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October 10th, 2005

Although residence hall dorm rooms on college campuses have improved greatly over the years in quality, the most common complaint (aside from having a weird roommate) is that there simply isn’t enough space to go around. The good news is there are ways of utilizing a crammed area that make it seem like you have more space. Here, we will explore some options you have to achieve a more spacious-looking dorm room.

The first step is to adopt a minimalist perspective. Store everything that you do not absolutely need at your parents’ place back home. You don’t need 20 changes of clothing, your shot glass collection or cardboard cutouts of your favorite celebrities. Also, consider sharing certain items that both you and your roommate will use, such as blow dryers, mini-fridges and televisions — even clothing, if you’re both the same size.

The second step is to get on board with your roommate for a unified theme. Remember: balance helps create the illusion of space. Nothing makes a room feel more crammed than having one wall covered in heavy metal posters and the other scattered with loose photos of friends. Speaking of wall art, too many unframed posters and photos make a room feel cluttered. Choose one to three of your favorites and frame them simply in the same frame style. This looks cleaner and classier, even if it’s just a Fight Club poster. The same is true for photos. Better to have a few of your favorites in small, individual frames than to have them scattered on your wall or on a tacky, space-wasting corkboard.

Instead of wasting your wall space with too many posters, use it for practical purposes, such as storage. Install hooks to hang items like backpacks, toiletry bags, keys and jewelry, and install wall-shelving for books and other items to create more floor and surface space. Under-the-bed storage is useful for stowing things that you don’t need every day, and shoe storage is an absolute must for those with more than four pairs of shoes. You may even consider adding a large mirror to your most visible wall, as they can also create the illusion of space (and provide an extra area to get dressed if your roommate is hogging the bathroom mirror).

Finally, consider propping your bed up with cinder blocks to create more storage space for items you don’t use every day. Some beds are also capable of stacking into bunk beds, which can open up a whole side of your room for a small sitting area. With cooperation from your roommate, you can make your dorm into a place you can breathe easy instead of feeling claustrophobic.

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