Want to create the perfect college desk setup for your dorm or apartment? Here are 24 genius college desk ideas every college student should take note of.
Whether you’re moving into a dorm or your first apartment, you want your desk to be a place that inspires you and allows you to focus and stay productive.
There are so many great college desk ideas that will make you fall in love with the idea of working from your room. Even if you’re working with a small space, these college desk ideas will make your desk feel so homey and ready to get to work.
You’re going to find out all of the best college desk ideas from dorm desk ideas, school desk ideas, college table ideas, and more.
These are the exact college desk ideas you should take note of to create your dream work space. This post is exactly what you need to help you transform your desk on a budget to somewhere you’ll actually love doing work.
This post is all about the best college desk ideas that will transform your room.
Best College Desk Ideas:
1. Use a Second Monitor
If you’re someone who is always working at their desk and likes to have multiple screens to switch between, a second monitor will be a game changer. It will help you out a ton when you are looking back at a digital text or lecture slides while taking notes or completing assignments on your laptop.
2. Create an Aesthetic Space
Nothing is more motivating than having an aesthetic space. How your space looks will affect how excited and comfortable you are to work there. So, invest a little in your desk space. Make it somewhere you want to be by creating a pretty space.
You would be surprised how motivating it is to have a clean and cohesive space to work.
3. Create a Collage Wall
A collage wall is a fun way to decorate the wall behind your desk. This is also something you can gradually add onto or easily switch up as your interests or goals change.
If you want a collage wall that will motivate you when working at your desk, make it into a vision board collage. Nothing is more inspiring than being able to see your bright future right in front of you as you’re working.
4. Add a Shelf Unit for Added Storage
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An extra shelving unit makes a huge difference when it comes to extra storage and added organization for your office and desk supplies. Whether your desk doesn’t have any storage space or just not enough, a small unit besides your desk with all of your extra supplies will help keep all of your desk essentials close and easy to access.
5. Invest in a Quality Keyboard
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If you don’t like the feel of your laptop or computer keyboard, invest in a keyboard you know you’ll love using. There are so many keyboards out there that are so satisfying to type on and will actually make you look forward to using your computer. A fun keyboard will make your work more fun (at least as fun as it can be ;)).
6. Use a Desk Hutch for More Storage
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A lot of college dorms have desks with a built-in desk hutch, but if you’re in an apartment and are looking for a way to add storage space onto your desk without taking up any additional floor space, a desk hutch will be your best friend.
It’s a great way to make the most of your vertical space that you can store all of your extra essentials in and add some decor to make it cute.
7. Multipurpose Desk/Vanity
When you’re in college, chances are you’re not going to have enough space to have a separate desk and vanity. So make the most of your desk and turn it into a multifunctional space. Who says you can’t have both?
Add a makeup mirror and a makeup caddy and you’ll have the perfect balance of a work space and a place to get ready at.
College is all about getting creative with your space, and this idea does just that.
8. Decorate With Plants
Plants never fail at immediately brightening up a space. They add so much color and vibrance, great for a dull or dark desk. If your desk doesn’t get a ton of sunlight, you might want to opt for faux plants.
9. Use a Peg Board
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A peg board is a great addition to your desk for a place to hang organizers, keep office supplies, and even hang decor. It’s a great versatile piece that you can get creative with and customize depending on your needs.
10. Add a Rug Underneath
A rug is always a super simple yet effective way to make any space feel cozy and comfortable. If you want your desk to feel more homey, get a cozy rug to add texture and a fun pattern to your space.
Whether you’re in an apartment or a dorm, try to find a rug you can throw in the wash when it gets dirty. It will make your life so much easier!
Ruggable is a great place to find affordable and washable rugs that will last you all throughout college.
11. Use Small Crates for Storage
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These small creates are surprisingly spacious and a great option for storing desk supplies and small knick knacks that might be crowding your desk space. They can also stack onto of each other create a vertical storage solution.
If you’re moving into a dorm, these should definitely be something on your list of what to bring.
12. Add a Chair Cushion
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One way to immediately make your desk chair more comfortable is to add a seat cushion. Not only will this make those uncomfortable dorm chairs more bearable, but find a cute one that also doubles as decor. Your butt will thank you for the extra padding haha.
13. Hang Artwork
Utilize the wall space behind your desk by hanging some art. You can find pretty affordable prints on Amazon and grab an affordable frame from Michael’s or Hobby Lobby. You can even DIY some art if you’re feeling crafty and creative.
Adding art makes such a huge difference!
14. Standing Desk
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If you’re someone who can’t sit still for long periods of time, get a standing desk. That way you have the option to stand or sit and can switch between the two when you’re feeling antsy. This will help keep you focused and on task while giving you some flexibility.
15. Laptop Stand
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A laptop stand is a game changer when it comes to better posture. It will literally force you to sit up straighter. It might feel weird at first not to be looking down at a computer screen, but once you get used to it, your back and shoulders will thank you.
16. Comfortable Desk Chair
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If there is one thing you should invest in when creating your desk setup, it’s a good desk chair. You’re not going to want to sit in a chair for hours if it’s uncomfortable. So get something that’s breathable, like a mesh office chair.
It might not be as cute as some of the leather desk chairs, but when it comes down to it, it’s worth it to have a comfortable place to work that won’t leave you itching to get up after a couple of hours.
17. Add Shelves
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If you’re looking for a solution for extra storage and decor space, get some adhesive shelves. They won’t damage your walls, great for the dorm or apartment, and will make your space feel more put together.
18. Double Up The Lights
There’s nothing wrong with doubling up on your desk lights. Those late night study sessions require good lighting and this is a great way to make sure you have a bright work space. The mix and match of the desk light and the cute aesthetic light make the perfect pair!
19. Monochrome White and Black
If you’re going for a more sophisticated, adult work space, keep it simple and chic by opting for a black and white theme. It’s clean, classy, and screams adult workspace.
20. Spice it Up With Decor
Your desk space doesn’t have to be all office supplies. The perfect desk has a combination of desk essentials and some decor to mix it up and keep it interesting. You want your desk to be an inspiring space, so add that neon sign or that cute photo of you and your friends.
21. Make the Most of Wall Space
If you have a blank wall behind your desk, don’t forget to take advantage of this additional space. Use it to decorate or serve as a storage solution, or make it into both. People often forget how much they can do with a wall space.
It’s a great way to personalize your desk space and make it uniquely yours.
22. Desk Organizers
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No desk space is complete without some organizers to give your office supplies a designated place to live. It’s a great way to clear up your space and give it a clean look by hiding away all of your superfluous knick knacks.
23. Keep it Minimalist
If you’re someone who works better in a clean and simple place where there isn’t anything to distract you, then that’s what you need. You can still make your desk space cute and aesthetic without adding a ton of decor or wall decorations.
24. Add a Flower Bouquet
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Flowers are such an underrated decoration. Add a cute flower bouquet to your space and you will immediately love your desk 10x more. There are so many realistic looking faux flower bouquets that make for great decor. So get a small bouquet with your favorite flowers on Amazon. You can thank me later. 😉
This post was all about the best college desk ideas that will transform your room.
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