When it came to outfitting her college dorm, Jenny Luehring knew she had to be practical. But she also wanted it to have personality.
Early on, Luehring and her roommate hammered out a smart, budget-friendly plan for their dorm-room decor at the University of Georgia.
The incoming freshmen decided who would buy what – from the microwave to the mini-fridge. Then they focused on the fun stuff.
The girls agreed to coordinate colors. They bought white comforters and bright-colored sheets in pink and turquoise. For more color, Luehring made curtains. To create extra living space, the roommates decided to loft their single beds and add a futon for seating.
For Luehring, the summer project was more play than work.
“I loved planning and shopping for my dorm room,” said Luehring, a 2010 graduate of Dunwoody High School. “I think the details will make a difference.”
This fall, college students and their families will spend about $616 on new clothes, furniture, supplies and electronics, according to a 2010 survey by the National Retail Federation, a trade group. Students and their families spent only slightly more ($618) last year.
With the explosion of colorful products and stores targeting college students, it is easier than ever to find fashionable and affordable furnishings and accessories for today’s dorm.
Cool it
For anytime snacks, cold drinks and leftover Chinese food, a mini-fridge is a must-have accessory. Go beyond boring black and white with Black & Decker’s NuCool 1.7 cubic-foot compact fridge. The colorful refrigerators come in pink, black, orange, royal blue and red. Available for $58 at Walmart stores.
P.S. Another good choice is the Emerson refrigerator with the dry-erase door. The 2.8 cubic-foot fridge comes in hot pink and black. It is available for $89 at Target.
Rack ‘em up
Make the most of your limited space by using the bungee over-door towel rack by Umbra. It offers extra space for hanging towels or other items, like bathing suits and gym clothes. The rack features three adjustable towel rods. Available for $19.99 at The Container Store’s two Atlanta locations.
Wash-day help
Whether you bring your dirty laundry home or do it yourself, this backpack-style bag will help get the job done. It features wide shoulder straps, a drawstring closure on top and a zippered side pocket for your detergent. The Vivid Vines polyester and cotton bags are available in four colors: dark coffee, pink, pool and black. Available for $29 at www.pbteen.com.
Shower off
For trips to the shower, keep your toiletries organized in a tote, basket or caddy. Many totes feature drain holes to allow water to escape and come in a variety of colors, styles and sizes. The flexible shower tote is 12 inches by seven inches wide by nine inches high. Available for $9.99 from The Container Store.
The write stuff
One of the quickest ways to get to know people on your hall is to check out the photos and decorations posted on their doors. If you want your new campus friends to leave you a message, give them something to work with. The oversized, peel-and-stick message board decal is a fun choice. Easily removable, the message board is 25 inches wide by 39 inches high. Dry-erase pens are not included. Available for $49 at www.pbteen.com.
Don’t leave home without…
On the advice of friends and dorm dwellers, Jenny Luehring suggested these often-forgotten, but needed items:
- Several packages of large, white 3M Command hooks
- Power strip and extension cords
- Full-length mirror
- Egg carton foam pad for bed
- Extra dry-erase pens for message boards
- Bowls, plates, drink ware and utensils for two
Dorm decor 101
Clueless about how to organize your dorm space? For help, stop by The Container Store’s two Atlanta locations at 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays in August and through Sept. 6. The free demonstrations will show you how to maximize and organize your dorm or apartment space. A $25 gift card will be given away at each demonstration.
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