Bean bag chairs are a great start for a student lounge, but don’t let the cool factor stop there. Try these student lounge decor ideas from Bean Bags R Us. A well-designed student lounge should also foster community building and provide opportunities for students to connect with their peers. A thoughtfully designed lounge makes a strong first impression on students and visitors, setting the tone for a welcoming and memorable campus experience.
There are more than 1 million students currently enrolled in colleges and universities in Australia. There are also more than 200 million students enrolled in colleges in other parts of the world. All these students have one simple thing in common: they all need to study hard to achieve good grades in their classes. To achieve this, college students need student lounges with the right decor. Lounges like this provide students with the opportunity to unwind and relax while they learn as much as possible. These spaces can also serve as sources of pride and impromptu gathering spots for social events. One easy way to make these lounges as effective as possible is by creating an attractive environment for all users and placing comfortable bean bag chairs in them. But that’s only the beginning! Here are some additional lounge decor ideas that will take these student lounges to the next level.
Thoughtful interior design is crucial for achieving both functionality and style in student lounges, ensuring these spaces meet the diverse needs of a campus community.
Introduction to Student Lounges
A student lounge is more than just a place to sit between classes—it’s the heart of campus life where students can relax, connect, and recharge. These spaces are designed to be welcoming and warm, offering a comfortable environment that encourages both socialising and focused study. The right student lounge can help students feel at home, making it easier to form new connections and build lasting friendships. When planning a student lounge, it’s important to create a space that reflects the needs and personalities of the students who will use it. Adding comfortable seating, such as bean bag chairs, incorporating vibrant wall art, and ensuring the space feels inviting are all key elements. By thoughtfully designing the lounge, you create an environment where students feel supported, inspired, and ready to tackle their studies.
Student Lounge Decor
Tip #1 - Paint the Walls the Right Colour
Before you put a single bean bag chair into your student lounge, the first thing you should do is paint the walls and make them the right colour. Ideally, you should choose a colour that will help students focus and concentrate when they’re spending time in the lounge. We figured out which colour schemes work best for focus and relaxation in student lounges by considering both the psychological effects of colours and how they interact in shared spaces. There are many colours to choose from. Here are some good options:
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Blue, especially a pale blue, is a calming colour that will allow students to be more productive.
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Green is a cool colour that will add a sense of tranquillity to a room while also making those in it feel more energetic
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Red is a warm colour that will stimulate a student’s senses and help them pull off an all-nighter
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Yellow, like green and red, is an energising colour that is more subtle than darker colours
The colours that you choose for your walls should determine which colours you choose for your bean bags. If you’re going with a colour that’s on the softer side, a bright red might be the perfect complement.
Cover the Walls with Inspirational Quotes
When students are sitting back in one of the large bean bag chairs in your student lounge studying, you want them to feel surrounded by inspiration. It’s why you should add more than a fresh coat of paint to the walls. You should also find a way to cover the walls of your beanbag lounge with inspirational quotes that will motivate them while they’re studying. You can either hire someone to paint the quotes on the wall or buy wall art featuring the quotes. Consider including pictures, such as student artwork or campus photos, to personalise the lounge and foster a sense of community. Here are some of the kinds of quotes students should see on the lounge walls when they’re studying on a bean bag chair:
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“Successful and unsuccessful people do not vary greatly in their abilities. They vary in their desires to reach their potential,”–John Maxwell
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“Strive for progress, not perfection”–Unknown
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“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going”–Beverly Sills
Students won’t have any trouble mustering up the strength to study when there are quotes like this all around them.
Strategically Position Study Lamps Throughout the Lounge
If you're trying to create an effective student lounge, the last thing you want to do is have students rely on fluorescent lighting. This type of lighting is not ideal for studying. Instead, invest in a few smaller study lamps and place them next to the bean bag chairs throughout your lounge. Try to find lamps that use warm halogen lighting that won't put too much strain on students' eyes. Whether you have Big Bob in your lounge or Bermuda Triangle lounges, each one should be near one of the lamps you have set up. It'll provide students with more than enough light while they're studying.
Place Cozy Rugs Near Each Bean Bag Chair
One of your goals when assembling a student lounge should be to make it feel as warm and welcoming as possible. If you paint the walls white and the lights are too bright, students will choose to stay in their dorm rooms rather than studying in the lounge. You can make your student lounge feel a whole lot more inviting when you place cozy rugs down on the floor in front of each bean bag chair in the lounge. Bean bag chairs like the Big Boppa and the Hayman are already going to be inviting on their own. But the rugs will tie the look of your room together. As an added bonus, putting rugs down on the floor will also make the room feel physically warmer. The rugs will also muffle sounds in the room, making it feel significantly quieter than it would otherwise.
For even more flexible seating, consider adding a stool or two to your lounge area. Stools, such as the affordable and versatile Frosta stool from Ikea, can be easily moved around to suit different needs and help create a relaxed, modern space.
The Boston Range is all about blending timeless design with luxurious comfort, and nothing showcases that better than our corduroy bean bag chair. Crafted from premium ribbed fabric, this chair provides a soft, textured feel that enhances any living space. Whether you’re furnishing a cozy reading nook, a laid-back lounge, or a stylish teen bedroom, the Boston Range delivers a refined look with the relaxed feel you expect from a bean bag. Designed for durability and comfort, this corduroy bean bag chair is the perfect addition for those who value both elegance and everyday ease. Its modern design ensures a timeless appeal, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Scatter Decorative Throw Pillows Around the Room
More often than not, students aren’t going to need to use pillows when they’re sitting down in a bean bag chair. The bean bag chair should provide them with all the support they need. In the event that a student wants to make their bean bag chair even more comfortable, they’ll appreciate that you have throw pillows scattered around the room. They’ll be able to use them to prop their heads up as they work their way through their study guides. When selecting throw pillows, consider purchasing ones that match the lounge's colour scheme or feature motivational quotes to enhance the overall atmosphere. If you want to make the throw pillows special, you can continue the quote theme on your walls by adding quotes to each pillow. People will be more inspired than ever when they have their heads resting against these pillows.
Add Desk Space for Students Using Laptops
If you don’t have room to add desk space to your student lounge, it’s not a huge problem. There are ways to work from a bean bag chair when you’re using a laptop, a tablet, or any other type of technology. Students will need to be mindful about how they sit on a bean bag chair while working on a laptop, though. They shouldn’t slump back too far when they’re doing it unless they want to deal with neck and back pain. With those things in mind, consider adding a few desks for students who prefer to sit upright in a desk chair, if you can find the room for them. Dedicated desk areas are ideal for students working on a group project or individual assignments. Add compartments on those desks so students can organise their study materials as they work on assignments. Additionally, custom furniture options can help when you feel stuck with limited space or conventional layouts, allowing you to maximise the available space in your lounge. Make sure to utilise every corner of the lounge for different activities, so students have flexible options for studying, relaxing, or collaborating.
Set Up a Coffee Station with the Necessary Supplies
The majority of Australians drink a lot of coffee. Studies have shown that about 75 per cent of people drink at least one cup of coffee every day. More than 25 per cent drink more than three cups on a daily basis. This trend extends to college students, too. There are lots of college students who depend on coffee to give them the spark they need to get all their studying done. Rather than forcing students to leave your student lounge when they want a hot cup of coffee, you should set up a coffee station right inside the lounge. Coffee stations cater to student needs and promote longer study sessions. You can invite people to bring their own mugs and make themselves coffee whenever they want it as they study.
Staff can help keep the coffee station stocked and ensure it remains a welcoming feature for students.
Finish the Lounge Decor Off with Lots of Plants
Your student lounge decor is almost complete! And as long as you’ve put at least a few of these lounge decor ideas to good use, it should start coming together. But there’s one last thing you should consider adding to finish the room off: plants. Plants can enhance your student lounge in several ways. Research has shown that plants can improve air quality and reduce stress in educational environments. They can:
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Give your indoor air quality a boost
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Increase oxygen levels
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Relax students’ minds
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Eliminate background noise
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Lower stress
You don’t need to turn your student lounge into a greenhouse to enjoy the benefits of plants. However, place approximately one plant near each bean bag chair in the space. The plants will make your student lounge look better, and they’ll help students study when they’re lounging around on bean bag chairs.
Technology and Connectivity
Today’s student lounge is as much about connectivity as it is about comfort. Integrating technology into the space is essential for supporting modern study habits and collaboration. Durable and stylish furniture, such as Herman Miller seating, can provide ergonomic support for long study sessions while elevating the overall look of the lounge. To enhance the functionality of the space, consider adding wireless charging stations, movable power outlets, and smartboards for group projects or presentations. Fast, reliable internet is essential, enabling students to access online resources, connect with classmates, and work efficiently from anywhere in the lounge. By embracing technology and modern furniture solutions, you create a student lounge that not only looks great but also meets the evolving needs of today’s students.
Maintenance and Upkeep
A student lounge should always feel clean, comfortable, and ready for use. Regular maintenance is key to keeping the space inviting and functional for all students. This involves scheduling daily cleaning, setting aside time for thorough weekly cleanings, and conducting monthly inspections to address any wear and tear on furniture or equipment. Establishing a clear budget for maintenance and repairs ensures that any issues are resolved promptly, preventing minor problems from escalating into major headaches. By prioritising upkeep, you help extend the life of your lounge furniture and create a welcoming environment where students can relax, study, and connect without distraction.
Budgeting and Planning
Designing a student lounge that’s both stylish and functional doesn’t have to break the bank. Start by setting a clear budget and researching budget-friendly options for furniture and decor. Consider second-hand finds, DIY projects, or multi-functional pieces that offer durability and value. When selecting items, focus on those that can withstand heavy use and meet the diverse needs of your student community. Thoughtful budgeting also allows you to invest in features that promote inclusivity, such as accessible seating or clear signage. With careful planning, you can create a student lounge that feels welcoming and looks great, all while staying within your budget.
Marketing and Promotion Strategies
Once your student lounge is ready, it’s time to spread the word and encourage students to make the most of the space. Utilise social media, flyers, and posters to showcase the lounge’s amenities, including cozy bean bag chairs and inspiring wall art. Hosting events like study groups, workshops, or casual meetups can help draw students in and foster a sense of community. Collaborate with student organisations and clubs to organise activities that make the lounge a hub of campus life. By actively promoting the student lounge, you create a welcoming environment where students feel excited to gather, study, and connect with one another.
Set Your Study Area Up Now Using These Lounge Decor Ideas
Choosing the right lounge decor for a student lounge is of the utmost importance. Redesigning your lounge to better meet the needs of students can transform it into a more welcoming and functional space. Student lounges, much like those found in a student union, serve as versatile areas for both study and social interaction, supporting academic, social, and recreational activities. If you’re trying to do it now, keep the tips listed here in mind when picking out things to put into your study area. Pay special attention to which bean bag chairs you choose for your space. You should select bean bag chairs in a variety of sizes to accommodate all the students who will use the lounge, whether it’s a casual space or a dedicated area for school library zones that encourage reading and relaxation. Choosing furniture that can withstand daily use is crucial for longevity and ensures your lounge remains inviting over time. The lounge can also serve as an informal class or collaborative learning space, providing opportunities for group study and peer interaction outside of traditional classrooms. It’ll give everyone a place to sit and relax when their studies have them feeling stressed. Contact us to order our bean bag chairs for your student lounge, and be sure to explore the benefits of bean bag chairs for your school community. Do you need to know where to buy bean bags? You’ve come to the right place! You may also enjoy reading about our cute dorm ideas.
Scroll down for more tips or to leave your lounge ideas in the comments!
