Choose colourful or patterned textiles for instant pop. Make your single bed more comfy by adding a fitted sheet and lots of cushions for ‘sofa mode’ or extending the base for ‘double bed mode.’ Create a floor-friendly work surface with a table top and castors like in our DIY storage on wheels idea. To hang up art, go for removable like washi tape and curtain clips. Use your desk chair as a bedside table.

Adapt your desk to your needs and routines. We moved it by the window with curtains for privacy that still let in light. We used the desk chair elsewhere (see above), and brought in a standing support that’s good for posture. The desk works well for spreading out—and keeping paint supplies within easy reach in a clear box.

Even if you love your stuff, you probably don’t always love looking at it. Find a fun metre fabric and hang it on hooks to conceal what’s on your shelves. (For a no-sew method, put thick tape on the fabric and make thin cuts for the holes.) Don’t underestimate corrugated boxes either. They’re spacious, inexpensive dorm life pros.

If you’re bringing in furniture, it better multitask. We added this clothes rack because it’s A. on castors, B. height adjustable, C. got a rack on it and D. ready for ingenuity. You can store clothes and whatever else in pocketed hanging organisers and clipped hangers. Throw in a basket or boxes for even more personal, practical storage.

Want more dorm inspiration? Check out this dark and cosy dorm room idea.

Like the room’s basics? We used IVAR shelving units, TARVA day-bed, INGO table, IVAR chair and FROSTA stool.

We love to see our customers get creative with our products. Go for it! But please note that altering or modifying IKEA products so they can no longer be re-sold or used for their original purpose, means the IKEA commercial guarantees and your right to return the products will be lost.

Made by

Interior designer: Britta Henley
Photographer: Kimme Persson
Writer: Marissa Frayer