In our Dream Dorm Decor Series during the month of September, we’ll be sharing some of our favorite dorm products and design tips to help make your dorm room reflect your personal style.
You may already have the basics, but now it’s time to make your space a less generic and more like home.
First thing’s first, you’ve got to have a place to sleep.
That plastic-covered, bed-bug-resistant mattress that’s been used by who knows how many generations before you isn’t going to cut it for the next 8 months. Let’s start from the bottom up. Make that mattress feel a lot more like the pillow top you left at home with a memory foam mattress topper or cotton mattress pad. (Although using both will make your bed insanely comfortable!)
Image via Target.com
Next up: Sheets
Bed linens for the dorm can be confusing to purchase, so we’re going to give you a quick rundown of what you need to know. Although manufacturers like to boast about high thread counts, it’s more important to pay attention to the cotton content of the sheet. The more cotton in the weave, the more comfortable the sheet will be. It’s as simple as that. However stick with a thread count between 200 and 400. Anything less won’t last you very long, and anything more is just going to mean a higher price tag. Many dorm mattresses require extra long twin sheets, so make sure to check your university housing website before you head to the store.
- 100% cotton sheets and cotton jersey sheets will be ultra comfortable, breathable and easy to wash. They’re the perfect choice if you want
- If you want a crisper feel when you slide into bed try a cotton percale weave. They are breathable, resist wrinkling, and will last a long time.
- Now that you finally get to start over with your bedding, if you want hotel quality softness in your sheets, go with a 100% cotton sateen sheet set for the dorm. They are as amazingly soft as Egyptian Cotton sheets, but are much more affordable.
Top off your bed.
After sheets you’ll need a comforter or blanket to keep you warm. Find one with an interesting print or design. This is one of the biggest ways you can show off your personal style since the bed may double as a couch and a study zone. It’s nice to have a lighter blanket or quilt for the warmer months and a comforter that you can pull out in the winter. Ask around to see if your dorm is notoriously cold or hot and bring layers accordingly.
This Boho Chic Quilt from Karma Living would be great for campuses with milder weather.
For a luxe look try the Elizabeth Velvet Collection.
Get a completely unique look with these Dorm Duvet Covers from DENY Designs. Have your custom duvet made with an image from artists
Let’s hear it for the boys!
Guys- you can’t go wrong with this surf stripe duvet cover inspired by Guatemalan tapestries.
This Patchwork Quilt from PB Teen will go with anything and can be washed in the machine along with everything else.
Or, support your team even when you snooze with the Collegiate Bedding from Bed Bath and Beyond. If you’re a die hard fan you’ve got to see the Collegiate Roller Shades at Blinds.com too.
Throw it all together.
And finally- add the finishing touch to your bed with some fun throw pillows.
This one from Karma Living is prefect for the aspiring world traveler.
In the seam‘s canvas pillows printed with vintage subway tokens, cameras, and furry friends will make your friends chuckle when they walk in the door.
