Your college apartment is going to play a central role in your life. This apartment will be the space where you can relax, get some quiet for studying, and enjoy spending time with friends. Are you looking for new ways to elevate the look and feel of your college apartment? Here are a few simple apartment decorating ideas to make this space feel like home!
Prioritize Furniture with Extra Storage

An apartment full of clutter can be a real stressor. Don’t let this get you down! A solid array of storage items can help you consolidate what you own and breathe a breath of fresh air at the sight of your organized apartment.
More space in your apartment means more room for furniture. Solid furniture options give you and visitors more opportunities to relax and enjoy your space. An oversized chair is one of the many furniture pieces that will help an apartment transition from good to great.
Get Creative with Your Lighting
Lighting has the ability to give your apartment a warm and cozy vibe. Diversify your lighting, and your apartment will take on a dynamic personality that’s attractive and accommodating.
One great thing about lamps is that you can hide them within other furnishings in your apartment so they don’t take up too much space. Bookcases are a great place to put lamps when you’re running low on room.
Hanging lights isn’t solely reserved for holidays. Hanging white or multicolored lights in your living room or bedroom can give these spaces an intimate and welcoming feel.
Add Houseplants

Houseplants bring new life into your apartment. You can easily find space for small plants on shelves or tabletops, while larger plants can be hung inside your apartment or outside on a terrace.
Here’s a quick list of the most common houseplants that students choose for college apartment decor:
- Pothos
- Snake plants
- Cacti
- Succulents
- Bamboo
Keep Things Simple
Don’t go overboard with too many college apartment decor ideas at once. Too many items will take away from the environment that you’re looking to create for yourself and others. Apartment owners occasionally overlook the fact that minimalist decorating is a great option when you’re working on a budget. Two or three standout items can end up defining the vast majority of your space’s personality.
Integrate Vintage-Style Wall Art
Another cute apartment decor idea is to opt for vintage decor. Hanging (and framing!) vintage-style prints will give your apartment a splash of character. Consider hanging vintage movie posters or retro prints of your favorite music artists to reflect your tastes while decorating your apartment.
Incorporate College Student Necessities

Your apartment should support your academic success while still looking good. Invest in multifunctional furniture that maximizes your limited space and helps you stay focused and organized during busy semesters.
Here are some ideas for apartment design that focus on your needs as a student:
- Desk with built-in storage or wall-mounted folding desk to save space
- Comfortable ergonomic chair that won’t hurt your back during long study sessions
- Cork boards or whiteboards that double as wall decor and help track assignments
- Multi-device charging station to keep your tech powered through marathon study sessions
- Noise-canceling curtains or area rugs to create a quieter study environment
Create a Social Hub
Transform a corner of your apartment into a social gathering spot with floor pillows, a low table, and string lights. This flexible space serves for game nights, study groups, or casual hangouts without requiring expensive furniture. Add a small speaker for music to complete the vibe!
Apartment Design Ideas for Guys
For young men in college who want a great hangout space for “the boys,” it’s all about comfort and hobbies. A quality gaming setup with modern apartment accessories like ambient lights can serve as both entertainment and a stylish focal point. Likewise, nicely framed posters and sports memorabilia displayed in shadow boxes add energy and color to blank walls.
For furniture, comfy leather pieces are a nice masculine touch, and they have the durability to stand up to the wear and tear of college life. A coffee table with storage is also a great way to pack away remotes, controllers, devices, and anything else you might need in the living area, eliminating the need for other organizers.
Look for Your Washington, DC College Apartment with Keener Management

Few things are better than visiting U Street bars on a Friday night or catching a show at DC venues like the Black Cat. Keener Management offers access to affordable luxury apartments in DC’s most sought-after areas so you can take in everything that the nation’s capital has to offer during your downtime.
We have properties in these areas:
You need a great apartment before you begin your decorating plans. Keener Management is here to help Washington, DC college students attain housing in the city’s most desirable neighborhoods. Explore all our available luxury apartments.