Some empty dorm rooms look more like a prison cell than a place of rest at a higher learning institution. The white bare walls and plain outdated furniture can look quite depressing. Some students might also be stressing over how they are going to fit all their stuff into one tiny space.
A space they also have to share with another person. But not to worry! You can have a cozy and stylish dorm room with some good decorating.
And you don’t have to spend a fortune. You just need some inspiration and a little DIY know-how. We’ve collected 50 dorm room ideas that will help you to maximize space and make your dorm room feel like home.
Here are 50 adorable dorm room ideas to transform your space into the cutest room ever:
Large mirrors work great in dorm rooms. They create a really nice focal point. They can also make your small dorm room look a little larger.
Tapestries are a pretty traditional staple in dorm rooms. They are great for covering big walls inexpensively. They really help set the mood of your room. This ocean tapestry has a nice calming vibe.
You can create a lovely photo display with some lights. Just tape your photos to the wall in a uniform mannter. Then hang some string lights above it.
Having a headboard creates a more homfy feel, rather than an institutional feel. And a wooden headboard will make your space feel a lot warmer. You can find DIY wooden headboard ideas
here.
5) Separations in Between Beds
Want to create some separation between dorm room beds? Add a tiny dresser. You can also add a little table.
You’ll have to consult with the roomate on this one. But matching bedding gives your dorm room a really cohesive look. It makes the room look more like home or a hotel than a dorm room.
You need to maxmize space in a door room. That means you’ll want to store items under the bed. Use a bed skirt to hide whatever you store under there.
This is probably the best way you could make your room your own. It doesn’t get more personalized than with a monogram. Learn how to make one
here.
Struggling with decor ideas? Just post some picture or magazine pages to the wall. It will ensure that your room is definitely “you.”
Layering your bed with an end blanket gives your bed a high-end look. It also helps when you want to get extra cozy. I love a nice fuzzy throw as an end blanket.
It’s good to pick a color scheme if you want a uniform look. Here is a grey and white dorm room color scheme. It’s good if you want a montone scheme where your decor can really pop.
12) Pillows, Pillows, Pillows
Pillows totally count as decor. And a dorm room should have a lot of them. It helps makes things look comfy.
13) Similar But Not Identical
Coordinating dorm room decor can be difficult with a new roomate. An easy way to overcome this is to get similiar looking items, like bedspreads and pillows, that aren’t exactly the same. You can stick to simliar colors and or textures to achieve this look. This way the room will have a unified look without the hassle.
Loft beds are perfect for dorm rooms. They help maximize space. You can place a desk underneath or even a dresser.
15) Window Shutters Headboards
You don’t have to buy a headbaord. You can make one on your own. These were repurposed window shutters.
Heading to Starbucks everyday adds up. That’s why every dorm room should have a coffee station. You can find dorm room coffee station ideas
here.
Sometimes less is more. The minimialist approach is also a good option for dorm rooms. Having a clear and uncluttered space can help one to focus and concentrate better.
Adding a hutch to your desk is a great option for doorm rooms. It gives you extra storage space that is hard to come by in small dorm rooms. You can even install a mirror to it so you can use it as a vanity.
Most people want their dorm room to be a cozy place to chill. Futons are great for extra seating to hang out and relax on. It will also give you extra room if your siblings come to visit and stay over. They fit nicely under loft beds.
Ottomans can serve double duty in a dorm room. They make great coffee tables. They also give you extra storage space.
Nothing says “girlie” like pink. But if you want it to be more sophiscated you should choose soft pinks, more like a dusty rose color. You can mix these with white, cream, and gold accents.
String lights are great for bringing more light into a dark room. They also make great decor. You can even hang pictures from them.
Some students prefer a more eclectic look. You can achieve this incorporating lots of different colors and textures in your decor. Just go crazy with it, anything goes!
24) One Loft Bed, One Regular Bed
Create some dimension in your dorm room. Have one loft bed and one regular bed. It will break things up a bit.
Looking for a sophisticated color scheme? Try black and white decor. This will make your color incorporation really pop.
Looking for some laid back decor? Go for a bohemian look. Incorporate some mandalas, tapestries, and zen decor.
Dorm room chairs can look bulky and unsightly. Use chair covers to spruce up your chair. Fuzzy ones are great for bringing warmth into your dorm room.
Add some greenery to your dorm room. Plants can really bring a lot of life into a space. Use succulents or other easy maintenance plants.
29) Rearrange Your Furniture
You need to use space wisely in a dorm room. So, you’ll want to move your furniture around until you find the perfect fit. Beds might not always work side by side. This L-shape formation maximizes space.
Create a classy look with some classic decor. This motif is great for male dorm rooms. These old school photos work perfectly.
Sometimes you just need a little reminder. What better way than to write it on a light box. These are great for inspirational messages or reminders between roomates.
Eating out costs a lot. Have a few meals and snack in your dorm room by creating a kitchette area. This cart can house your microwave, some food, and can even be adjusted to fit your mini fridge in the bottom.
You can also incorporate all neutral tones. Think beiges, whites, and cream colors. This can give your room a calm and serene look.
Dorm rooms can be kind of cold looking. Start warming things up from the floor up. Add some nice thick rugs or ones that are soft and furry.
Creating privacy in a dorm room isn’t impossible. Try room dividers to break up the space. You can also try a bookshelf.
36) Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Wallpaper doesn’t have to be a no-no for dorm rooms. Not when you use peel and stick wallpaper. You can also use faux peel and stick brick to create an accent wall.
Some dorm rooms have open closets. That can look kind of messy. Use a curtain to cover it up.
Do you have school pride? You can show it all over your room. You can decorate your whole room to match your school colors.
There are lots of different motiffs you can pull off with a blue and grey color scheme. You can do a school spirit theme or an ocean vibes theme. Mix in different textures in your color scheme to create dimension and break up the color pallete like this awesome fuzzy rug.
Rustic decor gives your dorm room a country and home-like feel. Mix wooden decor with metallics and light airy colors to achieve this look. Keep it clean and crisp.
41) Springtime Light and Airy
It can be springtime all the time if you decorate right. Mix pastel color and neturals to give your room a light and airy feel. And of course, lots of florals and greenery.
42) Under the Bed Curtains
Create a cozy nook with some curtains. Just place them underneath your raised bed where your futon is. They can create a little place of peace and privacy when closed.
This leaning mirror does double duty. It serves as a great full length mirror. But you can also hang stuff on it for extra storage. This particular one is available
here at Urban Outfitters.
No one wants to spend all their time cleaning their door room. Keep the floor a little bit cleaner by using a door mat. They have all kinds of cool ones to bring color and whimsy to your room.
This pretty look came courtesy of the dollar store. Just grab some faux flowers and tape them too the wall. It’s makes a perfect focal point in your dorm room.
Students will do a lot of reading at college. You might want to create a cozy little reading nook. Grab a nice comfy chair and some calming decor to center around it.
Need more space to store your clothes? Consider a clothing rack. They provide instant storage and ones with wheels can be moved in and out of small spaces for convenience.
Most dorm rooms have a mini fridge. But yours doesn’t have to be boring. Paint it or dress it up with some removable washi tape and cool magnets.
The purpose of college is to learn more so you can achieve your dreams. You’ll want your goals to be at the forefront of your mind during this time. An inspiration or vision board can help with that. Learn how to DIY one
here.
You can also turn your door into a work of art. Use some cool washi tape to spruce it up. You can also use Command hooks to hang some art on your door.
