Interior Design- Dorm Decor

Moving into your dorm room for the first time is exciting, but cramming all your stuff into half of a tiny box-like space can be tricky.

To make a dorm room appear larger, Ashley Peters, a resident director at the University of Maryland, encourages incoming students to take stock of “all of the things you want to bring and then try to get rid of half.” She also says students should consider lofting their beds- that is elevating the sleeping space and placing the desk and dresser underneath- because it “instantly doubles the size of the room.”

Another space saver, says Amy Rehkemper, a certified professional organizer, is “dual function” furniture, such as an ottoman that can serve as a footrest, tabletop, seat, and storage unit. Rehkemper, who owns Simplify Organizing Services, also suggests over-the-door, clear, 24-pocket shoe hangers for school supplies, accessories- and yes, shoes.

What the room lacks in space can be made up for in style. Stores like Crate & Barrel are reaching out to college kids with their surprisingly afforable pieces like colorful melamine dinner plates, functional storage baskets, and modern picture frames.

Just leave some wall space for new memories, says Peters, “A few pictures of high-school friends are great, but you’ll be taking a lot more with your new friends!”