Out with the old and in with the new (college furniture). Make the transition into college a breeze by adding a touch of home and personal flair to your dorm room through unique dorm decor. Totally flipping a bland, confined space into an area you feel you can spend nine months living in can be a tough task. Although, it is possible for even those on a budget. Adding to the challenge, it can be quite difficult at times to choose dorm room furniture as you often share that space with another person and need to make sure they are okay with how you choose to decorate your shared space. Below are all the “must haves” to purchase for your dorm to make you feel at home in your cozy space. Check with your roommate to choose styles and colors of these items that you will both love.

1. Boxed Beds

It is common knowledge that the right mattress can help you "recharge", increase your immediate energy, as well as enhance your body's ability to perform at its highest level. Sleep

for anyone is important, but especially for a full-time college student. What better way to destress after a long day than on a marvelous gel memory foam mattress. Having both a nice feeling and flexibility, these boxed beds offer support and comfort. The memory foam, which offers the utmost support, disperses body heat, which provides a cooler sleeping surface. This vacuum-packed mattress is ready to unroll and requires minimal time to self-inflate, perfect for college move-in day.

2. Bedding

Bring a touch of color to your drab dorm room through the use of a comforter. Your bed is the one thing that is solely yours in your dorm, so take a bold step and unleash your personality through your bedding. Aside from adding a pop of color to your room, bedding also emphasizes comfort. Many luxury comforters and bedding sets are crafted of soft, microfiber, which maximizes comfort and keeps you warm without getting uncomfortably hot. Bonus: they are easily machine washable to keep your bed feeling fresh.

3. Pillows/Throw Pillows

Aside from two basic pillows for sleeping by night and lounging by day, spruce up your bed with help from a textured pillow. Throw pillows come in a number of colors, sizes and patterns, so you are sure to find one that accents your space and plays well with your bedroom aesthetic. Besides being used for decor, throw pillows can also be used as a versatile seating option for your friends when you have a movie night in the dorm.

4. Throw Blankets

Add a cozy throw blanket and your living space vignette will be complete. Throw blankets like throw pillows often act as a decor piece or even as that final touch to your bed. You’ll love cuddling with it when you’re reading or taking a much-needed study break. Drape a throw blanket in your favorite color or pattern off the side of your bed or the back of a chair to perfectly accent your room.

5. Chairs

Create a space for you to sit beside your bed and desk with the use of a dorm chair. Not only does a chair allow you to sit back and relax after class, but also allows more seating for when you have guests over. Choose from a wide range of accent chairs, or select a less traditional seat. A vanity stool or ottoman also acts as an alternative form of dorm room seating, as they are smaller and can be stored away if needed. Elegant storage ottomans act as both a stepping stool and hidden storage, perfect for a dorm room to store extra throws or other personal items.

6. Wall Art

Fill those blank walls through the use of bright, bold and modern wall art. From canvas wall art to wall mirrors, you can add personality and style with your selection of wall art. Often times, dorm rooms can feel stark and cold, but you can warm it up with a modern wall mirror or a piece of metal wall art, especially in copper or gold tones. Plus, these pieces are great on their own or as part of a grouping.

7. Lamps

An essential for late-night cramming and getting ready for early morning classes while your roommate is asleep, invest in the perfect lamp for your dorm. Be sure to invest in a lamp that is both practical and decorative. A pretty lamp can also be functional as it may include a USB port or outlet for you to charge your devices while you are studying or getting ready for the day. Either way, this lamp will light your way through early mornings and late college nights!

By following the dorm makeover tips from above, the years of planning your “dream dorm room” will come to life in front of your eyes and make the transition to adulthood a bit easier.