A Must-have for Your College Dorm Room They Forget to Mention

College dorm rooms, for the most part, are getting nicer and bigger than when many of us, now parents, left home for our college adventure. Even so, after just returning from an eight college/eight state tour with my rising-senior son there is one thing I can share with confidence: An area rug will go a long way to add warmth and coziness to any dorm room. 

College dorm rooms come equipped with beds, desks, dressers and closets and all the necessary technology connections. The floors, for sanitary and durability reasons, are generally bare, crafted of hardwood, concrete, tile or other hard surface.

Thanks to technological advancements in the craftsmanship of rug making and the evolution of the shipping business, purchasing and shipping an attractive, easy-care and inexpensive kids rugs for your child's dorm room makes sense. In fact, area rugs should be added to colleges' "what to bring lists" for boarding students.

When purchasing a rug for a dorm room, the 5' x 8' size is probably your best choice.  It will lie nicely in the space between the beds in the center of the room. In smaller rooms, it may be positioned slightly under the bed frames. If you are concerned about purchasing the right size, call the housing department at the college and ask the dorm room dimensions or go the university's website.

Rugs manufactured of synthetic fibers such as, Acrylic, Polypropylene, Viscose, and Polyester are durable and easy to care for. Rugs made of synthetic fibers are also surprisingly plush and soft to the touch.  Spills can be easily cleaned and the rugs will retain their quality and appeal with regular vacuuming. For more information about rug types, read our Rugs 101.  

Today's affordable and durable options, plus free shipping, makes an area rug a smart addition to your back-to-school shopping list.