By using your furniture for more than just its intended purpose, you can cut down on the amount of things you need in your dorm room. Your dorm likely will not have room for a couch, so instead throw large pillows on your bed and use it for guest seating. Use storage containers that can also function as tables or additional seating. For example, a trunk can double as an end table and a place to keep things you are not using. You can also use the trunk as an additional chair.
Even a few things out of place can make a small room appear messy. Refrain from bringing things to your dorm room that you do not absolutely need, such as every book from your shelf at home or your entire stuffed animal collection. Instead, choose a few small sentimental items to display in prominent places in your dorm room to accent your personality. Hang small posters or pictures instead of large ones, which can accentuate the small size of your room. Since you will likely move several times during your college years, choose objects that are easy to transport.
Pick one or two bright colors for your dorm room. Too many exuberant colors can be overwhelming, especially in such a small space, and a lack of any bright colors can be dull and give such a small area a sense of confinement. You may choose pillowcases, a comforter, curtains, wall hangings, rugs or other accessories to showcase these colors. Then, decorate the rest of your room in neutral tones such as grays or browns.
Your dorm room is a multifunctional area. You will use it to rest, study and entertain friends. Consider separating the room into an area for work and an area for relaxation. You can use visual clues such as color to delineate the separate areas of your dorm room. For example, place a green rug near your desk to designate work and blue pillows near your bed and mini-fridge to designate rest and entertainment. Separating your spaces will help you mentally separate yourself from your work at the end of the day, helping you make the most of your down time.