How to Turn a Humble Dorm Room Into a Small and Stylish Home

Updated on 8/17/2015 at 5:12 PM

For many people, a college dorm room will be their very first foray into tiny apartment living. Many students are excited to outfit their very own space with chic, multi-purpose furniture from stores like Ikea and Target in order to transform their dorm room into a personalized, welcoming space. The same rules that apply to decorating small spaces apply even in the university dorms. Why not make the dorms feel like a grown-up, proper apartment? We've compiled 11 tips and tricks that will make even the coziest of dorm rooms feel like a lovely space to spend a year.

Turn Your Bed Into a Couch

Sugar & Cloth shows how to turn a single bed into a couch with the addition of some throw pillows. We have plenty more bed styling tricks for small spaces, too!

Decorate the Dresser

Most college dorm rooms include a standard-issue dresser. To customize a dresser as one might in a tiny apartment, add personal details like A Beautiful Mess's colorful vanity accessories.

Cover the Dorm Floor

The floors in any dorm have likely seen better days. Just as if the home were your own, bring in a special rug to customize the room, but don't spend a fortune on a piece you likely won't keep forever.

Pack a Pouf

To make a dorm room as comfy as an apartment, add an ottoman or pouf to serve as a footstool, a small table, or a welcoming place for new friends to sit.

Elevate Your Coffee Routine

A truly comfortable home means not having to go outside for a cup of coffee! Bring a French press to the dorms, along with preground beans and the same water heater everyone uses for Ramen, to prepare coffee with a set up similar to that seen on A Beautiful Mess.

Make Wall Hangings Functional

Making the most of every inch in tiny apartments and dorm rooms means using even the space on the wall. We love Sugar & Cloth's DIY pegboard project, which will make wall space handy for storage and temporarily mounted art.

Have a Proper Table Setting

Whether in a dorm room or tiny apartment, some meals are consumed solo and at home. Instead of eating from containers or right out of the pizza box, make mealtime special by packing a full table setting.

Bring a Tablecloth

Make a dorm rager more like a sophisticated cocktail party by throwing a tablecloth over your desk. It'll come in handy for impromptu picnics too.

Hang Chic Drapes

Nothing makes a place look lived-in like a set of drapes. Customize a pair of inexpensive white panels for a window treatment that will class up a dorm room.

Take Along a Tray

A tray is one of the most important accessories for people living in small spaces. A tray will serve to organize items on a desk, but can be used for meals in bed and as a platter when friends come over.

Learn to Love a Good Throw

A throw like the one seen on Love Grows Wild will make nights in or study sessions more cozy, whether in a dorm or tiny apartment.