When in school at colleges and universities, it’s easy to push decorating aside to spend your energy on other things. However, making sure that your space is functional, livable, and somewhere you like to spend your time in is important. You want a space that’s actually useful, whether academically or socially. There’s a few simple ways to have an amazingly designed dorm or college apartment that fits all your needs, no matter the purpose.

Major in Mattresses

Let’s face it. The plastic covered mattresses dorms provide you aren’t comfortable, to say the least. And if you’re living in your first apartment, your childhood twin may not cover it. Sleep is important! How are you supposed to pass your midterm after a rough sleep on a bad bed? When upgrading your mattress, look to easily transportable options, like boxed bed mattresses. These are comfortable foam mattresses that come tightly folded in a box to make travelling and move-in day that much easier.

Seminar on Space Savers

Whether you’re in a dorm or your first apartment, you’ll likely be short on space. That’s why you should look to space-saving furniture that can perform a task without taking over your space. Need an extra table top to do work or eat? Sofa server tables in a C shape work perfectly to give you an additional work area that you need without overwhelming your room. They can neatly be tucked back into the side of your couch when you’re done as well. If you lack room for all your throws, coats, and other cozy fabrics, utilize a ladder to store your blankets. Leaning a ladder against a wall saves you the space that a dresser or set of drawers would cost you while also looking trendy. It also gives you the chance to turn your favorite blankets into a display!

Dorm Room Double Duty

Make your furniture work overtime by picking pieces that perform more than one task. If you do reach for the ladder to store some items, maybe look towards one that is also a mirror and a jewelry box. In fact, a double duty mirror/shelf in a living situation where you may share a bathroom can give you a space to store toiletries or other medicine cabinet items in a more private location. As for seating, look to chairs, ottomans, and benches that provide extra storage. Many have storage underneath and inside of them so that you can maximize your organization in your tiny school space.

Intro to Inspo

Inspire yourself with decorations! Nothing makes you want to take a nap after class more than a blank wall and a boring room. Pin up things that make you happy, like motivational sayings or pictures of places you’ve visited (or want to visit!). Personalizing your area can make a space feel like it’s really yours, rather than a temporary stopping point. It can also help inspire you to work or create when you may not be feeling up to it. A well decorated place can also become a point of pride for you to show off to your friends, both new and not so new.

A Class In Comfort

Listen, we’re not saying that your childhood comforter isn’t going to cut it. We are saying that a brand-new adult comforter might make you feel all the more comfortable and a bit more “adult” when you move into your new dorm or apartment. When picking a comforter set, look to neutrals that you can match your bold throw pillows and blankets with. Otherwise, if you’re more of a maximalist, go crazy on the patterns. We’re especially loving indigo tie-dyed pieces, as they have the whimsy of a tie-dye fabric matched with a little class and comfort.

Lighting 101

Lighting in dorm rooms or cheap college apartments are often fluorescent and hard on the eyes. It can be difficult to study with the constant buzz of a lighting solution that’s twenty years old in your ears. Opt for softer, more personal lighting near your work spaces so that you can focus even better. This way you can also match it to your space and make your lighting function a bit as decor! Not to mention, lighting from apartments and dorms isn’t the most flattering, and aren’t conducive to Instagram worthy planner pics and study sesh inspo.

With these back-to-school pieces, your new dorm room or apartment will be set for a year of study, socialization and relaxation!