*some exclusions apply

The day has finally come. Your child, all grown up, is moving into their dorm and starting college. He or she is excited, but probably nervous as well. Help them transition to this new stage of life by creating a dorm room design that they can’t wait to move into!

We’ve all seen those dorm rooms in catalog pictures that “wow” us. Those rooms where the minute you enter you’re struck by the furniture, the accessories, the layout, and the mood they create.

A well-designed dorm room is all about creating the perfect space for your child, that will cater to study time but still capture your child’s personality whether it is fun and full of energy or a peaceful and calming retreat. Dorm rooms tend to be smaller where normal furniture is a challenge, smaller compact furniture is a win.

When you design a child’s dorm room, think about him/her and the type of room they want to have: do they want a hip, fun hangout for study groups? Or, do they need a quiet, cozy retreat to relax in and rejuvenate at the end of each day? This theme is what you will build on as you select the right furniture and accessories.

Let’s work through a few dorm room design scenarios to help you get an idea of how to use color, furniture type, and layout to create the dorm room your child will love.

Scenario 1: A hip, trendy gathering place for friends:

Is your child a social butterfly that thrives on time with friends? Create a gathering space where they will enjoy memorable, fun and study times with friends filled with laughter and conversation!

A tween loveseat is a perfect place to start, the compact size allows it to easily fit in most dorm rooms.

Tween loveseat purple

A small refrigerator in the corner well-stocked with snacks and drinks will make it the most popular dorm room ever! Add a few Grab n Go chairs for extra seating if spacing allows and some small tables for them to put their food & drink on.

grab-n-go-chair tweens
Tween Grab-n-Go grey

Complete the look with matching lamps, pillows, and trendy wall art to liven up the room and add a trendy, fashionable feel.

kids blue lamp
bubblegum pink lamp for kids

Scenario 2: The peaceful, calming retreat:

Does your child like to collapse and relax after a busy day of classes and have some quiet time to recharge? Create a dorm room for them that is rejuvenating and relaxing.

In one corner create a reading nook with a recliner and a small side table and lamp.

Tween recliner
Tween Recliner Pink

Across the room, a Kids and Tween sofa would be the perfect spot to watch TV with a friend. Find one that has a pull out sleeper for a space saving option.

Tween Sleeper Sofa Pink
Tween Chaise Seat - navy

Choose a comfy headboard with a color that compliments the other furniture, and pile a mix of accent pillows on the bed to give it an inviting look and pull the colors of the room together.

When selecting your furniture, choose calming colors or subtle patterns to set the mood for their after-class sanctuary.

Moving away from home can be exciting and scary all at the same time. Designing a dorm room your child is excited about will help ease the transition and focus their thoughts on the adventure and anticipation of the fun times they will have with friends and memories they will make there.

Having a dorm room design where they can recharge, enjoy time with friends, and create memories that last forever will help their college experience be positive and memorable.

Designing your child’s DREAM dorm room
