In high school we spent time decorating our lockers, but now that we’re in college a much bigger task awaits us: decorating our dorm rooms. While some people say decorating your dorm is pointless, I beg to differ. After all, these rooms will be our homes away from home for the next year.
If you’re like me you may have already transformed your dorm room into a personal oasis; however, if course shopping and the excitement of opening week has left you feeling at odds with your new room, then these tips are perfect for you!
- Go Overboard With Photos
Photos are an absolute must; they keep homesickness at bay, visually remind you of home and loved ones, while also serving as a relatively inexpensive decorating tool. While double sided tape, bulletin boards, and multi-photo frames are all great photo-displaying options; why not get a little creative with your limited space?
My personal favorite trick is to create a hanging photo display; this saves on space, and looks super cute! Did I mention it’s cheap too? All you need is some string, your pictures, and tape or mini clothespins to attach with! If that’s not your style check out Pinterest for tons of photo ideas!
- Turn Your Bed Into a Comfy, fashionable, Wonderland
Dorm room beds are notoriously uncomfortable, splurge and buy yourself a decent mattress topper (your back will thank you later). Once your bed no longer feels like a rock, go wild and get creative with patterned and textured pillows, throws, and linens, for a homey boho chic vibe.
Ps. don’t forget decorative pillows! Comfy pillows are the key to a good nights rest, but oversized decorative pillows add to the overall vibe of your room, can be used as back support when studying, or spare seating when in a pinch.
- Opt for a Hamper Not a Bag
While it may be tempting to forgo the self standing hamper in favor of the space saving laundry bag, I suggest finding a simple, collapsible, hamper that won’t spew all over the place when it gets too full. With your dirty clothes neatly stored away your room will stay tidy and feel more like a home then a temporary living arrangement; plus, when you’re moving in, or out, laundry baskets serve as a fantastic packing tool (better then those boxes with no handles).
- Spruce up your Windows and Floor
These may be the most overlooked, but easy to decorate, features of your new room. Hanging some floor length curtains not only makes your room feel more like home, they also make your room appear larger! To get the right affect, try a light colored curtain that compliments your bedding.
Once your windows are looking fabulous, add a cheap rug to bring the whole look together; plus your feet will thank you in the winter when you crawl out of bed and they don’t hit the cold floor!
- Find a Balance Between Scent Overload and Welcoming Aroma
Scents are a great way to achieve that homey feel while also managing your stress (kind of like aroma therapy). Although you should always be respectful of scent free zones, and ask your roommates permission, if you’re able to I highly suggest purchasing a Scentsy warmer. Not only do these little guys smell wonderful and allow you to switch up the scent whenever you like, they also function as really cute lamps when turned on!