Whether you’re about to move into a spacious triple room, a shoebox-sized single, or a dorm with a near-barren common room, the typical dorm room furniture won’t really cut it. Rather than stick out the year with those wobbly wooden chairs the housing office expects you to do your homework in every night, consider investing in your own dorm furniture this fall. Whatever extra money you shell out on an ergonomic desk chair now will probably still be less than what you’d have to pay your chiropractor if you spend all year trying to get comfy in one of those straight-backed torture devices, and you’re also going to want a comfy place to lounge for dorm room hangouts with your friends. If you’re not sure where to start, here are some great pieces of furniture for all your seating needs!
1. The Desk Chair
The library’s great, but sometimes your own dorm room is actually a more peaceful study environment. For those days you just feel like working from home, here are some great alternatives to the aforementioned wooden pain in your back:
Mid-Back Mesh Computer Chair, Target, $76.49
Mesh Task Chair, Target, $63.99
Mid-Back Leather Task Chair, Target, $112.49
2. The Comfy Lounge Chair
On those cold winter days when it’s snowing and all your friends are in different buildings but you don’t want to leave yours, the only thing you want to do is curl up with a good book or the latest episode of Pretty Little Liars. To ensure ultimate comfort on the days you never change out of your pajama pants, you’ll need a cushy place to snuggle up until you work up the motivation to leave your room.
Club Chair with Pocket, Bed Bath & Beyond, $39.99
Poang Rocking Chair, IKEA, $199
Milano Lounger Chair, Target, $52.99 – $69.99
3. The Futon
At some point during the year, a friend will inevitably want to crash in your room for the night. And honestly, dorm room beds are way too small for two platonic friends to try to get some sleep in. Rather than attempting a frantic 3 a.m. search for a sleeping bag, invest in a futon to give you a nice place to chill with your friends and a convenient way to make sure you both get enough rest if they decide to sleep over.
Mainstays Metal Arm Futon with Mattress, Walmart, $89
Mali Flex Futon Set, Target, $199.09
4. The Bean Bag
Sadly, some dorm rooms lack the floor space for a luxury futon, but there’s always room for a nice, squishy bean bag chair. Although not as posh as a chaise lounge, these simple bean bags are surprisingly comfortable.
The Original Big Joe Bean Bag, Walmart, $39.88
Navy French Quarter Bean Bag Chair Lounger, OCM, $149.99
5. The Portable Folding Chair
For sporting events, sunny days on the quad, or even just a party where there’s nowhere to sit, a folding chair is a must-have to keep in your dorm room. It’ll take up next to zero space when you’re not using it, but it’ll always come in handy.
Director’s Chair with Black Frame and Canvas, Target, $41.99 – $44.99
Room Essentials Dish Chair, Target, $29.99
No matter what your dorm room will look like, everyone’s living space can be improved by a comfy place to sit. Do your shopping now so you can bring your new chairs when you move in, and get ready to spend your school year in comfort!