Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Mizzou chapter.

Whether you’re an incoming freshman decorating your cramped dorm room or a senior moving into your first apartment, creating a space that is unique to you is vital. Nothing is as boring as an undecorated space. Blank white walls and boring twin-sized beds can feel like a prison after a while. Your bedroom should inspire you while also serving as a haven of tranquility. It is your place to escape from the outside world. And just because your room may be temporary, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a fun and stylish space. 

“More and more, students are craving designed spaces that reflect their personalities,” interior designer Jon Call told CNN. “This is many of their first homes outside of their parents’, and they want to embrace it, decorate it and make it their own.”

Here is a list of tips to combine comfort, function and interior design into the perfect student bedroom!

1. An Area Rug to Tie the Room Together

Area rugs are a design staple. An added area rug provides color and warmth into your space. Interior design is supposed to be fun, so don’t be afraid to play around with bold patterns and bright colors. A plush rug makes your room cozier. Even if you already have carpeting, a rug can add a layer of style that reflects you.

2. Show Your Personality through Wall Art

Being surrounded by blank walls can leave you feeling bored and unmotivated. Decorating your walls with prints and posters is the easiest way to express your personality. Hang posters of your favorite musicians, inspirational quotes or pictures of you and your friends. For a more sophisticated look, you can frame your prints. 

3. Light Up Your Room

Most dorms feature harsh fluorescent ceiling lighting that casts a cold light. Be creative with different ways to light up your space. LED lights and fairy lights are both inexpensive ways to create inviting, comfortable light in your room. Neon signs are another way to add a unique flair to your space.

4. invest in quality bedding

Your bed is the focal point of your room. Make it personable with a mix of throw pillows and blankets. Most importantly, your bed should help you relax. Investing in silk sheets is an absolute game-changer. Silk sheets are great for your hair and skin while keeping you cozy. You should look at your bed and immediately want to cuddle up.

5. Storage and organization is Key

When dealing with smaller spaces, storage is crucial. But, there are a ton of ways to squeeze everything you have in one room without it looking cluttered. Store items under your bed or create floating shelves to store miscellaneous items. These foldable boxes are great for moving and hold more than you think. 

When designing the perfect room, don’t focus on the trends — focus on the pieces you like! What patterns, colors and pictures make you feel inspired?  You’ll be spending more time in that room than anywhere else, so make sure it brings out the best version of yourself! 

Kate Lickert

Mizzou '23

Hello! I'm Kate Lickert and I am a Junior at the University of Missouri. I am a Strategic Communications Major within the school of journalism. I am a current writer for EMI Network, HerCampus Mizzou, and Mizzou Tri Delta's blog. This past summer I was a writer for Vox Magazine based in Columbia, Mo. After graduation, I plan on pursuing a career in marketing, branding, development, or design.