How are you feeling right now about dorm room décor? If you’re like us, you probably bought or borrowed a bunch of used stuff from other students, friends, or family members. Or made a mad dash to Target only to find that all the good stuff was already gone (this totally happened to us again this year). If you’re feeling like there’s room to level up, fear not! It’s never too late. Our correspondent has curated a list of tips on how to decorate a dormitory room, along with 12 easy, affordable and stylish décor buys right now.
new ways to decorate a college dormitory room this year
College move-in season is well underway. And if you’re moving to a campus dorm room or an off-campus apartment this Fall, chances are you’ve been giving your future dwelling place a lot of thought.
Finally you get a chance to decorate your space exactly the way you want to.
Tips on how to decorate a dormitory room, along with 12 easy, affordable and stylish décor buys right now.
What you may have come to realize, though, is that many dorm rooms and student apartments are just a tiny bit bland. Also slightly smaller than you may have envisioned – okay, much smaller.
Don’t worry though. You can still make your new home a stylish sanctuary where you and your friends will want to hang out and even impress your family when they come for a visit.
Tips on how to decorate a dormitory room, along with 12 easy, affordable and stylish décor buys right now.
We’ve done some prowling around, and found some ideas and inspirations to help you get going – all on a student budget. All of our picks are available online for delivery right to your campus – no car needed.
Ahead, our 12 favorite dorm room ideas to get you inspired as you prepare to design a room – and a life – of your own. Happy decorating!
How to decorate a new dormitory room this year with easy and affordable décor buys
1. extra cozy bedding
After a long day of studying, sink into Brooklinen’s cool, crisp Percale bedding and drift off into dreamland. The brand’s Classic Move In Bundle ($506) features everything you need this side of the mattress, from dorm room friendly twin XL sheets to a fluffy duvet insert, a supportive pillow and even Laundress detergent to keep it all clean.
BUY NOW – $506.00.
2. personal touches
This may seem obvious, but bringing in decorative objects, meaningful mementos from home will help to make your dorm room feel more personal and spark joy. Print some favorite photos or Insta’s and hang them on this Photo Display Holder ($40) from Honey Can Do for easy and meaningful wall art. And you can easily swap them out throughout the year as you make more memories.
BUY NOW – from $40.00.
3. personal pillows
This Furbish It’s Me Needlepoint Pillow ($108) will add color, texture and personality to your room. If you have roommates, your bed is the only spot in your dorm that’s wholly yours, so let your true colors shine and splurge on more than one.
BUY NOW – $108.00.
4. add curtains
Another easy way to upgrade your room and add texture? Add a set of curtains like these Crate and Barrel Desmond Curtains ($100) to your windows. Not only will you sleep better, but your space will instantly be transformed.
BUY NOW – $100.00.
5. its electric
There’s a 99% percent chance that your room won’t have enough outlets. Forget the standard clunky, white power strips. Come prepared with a colorful 360 Electrical Habitat Braided Extension Cord ($25) that features both AC and USB outlets and is accessible from all sides.
BUY NOW – $25.00.
6. go green
Plants can add color, verve and style to any space. This String of Pickles Plant ($48) from Terrain is fast growing and will bloom if placed in plenty of sunshine.
BUY NOW – $48.00.
7. cover up the floor
Cover up your room’s existing carpeting (or a cold linoleum floor) with a soft rug like this stain resistant and washable Ruggable x Gray Malin Fringe Pink & Ivory Rug ($289). Blush pink is a new neutral, right?
BUY NOW – $289.00.
8. let the breeze in
Believe it or not, some dorms do not have air conditioning and/or don’t allow AC window units. Come prepared with a cute Vornado retro style VFAN Jr. Vintage Air Circulator ($80) to get the air flowing.
BUY NOW – $80.00.
9. add some twinkle
Did you even go to college if you didn’t have some fairy lights in your dorm room? Soften the harsh fluorescent lighting and add a touch whimsy with Terrain’s LED Stargazer Rose Gold Curtain ($88).
BUY NOW – $88.00.
10. a cool fridge
You’re planning on getting a mini-fridge, so you might as well get one that’s cool looking, right? Consider this chic retro style 3.2 Cubic Ft. Retro Bar Fridge Refrigerator ($220) from Frigidaire.
BUY NOW – $220.00.
11. extra seating
You need a spot to lounge other than your desk chair and bed. This Noah Velvet Lounge Chair ($249) from Urban Outfitters is soft and cute. Done and done.
BUY NOW – $249.00.
12. get organized
A clean, well-organized and stylish workspace can lead to brilliant thoughts and more productive time spent studying. We like this picture perfect Artful Organizer ($15) shaped like a vintage camera from Chronicle Books so that your living space doesn’t start to feel like an office. ‘Cause that would just be wrong.
BUY NOW – $15.00.
how to decorate a dormitory room this year with easy and affordable buys
Those are our tips on how to decorate a college dwelling space, with easy, affordable and stylish decoration to upgrade your space with the best new dorm room décor this year. Now, go forth and crush it!
