12 Dorm Room Decorating Ideas for Your Freshman Year
Get inspired with these dorm room ideas.
College move-in day is rapidly approaching, and there's a lot to prepare for in the meantime. Show off your personality with trendy dorm decor, while finding ways to sneak in extra storage. Learn how to turn your home away from home into a space you'll enjoy with our 12 favorite dorm room decor ideas.
1. Transform the Vibe With Temporary Wallpaper
Add some personality to your dorm room with peel-and-stick wallpaper. With an easy-to-use adhesive background, this paper is simple to install and then remove at the end of the year to avoid any extra fees. Use it as an accent behind your bed or above your desk for a little splash of color and pattern.
Dorm rooms offer very little space – maximize it with storage-smart furniture choices. Instead of trying to fit a cumbersome accent chair, opt for a comfy option like an ottoman or pouf that can be pulled out or put away whenever needed. Even better, they can also be used to store hard-to-organize items like shoes. For more tips on sneaky dorm room storage, check out our guide, Dorm Storage For Those Who Don't Pack Light.
Most dorm rooms have cold vinyl tiling that isn't inviting on a chilly morning. Encourage yourself to get out of bed for that 8 am class with a plush rug that gives your toes some much-needed comfort as you start your day. Try to stay in the 3' x 5'–size range, in either a rectangle or round shape.
Overhead lighting in dorm rooms is usually either too harsh or so dim that you can barely see the homework in front of you. Bring in ambient lighting to warm up your space. Hang string lights or pendant lamps with plug-in features to avoid taking up precious floor space.
Floating shelves are a great way to show off your trinkets without taking up space. They adhere directly onto the wall so you can utilize extra wall space above your desk or bed. Display pictures of friends and family back home, your favorite vinyl, and more. Remember to save room for anything you collect throughout the semester.
Bar carts are a stylish alternative to typical plastic storage towers – we love using them to house extra items in dorm rooms. A bar cart's mobility makes it an especially helpful storage hack. Set up a coffee station with a single-size coffee maker, mugs, and pods all in one convenient place, or use your cart to organize makeup and other toiletries.
Your dorm room bed is your home base. Whether you stop by to take a nap in between classes, have friends over to watch a movie, or do some late-night cramming, you want your bed to be your sanctuary. Choose comfortable bedding that reflects your personal style. You can also add decorative pillows for an extra pop of color and style.
Tip!
Don't forget a mattress pad for a little extra protection and comfort. We suggest mattress pads that are hypoallergenic, stain-resistant, and designed to prevent bed bugs.
Limited sunlight and an ever-changing schedule can make it difficult to keep finicky plants alive in the dorm. Swap out live greenery for some faux plants in a terrarium that also doubles as decor. If you really miss gardening, go with something low-maintenance you can keep on your desk or windowsill.
Mirrors make your dorm room look bigger and are necessary for a quick outfit check as you're running out the door. Hang an accent mirror on opposite walls to help enlarge the space and reflect what light you do have. Opt for a full-length mirror that hangs over the back of a door instead of propping one on the floor against the wall if floor space is tight.
Bring your dorm to life with wall art, tapestries, and temporary wall decals. When putting anything on the walls, double-check with your school's decor policy and remember adhesive strips will do less damage than nails.
If your shelf space is limited, prioritize hanging photos instead. Collage picture frames can display anywhere from two to seven photos – or more! – with plenty of room to add more shots throughout the year as well.
Make your dorm room the hub for movie night. Instead of trying to fit in a clunky and expensive TV, swap it out for a projector. Double your wall tapestry as a screen and cast movies and shows so big that everyone in your hall can come and enjoy them with you. If you have a record player, consider a decorative audio stand to keep it protected (and cute!) while you and your friends jam out to your favorite songs.
