The Tiny house Blog

Interior Design and Plant Tips for Students

By
Jason Francis
Designed and built over 100 custom tiny homes, lived on a sailboat for 9 months, and loves to live life to the fullest with his wife and their 4 kids.
Updated on:
September 24, 2024
Interior Design and Plant Tips for Students

Image Source: Canva

A tiny house is a tight fit, especially for a student with books, a laptop, and all your other belongings. But, with a little interior design and some tricks up your sleeve, you can create a cozy and efficient living space. Whether you’re studying in a little dorm room or sharing an apartment with friends, here are a few tips to help you use your space to the max. 

Use Multifunctional Furniture

In a small space, there’s no room for furniture that doesn’t pull double duty. That means that multifunctional furniture is a requirement for tiny homes that you want to feel spacious. A bed with drawers is one of the most popular multifunctional pieces; a sofa that doubles as a guest bed is another. A coffee table that doubles as a desk is another great option. In any case, the idea is to have furniture that accomplishes two tasks or more, making your tiny home feel bigger and less cluttered.

Install Wall-Mounted Shelves

Get some wall-mounted shelves to store your books, décor, and other essentials without taking up any floor space. You can have floating shelves above your study table or bed, which will not only give ample storage space but also make your place look neat and modern. It is perfect for areas that are short on space because you can take advantage of every available inch. It also makes your space look bigger because everything is tucked up and off the floor. 

Opt for Foldable Desks and Tables

Foldable furniture is a blessing for small spaces. Foldable desks or tables can be tucked in when unused, giving you more space for other activities. Try this solution if you need more space to exercise or have friends over. For example, if you install a foldable desk, you can use it during the day and fold it for the evening to get a larger living space.

Utilize Vertical Space for Storage

In small houses, walls are for more than just photos and art. To free up floor space, install hangers for bags, jackets, and hats. Build cabinets that reach all the way to the ceiling to house items you don’t use regularly.

Here are five simple ways to utilize vertical space for storage:

  • Install pegboards for hanging accessories, tools, or even kitchen utensils.
  • Hang hooks on the back of doors for coats and towels.
  • Use over-the-door organizers for shoes or other small items.
  • Add tall, narrow bookcases to make the most of vertical storage.
  • Install ceiling-mounted racks to hang pots and pans.

Such solutions make it easier to keep your home tidy and clutter-free and to make the most of every available corner of your small house.

Place Low-Maintenance Plants Like Succulents on Windowsills

According to research, plants have been found to improve mood and productivity, which is great when you’re studying. Thankfully, you don’t need much space to add a little greenery to your tiny house. If you’re a student whose main concern is getting good grades and don’t have time to take care of a big potted plant, succulents are your best option. Unlike the finicky ferns and luscious Monsteras, succulents are small and more low-maintenance. They don’t need much water – just a little spray from the bottle at least once a week – and you can place them on your windowsill.

Image Source: Canva

Incorporate Mirrors to Create the Illusion of Space

Mirrors are one of the most affordable, effortless ways to add depth and make a small room feel larger. By reflecting light, mirrors can instantly make your space seem bigger and brighter. While a wall covered in mirrors looks cool, it’s not necessary. Just hand a mirror on a wall opposite a window to reflect the light. Mirrored furniture and decor pieces can also help brighten your room without taking up additional space. A mirrored coffee table can give the illusion of more space in your living room, or a wall-mounted mirror in your entryway can add depth to even the smallest living spaces.

Choose Light-Colored Paint for Walls

If you need to make a small space feel larger and brighter, the color on your walls can make all the difference. Light colors, such as white, beige, or soft pastels, create a sense of airiness and help to make rooms feel more spacious. If your walls are darker, they will pull your space in, making it feel smaller. If you want to add personality without making your space feel like a stage, consider painting one wall of your room a soft shade of blue or green. The other walls should be kept neutral to maintain the feeling of spaciousness.

Hang Plants from the Ceiling

Are you a plant lover who doesn’t have much floor space? Try going vertical! Hanging greenery from your ceiling is a great way to utilize your vertical space so that your tiny home doesn’t feel cramped. Hanging plants look stylish and modern, and there are various options for displaying plants, from fancy hanging planters to simple hooks. Hanging plants not only save space and liven up your room, but they also add color and life to your room.

If you choose low-maintenance plants, you won’t have to worry about spending a lot of time caring for them between assignments. If you need help with the latter, you can always pay someone to do my assignment. This is a valuable option for busy students, making it easy to improve their grades with just a few clicks.

Use Corner Spaces for Small Plants or Decor

Corner spaces are often overlooked, but they can be used to your advantage – a small plant tucked away or a decorative item that doesn’t take up central space can add charm to your room without making it look too busy. Consider adding a small shelf or a tall plant stand to one of the corners of your living room or bedroom for a personalized touch.

Invest in Storage Ottomans or Benches

Storage is always limited in a small house. Storage ottomans or benches are a real lifesaver. You could use them to store books, blankets, and extra clothes while sitting on them or use them as footrests. This is perfect for student homes; they can keep everything tidy and clean, ensuring the space is clutter-free but still stylish and comfortable. They come in various designs; you could pick one that fits your room’s style.

Here are five reasons why storage ottomans or benches are great for small spaces:

  • Multi-functional: They serve as both seating and storage.
  • Space-savers: Help keep clutter out of sight.
  • Stylish: Available in different designs to match your decor.
  • Affordable: They offer budget-friendly seating options for students.
  • Portable: Easy to move around and rearrange.

Small Changes, Big Impact

There’s no need to skimp on comfort or style when living in a small house. Some simple tricks can make your tiny house feel like a mansion. Multifunctional furniture, wall-mounted shelves, and foldable desks can make a small space perform better while giving it versatility. Take advantage of our tips, and you will have the home you deserve!

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