Dorm Room Dos and Don'ts

Build a Bookcase

With the right tools, this over-the-bed bookcase is much cheaper to make than buying metal shelving. It can easily be painted to match any bedding and is aesthetically pleasing.
Use beaded board as the backing for the shelf to add visual interest. Make sure to find out the width of the beds in the dorm. And many universities have these measurements available on their Web sites.
*Item not drawn to scale.