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One of the most integral parts to a comfortable yet functional dorm room is selecting the right type of seating for your specific needs. There are a lot of things that go into deciding what the best chair is for your room, but you shouldn’t have to stress about what those things are, so let’s dive into what you should be looking for.
Do I need an extra chair in my dorm room?
The short answer is no, it isn’t necessary that you bring an additional chair with you for your dorm room. Most, if not all, colleges provide a desk in their student housing, which also comes with a chair. So, if you are pressed for space in your room or money in your wallet, you don’t necessarily need to bring another chair.
But, if you plan on having people over, it is nice to have an additional chair because it’s pretty likely that you will not want people sitting on your bed. Additionally, studies show that laying in your bed to do things other than sleep– whether you are studying, watching TV, or reading– can cause you to not sleep as well when you are actually ready to hit snooze. So, having a comfy chair in your room that you can go to when you are trying to relax can be beneficial. Also, it is just convenient to have an extra if, but only if you have room for it. If you don’t have extra room, an additional chair can end up being an inconvenience for you and your roommates.
What are the best chairs to have in your dorm room?
The best kinds of chairs to have in your dorm room are generally dependent on what you plan on using them for. Are you someone who is in your room pretty often? Are you looking for comfort, or convenience? These are all important questions to ask yourself before you start shopping. The best chair for you is going to depend a great deal on the set up of your dorm room, and how much room you will have left over after you move all of your existing belongings in– so this is important to keep in mind. You don’t want to overfill your room and end up feeling like your room is too cramped.

If you are looking to save space, but have a small seat for visitors
If you are looking to utilize your space wisely, but still need a spot to sit for when visitors come around, an ottoman is likely your best bet. They come in many different styles and colors, and Dormify has a selection of them, as well. Whether you are looking for just an ottoman by itself, or a collapsible ottoman chair, there is something for everyone in this category.
This is also great as a storage item, which can be helpful in a dorm room because it can be difficult to find places to store things that are not directly out in the open. This can be slid under your bed, used as a seat, or a step stool if you have a raised bed. The ottoman wears many hats, which is why it is so great for dorm rooms. These also come in different shapes, so whether you prefer a cube or a cylinder, they have everything.

If you are looking for a seat solely for comfort
Butterfly and clam chairs are the most popular option when it comes to comfortable seating for dorm rooms. They fold up, which is great to conserve space because you can slide them under your bed or into a closet when not in use. They come in every color, so they can essentially match any aesthetic that you are going for.
These can also be great for multiple uses– whether you are looking for a chair that you can use for guests to be comfortable, looking for a place to study, or maybe even a place to take your midday nap– a chair like this is great for many different things.

If you are looking for a new desk chair
Let’s face it, wooden desk chairs are uncomfortable. Although you may be provided with one, that does not mean that you have to use it if it is bringing you discomfort. There are many options for comfortable desk chairs, whether that be a traditional swiveling desk chair, or a vanity seat.
If you are someone who likes to do their skincare or makeup at a vanity, it is important to note that you likely will not be able to fit a vanity into your dorm room in addition to your desk. So, most times, your desk and vanity will have to be combined into one. This is why you may be interested in purchasing a vanity chair instead of a desk chair so that you can be a bit more comfortable while you are doing that.

If you are going for design rather than utilization
An accent chair is perfect if you are hoping to get a chair that doubles as decor. Although many of these accent chairs are comfortable as well, they are primarily for the look of the room rather than the way they can be utilized. Dormify offers many different accent chairs in a variety of colors that fit a plethora of room designs. This can be great if you are trying to spruce up your room and make it more your own, but still have great seating options.

If benches are more your style rather than chairs
Maybe a bench is a better option for the amount of space that you have in your room. This might be the case if you have open space along a wall, you need some sort of decor right inside of your door as you walk into your room, or you need a seat that can easily slide under your bed. Whatever your reasoning may be, there are many options for benches that are comfortable and practical at Dormify.
Another plus to opting for a bench style chair is that many people choose to utilize it as a coffee table in front of a sofa or futon, as well. Having multiple purposes for one piece of furniture is vital in the process of shopping for a small space like a dorm room.

If you want storage and a seat
Of course, like mentioned earlier, an ottoman can be a great option if you are looking for a seat that doubles as storage. But, another option would be to invest in a trunk that can double as a seat. This makes moving easier, it can slide under your bed if you choose to do it that way, or it can sit at the end of your bed to be used as a seat, a step stool, or anything else that you need it for. Since it has a hard-surfaced flat top, it can also be a great option for a coffee table. The opportunities with one of these are endless.
Dormify has many great options for trunks that are sturdy and stylish, but if you are looking for something more vintage, there are many options at places like antique shops and thrift stores that will make your room look just as great.

As you can probably tell, there are so many options for you when it comes to additional seating for your dorm room. You may want to wait until you get to school to see what kind of seats you will actually need, as well as how much room you will end up having left over after you move your belongings in. The worst feeling is when you buy something that you think you will need, and then you end up not actually needing it. But, when you are ready to make that purchase, Dormify is here to help you out!
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