Looking for some dorm decor inspiration? From what to decorate with to how to decorate it, we’ve wrapped up all the best decor ideas for your dorm room. We’ve quickly answered a few dorm room related frequently asked questions before getting started with all the best dorm decor ideas that will make your dorm room so much more pretty and functional.
What can you decorate your dorm room with?
You can decorate your dorm room with just about anything you like – including things like pillows, posters, lights & more. However, if you want to add things like wallpaper or hang photos, you need to make sure you do so in a way that can be reversed such as by using a removable wallpaper or adhesive strips (as opposed to nails) so that when its time to move out you don’t leave with any unwanted expenses.
How can you make your dorm room feel more cosy?
Making your dorm room feel more cosy is all about incorporating soft textures such as soft blankets, cute pillows and a rug on the floor. You can also make your dorm room feel more cosy by using a neutral colour palette which is calming for your decor.
What are some dorm room essentials people often forget?
Some dorm room essentials people often forget to bring include storage boxes (these always come in handy and people always underestimate just how much storage they will need), extensions leads (as you and any potential roommates will most likely need more sockets than that of which your room provides), slippers, a first aid kit and scissors (trust me, you will need these more often than you think and will seriously regret not having some handy).
1. Under Bed Drawers/Storage
Dorm rooms don’t have a lot of space for storage so this is a really great way to maximise the space you have.
From clothes to books, this is the perfect place to store just about anything you want.
2. Cute Pillows
Pillows can add so much personality to a dorm room and are a really great way to make your dorm room feel more ‘you’.
The colour scheme or aesthetic of your pillows is a really great way to achieve the aesthetic you want for your room too, for example, blue and white pillows for a ‘coastal granddaughter’ look or bright & neon pillows if you want your room to have more of a preppy vibe.
3. Add Bunting
Bunting is such an overlooked decor idea for a dorm room when it really shouldn’t be! 😌✨
Having bunting in your dorm room is just such a fun and cool look plus will really liven up a drab space.
4. Tall Drawers/Bedside Table
A tall dorm bed calls for a tall bedside table and a tall chest of drawers is the perfect solution which will give you a space for your bedside essentials & a lamp plus more storage as a bonus.
Tip: Use the top drawer as your ‘late night study’ drawer stacked with any notes you may need, a notebook, some pens and a small clip book light (so that you don’t annoy your roommate) for when you need to get an emergency study cram in.
5. Vanity Pinboard
Wether you want to make a physical version of one of your Pinterest boards or just want a place for memories, this is a really cute idea that will make your dorm room feel a lot more personal.
A pinboard also makes for a really great place to put any reminders you need such as upcoming deadlines or to do lists.
6. Light Up Name light
This is a really cute look which will really give your dorm room a real pop of colour and a more fun vibe.
You may wish to get your roommate one with their name too to give your room a more cohesive look. 🤭💅
7. Incorporate Memorabilia For Your College
Rory Gilmore did this best with her Harvard memorabilia in her Stars Hollow home which would then become Yale memorabilia when she went to Yale for college.
This is a really aesthetically pleasing look and will just really help you feel even more in your college era. 😅✨
8. Place A Large Rug
Incorporating a rug into your dorm room will really frame the space and make it feel a lot more cosy too.
If you want to make the space feel bigger then a lighter rug would probably be your best bet, however if you are a bit of a klutz or just want to be on the safe side, then a darker rug is a safer choice in the case of any stains.
9. Drawer Organisers
Organising your drawers will save you so much time and having a tidier room will really help you feel like you have more of a clear headspace.
You will not regret taking the time to organise your drawers, especially when you are running late and don’t have the time to look for anything.
10. Turn Your Bed Into A Day Bed
You may end up spending a lot of time in your dorm room during the day and if so, you will want to have a comfy space to lay down as if you are on a couch where you can get work done or just relax without going full bedtime mode.
All you really need for this idea is a few extra pillows for along the wall and you may want to get a laptop desk tray to place your computer on when you want to work in a more relaxed manner.
11. Vintage Tennis Racket Wall Art
This is a really unique and cool wall decor idea that will give your dorm room more of a sporty look.
This makes for a really cute extra space to hang photos or little reminders and will give your dorm room a little character.
12. Mini Fridge
Not much explaining is needed for why this idea is something you will want in your dorm room.
From soda to ice cream and any of your other favourite snacks, a mini fridge is a must for storing the food of your choice.
13. Peel & Stick Wallpaper
Wallpaper can totally transform a dorm room and any space in general really but dorm rooms often don’t allow you to make irreversible changes when decorating.
A great way around this is to use a removable peel and stick wallpaper which will make for an easy installation and is something you can remove when you move out of your dorm room.
14. Heart Shaped Shelf
This is a really simple shelf decor idea that will make for a cool place to keep your perfumes or anything you may wish to display.
This may not provide a lot of storage but any storage is a bonus for a dorm room and the fact that the shelf is heart shaped is just an additional bonus. 🤭💖
15. Stick To An Aesthetic
Sticking to an aesthetic when decorating is a really sure way to make sure that you dorm decor looks aesthetically pleasing and has a cohesive look.
This beach-y dorm room keep to a blue and white colour scheme for a totally chic ‘coastal granddaughter aesthetic’ dorm.
16. Add A Shoe Shelf
A shoe shelf provides the perfect place for quick access to your shoes when you may want to get out the door quick and gives your shoes (with all the dirt they may tract) their own space for storage.
If you are proud of your shoe collection and want to have them on display then this is also a really great way to do just that too. 👟😌
Hope you liked these dorm decor ideas and have found some inspiration for how to decorate your dorm room! Thanks for reading! 🙂
