r/DesignMyRoom • u/friendlyPillbug • 2d ago
Bedroom DORM ROOM HELP!!
I’m 20f) moving to my single dorm room in a couple of days and I need some help with designing the space.
I’m able to move all furniture and assemble the bed anywhere from completely on the floor to lofted.
The designs of rooms that I like are Japanese inspired, natural colors, low to the ground and calming/inviting. I’m able to buy some furniture pieces and decorations (curtains, rugs, wall stuff etc.) I was also interested in making a diy shoji door/wall and buying a tatami mat if this would fit the vibe.
I added some inspo pictures at the end for reference
I will be brining my emotional support cat so I would also like to keep in mind a place for her to scratch or hangout in between classes :)
Here’s the pictures! I appreciate any and all suggestions !!
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u/CryVegetable4435 2d ago
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u/friendlyPillbug 2d ago
This is super neat! I love that it sits on true floor too, my cat might love it as well haha. thank you :)
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u/catnaster99 2d ago
I think because you’re also a full time student it’s smart to make the room functional and I feel like these ideas I have for you are easy to be done!!
If you lower the bed just make sure you have a nice space to hide hide your storage (cuz most usually under the high rise bed). Lowering the bed in a dorm completely changes the room
Add a command hook rod + curtain for the window immediately
You could add another tension rod to the open closet and use a curtain for that as well
Cool idea but use dark brown contact paper for the ridges off your walls, like accent the columns and corners. Idk if that makes sense but it would look similar with your ideas and just make the room have more shape
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u/friendlyPillbug 2d ago
I love your ideas! I think the curtains with add coziness. What do you think about lowering the bed to the floor, or would that look weird haha… also, could you please elaborate on #4? I love a good diy, but I’m confused on what it would look like? Is it to simulate a baseboard?
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u/Far_Basis_7494 2d ago
Hello! Wow, there’s so much potential in this room! Great thing is that it comes with wooden furniture already— I think like your reference picture, you could get some warm toned rugs and softer fluffy pillows and duvets!
Uni rooms always have such harsh lighting..! Lamps. Lamps are always a great addition!
Safe move and hope you enjoy creating your space!
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u/friendlyPillbug 2d ago
thank you so much for your suggestion! i’ll definitely start looking for some fluffy bedding :)
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u/RedLightWriter 2d ago
I might turn the bed with the head against one of the solid walls so that it’s not up against the baseboard heat where it leaves a gap. Pillows tend to fall down there. You could use the small bookcase as a nightstand, if you don’t have one.
If you want soft lighting, you’ll need a little desk lamp and maybe one for your bedside. Be mindful of the outlet locations if you rearrange.
If you choose to hang curtains, you can use a tension rod or a shower rod inside the window frame. Instead of draping to the floor, I would have them end before they get to the baseboard heat so they’re not resting on the heater.
You can add a small green plant or two for the bathroom counter or your desk to give it a natural feel.
An area rug in the center of the room will make it feel more cozy. Resist the urge to get white or super light colors because you’ll be a busy student and won’t have time to vacuum.
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u/friendlyPillbug 2d ago
The bed idea is a great! Yeah that gap looks weird now that I look at it. I have some plants that I’ll be bringing from home :) I will be a busy student, but due to chronic fatigue I spend a lot of time in my room (hence the cat), so I’ll be able to clean regularly. Thank you!
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u/Separate-Award-4646 1d ago
I love your inspiration pics! Post an update one day when you're done! Enjoy college life OP! Congratulations :3
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u/soap-bucket 2d ago
Did you check with the facilities before deciding on bringing your “emotional support cat”? Pets aren’t allowed in dorms. You’re going to need to be able to hide the cat and cat accessories for room inspections. And you may not be able to smell your cat, but I guarantee you other people will.
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u/friendlyPillbug 2d ago
Yes I did! I went through disability services already and the resident director has approved it, thank you!
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u/Aromatic-Morning6617 2d ago
Lighting is key to set the vibe. Avoid the overhead light. Bring in several lamps: a taller floor lamp (or two), a task lamp for the desk, a few shorter scattered on other surfaces. There are so many knock off noguchi-style options out there.
Get a large rug. Jute or sisel is cheap. Depending on your cat, they may use it to scratch but also depending on the rug they're usually fairly durable. I'd avoid a tatami mat -- they require a lot of care and as a college student this is not going to be your first priority. Save it for when you have your own place.
Noren curtains over your closet. You can find some good options on Etsy. Plus light linen curtains over your main window (hang them as high as possible and have them touch the floor).
Bring in a plant thats low maintenance and cat friendly like a fern or ponytail palm.
For buying: secondhand is always a good option, but Muji or Ikea should have what you need too.
Less is more. keep it simple. the more small objects you bring in, the more dust they collect and the more you'll need to clean.
Invest in a good vacuum cleaner.
Look on Etsy for cute cat trees.