Moving away for college? While student housing can seem dreary, we believe that even a dorm room has the potential to be a snug ‘home-away-from-home’ if done up with care.
We’re delighted to introduce our brand new series, Student Corner, in which we’ll share ideas to design the ideal space for a student - whether a dorm room or an off-campus home - that’s comfy and also incredibly productive. In our first blog in this series, we’ve put together 6 clever ways to make your student housing more spacious and expansive. Let’s jump right in!
#1: Pack less for more room
The lesser stuff you take with you, the more room you’ll have. The key here is to only take the things you need. Easier said than done, right?
Let’s talk about ‘The 30% of Everything’ rule
If you are hoping to pack everything in your closet, it might be a good idea to revisit that decision. Taking all your stuff might land you little room to actually store it. Pack just 30% of your things — clothes, shoes, accessories — and renew the ‘30%’ every few months, when you return home for a break.
#2: Use the good old mirror trick
It’s well known that mirrors make rooms seem bigger than they really are. However, the trick lies in picking the right mirror and placing it effectively to reap the benefits of this nifty hack.
So, what kind of mirror should you pick?
The larger the mirror, the better the illusion of space you’ll create. It’s magical how a compact 300 SF apartment can look almost twice its size with the addition of a full-length mirror.
Where should you place the mirror to make most of it?
Place your mirror opposite a window so that it reflects sunlight and makes your space bright and sunny. Bonus: Your room will now have two windows. Well, almost.
If you’re working with a tiny dorm room, we recommend fixing the mirror behind your door so you can use the walls for other means of space-saving.
Which brings us to point #3....
#3: Put your walls to good use
If you have a bike and plan to store it in your room or apartment, it’s sure to take up a considerable amount of area; and designing dedicated storage for it might turn out to be cumbersome. We suggest wall mounting it — this will also add a unique touch of character to your room.
Look for wall storage units and cabinets for your backpack, shoes, books and other knick-knacks. Add cheer and personality by throwing in succulents, scented candles and curios.
Stay tuned to our blog for more tips and tricks for dorm room storage and organizing ideas.
#4: Invest in furniture that does more
Handpicked by CasaOne
The double-duty Roc Twin Loft works wonders for dorm rooms and off-campus homes alike. We love the thoughtful storage on the desk, perfect for keeping your stationery and other odds and ends. Use our student code, STUDENT_NYC, to bring it home on rent.
Multi-purpose stools
Instead of a coffee table that may take up too much room, invest in a few stools and ottomans that can double-up as makeshift dining tables, coffee tables, or even study nooks. Multi-purpose stools will allow you to have ample space and can be a charming addition to your decor.
#5: Clean. Organize. Repeat.
An underrated but wholly essential hack to ensure your place looks spacious is to keep it spick and span, and fully rid of clutter. Things strewn around a room tend to make it seem smaller and more cramped, and can be uninspiring, especially when you’re working on an assignment, or taking a Zoom class. The cleaner your home, the more productive you are!
#6: Embrace light-colored walls
If your student housing comes with white neutral-colored walls, you’re in luck, because they’re ideal to make your space seem larger. If you have the option to paint your walls, we recommend a bright color like a yellow or a teal. Steer clear of any dark shades, since they absorb light and can make your space seem more compact than it already is.
Found these tips useful? Then you’ll love our chic rental furniture for student housing. Click here to set up your home-away-from-home with CasaOne.