Dorm Bedding
Instead of purchasing a brand new set of twin bed sheets, consider using a fold-out couch. You can pick up a fold-out couch, love seat or a futon at a second hand store and use it as a couch in the daytime or while entertaining and as a bed at night. Instead of childish bunk beds or rows of twin sized beds, you can create mature living spaces by using couches or futons instead. A slipcover can be used to hide ugly patterns.
Consider a loft bed, which allows room for a desk underneath if you're short on space. This will make your sleeping area and your desk more private. It's not a good solution if you're particularly tall, but if you're blessed with a small stature then a loft bed in your dorm room can help you make use of the higher spaces.
Linens for Dorm Bedding
Coordinate with your room mates and settle on a theme for your room. If they won't cooperate, consider scouring second hand stores for a comforter and sheets that bring out the predominate colors and patterns in your roommates dorm bedding. Who knows what you might come up with.
Dorm Stuff
Most students need a desk area for studying. Consider converting an armoire or purchasing a computer armoire. The monitor part of the cabinet can be used for a television if you study on a laptop computer, but the rest of it houses fold-out organizers for files, shelves for books and little compartments for other dorm life necessities. Some of the computer armoire cabinets even have a lock and key feature which might come in handy some day.
Dorm Room Decor
Be creative with curtains, wall decor, rugs and lighting. Keeping a floor lamp or a table lamp in the right place can give your dorm room style and prevent eyestrain. Quality dorm room curtains can block out bright morning lights when you need to sleep in. Inexpensive curtains can be decorated or embellished for additional style by using beads, tassels, fabric paint, stencils or iron-on patches.
Dorm Room Furniture
Furniture for college dorm room decorating doesn't have to be expensive. You can re purpose second hand items. Two old stereo chests can be used in place of a bed frame for height and additional storage. An armoire can be used for a closet or a computer desk. Furniture that is mismatched can all be stripped down (or lightly sanded) and repainted with funky patterns and colors using cheap acrylic paints or discount latex paint.
Use your imagination on every square inch of your dorm room. The more of your own personal style you add, the more it will feel like home. Dorm room living allows for creative uses of color and pattern that "real" houses and apartments can't often accommodate. Enjoy.
