Living in small spaces with style takes some simplified work.
This post started out about dorm rooms but it’s really inspired by the latest IKEA catalog and their cover, “A home doesn’t need to be big, just smart.” I’m all in agreement of that statement. I’m realizing this in real time as I help my son shop for items for his first apartment and choose things that are smart purchases that lend personal style.
The same practice goes for dorm rooms, as I realize too that students are gearing up to accessorize what otherwise would be a sterile dorm room environment. Why is this necessary? I think it is because living in a personalized space, especially when it is small, gives character and comfort, particularly when you are leaving the nest, becoming independent as a first or even fourth year college student or being independent, as my son now is, for the first time. (Hard to believe.)
IKEA’s catalog offers a lot of practical choices. (I promise I’m not being paid to write this as an endorsement.) I just remember IKEA coming to my rescue for this purpose and they are still fulfilling this need. Here are just some of the cool things we’ve been draw to, primarily because of their multi-function ability.
Maybe I like this one because it is blue and reminds me of the blue sofa we use on our website’s homepage but regardless, this sofa comes in nine colors, with or without a storage compartment and is changeable with 10 different colored slipcovers. OK, I may be a little obsessed with slipcovers — given the name of this blog — but this is cool. You could have a different colored couch for every day of the week if you wanted!
These drawer units help to maximize space for small spaces:
Although I’m subconsciously going a little patriotic with the colors, all come in varieties.
They offer many types of dining room table options, even ways to build your own but I thought this smaller Fusion Table with chairs to fit and form a cubicle was very clever for small spaces and ideal for smaller apartments.
Dorm rooms typically come with a desk but if yours does not, you could always use the Vika Veine convertible version.
Another smart solution for small spaces is under stair storage or slanted walls is their Ekby Riset bracket and Jarpen wall shelf, an $18.99 combo that finally addresses these hard to use spaces.
If you wanted to get just 3 pint size pieces that make a large impact in small living quarters, these are my three suggestions:
1) The see through chair makes a contemporary statement with comfortable seating for a small space.
2) Light changing pendants. These are two — a feminine and masculine version. We got the latter for my son and this can be used in dorm rooms as it can be hung with the light bulb attached to a cord and no hard wiring needed.
3) Finally, this one is not from IKEA. It’s our Faux Padded Headboard that we offer in Twin, Queen and King sizes. We’ve had a lot of positive feedback from this as it has just been featured in the September issue of Country Living magazine. Today is the start of their online contest to win it, so now is the time to enter. It’s perfect for small spaces including dorm rooms.
— Ashley
Leave a Reply