15+ Ways to Decorate Your School Locker

Co-authored by Alicia Oglesby and Aly Rusciano

The school year is quickly approaching, and what better way to express yourself and impress your friend than with an aesthetically pleasing locker! Decorating your locker is super fun and easy to do, and all you need are a few materials and a bit of creativity. Things like mirrors, storage racks, decals, and pictures can turn your drab locker into something everyone will be talking about. Keep reading because you don’t want to miss all these locker decoration ideas.

Things You Should Know

Decorate your locker with stickers, wallpaper, photos, or lights.
Add organizing locker accessories like shelves and magnetic hooks.
Customize your locker with a photo collage or a DIY chalk board.

1

Decorate the inside and outside with stickers.

Stickers can add a cute, unique touch to your school locker. Who says stickers are only for elementary schoolers? Simply head to the store or go online and purchase removable stickers that speak to you. Opt for adorable animals, favorite superheroes, or glittery shapes. Then, place them on the inside and/or outside of your locker to show off your interests or style.
- If your stickers leave behind a residue when they’re removed, use a Magic Eraser or drop of lemon oil to clean it right up.

2

Spell out your name with magnetic alphabet letters.

Alphabet letters are an artistic locker decoration that adds personality. Find magnetic alphabet letters at the store or online, or consider making your own by painting wooden letters and gluing magnets to their backs. Put the letters on the outside of your locker so your friends can leave you fun messages between classes, or place them on the inside to hang loose notes.
- Spell out your name or empowering words like “love” or “smart.”
- Keep it trendy with text phrases like “LOL” and “GR8.”
- Consider using fridge word magnets instead if you want to write out longer phrases—just make sure you pick a kit that’s school appropriate.

3

Stick wallpaper to the locker walls and door.

Wallpaper can turn your locker from drab to fab with a pop of color. Give your locker a modern touch by picking out a patterned or textured stick-on wallpaper or contact paper you like. This could be a brick, floral, or even metallic design. Cut the wallpaper to fit on the door or inside the back wall of your locker. Then, carefully peel back the adhesive cover and stick it on—it’s as simple as that!^{[1]
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- Try using a credit card to gently scrape away any bubbles that may form while applying.
- If you can’t find stick-on wallpaper, no worries! Consider using wrapping paper instead, hanging it by the corners with magnets and tape.

4

Arrange a photo collage on the inside door.

Images of your favorite things add a personal touch to your locker. Flip through a magazine and cut out images and words you like, or print off images of your favorite celebrities, bands, or scenic landscapes. Tape them directly to the inside of your locker door, or glue them to a piece of paper or cardstock the size of the door.^{[2]
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- Stick to pictures or images of a certain color or tone to set the perfect aesthetic.
- For example, put an orange filter over all your pictures to create a sunny, vibrant vibe to match your bubbly personality.

5

Hang a mirror on the locker door.

A mirror will help you freshen up between classes. Putting a small, magnetic mirror on the inside door of your locker will save you a trip to the bathroom, especially when you’re in a rush. Magnetic mirrors are easy to hang and remove, so you don’t have to worry about damaging the locker.
- Try to place the mirror at eye level so you can easily fix your makeup or hair.

6

Put a dry erase board on the door.

Dry erase boards help you jot down reminders in an aesthetic way. Stick a small dry erase board to the inside of your locker door with sticky tabs, or purchase a locker specific white board with a magnetic backing. Keep a dry eraser marker inside your locker at all times, and you’ll be able to write whatever you like whenever you like.^{[3]
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- Keep reminders of due dates and tests on dry erase board.
- Doodle flowers, smiley faces, or stars in the board’s corners when you need to pass the time between classes.
- Place a magnetic pencil holder next to your dry erase board to hold a rainbow of dry erase markers.

7

Make a miniature chalkboard for a classic look.

If you like old-school themes, hang a chalkboard for easy note-taking. Chalkboards can be hard to find these days, especially ones that fit inside a locker, but you can easily DIY a chalkboard with thick cardstock and chalkboard paint. Simply cut a piece of cardstock to your desired shape (maybe that’s a pineapple, heart, or a simple rectangle). Then, coat the cut cardstock with black chalkboard paint. Let it dry completely, and you have a customized chalkboard you can hang on the inside of your locker door.^{[4]
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- Stick a pack of chalk to the door next to your chalkboard with a piece of sticky tack or tape.

8

String up pictures along the locker’s frame.

A series of images can brighten your mood even on the worst days. Use tape to stretch a piece of string across the inside of your locker, letting it hang ever-so-slightly. Then, take miniature clothespins or paper clips and clip your favorite polaroids or small pictures to the string. You’re sure to smile when you open the door to see your pet, friends, or family smiling back at you!
- Swap the pictures each semester to change things up throughout the year.
- Consider keeping a polaroid camera in your locker so you can take photos with your friends during lunch or breaks.
- If your locker isn’t big enough to string up pictures, don’t fret! Pictures can easily be stuck to the locker walls and inside door with magnets or sticky tack.^{[5]
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9

Put a battery-powered light on the ceiling.

A tappable light can help you find what you’re looking for faster. Nowadays, there are tons of battery-operated lights you can choose from that are super cute and trendy (there’s even the famous chandelier locker light).^{[6]
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- Place or hang your light where you can reach it, so you don’t have to strain to turn it on.

10

Purchase some magnetic hangers.

Your locker can be cute and practical with magnetic hooks and clips. Not only do these decor items come in a ton of styles and colors, but they also help you organize your locker. Use magnetic clips on the inside of your locker door to hang your to-do list or homework. Place magnetic hooks on the walls to hold jackets, bags, and/or accessories.
- Designate a hook or clip for each item to keep things organized.
- For example, always keep your spare jacket on the left wall so you can easily grab it when you open the door, or clip up the assignment you have due later in the day so you don’t forget to turn it in.

11

String fairy lights along the locker walls.

LED lights add a magical twinkle effect to any space, including a locker! String battery-powered fairy lights up on the ceiling, door, or inside frame of your locker with clear, adhesive hooks. Tuck the battery pack at the bottom or side of your locker away from your books, or stick it to the side wall with a piece of sticky tack, so it’s easily in reach.
- Pick fairy lights with a fun design like pineapples or stars.
- Choose a pack of lights that has color-changing settings so you can set the mood for any occasion.
- Make sure you turn the lights off before you go home for the day to conserve the batteries.

12

Put an air freshener in the locker.

A hint of mint or citrus can make your locker more inviting. Use a hanging or stickable air freshener to keep that school stink away! Hang up a favorite scent with a hook in the back corner of your locker, or stick one inside the door. This way, you’ll be met with an amazing and refreshing scent when you swing your locker open.
- Switch out your air freshener every 1 to 3 months to keep things smelling fresh.

13

Line the bottom of the locker with carpet.

A faux fur rug can make your locker feel that much cozier. Purchase a locker carpet or small shag fabric. Then, place the carpet at the bottom of your locker, and set your books, bags, or shelving unit on top.^{[8]
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- Some carpeting may need to be cut to fit inside your locker. If this is the case, try to cut only one side of the material and then place the cut end against the back wall to hide any frayed edges.^{[9]
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- Can’t find a rug? No problem! Try folding up an old scarf or piece of spare fabric to act as a makeshift carpet.

14

Insert a locker shelf.

If you have a short locker, maximize your space with a locker shelf. This will give you more places to arrange books and store your belongings. Simply unfold the shelf and place the legs at the bottom of your locker. Then, set your books on top or underneath the shelf—whatever works best for you.
- Locker shelves come in many heights and sizes, so measure your locker before buying one.
- Consider adding a curtain to the bottom half of your shelf by hot gluing a piece of fabric on the shelf’s edge. This way, you can store personal items with a bit more privacy.^{[10]
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15

Add magnetic storage racks to the inside walls and door.

A few organizing accessories can help show off your decor. Keep your papers, pens, and other supplies organized with magnetic cups, file holders, and racks. These locker organizers are a breeze to set up (you only need to stick them on the walls or doors) and can make your daily life a whole lot easier.^{[11]
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- Put a magnetic file holder on the inside wall of your locker to arrange your homework by class.
- Place a magnetic pencil holder on the door to store makeup or coloring supplies.

16

Separate supplies in color-coded bins.

A rainbow of storage containers makes a locker look tidy and trendy. First, designate a color aesthetic for your locker (maybe that’s rainbow, warm tones, or pastels). Then, select a color for each of your classes and/or activities that match the aesthetic. Find corresponding small bins that’ll fit inside your locker. Finally, set up the bins in class or activity order on your locker shelves.
- Consider using bins with lids so they can be stacked easily.
- Think about using a small bin drawer. You can label each drawer with the name of the class or line the inside wall with the class’ corresponding color.
- Stick to your color scheme and code throughout the school year, using folders and binders of the same color for each class. This will help you stay organized at school and at home.

Community Q&A

Question

My locker isn't magnetic. What should I do instead?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Try using tape or sticky tack to hang pictures in your locker. Hooks and hangers with adhesive, removable backings can also help you hang organizers, clothes, and/or bags.
Question

When do I find the time to do all of these things to my locker?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Try getting to school early one morning! Bring all your decorating supplies with you in a reusable bag, and get to work before the bell rings.
Question

I can't find a plain, nice wallpaper for the life of me! Anywhere you'd recommend looking? I'm trying to find a blue, black, red, or gray wallpaper.

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

A colored wallpaper is sure to look great in your locker! Try searching online or heading over to your local craft store. Who knows? You may just find a different color or pattern you like more!

Warnings

Schools can check the inside of lockers at any point, so stay clear of decorations that are inappropriate or against school rules.

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Avoid damaging lockers so you don’t have to pay a school fine. Don’t write on the locker, apply glue, or use anything that’s difficult to remove.

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