How to Decorate a Dorm

Co-authored by Taya Wright, NAPO, RESA

Last Updated: September 7, 2022 References

Lots of college students excitedly push open the door to their first place only to be disappointed with blank white walls and a ton of rules. If your dorm room is drab and uninspiring, there are lots of simple ways you can energize and personalize the space. Even with the restrictions that many dorm rooms have regarding hanging things on the walls, you still have plenty of options for decorating your room.

Part 1

Part 1 of 5:

Adding Color and Warmth

1
Think about your color palette. Before you start buying or crafting new items for your dorm room, it's a good idea to have a theme in mind. You will be working with a neutral backdrop, so your accessories will bring all of the colors into the room. Make sure your color choices represent your personality and the mood you want to create in your room.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- 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.
2
Choose a great bedspread. Your bedspread is often the biggest part of your decor you have control over. Find a pattern or color you like and will not grow out of in a few months.
- 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 Savard
  Home 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.
Advertisement
3
Add a rug.^{[3]
X
Expert Source

Angelica Savard
Home Stager, Realtor, & Interior Designer
Expert Interview. 30 April 2020.} A throw rug is a perfect way to add some color to your drab dorm room floor and to add warmth and comfort to your room. Throw rugs are available in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and styles.
4
Consider hanging curtains. Curtains are the perfect way to dress up bare windows, and they're yet another way to add some much-needed color to your room.
- 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.
5
Find fun decals. You may not be able to paint or hang traditional wallpaper in your dorm room, but you still have a lot of options for decorating your walls. Stick-on wall decals are available in a huge variety of styles, and they peel right off of your wall in seconds when it's time to move out. Whether you want to cover an entire wall with a geometric pattern or you want to dress up a wall with an image of your favorite animal or sport, you can find a decal or temporary wallpaper that's right for you.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- 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}
6
Use washi tape. If you love colorful geometric patterns and are willing to spend a bit of time on a project, you can create a true masterpiece on your walls with colorful washi tape. Just stick it on in whatever pattern you please and peel it off when the school year is over.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- You can use washi tape on more than just walls! Consider using it on doors, floors, and furniture as well.
7
Add pictures or posters to your dorm walls. Posters or other forms of the wall art are a fun and popular way to decorate your dorm room. Add some of your favorite band posters, or posters with images of landscapes, art print reproductions, or appealing abstract designs.^{[8]
X
Research source}Get creative with arranging your pictures in a way that expresses your individual personality.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- 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.
8
Hang pictures of friends and family members. If you have pictures of people who are important to you (including friends, family, and a significant other), you can frame these and hang them around your dorm room. It’s common for students to frame several pictures (between 5 and 10) and hang them together on the same section of the wall as a photo montage.
- 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.
9
Incorporate plants. Plants add so much cheer to a room, so consider incorporating a few into your design. As an added bonus, they also purify the air.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- 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!

Part 2

Part 2 of 5:

Adding Stylish Functionality

1
Buy multipurpose furniture. Versatility is key in a small space, so always look for pieces that serve multiple purposes. For example, cube ottomans can be used for both seating and storage. You may also be able to find a bedside table that has a drawer you can use for clothing.^{[14]
X
Research source}
2
Add lighting. If your dorm room is dark and dreary, it's easy to brighten it up with some additional lighting. Look for desk lamps and floor lamps that go with the theme of your room.
- 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 Savard
  Home 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.
3
Display your things. If you have clothing items that you love, you can use them to decorate your space. Just hang some adhesive hooks on your wall or buy a small display shelf. This will keep you organized and make your room look awesome.
4
Paint your dorm room walls if permitted. If you’re unhappy with the color of your dorm room walls, ask your RA or university housing manager if you are permitted to paint the walls. Although most schools will not allow this, some may permit you.
- This works especially well for things like shoes, scarves, bags, and hats.
5
Create a message board. Every dorm room needs a message board of some sort! It will help keep you organized and give your friends a handy spot to leave you notes. Depending on your needs, you may opt for a corkboard, a magnet board, a chalkboard, a whiteboard, or some combination of these.^{[17]
X
Research source}
- 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.
6
Use storage bins as a decoration. You'll need to cram a lot into a small space, so storage bins and baskets will come in super handy. Choose decorative storage containers that match your decor. There are plenty of designs to choose from, from wicker baskets to neon-colored plastic bins and patterned fabric containers.^{[19]
X
Research source}
7
Use the space under your bed. You can store a ton of stuff under your bed, which helps you control your clutter and keep your room looking great. If you don't have enough height, buy some bed risers to lift your bed a little higher.
- 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.
8
Organize your closet. It may not sound like a lot of fun, but keeping your closet organized will help you keep your room tidy, and it will make it so much easier to find the things you're looking for!
- 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.

Part 3

Part 3 of 5:

Adding Plants and Accents

1
Place a couple of potted plants in your dorm. Small potted plants will add a natural look to your dorm room. They take up little space and are simple to care for.^{[22]
X
Research source} If you anticipate having little time to care for and water plants, look into purchasing succulents (including cacti). These plants are easy to care for, require little water, and can thrive in most kinds of light.
- Look for small potted plants at a local plant nursery or gardening center.
2
Add a small lamp for light and style. This is a practical decoration as well as an aesthetic one. If you plan to do a lot of homework in your room, you’ll need a lamp to help you see. Add a small lamp on your desk, or invest in a larger floor lamp to provide light for the whole dorm room.
- 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.
3
Purchase a couple of floor cushions or beanbag chairs. If you’re short on space in your dorm but would still like to have seating to entertain friends, consider adding a beanbag chair. You can also find large-sized floor cushions, which take up less room than the beanbag chairs but still provide seating space.^{[23]
X
Research source}
- 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.

Part 4

Part 4 of 5:

Arranging Rugs and Furniture

1
Place a colorful rug on your dorm floor. To make your dorm room feel more like a small home and less like a large closet, you can lay a rug down. Place the rug either in front of your door or else in the middle of the dorm floor. A large, colorful rug will draw the eye of any visitor. You can also complement the room’s overall color scheme with this rug.^{[24]
X
Research source}
- If you’re planning to decorate your dorm room frugally, you can find online instructions for various ways to make your rug.
2
Buy plenty of dorm room bedding. Pick up bedding supplies in a color or pattern that will complement the general color theme of your dorm room. To be well prepared for a year in a dorm, plan to purchase: one or two quilts or comforters, one or two comfortable sleeping pillows, a handful of decorative pillows (if desired), a sheet set (containing pillowcases, a top sheet, and a fitted sheet), and a zippered mattress protector.
- 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.
3
Add a small desk to the room. In addition to taking up floor space and serving as a practical decoration, the desk will give you room to study and provide space to put your books and other personal possessions. You can purchase a desk and bring it with you to your university. Alternatively, your university may provide you with a standard wooden desk.
- This is another opportunity to communicate and cooperate with your roommate: you’ll both need to decide whose desk will be placed where.
4
Put up a little shelving. Storage space can be tight in a dorm, and added shelving will give you space to store small items like textbooks, school supplies, and candles. You’ll also be able to display small decorations on shelves: plants, standing framed pictures, decorative lamps, and other personal effects.
- 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.

Part 5

Part 5 of 5:

Keeping the Practical Stuff in Mind

1
Play by the rules. Most dorms have strict rules about hanging decorations with nails and painting the walls, among other things. Always check the rules and regulations before you do anything that might be a violation.
- 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}
2
Talk to your roommates. If you'll be sharing your room with one or more other students, it's a good idea to start talking to them as soon as possible to determine what each of you is bringing. You can coordinate so that each of you brings one or two large items that will be available for everyone to use.
- 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.
3
Get measurements. It helps a lot to know exactly how much space you will have to deal with before you start buying items to decorate your room with. If possible, visit the dorm rooms yourself and take measurements of everything (Including the existing furniture). If you can't do it yourself, call your college and see if they can provide you with measurements.
- 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.
4
Don't be afraid to rearrange. You do have to deal with the furniture that comes with your dorm room, but there's no reason you have to leave it in the same place! Feel free to move things around to create a space that works for you and your roommates.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do I make my dorm room cozy?

Taya Wright, NAPO, RESA
Professional Home Stager & Organizer
Taya Wright is a Professional Home Stager & Organizer and the Founder of Just Organized by Taya, a BBB Accredited Home Styling Company based in Houston, Texas. Taya has over eight years of home staging and decorating experience. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) and a member of the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA). Within RESA, she is the current RESA Houston chapter president. She is a graduate of the Home Staging Diva® Business program.

Taya Wright, NAPO, RESA

Professional Home Stager & Organizer

Expert Answer

When you're trying to decide on the style for a space, use mood boards on Pinterest. Then, pay attention to what you like and what you don't like. That way, you can bring in touches that suit your personal taste, but they'll still work together.
Question

How do I choose a bedspread for my bedroom?

Angelica Savard
Home Stager, Realtor, & Interior Designer
Angelica Savard is a Home Stager, Realtor, and Interior Designer based in Long Beach, California. She is also the Co-owner of Elegant Domain Interiors LLC, a business that offers design consulting, home staging, and window treatments. She has over 15 years of interior design and consulting experience. She earned a BA from California State University Long Beach with an emphasis on Interior Architectural Design.

Angelica Savard

Home Stager, Realtor, & Interior Designer

Expert Answer

One way to achieve a nice look is to choose a solid-colored or white bedspread, then accent it with colorful throw pillows.
Question

I don't have enough space in my dorm to have a desk. What should I do?

Spaceship

Community Answer

Your dorm room will probably already have a desk included in its furnishings. You should not worry about bringing your own desk.

Warnings

If using bed risers, make sure that the bed legs won't slip too much, and check them regularly to make sure that the risers are properly placed and the bed is secure. Sudden or rough movements may cause a bed riser to slide out of place.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0