Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
Back-to-school shopping is a fun and exciting time for students of all ages. As elementary students decide which cartoon character they want on their backpack and high school students focus on the latest trending styles, many college students look forward to decorating their very first dorm room or apartment.
Whether you're the type of student who's carefully curated a Pinterest board or someone who just plans on feeling out the vibes when you get there, this is your chance to fill your space however you want. Just keep in mind that the average dorm room is about the size of a one-car garage. And if you're sharing that space with a roommate, plan on cutting that space in half.
However, you don't have to sacrifice your personal style just because of the reduced square footage. There are plenty of space-saving solutions out there to help you make the most of your new place.
With over 90 years of experience furnishing homes of all shapes and sizes, experts at RC Willey have pulled together five furniture pieces that will help you make the most of your space and create a functional—yet cozy—home away from home.
Reach new heights
When you have limited floor space, you'll want to look for pieces that are inherently tall and narrow. One of our favorite suggestions is the chest of drawers. Although this piece is often mistaken for its shorter and wider cousin — the dresser — a chest of drawers is the perfect piece for a smaller bedroom.
Dressers take up a lot of floor space, with widths ranging from 30 to 70 inches. On the other hand, a chest of drawers is usually a more compact option, measuring around 24 to 38 inches wide. By choosing a chest instead of a dresser, you can save enough room to squeeze in an end table or shoe rack.
Sit, store and stash
Ottomans are another of our favorite pieces to recommend because they fit into any room and offer incredible versatility. Not only can they provide extra seating when you have friends over, but they can also be easily tucked away under a desk or in a corner when not in use.
Plus, many ottomans come with a hidden storage compartment, making them perfect for stashing blankets, books, or any other items you want to keep close by but out of sight.
Round out your space
The shape of your furniture can play a big role in how much space it takes up. A round dining or coffee table, for example, not only has a smaller surface area than its rectangular counterpart but also creates a more open flow in your room.
Round tables have no corners, which means they naturally take up less space and allow for easier movement around them. This is especially helpful in tight spaces where every square inch counts. Plus, round tables often encourage more natural conversation since everyone is equally spaced — making study sessions more efficient than ever.
Fill the nook and crannies
In a communal space like a living room, it can be tricky to make the most of every nook and cranny. But there's a simple piece of furniture that can instantly open up your space: a corner TV stand. By opting for a stand designed to fit snugly into a corner, you free up valuable wall space for other essentials like a sofa, bookshelf, or even a desk.
It's all about geometry. Corners are often underutilized areas in a room, but a corner TV stand makes the most of this otherwise wasted space. Instead of placing your TV stand along a wall where it juts out into the room, a corner stand tucks neatly out of the way, keeping the flow of the room open and spacious. And it's not just for your TV—many corner stands come with shelves or cabinets, offering extra storage for gaming consoles, books, or decorative items.
Maximize your space, maximize your style
When it comes to furnishing a small space, thinking outside the box can really make a difference. Traditional furniture might not always be the best fit, but by considering creative alternatives, you can find pieces that help you maximize every inch without giving up on your style. Whether you're setting up your first dorm room or a small college apartment, RC Willey is here to help you create a space that feels just right—no matter the square footage.
