1. Use a room divider
Because your student room serves so many different purposes, it can help to separate the space a little. Creating small zones makes your room feel calmer and more organised. For example, you could use a room divider or curtains to separate your bed from your desk. A cube shelving unit is perfect too, as it even gives you some extra storage space. Just make sure you don’t overfill it. By placing a few nice accessories, plants or lights on the shelves, your room will look cosy and put-together at the same time.
2. Store things under your bed
You can fit a surprising amount of stuff under your bed! So, opt for a bed with drawers or a bed on legs, and get some cheap storage boxes at the Action or a hardware store that you can easily slide underneath. Perfect for seasonal clothing, your shoe collection or bed linen, for example. Moreover, large, awkward items such as a drying rack or folding chair fit perfectly under your bed, too.
3. Make use of empty space
Awkward corners in your room often end up unused, and that’s a waste. Empty corners are actually perfect spots to place a laundry basket, storage basket or side table, for example. Or even better: go for a wire basket side table where you can store your blankets as well. An empty corner next to or under your sink is a great place for a bathroom cabinet to store your towels and toiletries. This way, you use all available space without making your room feel cluttered.
4. Choose multifunctional furniture
If you have limited space, multifunctional furniture can be a lifesaver. You probably don’t have room for both a table and a desk, but fortunately, you don’t have to choose! Go for a table or desk that is suitable for both eating and studying (that is: make sure your desk chair fits underneath). Drawers are useful for storing notebooks or coasters. Or go for a fold-out table, which is also great for saving space.
A sofa bed, pouffe with a storage unit, or stool that doubles as a side table are all examples of how to make clever use of your furniture. Are you really short on space? Then consider a loft bed, so you still have room for a desk and/or a seating area underneath.
5. Make your room look bigger
You may not be able to increase the size of your room, but you can make it look bigger with a few clever tricks. For example, a mirror on the wall or on your closet door will make your room look more spacious. Light-coloured walls, furniture and accessories really make a difference too! Also, make sure to get the most out of the natural light by choosing light curtains and avoiding large furniture in front of your window. Several smaller lamps, rather than one large, bright lamp, create a cosy atmosphere. And, of course, keeping your room tidy makes it feel more spacious and organised as well. 😉
6. Place your desk by the window
Speaking of daylight, the most important thing is to have plenty of it at your desk (if you ask me). After all, staring at your walls isn’t exactly motivating. You can place your desk right up against the window, though in summer, you may sometimes need to close your curtains because of the bright sunlight. Sheer curtains are perfect in that case. Alternatively, you could position your desk perpendicular to the window. That way, you can still benefit from daylight without looking directly into the sun or having glare on your screen.
7. Use your walls
When your floor starts to fill up, it’s time to work upwards. If you have high ceilings, opt for tall cupboards to make the most of the space. Or get some wall racks or shelves to display glasses, books, plants or other nice accessories that are worth showing off. If you have limited space around your bed, a wall shelf works well as a bedside table substitute, too. Got some wall space left? Add a photo string or fairy lights to make your room even more cosy.
8. Create hidden storage space
You can probably use your wardrobe more efficiently than you do now. For example, hang a (shoe)organiser on the inside of your closet door for your shoes or other items that would otherwise be left lying around your room. Hooks on the side or inside of your wardrobe are perfect for coats, bathrobes or bags. Finally, use storage boxes and baskets to neatly store clothes like underwear and socks. This way, you create extra space without everything being out in the open.
