easy-peel wallpaper on the door to help add pattern and colour to inspire creativity in your study space.
At home or in your own apartment you can paint the inside of the closet a colour — something that will brighten your day every time you open it.
Under the Bed
If you’re in the market for a new bed, opt for one that sits high off the floor to allow space for hiding the clutter of bins, luggage and nicnacks. Some beds even have hydraulic lift mattresses that make it easy to access storage space under the mattress.
If you’ve got a standard bed frame, consider getting bed riser blocks that sit under each bed’s leg and lift the bed off the floor, allowing more room for storage. If considering a new bed, keep in mind that a twin bed is 72-inches long and an XL is 78-inches long; you’ll probably want the longer version and remember to purchase the appropriate sized sheets for the bed’s size.
If your bed has a raised base and there is a lot of space underneath, then buy matching storage containers so storage does not appear messy or cluttered. A bed with drawers built into the base is also a great idea to create additional storage.
Easy Ways to Add Personality
1. Fill the walls with large bulletin boards using easy-remove picture hanging hooks. This will allow you to change up inspirational images, posters and calendars throughout the school year.
2. Bring in a few small plants: They are the easiest roommate you will ever meet!
3. Love to set the mood with music? Invest in a good pair of wireless headphones to enjoy your music without interrupting others’ study or sleep.
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