Dorm Room and Apartment Shopping: How to Pick Upholstered Furniture and Bedding

Furnishing a college dorm room or apartment takes more planning than choosing items that look appealing in a store. Measurements should come first, including the room, doorways, stairwells and elevators. Large boxes or disassembled furniture still need to make it through the building, and checking the route beforehand can prevent an inconvenient return.

Durability and cleaning also deserve attention. Shoppers can ask how mattresses, bedding toppers, pillows and upholstered furniture will wear over time, and whether the materials resist stains. Higher-quality products cost more, but they may make sense for students who plan to keep using them after graduation.

A mattress cover or protector can help guard against spills, stains, allergens and bed bugs. Covers may be waterproof, hypoallergenic or designed to keep the sleeper cool. Buyers should check whether the cover is machine-washable and measure the mattress’s height and depth, not just its width and length.

Many dormitory twin beds use extra-long mattresses, so standard twin bedding may not fit. A six-sided encasement can cover the mattress and foundation completely, while a foam topper can add comfort to a dorm mattress. Memory foam conforms to body weight, while convoluted foam tends to be thinner and lighter. Ventilated or cooling designs may improve airflow.

Shoppers should also consider what materials are inside mattresses, bedding and upholstered furniture when assessing indoor air quality.