Are you looking for ideas to decorate your student room, save space in a small apartment, or simply make your room more functional and pleasant to live in? Whether you live in a university residence or a shared apartment, it is entirely possible to transform a small room into a space that is both practical and cozy.
Here are our best tips for optimizing the space in your student room and personalizing your living space without breaking your budget.
Optimize space: every inch counts
When you live in a small student apartment, every square foot must be used to its full potential. To achieve this, you need to choose the right furniture and rethink the layout to maximize space without compromising on comfort.
Choose multifunctional furniture
Opt for a futon rather than a traditional bed. This type of furniture is practical, affordable, and serves 2 purposes: bed at night, sofa during the day. Perfect for hosting friends without cluttering up the room!
Consider retractable furniture
Folding wall tables or retractable desks are ideal for small spaces. They allow you to set up a temporary work surface and fold it away when you no longer need it. Even better, some models even include wall storage.
Go for vertical storage
In a small living space, walls become your best allies in avoiding clutter. Install wall hooks, floating shelves, or open shelving to free up your work surfaces and declutter the floor.
Setting up your space for better living (and studying)
Setting up a student residence is not just about placing a bed and a desk. A well-structured space will help you concentrate better, relax, and maintain a pleasant living environment throughout the semester.
Place your desk near a window
To study effectively, it is recommended that you place your desk near a source of natural light. This reduces eye strain, prevents glare on your screen, and creates a more stimulating environment conducive to (long) work sessions.
Use furniture as a space divider
Even if your room is only a few square meters, you can create separate areas, such as a sleeping area, a study area, or a relaxation area. For example, a vertical storage unit or bookcase can be used to visually divide the room without partitioning it.
Use multiple light sources
Combine different light sources to create a warm and modular atmosphere. This allows you to adapt the lighting to your needs depending on the time of day and activity. A desk lamp for studying, a bedside lamp for reading, fairy lights for relaxing… the possibilities are endless!
Decorate to suit your style (even if you’re renting)
Even if your student room is temporary accommodation, that doesn’t mean it has to be impersonal. Even if you’re renting, you can decorate to suit your taste: you just need to be creative.
Go for light, neutral colors
Subtle shades like white, light gray, beige, or pastel colours make the room feel bigger and let you add a personal touch without overloading the space.
Create a harmonious colour palette
In a small bedroom, visual consistency is essential. Choose complementary shades for your decorative accessories (bedding, cushions, rugs, curtains) and make sure they go well with the colour of the paint on your walls.
Define areas with colour
Did you know that you can use paint to structure the space? For example, painting a section of the wall behind your desk in a different shade helps define a separate work area without cluttering the space with new furniture.
Recommended products: Which paint should you choose for your student room?
For those on a budget: Benjamin Moore’s Ben interior paint
- Easy to apply, even for beginners
- Durable finish that is easy to wash
- Use with Benjamin Moore’s Fresh Start primer
For tight deadlines: Benjamin Moore Aura interior paint
- All-in-one paint and primer
- Exceptional coverage (often, one coat is enough!)
- Perfect for a quick painting project before the start of the school year
Design a student room that reflects your personality
With a few simple adjustments and some careful planning, it is entirely possible to transform a student room into a pleasant living space that reflects your personality. Well-chosen furniture, a functional layout, and a touch of Benjamin Moore colour can make all the difference.
At Décoration Le Corbusier, we help you choose the right products and the best paint colours for your space. We distribute Benjamin Moore products in our four stores on Montreal’s North Shore.
Come see us in Boisbriand, Laval, Saint-Eustache, or Mirabel to discover our complete selection of Benjamin Moore paints. Our advisors are here to help you bring your project to life!
FAQ (frequently asked questions)
What paint should I use for a student dorm room?
Benjamin Moore’s ben® paint is ideal for student dorm rooms. It’s easy to apply, durable, and above all, affordable. If you’re in a hurry, Benjamin Moore’s Aura® paint combines paint and primer, making it an excellent choice.
Can you repaint a rented room?
Most leases allow you to paint the walls as long as you repaint them white before moving out. Benjamin Moore products make this easy with optimal coverage and easy application.
How do you choose the right colour for a small bedroom?
Opt for light colours such as white, beige, or pale gray. These shades reflect light and make the room feel larger. You can then add pops of colour with accessories or paint a single wall to define an area.
How do you furnish a student bedroom?
Furnishing a student bedroom is all about good space management. Opt for multifunctional furniture (such as a futon or a foldaway table) and make use of the space on the walls with shelves or hooks. You can also use colour zoning to define spaces without partitioning them off.