Painted wood furniture is a good way to add color, style to your home decor
NEW YORK
For the uninitiated, outfitting a college dorm room can be a dizzying experience. Doing it at a time of high inflation can make it even more daunting.
The first step: Meticulously go over what the school allows and provides. If you want a microwave and minifridge, are the energy-saving combo models required? Do you need foam pool noodles to avoid hitting your head under an upper bunk, and if so, might the school provide them? Exactly how thick can a mattress topper be?
“You can see the look of terror on parents’ faces,” said Marianne Szymanski, an independent product researcher who has sent two kids to college. “You know: Did I get the right mattress pad? It’s crazy.”
Etsy trend expert Dayna Isom Johnson said self-expression is top of mind for dorm-bound kids in such things as faux headboards and unique dresser knobs.
“Two of my favorite dorm trends right now are moodboosting hues that incorporate bright and energetic colors like neon tones, and heritage styles, a nostalgic trend that embodies
Have you ever heard the saying, “you either love it or hate it, there is no in between”? People usually use the phrase when talking about something unconventional or controversial they adore (or loathe).
Wood furniture is something that can be surprisingly controversial when it comes to home decorating. There are the purists who adhere to traditional wood stains to bring out the natural beauty of walnut, pine and cherry wood pieces, and there are those who bend the rules of tradition by exploring with color. the traditional collegiate look with items like plaid linens, wood-toned furniture and monograms,” she said.
There’s no end to help out there, from parents swapping tips in social media groups to seasoned college students offering hacks on TikTok.
Some suggestions.
LIGHTING AND CHARGING
Dorm rooms have notoriously bad light, and notoriously few electrical outlets in convenient spots. Many schools don’t allow extension cords. For power strips, which are almost always permitted, consider going vertical with a tower that offers surge protection, USB ports and outlets that can accommodate a range of different shaped plugs.
It may be time to get a threeway charger. Storage carts, headboards and stands with charging capability are plentiful.
Use double-sided tape or hook-and-loop strips to fasten a power strip to the frame of an elevated bed for easy access.
A desk or clip-on lamp is a must for studying. Consider a shared floor lamp.
BEDDING AND LAUNDRY
Think extra-long twin sheets, mattress protector and thick, cozy mattress pad, but do know
While we certainly love both, and I have a mix of the two in my home, here we’re celebrating beloved painted pieces. They are a great way to refresh and rejuvenate your home and add a pop of color.
Painted wood furniture is everywhere you look. For those easing into the trend, gray, white and even shades of blue are perfect for beginning your collection. The shades play nicely with natural wood finishes and upholstery alike for a touch of brightness wherever you might want it. This allows for a mix of old and new styles that create a breathtaking display in any home. A simple color means you can also play around with different textures as well, whether that be a some schools don’t allow certain types of gel toppers, Szymanski said. As for all those throw pillows, where do they go when it’s time to sleep? Usually on the perhaps-not-so-clean floor, so maybe buy fewer. Better yet, take a body pillow.
Buying two or three sets of sheets does mean using up some already limited storage, but students not terribly laundryresponsible won’t go into crisis when the dirties pile up. And if beds are elevated for storage, get curtains to cover the clutter.
What type of laundry hamper to get is a hot topic and depends on how far from the room the washers and dryers live. There are rolling hampers, compact mesh hampers and all manner of bags. For trekking up and down stairs, huge laundry backpacks (some with padded shoulder straps) are perfect.
A hack: Invest in a clothing steamer or wrinkle release fabric spray rather than an iron.
SHELVING AND HOOKS
Extending storage with shelving is a dorm-size jigsaw puzzle. Is there room for over-the-bed shelving? Does the school permit hutches on top of desks, or provide them?
Pro tip: Not a great idea to swap sturdy shelving for an over-the-toilet bathroom version that might not be able to handle something heavy, like a microwave. Also, if a bed will be elevated but not all the way up, a tall bedside stand with extra shelves or drawers might be useful.
Ask the school: Can shelving or stands of any kind be placed in front of windows?
And remember those locker shelves from high school? Use them to extend space in a nightstand or desk.
Those Command stick-on hooks? Bring oh so many, along colored stain or a fully lacquered look, without overwhelming your space.
You’ll find a bold statement on the other side of the color spectrum. Perfect for kids’ rooms and avant-garde decor spaces alike are the pinks, reds and greens of the world. Manufacturers have drastically expanded the range of colors and shades of wood finishes they carry.
What do you think about the painted furniture trend? Are you team love it, team hate it, or perhaps you’re one of the elusive in-betweeners? There is no right or wrong when it comes to decorating your home, and that’s the best thing about finding your own style. with the removable poster strips made not to damage walls. Also pick up a couple of over-thedoor hangers for bags, coats, robes and hoodies.
CLOSETS AND OTHER STORAGE
For the closet, consider sturdy vertical hanger extenders and hanging shoe and clothing storage.
Storage cubes can triple as seating and step stool, as opposed to a decorative pouf that is simply pretty and comfy.
Under-bed or in-closet storage drawers are essential, along with extra baskets, or at least a bowl for random, easily lost smaller items. Medium plastic baskets for scarves, socks and the like can be used on the top closet shelf.
DECOR AND STYLE
Style is everything for some dorm dwellers.
The pros are mixed on whether removable, peel-and-stick wallpaper is a good idea. Some schools may not allow it and it might not adhere to textured walls. Adar Kirkham, a DIY designer and star of the new digital series “Freestyled” on HGTV.com, suggests using it to decorate desk drawers or other storage units.
The site Dormify.com is full of design inspiration and products.
According to Pinterest, searches are up for hippy and preppy dorm styles.
“Pink and blue are some really strong colors for that preppy aesthetic,” said Pinterest’s data insights lead Swasti Sarna.
BATHROOM AND MISCELLANEOUS
Consider getting some scented Steripod toothbrush protectors. It should be changed every three months.
Bathrooms are often shared, and stuff gets mixed up. An organizer is essential. Pro tip: Use an over-the-door organizer. Dormify sells one with a small face mirror built in.
Kirkham suggests a rolling bathroom caddy with just the essentials for quick trips in and out.
Minifridge tip: If allowed leeway on what kind to use, pick one with a separate freezer compartment.
Kirkham suggests a minifridge stand that elevates the unit and includes additional storage.
A tool kit comes in handy, as does a first aid kit.
And rather than a bedside canvas caddy, try an attachable bunk bed tray table. It can hold a drink, a phone and more.