Are you in search of some great college apartment ideas that are not only super cute but will also be light on the pocket?
Don’t worry, I got you!
Moving out to off-campus apartment is the first step to adulting. It is fun, scary, and full of possibilities.
When I moved out to off-campus housing during college (and even my first apartment) I had so many ideas on how I would like to decorate my space. But one thing that I did not realize is how these things can add up in the long run.
In this post, I bring to you an extensive list of college girl apartment ideas with decor and furniture that is not only cute and will liven your space but is also pocket friendly. These college apartment ideas will make your new space feel like home. These college apartment ideas will make your new space feel like home.
I have also provided you with great visual inspiration for each idea to get your creative juices flowing.
This checklist is also available for download for free on the FREE RESOURCE LIBRARY!
1.
Liven your Living Room with a Salt Lamp
I have always loved the subtle glow and ambience that a salt lamp provides. It can easily calm your surroundings and is essential for your living space.
As you can see in the picture, this is how I have placed the salt lamp in my apartment.
I got mine from Stokes during Black Friday at a great price
Side tip:
Shop for the add-on items during the sale season or when there is lower stock. Also, be sure to check the Facebook marketplace for the items.
2.
Get a Comfy Sectional Sofa
A sofa is one of the most important items and probably where you will spend most of your time (apart from bed and desk). Aim to get a comfy sofa where you can sit for long hours.
A great idea for space saving would be to get a sectional sofa. It seats more people and makes it super easy for all sorts of TV lounging. Trust me, sectional sofas are the best! And you can get a miniature one just like mine (in the picture) if you have a small apartment.
Sofas can be expensive but go a long way. In your budget, if you want to splurge on something, a sofa should be it.
3.
Get a C-shaped Side Table
This is one item I use every day. A C-shaped side table goes perfectly with a sectional sofa. You can use it for studying, working, eating and so so so many things.
It easily slides over the arm of a chair, looks absolutely aesthetic in any space and is very versatile.
4.
Use a Round Coffee Table
I love the idea of having a round coffee table, especially a glass-top coffee table. This can instantly make a small college apartment look big by having the floor peak through from the bottom.
It also fits perfectly with a sectional sofa (again a great hack for a small space) which can otherwise fit awkwardly with other coffee tables.
5.
Use a Room Divider in your Studio Apartment
Small spaces can be decorated in a cute way if the furniture is selected properly. If you have a studio apartment, a great way of separating the living space from the bedroom is to get a room divider for your apartment.
6.
Make your Small Space Look Bigger with Floor Mirrors
Floor length mirrors can serve many purposes. Of course you will be able to see yourself in full, which makes it easy to check out your full outfits.
But secondly, they are also great at making small spaces look big. By showing reflections, floor length mirrors can give the illusion of extra space. If you put them opposite a window, they can reflect light livening up a space.
However, they can be pricy. I honestly had no clue how expensive floor length mirrors can be till I started searching for them myself. But I have another hack for your. Walmart usually sells them for low prices, of about 10$. You can get two of these and use them in conjunction!
I also got one from Facebook marketplace which was at a deal.
7.
Use a Wood Carton as a Side Table
I first saw this on Pinterest and honestly, it was the cutest thing ever. You can get wooden cartons from a local store or a nearby grocery store.
Stack them on one another to get a cute little side table. Just make sure to sand the corners a bit to not have any rough edges.
8.
Use a Bar Cart as a Coffee Station
I honestly love this idea. Firstly, the idea of having a coffee station at your new apartment is great. I suggest you put together a list of items for your coffee bar such as
- coffee maker
- a french press
- coffee pods
- cute little cups
- sugar
- creamer
If you don’t have enough space on your kitchen counter, get a compact bar cart. You can get this from amazon or preloved from Facebook marketplace.
Then utilize the countertop to keep your coffee machine, french press, pods, sugar and creamer. Use the bottle areas to put up your cups. You can also put up some cute signage or books to enhance the aesthetics.
9.
Make your Living Space Cozy with Throw Pillows
Throw pillows can make any living space cozy. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are great whether added to the bedroom or living room.
I personally love the fuzzy covers of decorative pillows and something that matches the vibe of my space. You can also get covers with different patterns which might have an extra cost. But it is a one time purchase which you can probably use for a long time.
Pro tip:
You should get a standard size pillow and get different covers to match them to the ambience of the season.
10.
Align your Space with an Area Rug
Area rugs can easily bring together a living space. I usually refer to area rugs as the base of a living space. They can anchor furniture all furniture together giving a visual of a decluttered space.
They can also provide insulation as they trap warmth, reduce noise in an apartment and protect floors.
And the best of all, they look SUPER CUTE!!
11.
Create a Mood Board
With a mood board, you can decide on the aesthetics of your apartment and keep on track with what you aspire to create. You should be selecting the theme and color scheme in this process.
You can also use a wire grid to create your own mood board or make it online on Canva.
You can also have a seasonal mood board with how you would like to change up the apartment during Christmas or thanksgiving.
12.
College Bedroom
When talking about the living area and kitchen, let’s not forget the bedroom. Through this post you can find the best college apartment bedroom ideas. Let’s start off with selecting the bed first
There are so many options to select from:
- wodden bed frame
- leather bed frame
- clothed bed frame
- plastic bed frame
I personally love the aesthetics of leather bed frames and wodden. The one I currently have is a dark brown leather bed frame from Amazon and its sturdy and comfortable. It is also super easy to dust and looks really polished.
The bed makes the whole aesthetic of the room and everything else connects to it. Make sure to decide on a theme before getting a bed 🙂
13.
DIY the Wall Decor
Another great idea to decorate the walls is to create your own DIY projects. I got canvas and paint from the dollar store (making it insanely cheap) and created my own paintings for the apartment.
These are some paintings I made which you can use as inspiration.
14.
Use Shelved Lamps as a Floor Lamp
This is a great idea for space saving! I use my shelved lamp next to my bed which serves two purposes
- Side table
- Floor light
It looks cute and aesthetic and you can use any colour of light you want.
Pro tip:
Try using a smart light so you can switch it on or off from your phone.
15.
Brighten Space with String Lights
Fairy lights are a great way to make any living area feel magical. They provide the right kind of brightness, not too low not too bright.
Here are some great ideas on how you can use string lights:
- You can use them as a backdrop to your sofa and hang frames over it.
- During winter, you can hang the wire-thin sting light curtain over your window to get into the festive mood
- Hang lights on the ceiling and outline the room, this will give a warm ambience to your apartment
16.
Turn an Empty into a Gallery Wall - Photo Collage
For your first apartment, you need to definitely consider creating a gallery wall. This can be a photo collage of all your favorite memories, your family, friends, your first date, whatever you love!
I have created this on my fridge using fridge magnets and photos from my instax mini. I love this little corner of my apartment and brings me joy whenever I look at it.
So I suggest you curate a wall similarly 🙂
17.
Use your Favorite Candles for your Living Space
You can use different shapes and sizes of candles to illuminate your living space. There are so many options to chose from. They can be bubble shaped candles, or can have the fragrance of your favorite festive season.
I also suggest getting a candle warmer incase you don’t want to light them up.
And if you don’t like lighting candles they can also simply be used as decor.
18.
Use Ottomans as Extra Seating
Get some pouffes or ottomans for your living space. They not only provide extra seating but can also be used as storage if you pick the right kind.
They also serve as extra foot rest if you don’t go for a sectional sofa. Plus, they can make any living space look cute.
19.
Put up Eucalyptus on Shower Head
Get a bouquet of eucalyptus leaves to add a bit of greenery and fragrance to your washroom.
They give that girl vibes, look aesthetically pleasing and last a long time. Here is some inspiration for your bathroom. I also asked them to add lavender to mine.
20.
Use Stackable Shelves for Kitchen Utensils
This is the best way you can use all the space in your kitchen cupboards. All you need are some cheap shelves from the Dollar Store that you can stack on one another and store your glasses, cups, bowls etc.
Pro tip:
use lid organizers as plate organizers as it makes it easier to take them out and put them back without creating a mess.
21.
Decorate your Front Door
It is always welcoming to see something pretty when you walk inside your house. You can use different types of wreath, or garlands to decorate your front door.
Make sure to get a welcome floor mat, for the front door. Select a theme with the help of your mood board and give it a go!
22.
Use Under the Bed Storage
This is a great space saving trick. If you have selected a bed that has space underneath, you can get some under the bed covers at the dollar store or Amazon and store items that you don’t use much there.
I use this trick for storing my medicines and my bedsheets and bedding.
23.
Get Different Types of Pillow Cover
For your bed, make sure to have a couple of pillow covers you can circulate between. They can match your other bedding or just get the ones which can match the aesthetics of your room.
24.
Change the Theme with Duvet Cover
Same as pillows make sure to get a few duvet covers.
Now I know they can be a bit expensive, but getting the correct pieces can run a long way without losing their feel.
Be sure to get the ones which have a good thread count which should be over 250 (I know, such adult stuff).
25.
Get Breakfast Bar Chairs
You don’t need to splurge on these, but they are a must have. If you have a kitchen island or a breakfast bar, you should get bar chairs that match your aesthetic.
You can use this space as a dining area, or even a place to hang out when friends are over. You can get them for really low prices on Facebook marketplace.
26.
Match your Shower Curtains to your Bathroom Rugs
You can really bring out the bathroom by getting the right kind of bathroom rugs and shower curtains.
Firstly, select the aesthetics of the washroom you wish to apply. Then get bathroom rugs, towels and shower curtains that match the aesthetics.
27.
Use Art Prints in the Bathroom for Decor
You can also create DIY art for your washroom. But be sure to use acrylics or the correct vanish otherwise the paint can run. I got some cute ideas from Pinterest and recreated them.
You can also use plants (real or artificial) to add a pop of color to your washroom.
28.
Create a Separate Desk Area in your Living Space
As a college student your desk is one of the most important locations in your apartment. It is going to be one of the areas where you will be spending quite a lot of time. So you need to pay extra care when selecting items for your desk area.
If this is your first college apartment, you likely already don’t have a desk or chair at hand. Do you need storage space, or a large desk to keep two screens? Make sure all your answers are questioned when selecting a table.
Same for selecting a chair. I know how difficult it is to find a comfy yet aesthetic chair. But don’t give up comfort for aesthetics!
29.
Adopt a Green Thumb - Use Plants to Add Color to your Space
Plants are a great way to add a pop of color to any living space. Be it your bedroom, kitchen, drawing room, washroom or desk area, plants are a symbol of life can can add feelings of calmness and prosperity.
A great idea would be to get plants that you could propagate, such as a money plant. It is easy to maintain, looks super adorable, and can easily be propagated if cut correctly.
This way you get to add greenery with no money spent at all.
30.
Use Cute Decor in your Living Room
Once you have set up your living space, use some of these cute college apartment bedroom ideas to bring it together:
- Light box to have your favorite message
- Flower pot with your favorite seasonal flowers
- Placement mats to be used on coffee table
- Letter lights
31.
Stack your Favorite Books on the TV Shelf
Use the TV shelf as your bookshelf to place all your favorite book. This will make your apartment feel more like you.
32.
Get a Glass Top Night Stand
Glass top night stands just like a glass top coffee table are great for your apartment. It can give the apartment a fresh yet contemporary look.
Ikea has a great selection of cheap and great glass top night stands to select from.
33.
Use Baskets for Apartment Kitchen Decor
Use shallow woven wooden baskets or trays to organize smaller items on the kitchen counter top and drawers. Using trays and wooden baskets is ideal for making items look tidy and put together while looking good.
I use it to put my cooking oil, some plants and fruits.
34.
Use Neon Lights Behind the TV for Added Vibes
I honestly love this! In a dark room, led neon lights behind the TV act as a backdrop can uplift the vibe of any room. It can not only improve image quality but also reduce eye strain and glare.
You can set it to different colors based on the theme you have set for your apartment. You can use this image from my apartment for inspiration.
35.
Use a Transforming Small Dining Table
Transforming tables are a great college apartment idea. These tables are great space-saving furniture that can transform into a dining table and a small console table in a matter of minutes.
If you don’t have an island, and lack space, getting a transforming dining table is the way to go!
36.
Get a Record Player
Record players and vinyl can add color to any room. They give a vintage yet contemporary look and of course you always will have a conversation stater whenever you have anyone over.
37.
Use Wall Mirrors in the Living Area
Small hanging mirrors same as a full length mirrors can brighten up a place and give an illusion of having a larger area.
They are also much more affordable as compared to full length mirrors.
38.
Add an Egg Chair for Unique Seating
Egg shaped chairs come in a variety of options. You have the ceiling hanging chairs, on the floor chairs and a double seated ones.
It is not only great option for the patio but also a unique idea for your living space.
39.
Decorate your Laundry Room / Laundry Shelf
Let’s not forget the laundry room (if you have one). You can have a station for your laundry detergents, clean clothes and dirty clothes station.
If you don’t have a laundry room, like me you can have a dedicated laundry shelf within your cupboard in the washroom. I keep my laundry detergent, dryer sheet and softener in one place. That makes it easily accessible.
40.
Use Organizers for Toiletry Storage
For organizing your washroom drawers, get cheap shallow baskets where all the items can go in one place rather than being scattered all around.
I also like to use stackable shelves here where I keep dryer sheets on the bottom and detergent on the top.
41.
Use Storage Baskets to Collect your Stuff
Using storage baskets around your house is the perfect way to keep the place neat and tidy and away from being cluttered. You can smartly place baskets around the apartment and keep stuff in it that likely does not have a dedicated drawer.
For instance, I use a basket next to my sofa to keep a few handy items such as my charger wires, extension cords, extra cables and top it off with a throw blanket.
It makes it easy for me to get any of these things when I am just on the sofa and need to find a charger quickly (we have all been there).
42.
Use a Cute Key Holder
Having a key holder is an easy way to keep your keys in one place. It need not be a piece that you hang on the wall. I simply use a bowl where I keep all my keys on the counter. It is also the easiest way to keep your space uncluttered.
Having a dedicated space also trains your muscle memory to not forget your keys each time you leave the house. Trust me, I have had to break multiple locks because of this issue!
43.
Use Throw Blankets to Make your Living Space Cute
Throw blankets can make a space cosy. They are light and easy to carry making them super easy to use no matter where you are in the apartment.
Best of all they look super cute when place correctly on a sofa or bed.
44.
Cute Ladder Storage
To make the best of the space you have especially in tiny bathrooms, ladder storage can be great to place toiletries. You can also add plants to it to add a super cute look.
Ladder storage can also be used in the living space to store throw blankets or hanging planters.
45.
Get a Bath Tray for Soothing Baths
Bubble baths are relaxing and can be soothing. With a bath tray, you get extra space to keep soaps, put a tablet or an iPad to watch movies or even read a book.
Plus they look great!
46.
Optimize Cabinet Storage with Hanging Shelves
You can also get some organizers where you can store your hair dryer, straightener and curlers.
You can also use it to store nail poilsh (like me) by hanging on the inner door of your cupboard. These use space that otherwise you would have not used.
47.
Use wall Hanging Grid Over the Desk
Instead of using cork boards with pins, try using wire grids with small clips to put up papers or any item you would like to look at.
You can also use it as a place to display a photo collage.
Bonus tip:
wrap a wire string lights around it to give it an extra cuteness oomph.
48.
Reuse Glass Jars
So many sauces, ingredients and pastes come in glass jars. Instead of throwing them out, try to reuse them as vases, jars or even to propagate your plants.
I have also used glass bottles to propagate my money plant and really bring out the place, especially on kitchen countertops.
49.
Accent Wall with Peelable Wallpaper
If you wish to change the color of your walls to match your color scheme or theme of the house, use peelable wallpapers instead of paint. They are easy to set up and can as easily be removed when moving away.
50.
Use a TV Stand instead of Hanging your TV
I love the idea of having a TV rack instead of hanging TV on the wall. Especially if you have a rental apartment it can save you a lot of time when you will be leaving the apartment.
You can get a TV shelf to match the flooring or contrast it.
51.
Use Floating Shelves
Floating shelves can really bring out a wall, plus it gives you space to put up your art or plants.
You can make your own designs of how you would like to place the shelves on the walls. They are space saving and can be super easy to install.
You can also opt for adhesive shelves which can be easy to remove. This is also a great dorm room idea for all college students. Sometimes dorms don’t allow holes in the walls. You can get adhesive tape from a local store or Amazon for the same.
I hope you got some great ideas from this post, make sure to comment down below on what you loved and what all you are going to use. Don’t forget to subscribe to get this checklist and soo many more helpful items for college all fro free at your mailbox.
You should also check out my post on planning your college year semester by semester such that you don’t miss out on college when curating your perfect first apartment.
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