25 Best Dorm Decor Ideas

When you’re in high school, the best thing about a new school year is new school supplies. But then college comes along, and you have a whole new room! The possibilities for decorating it are endless, but here are some of our favorite dorm decor ideas.

Dorm Wall Decor Ideas

If you think about it, your walls are the first things you see when you wake up. So make sure they’re decorated with something that puts you in a great mood!

1. Personalize a Pinboard

Personalize your space by pinning your favorite photos of friends and family as well as special mementos and reminders to a classic no-nails pinboard. You can refresh the pinboard as often as you’d like – to reflect your mood, the season, and what’s on your mind as the new school year unfolds. 

2. Create a Gallery Wall

Gallery walls are the best because you can mix and match different styles, which is perfect for a college student whose tastes are always changing. There are no rules here; just hang or lean your favorite photos and art pieces in any grouping that appeals to you.

3. Photo Walls

Don’t limit yourself to only a few photos — build an entire wall of photos! Display your favorites in a clear photo holder, show them off on a magnetic board, or clip them as you collect them on this wire grid.

4. Pin Up Flags 

Want to show off your school and team spirit? Put your favorite sports team, home state, or current school on display with a dedicated flag.

5. Try Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

Everything on your walls has to come off at the end of the school year, which is why decals are your best friends. Switch it up every semester if you’d like. After all, nothing is permanent!

COZY DORM DECOR IDEAS

6. Layer Rugs 

Nothing says cozy quite like tons of soft rugs. If you want to take it up a notch, you can layer two rugs on top of one another. The key is to make sure you can see plenty of the bottom rug peeking out, and it also looks great if the rugs are made of different textures.

7. Create a Personalized Neon Sign

Nothing says "this is my home” like having your name in bright lights. A dorm room with a soft glow (think a warm neon LED and a well-placed floor lamp) will give your room an instantly relaxing vibe.

8. Double Up on Pillows 

The more throw pillows, the better. If you can still see your bed, we think you don’t have enough yet!

9. Grab a Throw Blanket

If you want to make visitors feel warm and fuzzy, you need a throw blanket (or three). When they’re not being used, drape them over beds and chairs for an inviting lived-in look.

10. Try An Accent Lounge Chair

Dorm rooms are small, so chances are if you have guests over, some people will end up sitting on the floor. Make sure they’re just as comfy as the couch-dwellers by having a couple of lounge chairs on hand.

11. Hang Curtains

Nothing is quite as cozy as some billowy curtains on your window. If your dorm allows it, hang up a classic blackout pair to hide those less-than-attractive blinds.

12. Add a Sleeper Sofa

After sitting in a hard desk chair all day, come home to something comfortable; plus, it folds out into a bed for overnight guests. A soft sleeper sofa will make all that required reading more bearable.

DORM ACCENT DECOR IDEAS 

For those decor details that really bring the extra drama to the room, look no further than these perfect solutions, which range from a tech-enhanced headboard to a whimsical take on a lampshade. 

13. String a Seasonal Garland

Garlands aren’t just for Christmas anymore. String up a texturized garland in your room, add a string of pretty Fall leaves, or add photos to yours — the options are endless.

14. Add a Headboard

A headboard makes your bed look more sophisticated. Opt for a faux one that adds a bit of interest to your space. Did you know that some headboards come with additional tech so you can charge your phone too?

15. Have Fun with a Table Lamp

Let there be light! Lighting in your dorm room is crucial to setting the right ambience; not to mention, it will set the scene for good study habits. Be sure to have fun with whimsical elements – like a floral printed lampshade, unexpected textures and formats, and whimsically-shaped lamps.

16. Update Your Desk Chair

Let’s face it; at the end of a long day of classes, you need all the inspiration you can get to sit down and do homework. So, upgrade your desk chair in a cozy fabric or simply draping it with a fluffy blanket.

Dorm Storage Ideas

Decorating is so much fun, but if your room is cluttered, nobody will notice all of your awesome designs. So, make sure everything you own has a place to be put away.

25. Use Over the Door Storage

You may not have a lot of room for storage in your dorm, but you certainly have a door! Use over the door storage to corral everything from shoes to school supplies to laundry. You can even use the over-the-door method for a mirror!

18. Store Big Things in Trunks

For chunky knit sweaters, beloved mementos, and everything else that doesn’t have a home, a big trunk is the stylish answer.

19. Capitalize on Under-Bed Storage

Out-of-season clothes and other things that don’t need to be immediately reachable can slide in bins under your bed. Out of sight, out of mind!

20. Make the Most of Small Spaces

Small spaces can be your friends if you know how to make the most out of them. The key is to look for vertical storage that doesn’t take up much floor space.

21. Keep Jewelry Contained

At the end of a long day, it’s easy to leave your jewelry wherever you take it off, but small clutter can add up fast, so find a cute way to corral it.

22. Try Rolling Storage

You don’t want to be late for class because you can’t find matching socks. A rolling storage cart keeps everything organized and can double as a nightstand in a small living space.

23. Opt for Bins and Baskets

Everything looks better in a pretty basket. We recommend storing textbooks in a big one by your desk and packing away heavier winter clothing under your bed. You may also leverage trunks for storage, which will double as a nightstand or coffee table.

24. Use Desk Accessories

Here’s our best study tip: you can’t have an organized brain if you don’t have an organized desk. Keep every pencil in its place with a couple of good desk accessories.

25. Maximize Your Space

While your bed may seem like the coziest place to hit the books, creating an intentional space to study will help you earn those A’s. If you have a small room, add a desk hutch on top of your desk to increase your vertical storage footprint. 

Having your own dorm room is one of the best parts of going away to college. Let us help you make it your favorite place on campus.