Dorm room beds aren’t known for being luxurious…or comfortable…or new (lots and lots and lots of people have slept there before you). And what they lack in comfort, they do not make up for in personality. But that second part is actually a good thing. Think of it this way: Your bed in your dorm room is a blank slate, and the perfect opportunity to show off your style and make the space your own. You’ll be spending a lot of time there, too—not only sleeping but also studying, hanging out, watching TV, and even eating (sorry, Mom).
So, let’s get shopping. Before you begin, it’s a good idea to see if your school provides a checklist of things you need to bring (and things you shouldn’t). Since you’ll likely be providing your own bedding, that’s a good place to start. The key to the ultimate bed is layers—make sure you have them all.
One term to know: twin XL. Most dorm room mattresses come in this odd size, which is five inches longer than a standard twin-size bed. When buying fitted sheets, mattress protectors, and mattress toppers, it’s important to keep this dimension in mind!
Here’s what you need to sleep (and study, hang out, and everything else) soundly. So, let’s build your bed, one layer at a time.
When you are building your dream bed, start from the bottom up. This will give you a solid sleep foundation, and help you feel more confident of the cleanliness of your bed.
A mattress protector is an absolute must. It creates a barrier between you and your mattress, which you want because you don’t know who or what has been there before. Plus, it protects against bedbugs, spills, and the like. Just trust us on this one. A pillow protector also fends off allergens like dander and dust—and can extend your pillow’s life span.
Mattress toppers are all about comfort. A few inches of extra cushion can give you better sleep—and you know how much you’ll be needing that. And, if you are a hot sleeper, some of our toppers have cooling properties.
Mattress pads can add comfort, and some even act as a water-resistant layer, and regulate temperature. But their main job is holding the topper and protector in place, which is important because if your base slides off, so does everything else, which is uncomfortable.
Sheets and blankets are where you’ll want to focus on comfort, not just style (though that’s important, too). This is what you’ll actually be wrapping yourself in as you drift off to dreamland.
Get yourself some comfortable sheets. We recommend two sets, or three if you have the room, so you can change your sheets without having to do laundry before you can slip into a freshly made bed. Remember that most dorm beds are twin XL! If you’re buying separates instead of sheet sets, only the fitted sheet needs to be twin XL. After all, in a set, the bottom sheet is the only one that’s extra long anyway.
Pay attention to specific features, such as the thread count and fabric: Are the sheets designed to wick moisture or help you keep you warm? Consider the weather where your school is located and the air conditioning situation in the room (if there is one), and pick what works for you.
To top your bed, you’ll need a comforter or a duvet cover with an insert. This is a personal choice, and there are advantages to both. A duvet cover is basically like a large fabric envelope for a fluffy but plain blanket called an insert. We love a duvet cover because to clean it, all you have to do is remove the insert and toss the cover in the wash. Replacing your duvet cover also makes it super easy to switch up your style. Covers come in lots of colors and patterns, and you can choose your style independently of your insert.
With a comforter set, it’s easy to give your bed a cohesive look. Comforter sets usually come with matching pillow shams, so your bed will still look put-together. A reversible comforter offers double the comfort and allows you to change up the look of your bed if you get bored. For college, we highly recommend going with a machine-washable version. It will make life so much easier!
Be sure to bring an extra blanket or throw blanket. An extra blanket is always good when you’re chilling and don’t want to get all the way under the covers. They are also great for naps, extra cold nights, or for when visitors come to stay.
You need a comfortable pillow. Note: Having more pillows doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be more comfortable. Too many pillows can crowd your room. Remember, space is going to be tight! Get one or two nice pillows that do the job well, and you’ll be good to go.
These add a little flair (and comfort) to your bed. While you don’t want to overdo it (because, space), one or two throw pillows, a body pillow, or a backrest pillow will make great additions to your space. They can also help keep you comfortable while you sleep, make your space homier, and be used to help you sit up taller when you’re watching TV or studying.
