Spooky season is here, which means it is time for your dorm room to transform into an autumn day, not to be taken down until December. Don’t know where to get started? Here are some recommendations and shopping tips to get your shoebox dorm to give Stars Hollow or Halloweentown vibes.
First, every fall décor scene needs pumpkins. Big or small, real or fake, orange or white, spooky or sparkly, pumpkins scattered throughout the room will tie the place together and get you ready for the fall weather. Hide small ones in cabinets or on random ledges and let your inner Pinterest brain roam free.
If you are looking to lean into the Stars Hollow aesthetic, I recommend warm lighting strung across the walls and an autumn wreath hanging on the door. Leaf lights are a personal favorite of mine, illuminating the room in a hue of warmth while looking like you are living in a fall snow globe (leaf globe?). Fall wreaths range in variety but keep your eye out for ones that really capture the season, filled with leaves, flowers, acorns, and berries.
Looking to fully embrace the spooky season instead? Ditch the wreath for a hanging skeleton and prepare for the haunted house vibes. The main color scheme I recommend here is purple, black, and green for lighting, really capturing those witch and ghoul aesthetics. Switch out those pen holders for small cauldrons, hang some spider webs from the ceiling, and always have a bucket of candy available for guests (if and only if they say trick or treat).
How are we to afford all these decorations and know where to shop? For the bulk of your decorations, I suggest looking no further than the closest convenience store, like CVS or the dollar store. They are cheap, readily available, and always have a great candy selection. For your dorm’s focal points, like a creepy skeleton, intricate wreath, or cute pumpkins, support your local small businesses as they will be more creative, detailed, and maybe even personalized.
All these decorations can make your room feel like pumpkin spice and a cool breeze, immersing you in the season and preparing you for one of the best holidays of the year. Remember to stay creative and spontaneous: any awkward dorm wall can transform into an autumn scene with just a few decorations. I look forward to all the fall vibes sweeping through your campus and brightening spirits!