Bree here, from Home Zone Furniture.
It’s hard to believe that summer is drawing to a close and school will soon be back in session. Regardless of how old your children are, gearing up for school is a big task, especially if said child is heading off to college.
From books to organizational tools and that rite-of-passage shower caddy, there are many must-haves for an easy transition into dorm life. In order to make the transition a little easier, I suggest making your student’s dorm room as homey and functional as possible with these five essentials.
Area rug
A colorful area rug will instantly make a dorm room feel more like home. Most dorm rooms are tiled with unsightly linoleum, making for a sterile environment that lacks personality. An area rug will not only add a dose of color to a bland room, but it will also help maintain warmth when the temperatures drop. Don’t know which color to choose? Try something dark or bold. That way, if something spills on the rug during the school year, it won’t be a big deal!
Good lighting
Dorm rooms have notoriously bad lighting. Whether your child likes to study solo or gather with friends in their room, a soft glow will create a nice atmosphere they’ll want to spend time in. Place a functional lamp on the desk for those long evening hours spent writing papers, and a fun standing lamp at the bedside. Since dorm rooms don’t allow residents to mount anything to the wall (lighting included), it’s up to you to find lighting that fits the space without taking up too much real estate.
Storage
Good storage is a priority in all dorm rooms. Many rooms are equipped with a desk and a dresser, but an extra drawer or two can never hurt. It’s a great idea to raise your bed and then use space underneath for multi-drawer storage. Still need more space for clothes, papers and the like? You could also try a nightstand with organizational components.
Small couch
If space permits, spring for a small couch. A couch is a great way to instantly transform a dorm room into an inviting space for entertaining. As you select your couch, keep in mind color scheme and size. You’ll want to make sure your couch complements your space and doesn’t dominate it.
Added comfort
Last but not least, a dorm room isn’t a haven without a few added layers of cushion. Dorm rooms aren’t necessarily known for their comfortable mattresses, so put yourself ahead of the game with memory foam, an egg crate or a pillow-top mattress cover. From there, add throw pillows for color, and don’t forget a seat cushion for your desk chair, too!
Which dorm room essentials did you rely on in college?
Bree
