DIY Projects for Furnishing Your Apartment or College Dorm Room

DIY Projects for Furnishing Your Apartment or College Dorm Room

Furnishing a new place can get expensive. Whether it’s your first year in college or you just moved into an empty apartment, we have a variety of DIY plans that can help you furnish your place on a budget.  

DIYs for the Bedroom 

DIY A Simple Bedframe with Joana Bianchi 

Transform your bedroom, dorm room or apartment with this sturdy, simple bedframe. Learn how to build your very own bedframe using Simpson Strong-Tie blackpowder-coated connectors. This Outdoor Accents® APRTC2 Rigid Tie® Corner Connector connects the legs and rails of the bedframe together, while the  Simpson Strong-Tie APRTA Rigid Tie® Angle  helps hold the header board. Not only is it easy to build, but it could save you some money as well! 

Simpson-DIY-Nightstand-Plans-Rogue-Engineer
DIY Nightstand by Rogue-Engineer

How To DIY A Nightstand By Rogue Engineer 

Keep your bedside organized with this rustic nightstand. It comes with a drawer up top for easy access, along with additional storage below. This nightstand is the perfect way to upgrade your bedroom on a budget and keep your bedside tidy. 

DIYS for the Family Room 

Completed DIY Sofa Bed
Completed DIY Sofa Bed

How to Build a Sofa Bed with Joanna Bianchi 

This multifunctional sofa bed is the perfect furniture piece for anyone with limited space. It provides extra seating when you’re entertaining guests and doubles as a comfortable bed for any overnight visitors. Even better, it features a built-in side table. From attaching the sofa legs with the Simpson Strong-Tie Finish Trim screws to attaching the backend of the sofa bed with our gusset angles and an L bracket, this piece of furniture is easy to build and will be built to last.

DIY sectional sofa
DIY sectional sofa

How To DIY a Sectional Sofa 

Looking to upgrade your space with a new sofa? Sectional sofas are a great option that offer lots of seating for family and guests and can be rearranged to fit small spaces. This DIY project uses Rigid Tie® RTC2Z connectors to attach the legs, adding strength and durability to this sofa. 

Industrial Coffee Table with Matching Side Table by Rogue Engineer
Industrial Coffee Table with Matching Side Table by Rogue Engineer

DIY Coffee Table and Matching End Table by Rogue Engineer 

Trying to find a coffee table that doesn’t break the bank? Check out this DIY coffee table made of reclaimed pallet wood. See how the Rogue Engineer, aka Jamison Rantz, built it using our WBSK kit. 

Building a proper workspace

DIY Standing Desk Shelving Unit

How to Build a Standing Desk with Shelving Unit
A proper workspace is essential for productivity whether you’re studying for an exam or need a desk while working from home. This standing desk allows you to stretch your legs, and the shelving can help prevent your desk from getting too cluttered. Build your own desk with our free downloadable plans here

DIY Custom Workbench
DIY Custom Workbench

DIY: How to Build a Workbench-Style Custom Desk 

See how DIYer Jaime Costiglio used our WBSK kit to build her very own custom workbench-style desk. Learn how she made this industrial-style workspace perfectly fit all her needs. Our WBSK kits are available in most home centers near you. So pick one up and build your own workspace today! 

Computer Table Constructed with RTC22
Computer Table Constructed with RTC22

DIY: How to Build a Computer Stand 

Instead of leaving your laptop on your lap, think about elevating it with this computer stand. Not only will it improve your posture, it will help protect your laptop from spills or accidents. This stand is great if you use an external keyboard or mouse with a monitor. 

DIY Leaning Ladder Bookshelf
DIY Leaning Ladder Bookshelf

DIY: How to Build a Leaning Ladder Bookshelf 

Add style and extra storage to your room with this leaning ladder bookshelf. It’helps you shelve all your books, plants and other knickknacks in a narrow space. Download free step-by-step DIY plans on our blog, to build your very own bookshelf here.

Completed DIY Treadmill desk
DIY Treadmill desk

New Year, New You: How to DIY a Treadmill Desk 

Stay active and productive with this DIY treadmill desk, which helps you get your steps while you work. It’s a win-win!  

DIYs for the Kitchen 

DIY Mobile Kitchen Island
DIY Mobile Kitchen Island

DIY: How to Build a Mobile Kitchen Island 

This versatile cart is perfect for extra storage and can be customized for your space. Whether you have a small kitchen or kitchenette, this cart can provide extra counterspace for for food prep or make a great dorm room addition to shelve your microwave and snacks. As a bonus, this cart is on caster wheels and can be moved anywhere in a pinch.  Download free plans here.

Completed DIY Counter Bar Stools built with Simpson Strong-Tie hardware
Completed DIY Counter Bar Stools built with Simpson Strong-Tie hardware

DIY Counter Bar Stools with Joana Bianchi
Upgrade your kitchen space without breaking the bank by adding some new bar stools. Built with our Outdoor Accents APRTs and 1 ½” Connector screws, these chairs are sturdy and handy. 

Hopefully you were able to get some inspiration from these various DIYs for upgrading your home spaces from the bedroom to the kitchen, living room and even the office. If so, save some money on home furnishings, and roll up your sleeves to see what you can create!