6 Tips for Dorm Room Layout & Organization
About two weeks ago, I went to IKEA on a Sunday. That's a regular trip for me, but it was decidedly not a regular day at the Swedish superstore. I'd forgotten: it's back to college season.
For IKEA, that means hordes of family-sized groups trying to decide if their rising freshman needs a new bedside lamp. On a grander scale, it means hordes of family-sized groups trying to make design decisions for their kids. Design decisions that are hampered by the notoriously stringent constraints provided by dorm room living.
If you're in that category, here are a few tips that might help the organization part of moving into the dorm run a little more smoothly:
For IKEA, that means hordes of family-sized groups trying to decide if their rising freshman needs a new bedside lamp. On a grander scale, it means hordes of family-sized groups trying to make design decisions for their kids. Design decisions that are hampered by the notoriously stringent constraints provided by dorm room living.
If you're in that category, here are a few tips that might help the organization part of moving into the dorm run a little more smoothly:
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1. Loft it. Lofting beds isn't always an option (it's against the rules some places), but if it is, it's a great way to free up floor space for seating, desks, and accoutrements (like mini refrigerators and stacks of ramen).
2. Double up the desks. At some schools, you're allowed to bring your own desks, which means you can purchase something streamlined and sleek. Even if that's not an option, lining desks up against one wall gets them out of the way.
Small desk chairs are another great space-saving option.
Small desk chairs are another great space-saving option.
3. Curtains! I like the way this curtain gives this bed a little privacy of it's own...
4. Butting beds. Just like with the desks, sliding beds over to the side of the room gives everything a more spacious feel. Plus, they end up with a sort of daybed/sofa vibe (perfect for late night parties! Just kidding, moms!)
5. Don't forget the dry-erase. Unless something's changed since I was in college, a dry erase board on your outside door is a must-have. I like the idea of a big central calendar for each roommate in the room, too. Looking back, I remember college as full of naps and parties, but I'm sure I felt busy at the time!
6. Look for storage everywhere. This last tip is definitely the most important. Dorm rooms often look junky because there's just too much stuff in too little space. Making the most of that space to store stuff is critical.
I like this idea of storing jewelry on the wall, maybe on a board designed for the use.
I like this idea of storing jewelry on the wall, maybe on a board designed for the use.
These racks on the wall hold cookbooks in this kitchen, but in a dorm room, they'd be perfect for notebooks, mail, or any of the assorted papers college kids collect.
- In my last dorm my roommate and I both had lofted beds, but I slept on my futon (which was under the loft), my loft ended up being perfect for storage.
- Don't forget about under the bed storage crates...they are also life savors.