Nothing makes the transition to college life easier than creating an inviting living space. When considering how to decorate your college apartment, it helps to think about budget, function, and style. Try these creative college apartment ideas to make your living space feel like home.
Show Your True Colors
One of the best ways to personalize your college apartment decor is through color. Whether you lean toward big, bold hues or a more peaceful palette, your color scheme speaks volumes about who you are. Although painting walls is rarely allowed in college apartments, there are loads of other ways to add color to your living space. Cover drab wall paint with removable, peel-and-stick wallpaper in fun graphic styles like polka dots or jungle print. Add small pops of color with plants, throw pillows, area rugs, wall tapestries, window treatments, and painted furniture.
Let There Be Light
Thanks to rummage sales and thrift stores, college students rarely need to spend a lot of money on lighting. Brighten a dimly lit living room corner with a second-hand floor lamp, and place small desk lamps on end tables and bedside tables. Don’t worry if lamps don’t match. Using a variety of unique pieces offers a chic and eclectic look. For fun and festive style year-round, hang string lights from the ceiling or drape them around a kitchen island.
Make the Most of Mirrors
College apartment or luxury home — mirrors make any interior space appear larger. In addition to offering “space-doubling” properties, mirrors reflect light to brighten your bathroom, hallway, bedroom, or living room. For the best light-catching possibilities, position floor or wall mirrors opposite windows.
Personalize Your Bedroom
When you share an apartment, it’s important to differentiate your space from your roommate’s. Try these tips to make your bedroom stand out. Display your favorite photos or postcards on your wall with colored twine and paper clips or miniature clothes pins. Hang bold curtains from the ceiling in place of a headboard, or fashion a pretty canopy with filmy fabric, string, and utility hooks. If you’re short on funds, just add a colorful comforter and a few throw pillows for a look that is truly your own.
Choose Smart Furniture
Chances are your college apartment comes with limited space. That’s okay. Try a few dorm furniture ideas for small living areas. Pick dual-purpose pieces like an adjustable table that turns into a desk, a futon sofa that becomes a bed, or a storage ottoman that can double as a seat, stool, or coffee table. Furniture that stores easily also makes a great option. Think foldable moon chairs or stackable poufs.
Additional Apartment Decorating Ideas for Small Spaces
Just because your apartment lacks space doesn’t mean it has to be short on style. Here are a few more space-saving ideas for your college apartment.
- Give the appearance of more room with glass or Lucite furniture.
- In lieu of a big bookshelf, stack books vertically up the wall next to your desk.
- De-clutter your apartment regularly.
- Opt for a lighter color palette.
- Make the most of unused space with corner shelves, under-the-bed storage units, and over-the-door pocket organizers.
A great apartment starts with a few key pieces of furniture. Instead of purchasing big items that you may have to sell or store in the future, consider CORT Furniture Rental. Select a few items or furnish your whole apartment, and enjoy quick delivery and convenient pick up when needed. Once you have your basic furnishings, implement these college apartment ideas to create a space that truly feels like home.
