15 Insanely Cute College Apartment Ideas

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Looking for cute college apartment ideas for your new space? These ideas are guaranteed to help!

As you start decorating your college apartment, you’re probably thinking, ‘How do I make this space truly mine?’ Well, you’re in luck! I’m sharing my favorite cute apartment ideas that’ll help you nail that cozy-meets-chic vibe everyone’s obsessing over

After transforming my own basic apartment, I’ve become kind of an expert at coming up with cute apartment ideas that work in real life. From finding the perfect accent pieces to creating gallery walls that don’t look chaotic, these are all the tricks I wish someone had told me when I first moved into my own place.

This post is all about cute college apartment ideas

Cute College Apartment Ideas

1. Cozy Corner Reading Nook Ideas

I swear by having a cozy reading nook corner! It’s the perfect place to curl up with a good book, catch up on class notes, sip on coffee and just recharge in your own little hideaway. With the right vibe you can totally make it your own little go-to spot for relaxation and focus for long late night study sessions too!

2. Space-Saving Furniture Essentials

With most college apartments being so small/limited in space, space-saving furniture is crucial! Essentials like foldable chairs, storage ottomans and even murphy beds (one of my faves) can turn any cramped space into a more functional and practical space.

3. DIY String Light Decor

I feel like a queen when it comes to string light decor. String lights are the ultimate way to add a cozy warm vibe to any space affordably. The possibilities with these are endless but some of my favorite ways to use them are to wrap them around your bed frame, create a light-up photo wall, or even add them to plants. Simple and so so fun!

4. Affordable Artwork Inspiration

One of my favorite things to shop for is art! Art can be so so pricey though, and when I first moved out I would check my local thrift stores, estate sales and even my own parent’s garage (scored THEE best art piece from my dad lol)! But I also love framed prints from local artists or online and have found the best deals on art by going this route.

5. Colorful Rug Revamp

I feel like I’ve been obsessed with rugs since decorating my first college apartment. Thank goodness my tastes are not what they use to be (lol)! A colorful rug can breathe new life into any room.

Whether you’re adding some vibrant patterns to your living room or just a pop of color to your bedroom, a rug can completely transform the entire feel of your room so choose wisely! If you’re not sure, lean more neutral–it’ll be easy to live with and you can always change it out later.

6. Small Kitchen Storage Hacks

When it comes to kitchen storage, these are necessities. For me a chaotic kitchen makes me want to get Postmates and Uber Eats every night. Then adding dirty dishes on top of all of that rigmarole… no thanks!

Small kitchen storage hacks are a total lifesaver when you’re short on space. It could be as simple as having a huge plate or bowl to store you fruit. Also, I loveee stackable containers and drawer organizers to help to really maximized every inch, so you can keep things super neat.

7. Fresh Flower Decor Inspiration

While it may not seem like a big deal, having fresh flowers adding a touch of nature in your apartment is really nice. Especially if you’re living alone, like I was when I first moved out. It’s literally like adding another living thing into your space to swap CO2 and H2O with (whoa getting really science-y over here) ha!

You can create simple yet stunning centerpieces by placing your favorite floors in a clear glass vase or even repurposing mason jars and Topo Chico mineral water bottles (keep the sticker on for such a summery vibe) like I love to do. You can even use flowers to decorate shelves, mantels or even hang them from the ceiling in small bundles for a dreamy look!

8. Industrial Chic Decor Accents

Industrial decor pieces can be a pretty fun purchase and way to add more of your own personality to your apartment. Think exposed metal shelving, vintage light fixtures, and distressed wood. So vibey; so edgy!

If you have exposed brick–don’t cover it up! You can also add other details like reclaimed wood, metal planters, and a steel coffee table.

9. Boho Chic Bedroom Retreat

I’ve talked about boho chic decor before, but one thing I haven’t mentioned is how cool it is to be able to create the vibe in your own (new to you) space than the one you had living at home with your parents or in a previous college apartment.

Transform your bedroom into a super cozy boho retreat by incorporating eclectic textiles, vintage accents, and lush greenery. You can also throw in a macrame wall hanging, a Moroccan-inspired rug, and a few potted plants and boom–you’ll feel like you’re sleeping in a trendy boutique hotel!

10. Compact Desk Organization

Obviously, if you’re going to be studying at home, you’ll need a nice and organized space to do it! If you’re anything like me, working in a messy space, impacts how productive I am.

At minimum, I would recommend a desk tray to kind of corral all your small items in one place (i.e. paper clips and pushpins). Then you can consider other organization ideas like stackable drawers to store notebooks, folders, and office supplies. Lastly, cable organizers if you want to have THEE most beautiful, clean and organized work space.

11. Personalized Wall Decals

I personally got my decals from Target. They were super cute, simple, and great quality! Mine were kind of a boho leaf pattern which was perfect since it fit in well with my aesthetic. Also loveeee quotes like this one!

12. Minimalist Decor Inspiration

I absolutely love the minimalist aesthetic! You can create a stylish and calming atmosphere in your college apartment by embracing minimalist decor inspiration, which focuses on simplicity and functionality. This aesthetic will make your space feel more relaxed and organized.

If you are going for a similar look, nothing screams minimalist more than monochromatic color schemes, oversized plants and clean-lined furniture. All of which will create a cohesive look, add a touch of nature/greenery, and help to keep your space feeling open and breathable.

13. Soft Lighting Solutions

Okay, here’s a MAJOR tip, I wish someone had told me before moving into my first place. Soft lighting can instantly elevate the ambiance of your college apartment, making it feel cozier and more inviting. There’s nothing WORSE than having harsh, sterile, hospital grade lighting in your apartment when you’re trying to unwind at the end of a crazy school day, OR having to study with lighting so visually loud that they make your eyeballs burn.

You would think that the cozier the lighting the more likely you’ll want to fall asleep, but quite the opposite. Warm soft lighting totally helps you romanticize your study date (with yourself or whomever) while the harsh lighting makes you want to call it quits like… idk 5 minutes in. Trust me, spring for soft lighting for a cozier feel and harsher lights for when you need to see EVERYTHING (i.e. if there’s a spider crawling on your blanket lol).

14. Cozy Textile Accents

I’m all about cozy textile accents, and let me tell you, they completely change the vibe of a room! Sure, high-end designer throws are nice, but honestly, you don’t need to splurge to make your space feel cozy. A few soft blankets, some plush pillows, and textured curtains can make your room feel like the perfect spot to chill, without breaking the bank!

15. Functional Shelving Units

Functional shelving units are a total game-changer when it comes to organizing your space. I remember when I first moved into my apartment, and my books and random stuff were just piling up everywhere.

I added a sleek, wall-mounted shelf, and it completely transformed my living room! Now, I have a spot for my favorite books, cute plants, and all my little decor pieces, and it didn’t even take up any extra floor space—love it, love it, love it!

This post was all about cute college apartment ideas