Wow! I can’t believe how quickly time goes by. We’re in mid-August and for many college students that means back to school. My youngest of four is getting ready to head back to college and like many parents, we’re faced with the daunting task of trying to figure out how to decorate a small dorm room space.The goal is to try and create a space that makes them feel good. A space that best represents their own unique personality. For some, they may want their space to feel like home away from home, while others may want their space to feel like a fresh new start. Below are some helpful tips to help guide you along the way:
- Talk with them to find out what type of style and overall look they want for their space. If they’re not sure, social media can be a great tool to use to help them decide.
- Go on the college’s website and see if you can view a layout of a dorm room of the specific building that they’ll be staying in. It may not be an exact replica but it will at least give you some type of idea of the amount of space you’ll be working with. My husband and I found this to be extremely helpful, that way we had a better idea of what size of things would best accommodate the space.
- Now that you know the approximate measurements of the space, your next step is to start putting together a list of the essentials that they will definitely need while away at school. All of these things will take up space but again, they’re essentials so they’re must haves. Here is a helpful link especially for those first time college students of essential items they may need. College Checklist, College Dorm Checklist
- As you’re working through the checklist, remember to involve them in the process. Remember, it’s all about them, especially when it comes to choosing the colors and styles they want for their space. They’re going to be living in this space for about eight months so the goal is for them to like it.
- It’s important when decorating a space no matter how small, that the space has an element of comfort and coziness. Those elements alone can transform a space from feeling cold and sterile. Using cozy bedding, comfy pillows, a soft throw blanket, wall art (use Command strips), lighting – a floor lamp, a desk lamp, string lights (use small clear Command clips), some fun layering decor pieces and even plants (real or faux) can all aid in transforming the space. Just remember, there needs to be a balance between adding elements to the space to give it character without overdoing it and making the space feel overcrowded.
The bottom line is to have fun throughout the process. For some, this will be their first time away from home for an extended period of time. Having a dorm space that reflects their own personal style and uniqueness will help give them comfort and confidence that they will really appreciate.