{"id":6790,"date":"2020-06-26T20:09:22","date_gmt":"2020-06-26T20:09:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mymove.com\/?p=6790"},"modified":"2022-12-22T17:51:14","modified_gmt":"2022-12-22T17:51:14","slug":"dorm-room-ideas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mymove.com\/moving\/college\/dorm-room-ideas\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Dorm Room Ideas to Make Your New Space Feel Like Home"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Now that high school graduation is complete, it\u2019s time to research dorm room ideas to make your dorm feel like home. The great news is your new room is a completely blank slate. Of course, you need the dorm room essentials<\/a>, but you also want your room to feel like home. Here are 12 fabulous tips to create a space you\u2019ll want to spend time in, even during those dreaded all-nighters.<\/p>\n\n\n

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12 brilliant dorm room decorating ideas to make your space feel homey<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Create a photo wall<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Girl
Rawpixel.com \/ Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Everyone gets homesick, so reminders of memorable moments with family and friends can help brighten up your dorm room. Photo walls are a fantastic way to cover those dull walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinterest inspiration:<\/b> Mix up a few different displays. Attach photos directly onto your wall in a grid pattern or heart shape. Or create a \u201cclothesline\u201d photo collage<\/a> with wire<\/a> and mini clothespins<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Bring some plants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Succulents
Myimagine \/ Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Adding greenery to your dorm room will help it feel fresh and less basic. Houseplants can be good for your health<\/a>, so bring a few low-maintenance varieties. No green thumb? Air plants are perfect. Pick out a few cute pots to rest on your nightstand or hang from a hook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinterest inspiration: <\/b>Create a macram\u00e9 plant hanger<\/a> for a bohemian vibe. Grab jute<\/a>, scissors<\/a>, a small pot<\/a>, and a command hook<\/a> if you\u2019ll be hanging it from the wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Light up the night<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Cool
Sopho Vardidze \/ EyeEm – Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If your room has fluorescent lights, a bedside lamp adds a softer glow that mellows, instead of you relying exclusively on harsh overhead lighting. A touch lamp with three levels of brightness is good for different times of day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinterest inspiration: <\/b>The right lamp<\/a> should definitely be on your dorm room decorating list. For extra convenience, try a multi-functional one that comes with USB chargers and organization cubbies<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Slide into soft sheets and a comfy comforter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Syda Productions \/ Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A comfortable set of sheets, cozy quilt, or comforter helps keep you sleeping oh-so-soundly. If possible, bring the same brand bedding you use at home. Most dorm beds are Twin XL, so make sure to pick up the proper sizing. Keeping with your color scheme is super easy with bed-in-a-bag options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinterest inspiration:<\/b> You\u2019ll be spending a lot of time in and on your bed. Pick out bedding<\/a> that looks and feels great, from boho-chic to perfectly plaid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Loft your bed to create a study nook<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Girls
Klaus Vedfelt \/ Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Many colleges offer the option to set up dorms in a loft layout. Once you have the dimensions and list of furniture provided, you\u2019ll have a better idea of what’s needed to create the perfect dorm room nook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinterest inspiration:<\/b> Create a nook underneath your lofted bed and add a study desk<\/a> to power through homework, a folding gaming chair<\/a>, or bean bag chairs<\/a> for much-needed breaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Add a mirror<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Girl
G-Stock Studio \/ Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mirrors aren\u2019t just for checking your look, they also make your room feel bigger \u2014 super important in small spaces. Pick up some peel-and-stick mirrors to create a unique pattern on your wall or door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinterest inspiration:<\/b> Whether you’re into grid patterns or a more free-flowing look, removable mirrors<\/a> in a variety of shapes and sizes<\/a> help reflect your style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Create a homey feel with curtains<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Girls
Maskot \/ Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Is your view less than stellar, or your dorm on the first floor? Curtains add privacy and the feel of a finished room. If you like to sleep in, try light-blocking curtains. For a brighter, airier feel, choose sheer curtains to gently filter light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinterest inspiration:<\/b> Curtains<\/a> don\u2019t have to break the bank. You can DIY curtains with a long length of fabric (check for discontinued fabric discounts), painter\u2019s canvas drop cloth<\/a>, and shower curtains<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Add a headboard<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Twin
Eric Hernandez \/ Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Many college dorms have cement walls \u2014 not very comfortable to lean against in bed. Add a comfy headboard to your dorm room decorating plans. Making your own headboard saves money and lets you customize the size and style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinterest inspiration:<\/b> For a DIY upholstered headboard<\/a>, grab some nailhead trim<\/a>, fun fabric<\/a>, batting<\/a> for padding, and some fiberboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Add some twinkle with fairy lights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Young
DGLimages \/ Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Proper lighting can be hard to come by in a dorm room. Add festive twinkle fairy lights to your dorm room ideas for a feeling of whimsy. Twinkle lights come in a range of sizes and even color-changing options that can sync with the music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinterest inspiration<\/b>: String fairy lights<\/a> across your wall or around your photo collage. Use them to create mood lighting<\/a> when hanging with friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Add a plush area rug<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Area
Halit Omer \/ Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Does your dorm room have cement floors or thin, industrial-grade carpet? That’s not very cozy for getting in and out of bed. Adding a colorful plush area rug next to your bed adds a pop of color and softness underfoot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinterest inspiration:<\/b> Make your own area rug<\/a>. Shag rugs are all the rage and simple to create. With yarn, a latch hook tool<\/a>, and latch hook rug canvas<\/a>, you\u2019ll have a statement piece for your dorm floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. Create a place for friends to hang<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Friends
Maskot \/ Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Dorms are traditionally small, so you may need to get creative with seating. Storage ottomans are dual-purpose for seating and tucking away blankets, remotes, or books.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinterest inspiration:<\/b> Create your own no-sew storage ottoman<\/a> with upholstery fabric<\/a>, a heavy-duty stapler<\/a>, and a wooden crate<\/a>. Or get a pre-fab shelf ottoman<\/a> for storage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. Make your bed extra comfy with pillows<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Throw
Kwanchai Khammuean \/ EyeEm – Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When dorm room decorating, an easy way to add character is with throw pillows. Whether it\u2019s a cute Dorm Sweet Dorm<\/a> or a cheeky Call Your Mother, pillows are a quick way to incorporate your fashion sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinterest inspiration:<\/b> Pillows<\/a> are fairly inexpensive and can be bought individually or in pairs. Or, create your own with fun fabric<\/a>, fringe<\/a>, and a pillow insert<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bottom line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The best college dorm decor not only has personality but also creates a welcoming \u201chome away from home\u201d space. Before move-in day, take time to plan your dorm room ideas. Look online for inspiration \u2014 and sales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How can I decorate my dorm room for cheap?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before coming up with dorm room decorating ideas, set a budget. If you can connect with your roommate before move-in day, talk about sharing costs such as refrigerators and microwaves. With a little DIY, you can turn Dollar Store items into fun decor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What should I decorate my dorm room with?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinterest<\/a> is an awesome resource to create a board of dorm room ideas. Keep an eye out for summer back to school sales. Many large retailers have a wide variety of bedding and decor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are there off-limit dorm decor items? <\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your college will provide a list of what’s permitted in rooms. While you may have your heart set on a tie-dyed tapestry, unless it\u2019s fire retardant, you may have to leave it home. Check with your dorm advisor to confirm what you can bring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How hard is it to decorate my dorm?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plan to spend a few hours during your move-in day dedicated to dorm room decorating. Find out if your dorm has an elevator, which will make lugging all of your furnishings easier. Bring extra removable hooks and hanging items. Once you settle in, you may want to rearrange photos or posters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n