Living in small spaces like dorm rooms or apartments forces us to downsize. When dealing with these living quarters, it’s best to choose things that take up less space. However, downsizing your furniture and essentials doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. Instead, try the cool, modern flair of minimalism for a look that doesn’t cramp your style—or your space. A quick trip to your local furniture store will help you get stocked up.
1. Seek Out Functional Furniture
You may be short on space, but you still need living furniture like couches and tables. If you can find furniture that serves multiple roles, you can conserve space while having sufficient options for guests. For example, trunks can act as a coffee table, a seat, and storage. Likewise, a pullout sofa or futon can be seating when needed or a bed for guests.
With functional furniture, keep quality in mind, and don’t be afraid to invest in higher-end pieces. This goes double for styles; classic designs probably have more staying power than something a little trendier. Remember: these pieces are going to dominate your space, so make sure they represent a style you’ll like for the long-term.
2. Minimize the Color Scheme
Bold, flashy colors can be eye-catching. Unfortunately, they often clash with other décor. To avoid potential color-matching issues, try to find neutral colors or earth tones that can pair with nearly any color scheme.
Muted college bedding in white and gray dots is easy minimalist
This is particularly important with your linens. Bedding, especially in dorm rooms or studio apartments, sets the tone for the rest of your space. Choose something simple: whites, grays, browns, greens, and blues usually work best. Coordinate these with accent colors for the rest of your space—towels, desk supplies, area rugs, etc., match whatever linen colors you choose.
3. Get Down to the Essentials
If you really want to maximize your space, you have to de-clutter your life and focus only on what you need. First, get rid of all the waste—old coupons, magazines, broken picture frames, etc. Next, determine what you actually need. Trying going around your dorm room or apartment with a box, finding anything you’ve accumulated that has no purpose or sentimental value. If you can live without it, it’s probably time to throw it away or donate it.
Lastly, find anything items which with your new color scheme. Old pillows, blankets, or other things that don’t fit in should be discarded. Remember, you’re going minimalist; don’t be afraid to shed anything that can’t be easily stowed away.
4. Decorate with Minimalism in Mind
Just because you’re going minimalist doesn’t mean you can’t have cool, stylish items to express your personality. It simply means you have to be more deliberate about what you bring into your space. Carefully selecting lamps, desk supplies, and even wall décor can transform your minimalist room into a cozy, comfortable living space.
Find wall art with an open concept image
If you are a fan of earthy, natural tones, trying decorating with nature in mind—a painting of a forest or a potted plant can really open up your space. If nature is not your thing, think about what makes your life special. Framed photos of friends, sentimental objects from vacations, or important personal documents like diplomas can show off who you are without cluttering up your living space.
Embracing Minimalism
Minimalism is not just about simple designs or muted colors; it’s about embracing a life with less junk and more room. For those who live in small spaces like dorm rooms or studio apartments, minimalism can help you de-clutter your life and make your space cleaner and more functional. With a few simple steps, you can adapt minimalism to your own lifestyle, helping create a personal décor that’s more efficient and functional—but is more importantly still you.
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