Add personality and whimsy to your dorm room, which is your new home away from home. Think of decorating a dorm room like a bedroom. Prioritize cozy corners and a comfortable environment with a few extra functional touches. Here are some stylish dorm room decorating ideas for personalizing your space even with a blank canvas.
01 of 20: Create a Lofted Sleep Space by @ellglassclock / Instagram. If possible, create a lofted bed setup to maximize floor space. Place a desk, dresser, or bean bag chair underneath and design a cozy reading nook. 02 of 20: Add a Strand of Neon Lights by @ellaglassclock / Instagram. Neon lights add visual interest to a plain white wall while being minimalistic. Ensure easy access to the off switch so bright lights don’t interfere with sleep. 03 of 20: Layer Throw Pillows by @lunadorminteriors / Instagram. If you like throw pillows at home, bring some to the dorm. Mix patterns and colors for a unique arrangement. 04 of 20: Hang Faux Vines Behind the Bed by @angelasperspective / Instagram. If you can’t keep a plant alive, bring in hanging vines for a green touch. Place them behind the bed for a dramatic effect. 05 of 20: Hang a Personalized Neon Sign by @lunadorminteriors / Instagram. Purchase a neon sign with your name or favorite phrase and hang it above your bed. Your roommate might join in. 06 of 20: Weave in Small Decorative Pieces by @angelasperspective / Instagram. Small decorative accents like fake plants, little mirrors, and picture frames can transform a bland dorm room. 07 of 20: Add a Desk Hutch for Storage by @jordanr.23 / Instagram. A desk hutch doubles storage space. If your desk is also a getting-ready station, carve out space for makeup and hair tools. 08 of 20: Create a Gallery Wall by @kimberlywestphillips / Instagram. Since dorm room beds are often against the wall, hang posters, string lights, and more to add character.Dorm rooms can be transformed into personalized spaces with these 20 decorating ideas.
09 of 20: Hang Your Hats – Hats are not only fashionable but also make for fun decor. Use stick-on hooks to create a wall display above your bed or dresser for a chic statement. 10 of 20: Organize With Mesh Bins – If your dorm has open shelving, use it to store miscellaneous items. Mesh bins are perfect for stashing extra toiletries, school supplies, and other small items, and their transparency makes finding items quick and easy. 11 of 20: Utilize Storage Drawers – Make use of storage drawers wherever possible. Most dorm dressers are small, and extra bins are handy for tucking away workout clothes, extra sheets, baseball hats, winter gear, and more. When decorating small spaces, closed storage is your friend. Opt for a nightstand with drawers or a cabinet, or use opaque storage bins on an empty shelf to keep the look clean and sleek. 12 of 20: Cuddle a Custom Pet Pillow – Leaving your family pet behind is one of the hardest parts of moving into a dorm. Pay tribute to your furry friend by ordering a custom pillow featuring their face and placing it on your bed. It’s cute and an instant conversation starter. 13 of 20: Frame Posters – Instead of simply taping your posters to the walls, take a moment to place them inside frames. This not only looks nice but also ensures that your posters don’t get torn when you take them down at the end of the year, making them perfect for reuse the following year. 14 of 20: Bring in Some Lamps – Dorm rooms aren’t known for their abundance of sunlight, so bringing in lamps is essential to ensure a bright environment for studying. A floor lamp is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. 15 of 20: Cozy Up With an Arm Pillow – If you enjoy reading or reviewing notes from the comfort of your room at night, add a pillow with arms to your bed for extra comfort while propping yourself up. 16 of 20: Bring Your Own Headboard – A cool way to add major style to a dorm room is by bringing a headboard to the space. If you’re feeling crafty, you can even DIY this piece. Select a fun fabric that speaks to you, as a headboard will make lounging and reading in bed feel cozier. 17 of 20: Make a Custom Desk Top – Makeover a basic dorm desk by covering it with fabric in the color and print of your choosing. Then, add a glass cutting on top to ensure that you can still use this surface for writing.Elevate the look of your weathered wooden desk with chic accessories.
18 of 20: Layer Your Bedding Amy Littleson suggests adding instant color to your dorm room with a vibrant quilt. This not only adds a pop of color but also serves as an extra layer during colder months. Tip: Don’t restrict yourself to a single color scheme. Begin with a neutral base of white, beige, or cream and choose two accent colors that are cozy, inviting, and eye-catching. Timeless options include forest green, periwinkle blue, burnt orange, and blush pink. A neutral base allows for easy updates to your style over time. 19 of 20: Hang a Mini Gallery Wall Fran Acciardo recommends adding personality to your dorm room walls by hanging a trio of favorite prints above your bed. Print out digital downloads and frame them in simple, affordable frames. Many students use removable hooks for easy installation. 20 of 20: Tuck a Shoe Rack in the Closet Fran Acciardo advises keeping shoes organized by using a shoe rack that fits inside your closet, making morning preparations a breeze. FAQ: How do you decorate a dorm room on a budget? Decorating on a budget is simple with second-hand items. Visit local thrift stores for unique throw pillows, blankets, decor items, and art. Your college may also have an organization that offers gently used dorm furniture at low prices or for free. Utilize large wall coverings like posters and tapestries to save on smaller art pieces. How do you make a dorm room look nice? The secret to a nice-looking dorm room is creating a cozy, stylish space. Layer textures and incorporate soft accent lighting. Introduce table and floor lamps, rugs, throw blankets, and pillows to warm up the room. A bouquet of fresh flowers and a few green plants can also enliven the space. What is the 60-30-10 rule in design? The 60-30-10 rule is a design principle suggesting that a room should be colored in a 60% dominant color, 30% secondary color, and 10% accent color.:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/spacejoy-9xoQJ-3-HGs-unsplash-9ca95689bcab4d7c9d2e62d954fc69de.jpg)