6 Stylish IKEA Finds That Make College Feel Like Home
Empty dorm rooms aren’t really known for their style. Cinderblock walls? Yes. Cozy charm? Not so much. But that generic space is actually a blank canvas for your personal style! And it doesn’t take much effort — or money — to make it feel like home. Whether you’re moving into a dorm or an off-campus apartment, a few additions can up the coziness factor and transform it into a space that’s uniquely yours.
From residence halls to studio apartments, even the smallest and sparest rooms can spring to life with a little color, pattern, and texture. Luckily, IKEA is an expert in all three. Plus, the Swedish superstore pretty much invented chic small-space living. With clever storage solutions, cheerful essentials, and exuberant where-did-you-find-that? decor, IKEA has endless options for a campus style maven — more than you could ever fit into one dorm room. So here are a few of our top picks for turning that boring blank canvas into a one-of-a-kind original.
Get Cozy and Colorful
A dorm’s centerpiece is the bed, and bold bedding — like the striped SLÅNHÖSTMAL duvet cover and pillowcases — helps it make a maximalist statement. The NÄVLINGE LED clamp spotlight has a modern shape and adjustable neck, so you can tip it down for studying or upward for a warm ambient glow. (Because harsh overhead fluorescent lighting is simply not a vibe.) We like this one because it can clip anywhere you need a little extra brightness, whether you’re studying at your desk or reading in bed.
Make Yourself at Home
Small style details add up to a cohesive aesthetic, even when you don’t have much space. The colorful speckles on these TOBISFISK mugs add visual interest, and the ribbed STILREN vase provides touchable texture. (A NÄVLINGE LED clamp spotlight on the shelf mimics the height of a floor lamp without the bulk. We told you, it can clip on anywhere!) Sculptural and practical, the color-coordinated SPJUTLILJA 3-piece serving set elevates study snacks to a dining experience. The MARKBLÅMME low-pile rug anchors everything with an eye-catching checkerboard pattern and high-contrast color palette.