floor cushions

round up

With the low-to-the-ground beds typical of many college dorms, social seating often extends to the floor. Though rugs can be cushion enough, for some extra comfort, floor pillows can be a perfect solution. Floor pillows are somewhat pricey to begin with, but I've searched for the best designs and most modest prices.

Sam D's boutique single

dorm tour

Name: Sam DeAndrade
Location: Brown University, New Dorm
Type of room: Single

Sam D, an interior design enthusiast herself, designed a chic boutique vibe for her single this year. Homey touches like a framed mirror and an upholstered chair make us forget that we are looking at a college dorm.

keeping a clean and stink-free microwave

With midterms, papers, and sleep withdrawals, most of us forget to make our beds. But if the idea of a clean microwave appeals to you, here are some options!

no-installation curtain rods

Dressing a window with curtains is a great and inexpensive way to make a dorm room feel less common and standard. And a pop of color could break up the white-ish tan expanse of the walls we know all too well. But there's the question of how to hang them.

cheaper alternative to fancy glassware

I have to admit, this set of glassware came as a gift. But I had seen comparable (expensive) Bodum glasses, and I was surprised to get such a present.

They look so chic, and (as I later discovered) are a fraction of a cost of Bodum glasses. They're also double-walled, which means they are perfect for drinking really cold or really hot drinks. You can see the Bodum glasses after the jump.

Serious-ly Whimsical Cottage Dorm

dorm tour
Name: Daniel Carvalho
Location: Yale University, Davenport College
Type of room: Single in the Cottage Suite

A weekend adventure to Yale brought us to this wonderfully happy dorm room. Daniel mixes intellectual pursuits with a few furry friends... and no we're not talking about the rest of the Cottage boys...