9 Ways to Make a Tiny Dorm Room Feel Bigger
These creative solutions will make those tight quarters seem downright spacious.
At just over 200 square feet, the average dorm room is, well, small — especially when the space has to be shared with another person. But small doesn’t have to be limiting. With a little creativity and the right products from IKEA, it’s easy to stretch that square footage and still have money leftover to donate to your teen's pizza fund.
Strategically place mirrors.
YPPERLIG Mirror
$14.99
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It's the oldest trick in the book: Mirrors reflect light, which convinces the eye that there’s more space. For maximum effect, place mirrors opposite any windows in the room. This fun, colorful number also features a shelf to hold keys, sunglasses, and other small accessories.
Use all the wall space.
SKÅDIS Pegboard Combination
$34.99
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You can add shelves, cups, or hooks to this handy adjustable pegboard to keep any and all study supplies neatly contained above your the desk.
Hang small accessories, too.
KNALLBAGE Hanging Organizer
$5.99
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When you’re cramming enough belongings for two semesters into a tiny room, it’s vital to use whatever surface area you have at your disposal. A hanging organizer will help maximize every inch without making the room look too crowded. This one can be hung on the wall or on the back of a door, or draped over the arm of a bed or couch.
And don't forget about your shoes.
SKUBB Hanging Shoe Organizer
$4.99
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How will you fit an entire wardrobe into a small closet when your kid's much-larger closet at home is already overflowing? Start by getting those clunky shoes out of the way. This organizer can be hung behind the door to make use of normally wasted space. The pockets on this shoe organizer can also be used for belts and scarves.
Get creative with a cart.
RASKOG Utility Cart
$24.99
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A tiered system corrals a whole host of belongings into one tiny area. A cart takes the function a step further, since it’s easier to move around the room as needed. Let this utility cart serve as a makeshift pantry next to the mini fridge/microwave combo.
Store stuff under the bed.
SKUBB Storage Case
$4.99
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Below the bed is the perfect spot to hide bulky items like sweaters and jeans. These zippered canvas storage cases keep everything orderly, plus they keep dust out.
Invest in a side table with storage.
KVISTBRO Storage Table
$59.99
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Most dorm rooms don’t leave much extra space for additional furniture, but you may be able to justify this piece. The table provides a place to eat, but more importantly, it fences in extra blankets, pillows and last semester's books.
Hide things in plain sight.
ALGOT Stackable Shelves
$48.99
The drawers make it easy to stash remotes or those utensils that your teen, err, definitely didn't take from the dining hall while the top of this moving shelving unit is the perfect place to put a framed family pic.
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