This post is all about decorating ideas for your college apartment living room.
Decorating College Apartment Living Room
If you thought decorating your dorm room was fun wait till you have your own college apartment!
Yes! The possibilities are now endless well that is given how big the apartment is.
Dorm life is fun life but the space is so limited especially if you’re sharing that space with roommates and suitemates.
On the contrary, most college apartments are more spacious and you have more privacy.
So now you can really add your personal style to your living space without having to consider your roommate’s preference.
Decorating College Apartment Living Room Guide
This guide is here to help you decorate your college apartment living room by offering some ideas without going overboard financially.
Overall, these items are not a must-have by any means. In fact, most of the items on this list can be purchased after adjusting to all responsibilities associated with living in a college apartment vs living on campus.
Now depending on the apartment you probably won’t have to purchase the majority of the items.
In fact, apartments specially designed for student living usually include living room furniture and lighting fixtures.
However, these apartments are usually more expensive in the short and long term.
Therefore, in some cases opting for a non-furnish cheaper apartment and investing in furniture gradually usually, makes more sense especially if you plan on staying in the area after graduation.
Disclaimer
You can still flourish in college without these things. In fact, if this is your first semester gradually investing in the items is highly recommended.
There’s no need to go broke the first semester because so much could happen within a couple of months.
For instance, what if you decided to transfer to another college out of the state or country?
Well, you could imagine having a fully furnished apartment would make packing up and leaving more difficult.
So just be mindful and consider what your goals are and possible situations where you may have to make adjustments to realize your goals.
I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination. Jimmy Dean
Now that’s out of the way, let’s do a little “possibility shopping”. Yes, that’s what I call it! Because there is a possibility you won’t purchase any of these things.
However, personally, it’s nice to have an idea of the outcome including the price and how everything will look even if I don’t make the purchase immediately.
Related Post: 21 College Apartment Bedroom Ideas
Plus, Pinterest makes it so easy to save a collection of these ideas for future reference.
Thus, if you have a Pinterest account create a college Apartment Living Room Decor board or just a general college board and add these ideas and other ideas for future reference.
Just imagine all the time you will save by just referring to your Pinterest board instead of searching all over. Trust me your future self will thank you.
Now on to the living room ideas for your college apartment living room.
College Apartment Decorating Ideas For Your College Apartment Living Room #1: Small Couch
A small couch will do just fine for your college apartment living room – you don’t need a big couch. Besides, big couches are more expensive, more cumbersome to move plus they probably won’t fit.
Above all, while most college apartments are bigger than typical dorm rooms, college apartments are known for not having as much space either.
Especially when compared to apartments located outside college towns that weren’t designed for student living.
What Type of Couch Should I Purchase for a College Apartment Living Room?
Most of the couches on here are convertible small couches. These types of couches are great because they can easily be converted into a bed just in case you need an additional bed for days you have overnight guests.
You also need to consider the material used to construct the couch – how absorbent is it?
Related Post: College Apartment Bedroom Cozy Essentials
For instance, faux leather couches are easier to maintain because if you spill a drink or two on there you can easily clean up the mess but for couches made with absorbent materials, this isn’t the case.
In fact, cleaning spills on couches made with absorbent materials requires much more effort.
Thus, if you plan on having a few get-togethers at your college apartment which isn’t uncommon be very mindful when selecting a couch for your living room.
How Much Should I Spend On A Couch for a College Apartment Living Room?
For your college apartment, a small couch under $200 is fine. A couch like the black faux leather convertible couch below will last you a few years with proper maintenance.
I really don’t recommend anything above $200 even if you can afford it. In fact, you would be better off investing that extra money to increase your cash inflow.
Should I Purchase A Used Couch for a College Apartment Living Room?
While purchasing used furniture can save you a lot of money. I don’t recommend purchasing used couches or beds unless you personally know who you are purchasing them from, especially considering bed bugs can’t be fun to deal with.
Now, on the contrary, you may consider purchasing or renting other types of furniture like a TV, washer, and dryer.
However, for hygienic purposes, you are better off purchasing couches as well as beds new from discount stores.
College Apartment Decorating Ideas For Your College Apartment Living Room #2: Accent Chairs
One of the easiest ways to a pop of color, texture, style, and personalize to your college apartment living room is by adding a colorful stylish accent chair.
If you are searching for such a gem I am here to help you out! But first, is this a must-buy? Let’s talk.
To Buy Or Not To Buy Chairs Is The Question
In college, every penny counts, so while decorating your college apartment is fun and exciting there are ways you can still achieve a stylish and apartment without buying an accent chair.
Related Post: Make A Bold Statement With These Amazing Accent Chairs
Instead, you can use a throw pillow, a comfortable throw blanket, and a few nice faux fur throw pillows to style your small comfortable couch.
However, if you are purchasing a computer chair then you may consider purchasing a comfortable accent chair to also add some color, texture, pattern, and style to your college apartment living room decor.
Before Buying Chairs for Your College Apartment Living Room
College apartments are usually small, hence you may have just enough space for a small couch only. Therefore, firstly, physically tour the apartment before purchasing additional chairs.
In addition, measure the area you want the chair to fit then compare the results to the size of the chair to avoid buying a chair that is too big.
Related Post: College Apartment Bedroom Comforter Ideas
Furthermore, during your shopping trip remember to read all the reviews to reduce the chances of buyer remorse especially since returning orders are such a hassle.
So What Type of Chair Do You Need For A College Apartment?
There are many types of chairs available including armchairs, egg chairs, barrel chairs, bean bags, wingbacks, slippers, lounge chairs, and the list goes on.
Therefore, you need to have an idea of what type of chair you want as well as setting a budget to avoid being overwhelmed.
Note, if you’re purchasing a chair purely for decorative purposes then finding a chair will be easy. However, things get a little complicated when both style and comfort are your top requirements.
In this case, testing the chair in stores like Walmart and Target before purchasing would be the best option.
However, no one said you can’t shop around for the best deal. So, to get you started, here are a few stylish chairs to inspire your college apartment living room decor this school year.
Related Post: Best Stylish and Comfy Dorm Room Chairs
College Apartment Decorating Ideas For Your College Apartment Living Room #4: Coffee Table
A coffee table, as well as bedside tables, for college, are optional. However, if you have to choose between the two I recommend the coffee table.
Furthermore, if you are planning on using your living room regularly it would be a nice place to place a cup of tea, a cup of coffee, or a book.
Personally, I purchased this coffee table years ago and it still looks the same way. Yes! It’s cheap and gets the job done! Plus, it’s easy to clean with a duster, a moist cleaning cloth, or wipes.
Overall, you can’t go wrong with this one if you’re looking for a cheap coffee table – this is it.
It is also available in other colors, so I am sure you can find one to match your decor.
College Apartment Decorating Ideas For Your College Apartment Living Room #5: Area Rugs
Area rugs are great for decorating. In fact, they can help you create a warm, comforting, and inviting relaxing sitting area, especially for cooler days.
However, finding a good rug that’s large enough without breaking the bank is difficult. Thankfully after searching for a while, I found these rugs and they are perfect for hardwood flooring.
I recently purchased this amazing rug in gray – it’s thick, posh-looking, and soft. Plus it was very affordable considering how pricey a decent rug tends to be.
This rug is available in several colors, so finding one to match your decor color scheme should be easy.
So I am sure this rug can also help create the perfect sitting area for your college apartment living room.
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College Apartment Decorating Ideas For Your College Apartment Living Room #6: Decorative Throw Pillows
There’s something about decorative throw pillows that are so addictive! In fact, if you love home decor it is so easy to get carried away when decorating with throw pillows.
I am in consensus if it’s made with faux fur and it’s cute I need to touch it, so you know I absolutely adore a good faux fur throw pillow.
However, they aren’t necessarily cheap. I have seen decorative throw pillows priced over $50 (example).
Plus, if you’re purchasing just the decorative pillow cover you still have to purchase pillow inserts which are pricey considering how small they are.
I purchased a few faux fur pillowcases and they are amazing. Plus, they were affordable, and most importantly they don’t shed.
In any case, if you are considering getting a few decorative throw pillows don’t go overboard and consider our DIY throw pillow inserts tutorials (here and here) for major savings on throw pillows inserts.
Related Post: What Size Pillow Insert To Use
College Apartment Decorating Ideas For Your College Apartment Living Room #7: DIY Framed Affirmations and Inspirational Quotes
Affirmations and inspirational quotes are useful self-help tools you can easily coordinate with other college apartment decoration pieces.
Creating your own DIY framed affirmations and inspirational quotes are inexpensive. In fact, creating these four framed affirmations and quotes cost under $5.
Yes! Less than 5 bucks, thanks to inexpensive frames purchased from Dollar Tree.
Nevertheless, apart from the low cost, personalization is another huge advantage of creating your own picture frames – you choose the fonts, color, images, expressions, and other details you want.
Click the link below to create your own DIY framed affirmations and inspirational quotes.
College Apartment Decorating Ideas For Your College Apartment Living Room #8: Table and Floor Lamp Set
Natural lighting is best. Unfortunately, not all apartments are built equally. In fact, some apartments have so much natural light and others not so much.
Whether additional lighting is needed will depend on the level of natural light and lighting fixtures already available at your college apartment.
Overall, gloomy apartments are no fun just like lackluster wall paint. However, with some inexpensive lighting fixtures, you can easily fix that.
While artificial light isn’t better than natural light it’s definitely better than maneuvering around an underlit, gloomy apartment.
The lighting set above is inexpensive and it isn’t cheaply made. I actually own this set for years and it still looks great. The only con to this set is it only available in two colors.
College Apartment Decorating Ideas For Your College Apartment Living Room #9: Computer Desk and Chair
There are many articles addressing studying and completing assignments on your bed vs using a desk. My opinion is neutral on this topic.
Overall, do what works best for you. I used both in the past and the majority of the time my choice depended on my mood.
However, a computer desk is extremely helpful if you hate completing assignments and studying on your bed. This one below is inexpensive, available in several colors, and is easy to assemble.
In regards to the chair, get one that’s inexpensive and comfortable. If you can’t find a comfortable chair in your price range you can always purchase chair padding to make an inexpensive, uncomfortable chair comfortable.
Related Post: How To Make Your Chair More Comfortable
College Apartment Decorating Ideas For Your College Apartment Living Room #10: DIY Fake Flower Centerpieces
Here’s another DIY project for your college apartment! If you love flowers but don’t have the money and time to maintain real flowers then these DIY fake flower centerpieces are for you. Overall, they are easy to create and inexpensive.
College Apartment Decorating Ideas For Your College Apartment Living Room #11: TV
Now should you bring a TV to college? This is another hot topic. Overall, it all depends. However, a TV in college is great for hosting movie nights and games nights.
I didn’t bring a TV to college but I used a few during my college years through the college “hand me down” system. Yes, this system actually exists.
The college “hand me down” system makes getting rid of items easy especially when there isn’t enough time to find an audience willing to purchase the item.
Therefore I am not going to be a hypocrite and tell you to ditch the TV.
While you could always use your computer to watch most of your favorite TV show nowadays, completing assignments and watching shows on your computer at the same time isn’t easy, unless your computer screen wide enough.
Owning a TV in college could be valuable – it just depends on individual circumstances.
Summary List: College Bedroom Living Room Ideas
- Small Couch
- Accent Chairs
- Coffee Table
- Area Rugs
- Decorative Throw Pillows
- DIY Framed Affirmations And Inspirational Quotes
- Table and Floor Lamp Set
- Computer Desk And Chair
- DIY Fake Flower Centerpieces
- TV
