The One Piece of Furniture That Will Totally Transform Your Dorm Room
For this college sophomore, my dorm is more than just a room: It’s my study nook, hangout spot, and safe space. Yet as a freshman, I had no idea how to make my dorm feel like home. I had all the dorm room essentials, but I didn’t know how to elevate my space beyond the standard desk and bed. Dorm furniture is notoriously bland and blocky, but the devil is in the details.
While it may seem counterintuitive to add any furniture to a room that’s already struggling in the square footage department, I’ve realized that certain pieces of small dorm furniture can make all the difference. In fact, adding just the right piece can create extra storage, make your space cozier, and help you show off your personal style.
Beginning with the Basics
Most colleges will furnish your dorm with some basic furniture as part of the housing package. The most common items include: an XL twin bed, a desk, a chair, and a dresser or wardrobe. Depending on the college, your dorm might also come with a minifridge, standing lamp, or nightstand. If you’re not sure what dorm furniture your college provides, check the on-campus housing website to see if they have a list of what items are included, or look for virtual tours of residential buildings. You can also reach out to your residential advisor to ask for a list of dorm furniture to expect in your room, and even for their suggestions for what to bring.
While you might be tempted to jazz up the standard dorm furniture, make sure to check the housing policy first. Though painting your desk hot pink sounds fun, losing your security deposit by damaging university property isn’t. If you’re going to be sharing your space with a roommate, it’s also important to have a conversation with them about any extra furniture you plan to bring and the possibility of splitting costs for items you’ll both use.
The Furniture Item That Will Spruce Up Your Space
Now that you know what the basic layout looks like, it’s time to take your room to the next level. To get an expert opinion on dorm furniture, I reached out to interior designer Kathy Kuo, CEO and founder of Kathy Kuo Home. “When it comes to bringing small pieces into a college dorm to add charm and personality, I recommend prioritizing items that either add storage or have dual function so that you’re maximizing every square inch,” Kuo says. Multipurpose furniture, she says, is the name of the game.
Kuo specifically recommends etageres — skinny bookcases with open shelves — to enhance your space. “Since dorm rooms tend to have a small floor plan, thinking vertically is key. Try adding a small shelving unit that can stack over a desk or dresser,” Kuo says. “The extra shelving is super useful for storage, but also serves as a canvas for some shelf styling vignettes, which is a great way to add personality and visual interest to the space.”
If you want your dorm to be the ultimate hangout spot, you should also consider seating that does double-duty. Kuo suggests an ottoman with hidden storage, or even “investing in a chic upholstered desk chair,” Kuo says. “It adds comfort while a student is at their desk working and studying, but can also be pulled out and used for guest seating when gathering with friends.”
Now that you have some ideas for how to revamp your space, here are 8 other pieces of compact yet multifunctional furniture that might be exactly what your dorm is missing to transform it into the campus retreat of your dreams.
