For a monochromatic but balanced color palette, choose three or four different shades from the same color family. If you want accent colors, choose one or two colors from a different color family. You can look at a color wheel and choose colors that are across from your primary colors. You can also use accent colors in your bedding or other fabrics for inspiration.
Consider a few different layers of bedding to add visual interest and provide optimal comfort in different seasons. Don’t forget fun, coordinating throw pillows for some added comfort and style. You can put matching pillows on your chairs as well. [2] X Expert Source Angelica SavardHome Stager, Realtor, & Interior Designer Expert Interview. 30 April 2020. Be sure to check with your college to find out if the beds are regular length or extra long.
To avoid putting holes in the walls, use a tension rod to hang your curtains or get creative by using adhesive hooks to support the curtain rod. [4] X Research source If you’re on a budget, consider using shower curtains or buying bundles of fabric and sewing them yourself. You can also buy inexpensive plain white curtains and dress them up yourself by dying them, stenciling them, or decorating them with ribbon. Consider functionality as well. Blackout curtains will keep your room dark and will help keep the warmth in on cold winter nights. Sheer curtains will provide privacy but still allow light to filter into your room.
A super cheap alternative to buying decals is to make some yourself using construction paper. Consider cutting out lots of colorful circles and sticking them to your walls with double-sided tape for a fun confetti look. [6] X Research source
You can use washi tape on more than just walls! Consider using it on doors, floors, and furniture as well.
Most large universities will have a week-long poster sale near the beginning of the fall semester. You can easily find popular dorm-room posters at this sale. Create a gallery wall by taping a group of pictures to the wall, either in a grid pattern in a more random arrangement. You can also hang rows of string or wire from your walls and attach your picture to them with clips. If you have one or two photos that you love, think about having them blown up to poster size. Display your artwork by hanging clipboards from the wall. This makes it super easy to switch up the pieces you have on display. Store-bought artwork is also an option. Visit thrift shops for great deals.
Students also often hang unframed photographs along a hung strand of Christmas lights. [10] X Research source If you’re worried about being homesick at college, pictures of loved ones are a good way to feel connected. You can find picture frames at any nearby craft or hobby store.
You can display them in decorative pots on the floor or your desk. If there’s no space for that, you could consider buying hanging planters. [12] X Research source If you feel like doing a DIY project, attach pipe straps to a piece of wood to hang mason jars as planters. You can decorate the wood in any way you like. [13] X Research source Make sure you have enough light to keep your plants alive. Putting them near the window is your best bet. Remember that you will need to water your plants regularly to keep them healthy. If live plants aren’t for you, artificial plants can look just as good and are totally maintenance-free!
Try to have a light source in at least 2 corners of the room so things don’t get too dark. [15] X Expert Source Angelica SavardHome Stager, Realtor, & Interior Designer Expert Interview. 30 April 2020. Paper lanterns and string lights are also fun ways to add some extra mood lighting. [16] X Research source If you have a boring lampshade, dress it up by stenciling it or gluing some decorative ribbon to it.
This works especially well for things like shoes, scarves, bags, and hats.
For a cheap magnet board, hang cookie sheets on your wall with adhesive tape. If you can’t find colorful ones, consider spray painting them to match your decor. [18] X Research source Chalk paint can turn any surface into a message board, from a tabletop to a piece of scrap lumber that you can hang on the wall.
Invest in under-the-bed storage containers to keep your storage area neat. [20] X Research source Get an extra-long bed skirt if you want to keep your storage out of view.
Consider buying hanging closet organizers. The smaller ones are great for storing shoes, while the larger ones give you a place to store folded sweaters and jeans. [21] X Research source Slim velvet hangers are great space savers for small closets. Take advantage of any space you have at the top of your closet too. You may be able to stash storage bins up there for off-season clothing or other items that you don’t use every day.
Look for small potted plants at a local plant nursery or gardening center.
Lamps come in many different styles and shapes. Look for lamps to purchase at a nearby furniture store, office-supply store, or general retail stores like Target or Walmart.
You may be able to find floor cushions or beanbag chairs at your university bookstore. If you have a cohesive color theme for your dorm, colored beanbag chairs or floor cushions can help reinforce the colors.
If you’re planning to decorate your dorm room frugally, you can find online instructions for various ways to make your rug.
Before you begin shopping for dorm bedding, make sure that you confirm the bed size and length with the housing department. Most dorm beds are twin-sized, and either standard or extra long.
This is another opportunity to communicate and cooperate with your roommate: you’ll both need to decide whose desk will be placed where.
If you’d rather add storage space in a less invasive way, shop for a hanging shoe holder (which will fit neatly in a closet) and a hanging basket to hold your shower and bathroom supplies.
Adhesive strips and hooks make it possible to hang nearly anything on your walls without leaving a mark, so don’t feel that you are limited in your design options! Some dorms may also prohibit you from hanging anything from the ceiling, even if it doesn’t create a hole. Most dorm rooms do not allow you to burn candles or incense, so look for fire-free ways to add a nice scent to your room, like oil diffusers. Fire codes may also limit what you are allowed to hang on your door. [25] X Research source
For example, you can hang pictures on the right side of the dorm, and your roommate’s on the left. It also helps to talk to your roommates about likes, dislikes, and color preferences. If you come up with a design plan together, your room will look much more cohesive. [26] X Research source Be sure to talk about practical things like dorm fridges, microwaves, and televisions, in addition to decor items. Go shopping for new items with your roommates if possible. This will be a great way to get to know each other while decorating your room.
Remember that you can’t fill every square inch of your floor space with furniture. When deciding how much will fit, be sure to consider walking space.
