College dormitory rooms are notoriously small. In the United States, the average dorm is about 12 feet by 19 feet, which feels even smaller considering that many students share their pad with a roommate. That's maybe 114 square feet per person! It can be hard to decorate such tight spaces in a way that is both practical and attractive.
Enter decorative wire mesh. The hardy, long-lasting material revolutionizes the way students organize. Classic mesh trash cans and caddies have been making their rounds through dorm rooms across America for a while, but there are also countless options many would never think to try. Funky and durable, wire mesh fits into college life seamlessly. Wire mesh is:
- Tough, durable, and easy to clean and maintain
- Often low cost enough to please even frugal students surviving on Top Ramen
- Versatile for use in a wide range of DIY projects in sleeping, storage, and bathroom spaces
Mix and match metal meshes to suit any look with any combination of materials, colors, patterns, and opening sizes. Make a statement with bold brass mesh, set the mood with beautiful bronze mesh, dazzle visitors with captivating copper mesh, or try stainless wire mesh to achieve a sleeker, modern look. Whether it's woven for appearances or welded for strength, wire mesh can keep dorm room clutter at bay in a number of brilliant ways.
1. Spiffy Closet Organizers
When space is limited, closets can be a lifesaver. Pare down clothes and accessories to the essentials, store them smartly, and revel in a cleaner, more open-feeling room. Think beyond the closet rod—clever touches like decorative wire mesh drawers and shelves help maximize space. Not only does mesh provide awesome ventilation to keep a favorite pair of jeans from smelling musty, but the openings make it simple to see what's inside.
Try a shoe shelf for stashing your kicks, an over-the-door organizer for knickknacks, or wire baskets on a high shelf for out-of-season clothing and sports gear. A mesh laundry sorter offers a head start on laundry day.
2. Glorious Grids
Dorm rooms are blank slates. Inject personality with a few personal touches. Put a fun spin on the old bulletin board with a crafty steel mesh grid hung on the wall. It's sturdy enough to hold precious keepsakes, plus a little extra.
Thumbtacks are so passé. Use humble binder clips to secure favorite photos, artwork, and notes to the wire grid. Install a hook on the grid to stash a purse, bookbag, or keys. Nature lovers can try something a little different and attach baskets with potted plants to the grid. Jewelry doubles over as decor for fashionistas who hang earrings and necklaces on the rack.
3. Dazzling Desktop Accessories
The average full-time college student studies 15 hours a week, and the desk is a dorm's ground zero for studious activities. Keep office supplies close at hand with decorative wire mesh organizers.
Mesh transforms lampshades into those that need no dusting and letter trays that sort personal mail and class notes beautifully. Keep pencils and other supplies close at hand with a desk organizer. Try a magazine rack to help catch up on reading.
Dorm decorating and wire mesh are a match made in heaven. Looking to start a DIY project for your college student - or interested in getting your own space more organized? Since 1969, TWP has been a leader in supplying wire mesh, so we're available to answer any questions.
