Decking the Dorm Room
After Five Designs
After Five Designs
I have received a lot of questions about designing dorm rooms. Having three girls, it's something we have had our fair share of experience with. Since many of you are preparing to send your children off to school for the first time, I thought a source book of sorts might be helpful. And yes, this post largely pertains to girls as boys just don't seem to care. A set of sheets, a comforter and their clothes...that's about it for them. If they want window coverings, they will just go down to the bookstore and purchase a flag to tack up over their blinds. They really are just that simple. Trust me, Man Child wants no part of me decorating his dorm room.
Some may feel going all out is a bit over the top. My thought is it's their first time out of the nest and there is so much change going on in their lives that I want their little living quarters to feel like home as much as possible. I've sourced a great deal of ideas for you at very reasonable price points. I'm not getting into budget here; that is personal. A great look can be achieved quite economically, especially if you are a tad crafty...which I am not. I'm just good at giving direction. Do not hesitate with any questions you may have.
xo, Melanie
CHECKLIST
- Twin XL sheets; I recommend 2 sets; these can't be beat
- Twin comforter or coverlet or F/Q if no bed ruffle
- Throw Pillows
- Bedskirt for lofted/raised beds like this one for $100 or this one for $27
- Headboard; these are fab but a little more costly and this one is great for half the price
- Chest for additional storage (cause girls got some shit, not to mention all the sorority stuff that will get tossed in the mix)
- 1-2 Lamps
- Settee or Futon (we purchased this cute one from IKEA)
- Desk Chair (check with your school first as some don't allow you to remove the one provided)
- Throw blanket
- Curtains + Rod (again, check with your school for mounting restrictions); check the window & ceiling height
- Lots and lots of Command Hooks and Velcro
- Art
- Bulletin Board
- Shower Curtain (if suite style; coordinate with suite mates); if not a shower caddy (this one is perfect)
- Set of towels (and maybe shower shoes); I prefer monogrammed ones to keep things straight in the laundry room
- Laundry Bag (these from Etsy are adorable)
- Microwave + Fridge + Coffee Pot (again, check with your school & coordinate with roommates); throw in a few packages of these while you're at it
- Rug; this one is so pretty; Seagrass is another stylish and economical option
- Vanity Mirror
- Storage Baskets
- Full length mirror if there isn't one; this one has storage & this one is the standard option
- Over door drying rack for laundry day
SOURCES
- Target & Bed Bath & Beyond can't be beat for Twin XL sheets; Bed Bath & Beyond ALWAYS has a 20% off coupon; remember, it's unlikely these sheets will ever be used again
- Target, Amazon & Home Goods are great resources for simple white bedding; H&M and IKEA also have some very cute options and none of these break the bank
- Sage Hill in St. Francisville, LA; if you are in south Louisiana go see Mary Joy (or just give her a call, she ships too) and tell her I sent you; she has headboards in nearly any fabric and they velcro to the wall; so fabulous; you could also DIY if you are crafty and can sew
- DormCo.com and Etsy have a great selection of extra long bedskirts just for dorm rooms
- Wayfair & Overstock can't be beat for lamps; you could probably find some good bedding options there too
- Hobby Lobby has some really cute bulletin boards
- The Container Store (always a fan)
- CDC Designs has some great abstracts; you could also search Etsy
- Most dorms these days have a spot for the small appliances, if not, a chrome shelf like this one is a great option; Baby Girl's room had an extra closet we used as the kitchen & utility area which was so nice
START PLANNING
