Dorm 101 - Furniture

So you're heading off to college.  Your first new place!  It's an amazing adventure, and here are a few hints to make your new place a better home-away-from-home.

1.)  Loft your bed!  - Floor space is at a premium, plus you're probably sharing with someone else.  Making good use of vertical space will go a long way to making your dorm room more livable.  Raising your bed up will open up a great space for your desk, giving you a study "nook" that will help you keep focus.  More of a library studier?  The space under your loft is a great place for extra seating -- a futon, beanbag, extra chairs -- "social" studies are important, too.

2.) Speaking of desks, you're going to want to have a study space you like (or at least can stand.)  Make sure you've got plenty of room to spread out, and also consider investing in a desk lamp.  It will help with eye strain, and be less of a disturbance to your roommate if you have to pull an all-nighter.  If your space is small, store your textbooks and other materials on shelves or in bins -- nearby, but not on the desk itself.  Don't forget a comfortable chair as well!

3.) Additional seating will do a lot to increase your dorm room comfort.  Having an additional lounging chair for long bouts of reading (or movie marathons) is a good plan.  Investing in a futon, or other convertible bed option, will give you a place to lounge and a place for friends to spend the night.  Many stores offer pieces that do double-duty:  serving as a table, but also as a chair.  Folding/stacking stools and chairs are another good solution when space is tight.

Check out these great tips from Apartment Therapy!

For more ideas and inspiration from IKEA, click here!