Dorm Room Furniture Essentials

Some dorm room furniture is ready and waiting for students when they arrive on campus, but it's generally bland and more functional than comfortable. Since this will be your child's home for the next several months, it's a good idea to put some thought into making it welcoming. The room should be convenient, comfortable and have some style. Furnishing a dorm room should follow those three ideas in order of priority.

Starters
Most dorm rooms come with a bed, a desk and a dresser for clothing. Find out if anything else is included before you make a college dorm room furniture list. It is best to have at least a layout if not an actual look at the room to assess the space and think of room arrangement possibilities. Also find out what the rules are regarding dorm fridges, toasters, hot plates, microwaves and computers.

If possible, freshmen should speak to their new roommates to find out what they plan to bring that could be shared. This will help you and your child know what you need to contribute to the room. Returning students who know their roommates should work out who's bringing what before the end of the spring semester. 

Convenience
Your student will most definitely need storage. Think stackable shelves or drawers, hanging shelves (usually these are fabric and can hang in the closet or over the end of the bed) and even some plastic storage bins. These will be used for books, study materials, snack food, CDs, computer supplies, shower supplies and clothing. If it's possible to loft at least one bed, you'll have more living space beneath that you can really put to good use.

A dorm fridge is a wonderful appliance to have for some snack essentials like fruit, yogurt, milk, and beverages. If they're allowed, get one. Some schools offer rentals at the start of each school year. For added convenience, look for a micro-fridge that has a built-in microwave oven, if these are allowed.

You will also need seating. Plan to bring one chair that's compact yet comfortable. Students don't want to sit on their beds all the time, and the chair provided by the school will probably be lacking in the comfort department. Bean bag chairs are popular, but the best choice for a small room is a butterfly chair that can be folded up and stashed out of the way.

Your student may need a computer station to supplement the desk. Compact corner computer stations make good use of a little bit of space and have organized shelves for all computer components, including printers and supplies. Having this will free up your desk for your books and a study workspace.

Comfort
Although they're technically not furniture, big pillows really come in handy for propping up on the bed for studying or reading. They're also stylish and can add color to the room. A nice fleece or flannel throw is stylish and comforting during late-night study sessions.

Style
You don't have to buy plain furniture. Second-hand furniture can be refinished to add as much style as your child wants. Consider painting, covering with funky bumper stickers or magazine pictures or covering with fabric to tun plain pieces into a personal mode of expression. Old chairs and shelves can become very artistic with a little work, and still be affordable.

Remember, dorms are very temporary. Save money where you can by checking out garage sales and thrift stores.