Moving into a new space in college can feel very overwhelming, very quickly. Upon move-in, the rooms I’ve lived in initially looked like a blank hotel room, or at times, even a lifeless box. On top of that, every “must-have for college” list seems to suggest different items from one another. However, once you get past the basics of a desk hutch or extra fan, making the space yours can be a lot of fun. Now, my room is the designated hangout spot amongst my friends and I thoroughly enjoy my time spent in it. With these decor tips, your room can also be the socializing spot of choice in your dorm!
First, I recommend picking a general theme of a few colors you want to stand out. Then, tailor a few of your decor pieces to these colors, but feel free to branch out from the theme to add some extra pops of color!
Decor Tip 1: Posters
Posters are a classic staple to personalize any wall. From favorite music artists to national parks, you’re bound to find a few that fit your vibe. For the utmost aesthetic, use one larger poster or three smaller ones side-by-side to draw your eye and balance the arrangement. Here, it’s important to keep in mind that many college rooms are rented, meaning you can’t use nails or permanent methods to fix these to your walls. I’ve found that poster putty or small Command strips do the job just fine!
Decor Tip 2: Greenery, real or fake
Many props to anybody who has a green thumb and can take care of living plants. On the other hand, I am not one of those people. So, I usually opt for fake plants when designing my room — TJ Maxx or Michaels often have cute discounted ones! I will always stand by the idea that a pop of green foliage can add so much life to a room. Some options for this include potted plants on a desk or floor, string lights with attached vines, or vases full of all kinds of faux flowers.
Decor Tip 3: Cozy lighting
Whether it be a sunset lamp, LED lights, or fun light bulbs, colorful lighting can make or break a room’s atmosphere. Personally, I have one of each from that list, and would rather be using all of them at once than turning on the “big light.” Something about the bright, fluorescent lighting that comes in a dorm or apartment just never seems to feel cozy. Additionally, having a combo like LED lights and fun lamps can boost your creativity: pick holiday-centered colors, adjust your brightness based on incoming natural light, and experiment with what decorations are most striking under different colors.
Decor Tip 4: Physical Photos
Although much of our current content is online, physically printed media is still an art. I am an avid photo strip collector, with two cork boards full of them and a giant one that I put up as a poster. I was also able to thrift a few individual picture frames and get crafty to paint and bedazzle them. There’s a comfort and reassurance that comes with looking at photos of friends, family, or loved ones meticulously placed around your space. Next time you feel inspired, order a few of your favorite photos to print at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, etc. and decorate some frames by yourself or with friends!
Decor Tip 5: Personal Mementos
The final, but perhaps my favorite tip, is to bring any kind of personal item with you. This can be anything from family heirlooms to items you collected during your travels. If you’re fresh out of ideas for this, here are a few things I brought under this category: small snow globes from vacations, painted canvases I created with friends, handwritten letters from my family, passed-down jewelry, and my grandpa’s film photos that I made into a lampshade. Things like these tug at your heart a bit when you see them, and a part of making a space your own is by incorporating things and people you love into it.
I hope that the five decor tips above help in your decorating conquests, but remember that you can add anything that makes the space comfortable for you! Some of my honorable mentions are a projector, a unique jewelry holder, a stuffed animal net, and any college merch. While you get through the more stressful parts of college, having a place to go that feels like a warm hug can make a big difference.