The Her Campus National Editors write about products we love and think you’ll love too. Her Campus has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase. All products are in stock and all prices are accurate as of publication.
If you’ve been on TikTok lately, you’ll notice a certain type of cozy aesthetic that’s been trending since quarantine. I’m talking, of course, about the cottagecore aesthetic. If you love wildflowers, baking, crafting, embroidering, plants, or any vibe that matches that of a fairytale, then this is the aesthetic for you. Cottagecore gives a whole new meaning to coziness when it comes to interior decorating, but you don’t need to live in a literal cottage in the woods to live that life! Here are 10 ideas to get your college dorm room one step closer to the cottagecore aesthetic of your dreams.
1. WILDFLOWER WALL ART
Nothing says “cottagecore” like wildflower-inspired wall art. You can get wildflower wall art at a craft store or Etsy, or make art yourself by using watercolors to paint your favorite flowers. If you want to get super crafty, you can even experiment with pressing and framing real life wild flowers (and don’t be surprised if people stop by your dorm room to ask how you did it!).
2. faux hanging VINEs
Although living in a real-life cottage is probably way more fun than a tiny college dorm room, adding greenery to your space can be simple way to spruce things up and achieve the cottagecore look. Adding a set of artificial vine leaves on your wall will help your space feel super cozy — plus, having pretty ivy leaves in your room will bring out the nature vibe, and you can even decorate them with faux flowers or twinkling fairy lights.
3. HOUSE PLANTS
If faux plants aren’t tour thing, you can always spruce up your college dorm room with live plants! Let’s be real: the more you have, the more your dorm will feel like a magical woodland escape. The next time you’re wandering around Target or aimlessly shopping online, be sure to pick up a special houseplant to add a bit of green to your room — there’s nothing better than channeling the cottagecore aesthetic with natural elements.
4. Mushroom Figurines
The cottagecore aesthetic can include anything out of a fairytale, so consider adding in something like small, like mushroom figurines, to add personality to your dorm. Mini mushroom figurines will make your room look even more like a fantasy — think gnomes, woodland creatures, and florals — as if you just escaped to your own personal garden. If you want to achieve the cottagecore look but don’t have a ton of space for small figurines, this mushroom-inspired ceramic wall decor is another fun option.
5. FLORAL BEDDING
Floral bedding is the perfect thing to help you achieve the cottagecore aesthetic in your dorm room, and the good news is, there’s a floral print to match every style and personality. In the world of cottagecore, the more flowers, the better! Floral bedding will easily give a woodland, cozy vibe to your bedroom, and if floral print isn’t your thing, adding a simple floral quilt, blanket, or throw pillow will work just as beautifully.
6. A SUN CATCHER
Have you ever seen a beautiful glass sun catcher in someone’s window? It reflects sunlight perfectly, and if you’re trying to achieve a cottagecore aesthetic, a sun catcher will make your room 10 times more colorful and charming than it was before. This is a simple yet magical way to brighten up your space and make it feel as if you just escaped to the cottage of your dreams.
7. A VINTAGE MIRROR
While shopping for a vintage mirror can lean more on the expensive side, this item has become popular lately on social media, and for good reason. Vintage mirrors look like they came straight out of the Victorian era, and will have you feeling like royalty when you stand before one. If you’re ready to fully achieve the cottagecore effect, find a gold mirror (or even a small one that fits on your desk) and soon, everyone will be asking where you got it.
8. A TEA SET
In the simple life of cottagecore, it’s always time for tea. Spend a nice afternoon in your room with a cup and a tray of scones, and you’ll be living your own fairytale dreams. There are many places to buy a cute tea set, from Target to your local thrift or antique store, so find a set that’ll help you channel the carefree, cottagecore vibe.
9. CANDLES
Lighting a candle is always a nice way to set the mood, especially if you’re in a stuffy dorm where lighting isn’t always the best. Real candles work great, of course, but they aren’t always allowed in dorms — so, if you want to continue using candles for your cottagecore aesthetic, consider using an LED candle or tea light that will help you feel calm, relaxed, and ready to escape to your favorite fairytale setting.
10. ANTIQUES
Finally, to complete your cottagecore space, you’ve got to bring in that vintage vibe. Similar to the vintage mirror, find some antiques to decorate your space, like a vintage camera to an old fashioned lamp. Antiques are great for achieving the cottagecore aesthetic and will make you feel like you’re existing in an entirely different era — which can be a welcome break from the dull furniture and posters lining your college dorm hallways. As long as your antique looks older, has personality, and makes you happy it’ll be perfect for your cottagecore-inspired room.
The cottagecore aesthetic can help you embrace the simple life in college and enjoy yourself more at home, whether that’s a tiny dorm room, off-campus apartment, or your family’s house. If you’re ready to start your cottagecore journey, check out these decor ideas and let me know how it goes! Here’s to many cozy days ahead.