Dorm Room Ideas
Dorm Room Essentials That Work in Your First Apartment Too!
When you go to shop for your dorm room this Summer, there's no reason you can't shop for your first apartment too! With the right pieces, you can easily transition dorm decor into your first digs when the time comes. Choosing essentials with timeless style and a variety of uses — sorry, plastic bins aren't going to cut it — you'll save money and make the most of your purchases. From seating to lighting, our list has everything you need (plus styling tips!) for now and later.
Styled in your dorm: No boring desk lamp here! A side lamp loaded with color and texture is a great way to brighten your desk and add a little flair to your dorm. It's also works on a nightstand!
Styled in your apartment: Many rentals don't have overhead lighting so table lamps are key. While this lamp was perfect on your desk, transition it into your living room by displaying it on side table. Don't worry about outgrowing the shade, that can easily be swapped out to better match your new apartment's decor.
Lampshade and base ($40 and $49)
Styled in your dorm: It's likely you'll be enjoying your fair share of Ramen noodles, but unlikely you'll have a table to eat them on; this is where a tray comes in handy. Perfect for meals in bed, trays are the best way to prevent a mess in your small space.
Styled in your apartment: Now that you'll have a table, take that same tray and style it on your coffee table or dresser. Here's some tray inspiration if you still aren't convinced!
Handled Tray ($30)
Styled in your dorm: When it comes to small spaces, you can never have too much storage! Although you'll be tempted by the plastic bins, opt for a more stylish option. These baskets are perfect under a lifted bed or tucked away in your closet.
Styled in your apartment: When you move into a bigger place, use these baskets to style a bookcase or fit neatly under a console table.
Dipped Basket ($129)
Styled in your dorm: Although your dorm will likely be small, expect lots of visits from friends (the best part of college!). It's likely your bed will double as a couch, so a pouf is a great way to add extra seating without taking up loads of space.
Styled in your apartment: The pouf that was once a chair in college can now be used as an ottoman or extra seating. It will also add color and pattern to your apartment, especially against a solid-colored chair.
Boho Abode Pouf ($110)
Styled in your dorm: A folding chair is a great way to provide friends with seating at a moment's notice. Since it can easily fold up, it won't take up any extra space, either.
Styled in your apartment: When you go to furnish your first apartment, the butterfly chair makes for a great side chair. If you're worried about it looking too "temporary," just add a few pillows and you'll be good to go!
Butterfly Chair ($35-$40, originally $75)
Styled in your dorm: Throw pillows are a great way to personalize your side of the room with color and pattern. They can also help your bed go from sleeping space to sitting space if you happen to have a futon.
Styled in your apartment: Take those same dorm pillows and style them on your couch to dress up your digs with a decorative touch.
Chevron Pillow Cover ($20-$40)
Styled in your dorm: Use a throw blanket to add a pop of color against bedding and to cozy up with during long study sessions.
Styled in your apartment: Use the same bright throw in your first apartment by styling it on your couch or over your (bigger) bed.
Striped Throw ($45, originally $70)
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