As the summer starts winding down, it’s time to begin thinking about heading back to school. And this includes revamping your dorm – or, if you’re about to start your freshman year, designing your dorm.
The main feature of a standard dorm room is the bedding. Everyone has to have it, and it’s a way to introduce color, pattern, and personality into an otherwise cookie-cutter room.
1. Color Coordination
If you’re anything like me, you like it when things are cohesive. That’s why you may want to consult your roommate before purchasing bedding to pick a color scheme for your respective bedding. Now, you don’t want to get the same bedding or have things too matchy-matchy, but it’s nice when the room’s décor stays within the color family. Maybe you pick your mutual favorite color (pink or teal, perhaps) or maybe you opt for a basic neutral. My bedding, for instance, is a plain grey – my favorite neutral – which allows me to switch things up from year to year with a fun new throw blanket.
2. Size Matters
Not all beds are created equal! Although you may love the Anthropologie bedding you have at home, the same thing probably wouldn’t work in a dorm room. Most university beds are a not-so-standard size that require not simply Twin size bedding, but the elusive Twin XL size to accommodate extra lengthy students (Thanks, basketball players!). Because most places don’t cater strictly to college students, many stores don’t even carry this size. Some good places that do carry Twin XL? The Company Store and Pottery Barn Teen are good places to start.
3. Durable Décor
This may seem like a strange thing to consider, but your bed at school will have to stand up to a lot more wear and tear than your bed at home. Think about it: In your tiny dorm room, your bed is not only your bed, but also your couch, sometimes your desk, and, yes, occasionally your kitchen table. So, you want to pick bedding that will be able to go the distance. Here, again, color is important. If you’re coordinating with your roommate, as mentioned above, try to steer clear of white or pastel colors, as these will show dirt the easiest (and, sad but true, don’t think your friends won’t put their feet up on your bed!) Another tip? Avoid anything with delicate add-ons like ruffles or embellishments; these could easily tear or rip off entirely.
Have any more tips for picking the perfect dorm bedding? Let us know below!
