Dorms That Make A Difference
By Gail McCauley for Rental Decorating Digest

There are no “rules” or “directions” for decorating a dorm space.  Regardless of whether you have relative or friend who will before long be living in a dorm, or if you will soon be living in a dorm yourself; read on for dynamic tips and inspiring ideas that maximize creativity, minimize clutter and help to create a one-of-a-kind dorm decor!

One of major challenges of designing the dorm room focuses on the size of the area.  When working with any compact living area,  incorporating multi-functional furnishings enormously optimizes usable space. 

       Photo courtesy of Timbernest.com

Purchasing a loft bed vignette takes advantage of vertical room space that may otherwise be overlooked or underutilized.  

• If a chest of drawers is not necessary, for example, consider removing the drawers and utilizing the available drawer space as open shelving to accommodate books, magazines or other necessities. 

Photo courtesy of collegebedlofts.com

• “Found” space underneath the elevated loft bed can be used for any number of purposes.  You may opt to create a cozy reading nook with the addition of a comfortable chair, small decorative table and floor lamp.  (Storage hassocks and ottomans provide comfort for tired feet as well as practical storage space for extra linens, throws and bedding.).

•  Explore the possibility of fashioning a space for roommates and friends with the addition of a small futon.  Additional options that increase storage include filing cabinets and stackable crates, which can be festively decorated with wallpaper borders, appliqués or painted with stencils or freehand designs to highlight a specific color scheme or dorm room theme. 

•  Using exciting color and fabrics to coordinate with the bed ensemble is a stylish way to show personal style in a dorm space. 

•  Select a favorite color scheme and inject small touches of the desired palette throughout the dorm space.

•  Today’s washable slipcovers offer innovative colors, fashionable motifs and easy care fabrications that are available to clothe a multitude of traditional as well as unexpected furnishings including; sofas, loveseats, recliners, ottomans and dining chairs.

• Old throw pillows with dated colors and fabrics can be easily recycled with the help of contemporary slipcovers for pillows that featuring today’s hottest plush fabrics and earthy, vibrant or muted colors. 

• Adorn beds with pillows that offer a variety of sizes and shapes for extra beauty and comfort. 

• Handmade quilts, afghans and throws lend custom elegance when folded at the foot of a bed, and offer “in a jiffy” comfort for chilly evenings.

 When designing a dorm space that touts design uniqueness;  remember that it is possible to fashion a clean and uncluttered area where there is a place for everything and personal style is not sacrificed!