23 Inspiring College Apartment Living Room
Your college apartment’s living room looks like every other one on your floor—beige walls, that questionable couch from Facebook Marketplace, and zero personality.
You’ve saved approximately 47 living room posts on Instagram this month (guilty), but your space still feels more “freshman dorm” than “grown-up apartment.”
Whether you’re splitting $800 rent with roommates or finally scoring your own place, you deserve a living room where Sunday Netflix marathons actually feel cozy.
These budget-friendly ideas work with whatever style you’re into—from thrifted boho to Target-chic minimalism.
Boho Chic: Mix Thrifted Textiles With Macrame Wall Hangings
That free-spirited style from your favorite coffee shop meets the cozy corner of Urban Outfitters home section. Boho chic transforms basic college apartments into those dreamy spaces you screenshot on Pinterest—layered textures and warm tones that make studying feel less painful. It’s giving “I studied abroad in Morocco” energy without the plane ticket.
Shop The Look:
- Neutral linen or cotton blend sofa with wooden legs
- Rattan or woven wood coffee table with lower shelf
- Mid-century inspired wood TV stand with cane webbing details
- Peacock chair or vintage leather pouf
- Moroccan-style tufted area rug in terracotta and cream
- Mix of embroidered and tassel throw pillows in rust, mustard, sage
- Ceramic or woven basket table lamp with linen shade
- Sheer white curtains with bamboo blinds layered underneath
- Macrame wall hanging paired with vintage brass sunburst mirror
DIY Paint Transformation
- Feature wall behind sofa: Benjamin Moore “Sedona Clay” (2174-30) creates that perfect terracotta backdrop for your macrame pieces—like sunset hitting canyon walls.
- Main walls: Sherwin Williams “Accessible Beige” (SW 7036) keeps things neutral while adding warmth that makes thrifted finds look intentional rather than budget-driven.
- Ceiling surprise: Farrow & Ball “Setting Plaster” (No. 231) on the ceiling adds subtle pink undertones that make string lights glow even warmer during late-night study sessions.
Budget Range: $2,500-$4,500 | Timeline: 3-4 weeks | Best For: Studio apartments and small living spaces
Minimalist Modern: Create Clean Lines With Multi-Functional Furniture
That capsule wardrobe approach you love? Apply it to your living room. Minimalist modern is basically the neutral basics of interior design—everything works together, nothing screams for attention, and somehow it all looks incredibly put-together. Like those Scandinavian Instagram accounts you save but never thought you could actually achieve.
Shop The Look:
- Gray linen low-profile sofa with slim metal legs
- White marble-top coffee table with brass hairpin legs
- Floating white media console with hidden cable management
- Mid-century modern accent chair in cognac leather
- Neutral jute area rug with subtle geometric border
- Linen and velvet throw pillows in cream, taupe, and sage
- Ceramic table lamps with linen drum shades
- White blackout curtains with brushed nickel hardware
- Set of three abstract line art prints in thin black frames
DIY Paint Transformation
- Feature wall behind TV: Benjamin Moore “Cloud White” OC-130 creates the perfect barely-there backdrop that makes your TV disappear when it’s off
- Living space walls: Clare “Current Mood” for that sophisticated greige that changes with natural light throughout the day
- Ceiling treatment: Sherwin Williams “Alabaster” SW-7008 on the ceiling adds subtle warmth and makes standard 8-foot ceilings feel taller
Budget Range: $4,500-$8,500 | Timeline: 3-4 weeks | Best For: Studio and one-bedroom apartments
Scandinavian Cozy: Layer Neutral Tones With Soft Throw Blankets
Your friends’ hygge-inspired apartments on Instagram? That’s exactly this vibe—like wrapping your entire living room in your favorite cashmere sweater. Scandinavian cozy transforms basic college furniture into that “studied abroad in Copenhagen” aesthetic using layers of cream, beige, and soft gray that make Sunday morning coffee feel like a ritual.
Shop The Look:
- Cream bouclé sofa with low profile and tapered wood legs
- Round white oak coffee table with curved edges
- Minimalist media console in light ash wood
- Linen slipcovered accent chair in oatmeal
- Chunky wool area rug in natural ivory (8’x10′)
- Knit and linen throw pillows in cream, taupe, and soft gray
- Ceramic table lamp with linen shade (West Elm style)
- Sheer white curtains with natural wood rods
- Abstract line art prints in light wood frames
DIY Paint Transformation
- Feature wall: Benjamin Moore “Cloud White” OC-130 on your main wall creates that perfect barely-there backdrop that makes textiles pop
- Remaining walls: Farrow & Ball “School House White” No. 291 adds subtle warmth without going beige—essential for north-facing rooms
- Ceiling treatment: Sherwin Williams “Alabaster” SW 7008 painted on the ceiling reflects light and makes standard 8-foot ceilings feel taller
Budget Range: $4,500-$8,000 | Timeline: 2-4 weeks | Best For: Studio and one-bedroom apartments
Industrial Loft: Expose Brick Walls With Metal Shelving Units
Picture your favorite coffee shop’s exposed brick wall—that raw, unfinished beauty that makes everything else look intentional. Industrial loft style brings that same energy home, mixing tough materials with cozy touches like your favorite oversized sweater paired with combat boots. It’s the apartment aesthetic that screams “creative professional” without trying too hard.
Shop The Look:
- Charcoal gray leather sectional with visible stitching
- Reclaimed wood and black iron pipe coffee table
- Industrial mesh metal TV console with wood shelves
- Cognac leather butterfly chair with metal frame
- Distressed Persian-style area rug in rust and navy (8’x10′)
- Linen and velvet throw pillows in burnt orange and slate (set of 5)
- Black metal cage table lamps with Edison bulbs (pair)
- Natural burlap curtains with black metal grommets
- Vintage industrial patent prints or oversized metal wall clock
DIY Paint Transformation
- Brick wall treatment: Seal exposed brick with “Clear Matte Sealer” (Benjamin Moore) to preserve the natural texture while preventing dust—your black jeans will thank you.
- Accent wall option: Paint one wall in “Wrought Iron” (Benjamin Moore HC-168) for that industrial warehouse vibe when real brick isn’t available.
- Supporting walls: Choose “Cloud White” (Benjamin Moore OC-130) to keep the space bright and let your metal fixtures and brick textures be the stars.
Budget Range: $7,000-$12,000 | Timeline: 3-4 weeks | Best For: Loft-style apartments with high ceilings
Farmhouse Rustic: Add Reclaimed Wood Accents With Mason Jar Lighting
That Pinterest-worthy farmhouse look you keep saving? It’s basically the living room version of your favorite oversized flannel and distressed jeans combo—cozy, authentic, and somehow both put-together and effortlessly casual. This style transforms your college apartment into that coffee shop where everyone wants to study.
Shop The Look:
- Linen or cotton slip-covered sofa in natural oatmeal or cream
- Reclaimed barn wood coffee table with metal hairpin legs
- Distressed wood TV console with chicken wire cabinet doors
- Weathered leather accent chair in cognac or saddle brown
- Vintage-style Persian rug in muted blues and creams (8’x10′)
- Burlap and cream striped throw pillows with fringe details (set of 4)
- Mason jar pendant lights or table lamps with Edison bulbs
- White cotton curtains with tobacco basket tiebacks
- Galvanized metal wall art or vintage window frame mirror
DIY Paint Transformation
- Shiplap accent wall: Benjamin Moore “White Dove” OC-17 on faux shiplap boards creates that Joanna Gaines vibe without the renovation budget
- Main walls: Sherwin Williams “Alabaster” SW-7008 gives you that perfect warm white that makes wood tones sing
- Kitchen view walls: Benjamin Moore “Revere Pewter” HC-172 adds subtle contrast while keeping the farmhouse palette cohesive
Budget Range: $6,000-$12,000 | Timeline: 3-4 weeks | Best For: Studios and one-bedrooms with natural light
Mid-Century Modern: Incorporate Tapered Legs With Retro Color Pops
Mad Men meets your favorite vintage Instagram filter—that’s the sweet spot you’re hitting with this look. Like pairing your mom’s vintage blazer with modern jeans, mid-century modern brings that perfect tension between retro cool and current functionality. It’s giving coffee table books you actually read and furniture your friends ask about.
Shop The Look:
- Walnut-framed sofa with burnt orange or mustard velvet upholstery
- Kidney-shaped coffee table in walnut with tapered legs
- Low-profile media console with sliding doors and hairpin legs
- Olive green leather accent chair with wooden arms
- Abstract geometric rug in rust, teal, and cream (8’x10′)
- Color-blocked throw pillows in terracotta, sage, and navy (set of 5)
- Mushroom-style table lamp with brass base and linen shade
- Mustard yellow curtains with walnut wood curtain rods
- Sunburst mirror or vintage-inspired abstract wall art prints
DIY Paint Transformation
- Feature wall statement: Benjamin Moore’s “Aegean Teal” (2136-40) on your main seating wall creates that perfect vintage backdrop for your walnut furniture
- Warm base coating: Sherwin Williams “Accessible Beige” (SW 7036) on remaining walls keeps things cozy without competing with your color pops
- Door and trim detail: Farrow & Ball “Railings” (No. 31) on interior doors adds unexpected drama while keeping trim classic white
Budget Range: $6,500-$12,000 | Timeline: 3-4 weeks | Best For: Railroad-style apartments with defined spaces
Coastal Casual: Bring Beach Vibes With Light Blues and Woven Baskets
Picture your favorite boutique hotel lobby meets that breezy Hamptons house from Nancy Meyers movies—relaxed sophistication without trying too hard. This style transforms Tuesday night takeout into a coastal retreat moment, using the same color palette as your favorite chambray shirt and white jeans combo.
Shop The Look:
- White or cream slipcovered sofa with rolled arms
- Weathered wood or whitewashed coffee table
- Coastal-style media console in driftwood finish
- Rattan or wicker accent chair with white cushions
- Natural jute or sisal area rug (8’x10′)
- Blue and white striped throw pillows mixed with textured whites
- Ceramic table lamp with linen shade in soft blue
- White sheer curtains with bamboo roman shades
- Oversized coastal photography prints or round rope mirror
DIY Paint Transformation
- Feature wall treatment: Benjamin Moore “Healing Aloe 1562” on your longest wall creates that perfect sea glass backdrop without screaming beach theme
- Main room color: Sherwin Williams “Sea Salt SW 6204” gives walls that barely-there coastal tint that changes with natural light throughout the day
- Ceiling surprise: Benjamin Moore “Cloud White OC-130” on the ceiling makes rooms feel taller and mimics that bright beach house airiness
Budget Range: $6,000-$12,000 | Timeline: 2-3 weeks | Best For: Apartments with good natural light
Urban Eclectic: Combine Street Art Prints With Mismatched Seating
This style captures that Brooklyn coffee shop meets LA gallery vibe—where your vintage Levi’s jacket would feel right at home draped over a velvet armchair. It’s giving “I thrift on Melrose but also have a Crate & Barrel registry” energy, creating spaces that feel collected over time rather than ordered in one West Elm haul. Your living room becomes the backdrop for wine nights where friends debate whether that print is Banksy-inspired or actually worth something.
Shop The Look:
- Vintage-style velvet sofa in emerald or rust (CB2’s curved styles work perfectly)
- Reclaimed wood coffee table with metal hairpin legs
- Industrial pipe and wood TV console (Target’s Project 62 line)
- Mismatched accent chairs—one leather butterfly, one cane-back
- Distressed Persian-style area rug in faded jewel tones
- Mix of vintage band poster pillows and solid velvet throws
- Adjustable pharmacy lamp in aged brass finish
- Sheer linen curtains layered with bamboo blinds
- Gallery wall kit with street art prints and vintage concert posters
DIY Paint Transformation
- Feature wall drama: Benjamin Moore “Hale Navy” (HC-154) on the TV wall creates that moody gallery vibe perfect for highlighting bright artwork
- Main room warmth: Farrow & Ball “Skimming Stone” (241) keeps things neutral while adding more personality than basic beige
- Ceiling surprise: Behr “Whisper White” (PR-W15) with a hint of warmth prevents that stark overhead feeling
Budget Range: $6,000-$12,000 | Timeline: 3-4 weeks | Best For: Loft-style and open floor plans
Glam Luxe: Install Peel-And-Stick Marble Contact Paper With Gold Accents
That marble contact paper trick from TikTok actually works—it’s basically the living room version of getting gel extensions instead of dropping thousands on real jewels. This style channels those luxury hotel lobby vibes where everything gleams just enough to make you feel fancy, like sipping champagne at brunch even though it’s Tuesday. Your space becomes that friend’s apartment everyone wants to hang out in because it photographs like a West Elm catalog.
Shop The Look:
- Velvet tufted sofa in champagne or blush pink
- Glass coffee table with brass or gold metal frame
- White lacquered TV console with gold hardware pulls
- Cream bouclé accent chair with gold legs
- Ivory and gold abstract pattern area rug (8’x10′)
- Silk-look throw pillows in cream, gold, and soft pink (set of 5)
- Crystal table lamps with gold bases (pair)
- Sheer white curtains with gold curtain rods
- Sunburst gold mirror or marble-print canvas art
DIY Paint Transformation
- Feature wall drama: Benjamin Moore “White Dove” OC-17 on the main wall creates that perfect Instagram-worthy backdrop that makes gold accents pop like jewelry
- Ceiling surprise: Farrow & Ball “Pointing” No. 2003 on the ceiling adds subtle warmth without looking yellow in photos
- Trim luxury: Benjamin Moore “Cloud White” OC-130 on all baseboards and crown molding gives that crisp hotel suite finish
Budget Range: $4,500-$8,000 | Timeline: 1-2 weeks | Best For: Studio apartments and small living rooms
Desert Modern: Display Cacti Gardens With Terracotta Elements
Desert modern is basically that trendy succulent Instagram aesthetic meets your favorite boho coffee shop, but make it livable. You’re channeling those Pinterest boards filled with warm terracotta pots and minimalist cacti arrangements—creating a space that feels like an upscale Sedona Airbnb without the actual tumbleweeds.
Shop The Look:
- Low-profile sectional in warm camel or sand-colored linen
- Natural wood slab coffee table with live edge detail
- Woven cane or light wood TV console with open shelving
- Cognac leather butterfly chair or rattan accent chair
- Jute or sisal area rug with geometric border pattern
- Terracotta and cream textured throw pillows (mix linen and cotton)
- Ceramic table lamp with woven shade in natural tones
- White gauze curtains or bamboo blinds for texture
- Macrame wall hanging or collection of small round mirrors
DIY Paint Transformation
- Feature wall foundation: Benjamin Moore “Adobe Beige” (1128) on your main wall creates that perfect sun-baked backdrop for your cacti collection without overwhelming the space.
- Surrounding walls: Sherwin Williams “Accessible Beige” (SW 7036) keeps things neutral while adding warmth—it’s like permanent golden hour lighting.
- Ceiling surprise: Behr “Whisper White” (PR-W15) on the ceiling brightens everything up and makes your space feel larger, especially important for showcasing tall cacti.
Budget Range: $6,500-$12,000 | Timeline: 3-4 weeks | Best For: Apartments with good natural light
Cottagecore Sweet: Arrange Dried Flowers With Vintage Lace Doilies
That Taylor Swift folklore album aesthetic meets your grandmother’s attic in the best way possible. This style turns your apartment into the cozy English countryside retreat you’ve been saving on Pinterest since 2020. It’s giving main character in a Nancy Meyers movie energy—warm, collected, and effortlessly romantic without trying too hard.
Shop The Look:
- Cream or sage green velvet sofa with rolled arms
- Distressed white wood coffee table with turned legs
- Vintage-inspired TV console in weathered oak finish
- Floral print accent chair in dusty rose or lavender
- Muted floral area rug in cream and blush tones (8’x10′)
- Mix of embroidered and crochet throw pillows in pastels
- Ceramic table lamp with pleated fabric shade
- Sheer lace curtains or gingham check window treatments
- Gallery wall of pressed flower frames and vintage botanical prints
DIY Paint Transformation
- Feature wall treatment: Benjamin Moore “October Mist 1495” creates that dreamy, misty morning vibe behind your sofa that makes dried flowers pop
- Main room color: Farrow & Ball “String No. 8” gives you that perfect warm neutral that works with every vintage find at the flea market
- Ceiling surprise: Sherwin Williams “Alabaster SW 7008” on the ceiling adds subtle warmth and makes the room feel like a cozy cottage
Budget Range: $6,000-$10,000 | Timeline: 3-4 weeks | Best For: Studios and one-bedrooms with natural light
Dark Academia: Stack Old Books With Antique Brass Desk Lamps
That cozy library aesthetic from your favorite British period drama meets the coffee shop where you actually study. Dark academia transforms your basic college apartment into something that feels like you inherited it from a literature professor who collected first editions. The vibe screams “main character who reads poetry for fun” while still being the perfect backdrop for your Thursday night wine and reality TV sessions.
Shop The Look:
- Velvet tufted sofa in deep emerald or burgundy (Chesterfield-style preferred)
- Dark wood coffee table with carved details or leather inlay top
- Vintage-inspired media console in walnut with brass hardware
- Leather wingback chair in cognac or oxblood
- Persian-style area rug in deep reds and navy (8’x10′)
- Velvet and tapestry throw pillows in jewel tones (mix of 5)
- Antique brass pharmacy lamp or banker’s lamp with green shade
- Heavy velvet curtains in forest green or burgundy
- Gallery wall of vintage botanical prints or ornate gold mirrors
DIY Paint Transformation
- Feature wall drama: Benjamin Moore “Salamander” (2050-10) on your main wall creates that moody library feel without making the room cave-like
- Supporting walls: Farrow & Ball “String” (No. 8) gives you that aged parchment look that makes everything feel scholarly and intentional
- Ceiling surprise: Benjamin Moore “Cloud White” (OC-130) keeps things from getting too heavy—think of it as your breathing room
Budget Range: $6,000-$12,000 | Timeline: 3-4 weeks | Best For: Studios or one-bedroom apartments with good natural light
Japandi Zen: Balance Bamboo Elements With Floor Cushion Seating
Your morning matcha latte aesthetic meets that calming yoga studio energy—this is basically the living room equivalent of wearing linen pants with Stan Smiths. The bamboo-and-cushion combo creates that grounded, mindful vibe perfect for both study sessions and wine nights with friends who always compliment your taste.
Shop The Look:
- Low-profile sectional in natural linen or light gray fabric
- Round bamboo coffee table with lower shelf storage
- Floating bamboo media console with hidden cable management
- Floor cushion poufs in neutral cotton or jute (set of 2)
- Natural jute area rug with subtle geometric pattern (8’x10′)
- Linen and cotton throw pillows in sage, cream, and sand tones
- Bamboo table lamp with rice paper shade
- Sheer white bamboo blinds or natural linen curtains
- Minimalist bamboo wall shelf or Japanese-inspired botanical prints
DIY Paint Transformation
- Feature wall serenity: Benjamin Moore “Healing Aloe 1562” on your main wall creates that spa-like atmosphere without feeling too green or trendy
- Surrounding walls: Sherwin Williams “Accessible Beige SW 7036” keeps things warm and zen while still reading as neutral in photos
- Ceiling surprise: Benjamin Moore “Cloud White OC-130” on the ceiling makes your space feel taller and airier, especially with those floor cushions
Budget Range: $4,500-$8,000 | Timeline: 2-3 weeks | Best For: Studio apartments and small living spaces
Tropical Paradise: Hang Leaf-Print Tapestries With Rattan Furniture
Like walking into that dreamy Tulum resort lobby but in your own apartment—where natural textures meet those oversized palm prints you’ve been saving on Pinterest. This style brings vacation energy home, turning Tuesday Netflix sessions into mini staycations. It’s basically the living room version of wearing linen pants year-round: effortlessly chic and permanently relaxed.
Shop The Look: