College Lounge

The space and quiet that idleness provides…is, paradoxically, necessary to getting any work done. Tim Kreider

Has your residence hall not been updated since Title XI passed? You don’t need a degree in design to cultivate a signature style for your dorm room. Whether you favor Futurism or Functionalism--or don't differentiate between the two--we'll help you find all the furniture and accents you need to outfit a stylish dorm lounge.

If the wall-to-wall carpeting has seen better semesters, the quickest way to transform your living room without DIY-induced remorse is to lay down an area rug. Choosing a light, muted color will create the illusion of space in cramped quarters. If the floors are bare, position rugs in front of the futon and at the foot of your bed to keep your toes warm and your utility bill manageable. Do you think best while moving? The next time you're memorizing conjugations, try pacing back and forth on a handmade, stain-resistant bamboo rug. Not colorful enough for you? Bold patterns will help camouflage wear.

For students stuck in studio or sharing a shoebox with roommate, the room divider might just be the best housemate yet. Stake out sections with a screen to simulate a multi-room environment, reclaim your privacy, or push the boundaries of space. Carve out a private nook or designate a dressing area. Most dividers can be folded and stowed away when not in use.

After the library’s fluorescent lighting dims, the studying doesn’t have to stop. Shine a spotlight on your desk with an architect floor lamp or suffuse light with a sleek torch lamp. When you're ready to relax, sink into a bean bag or spring for a traditional sofa. Don’t rule out furniture slipcovers, fashion historians. These are not your grandmother’s plastic conversation-killers. A washable slipcover in micro suede protects your sofa from stains or spills and punctuates the décor.

When it comes to the walls, think beyond posters and invite whimsy in with wall decals. Dry-erase calendar decals help direct the ever-evolving deadline-driven lifestyle. For a no-commitment update to your space, try temporary wallpaper . Easy up, easy down. Your degree will last forever, but your wallpaper doesn’t have to.

Carlos Fuentes said that “the end of feudalism happens in front of your TV.” What’s a serf or student to do? Improve concentration by positioning your TV in a space separate from the one where you study. Catalog your collection of old DVDs and new LPs with a multi-tiered media cabinet or tower. An essential aspect of your education is keeping informed—and entertained. So if you’ve still got free time between class and cranking out term papers, go ahead and study up on modern culture. Relax.