Regardless of where you live, we all have one thing in common: back-to-school time. Because of this, now is the perfect time to talk about college spaces. While a dorm room will never be home, there’s no reason it can’t feel a little more like it. With some simple and creative strategies, that temporary abode can be turned into a space that oozes with both personality and efficiency. To start, let’s go over some simple decorating tips that can help make the space feel more comfortable and look more personal. After that, we’ll talk about how fabric can play a role in that.

Master the Furniture Layout

Sometimes all it takes is a simple rearranging of furniture to make a difference in a room. If possible, get the furniture layout taken care of first thing. Assess the space, as well as the furnishings for it, and then test different placements. Consider space-saving solutions that could include moving dressers into closets or putting desks back to back. To create extra seating, let your bed double as a “couch” by positioning it with one side of it against the wall, adding decorative pillows for style and comfort.

Aim for Ample Space and Storage

Sometimes this area requires a little thinking outside the box. One easy way to save on space and get additional storage is to use multifunctional furniture pieces like futons and storage ottomans. In the bedroom, you can double your space by using a loft bed. A loft bed frees up valuable floor space that can be used for storage, studying or lounging. Closet space less than desirable? A mobile clothing rack is a simple way to give you more room for shoes and clothes.

Coordinate Colors

Often times, you know who your roommate is well before you get settled in. If that’s the case, reach out to see if coordinating colors is something he or she is interested in doing. You don’t have to match everything in the room, but finding a compromise on a color scheme can help you avoid clashing. A little harmony when it comes to decorating keeps the place looking pleasing and balanced. If you happen to have your own room, go as wild as you want!

Dress Up What You Can

No need to leave doors and walls bare unless you have to. Vintage posters, pop art prints, mirrors, and framed family photos are all wonderful ways to express yourself. Decorative decals are another great way to integrate personality into your dorm room. Use them on the wall, on doors, and even on the ceiling. Have a large wall that’d make a perfect focal point? Turn it into a feature wall by hanging a large piece of fabric with a funky pattern against it.

Warm Up Cold Floors

Don’t forget to give your dorm room floors a little attention. Create a “custom” rug by piecing a variety of rugs together to form one giant area rug that fits your space. Not only will it look cool, it’s a lot more cost-efficient–perfect for a college student. Would rather have one rug that’s easier to transport? Be sure to check out the rugs we have to offer. Many come in smaller sizes that are perfect for a college dorm.

Bring the Outdoors In

While college life opens up a world of fun activities, there are also many hours spent in the room studying. This is why it’s important to bring some of the outdoors in. Focus on scattering various house plants throughout the space. Not only will they help purify the air, they’ll make the rooms look and feel a bit happier.

How Can Fabric Help?

Fabric is one of the easiest ways you can breathe life into a space. This, of course, can be extremely helpful when it comes to making an impersonal space feel more personal. It doesn’t really matter if you use a lot or a little–simply incorporating some eye-catching fabric into the space will make that dorm room feel comfortable and look stylish. Not sure where to insert fabric touches? Consider both the bedroom and the main space.

Bedroom Bling

From studying to sleeping, it’s safe to say you’ll be spending a lot of time in your bedroom–and putting some time and energy into enhancing the look of it will make the space feel like a place you feel at home in.

Updated bedding is a great place to start. It can be something as simple as sheets in a fun, colorful pattern, to something a bit more detailed, such as custom bedding. It’s amazing how much impact some new fabric choices can make. Make sure to add some accent pillows for good measure.

An upholstered headboard and window treatments are two other ways you can incorporate fabric into the bedroom. One, or both, of those, can do wonders for a space.

Main Space Magic

Adding touches of fabric to the living area may be easier in an apartment rather than a dorm, but it’s not impossible to make it happen if the space is shared.

Some ways fabric can spice up the main living area could include: