One of the most exciting parts of going to college is decorating your dorm room for the first time. Finally, you’re moving out of your parents’ house and you’ll have a space all to yourself (or if we’re being honest, with a roommate or two). Now, it’s time to make the space your own! Finally, your dozens of Pinterest boards are coming in handy, and you’re ready to create the ultimate dorm room aesthetic that fits your vibe and personality — Polaroid pictures, string lights, and all. Suddenly, you can’t stop thinking about the countless items you’re ready to start shopping for, from cute stickers and boho artwork to that one tapestry you’ve been wanting to buy since you saw it on Instagram.
Although decorating your dorm room can be a blast, it can also be tricky — after all, there are typically hundreds of students living on campus, and that usually means getting a pretty small room. Because you don’t have too much physical space to work with, you have to get strategic about what you bring to college — including what decor you add to your (blank) walls. Plus, you want to avoid breaking the bank shopping since you’re probably also trying to save money on textbooks and get your college finances in order. So, how do you decorate a dorm wall and make the most of your space while making sure your bank account stays intact?
When it comes to wall decor for your dorm room, it’s all about keeping things simple, functional, and eye-catching. You want to buy things that aren’t super pricey, can easily spruce up your blank space with fun colors and designs, and that will take your room from basic black and white to a colorful, cozy haven. From classy art prints from Dormify to whiteboards and more, here is the best wall decor you need for your college dorm.
Sunshine Wall Tapestry
This cheery wall tapestry is the perfect addition to any college dorm. Not only is it eye-catching, but it’s durable enough to use as a tablecloth or an outdoor blanket for spontaneous park hangs with the roomies. Choose between three sizes and add some sunshine to your space.
Society6, $36.75
Harry Styles Art Print
If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up with Harry Styles in your dorm room (‘fess up!), this “Adore You” print by 24-year-old Ole Miss alum Renee Kakadia is perfect for you. It comes in three different sizes so you can customize your art to your space. Hello, rainbow paradise.
Dormify, $18
Hangit Photo Display
There’s something about displaying your favorite memories on a little string that makes your dorm feel nostalgic and unique. This hanging photo display comes in five fun colors and easily adheres to the wall with Command Strips, so you won’t get charged at the end of the semester!
Dormify, $24
Morning Coffee Art Print
I don’t know about you, but there’s nothing like the first sip of coffee in the morning to get your day started. Whether you enjoy your morning brew straight from your mini-Keurig or are shamelessly loyal to your local café, you’ll love this glamorous, caffeine-inspired print.
Dormify, $18
Cloud Wire Wall Light
This dreamy wall decor combines wrapped fairy lights and a subtle, yet twinkly design to make any college dorm feel elegant. Whether you’re going for a cozy vibe right before bed or simply want to spruce up your walls, you’ll love this cloud-inspired light.
Bed Bath and Beyond, $32
Billie Eilish Print
Bring a bit of edge to your dorm room with this fun artwork inspired by the iconic Billie Eilish. Pair it with other music posters or hang it as a standalone piece. Soon, you just may find yourself belting “Happier Than Ever” 24/7. Sorry not sorry, roomies.
Dormify, $18
Stars Wall Decal Set
These mirrored stars are the perfect way to make any college dorm room sparkle. Each decal has an individual sticker so you can arrange them however you want, making your space a starry oasis.
Dormify, $15
Gradient Art Print
Whether you’re into spirituality and angel numbers or simply love the look of this bright, gradient print, set the tone for your dorm room with this standout piece from Society6. It’s perfect for sprucing up any blank wall and automatically brings good vibes to any space.
Society6, $16.49
Macrame Moon Dream Catcher
This gorgeous hanging dream catcher will create a sense of harmony and comfort in your space. The sturdy, woven texture, elegant beads, and dreamy design will make your dorm room feel like a safe haven.
Amazon, $17.59
Y2K Flower Decals
These adorable peel-and-stick flowers inspired by the 90s are nostalgic and will add a pop of color to any drab dorm room. They’re super easy to apply, are suitable for a variety of surfaces, and the best part is, they won’t leave messy residue on the wall afterward.
Amazon, $16.99
Bulletin Board
No dorm room is complete without a bulletin board! This one is made of high-quality, environmentally-friendly material, plus it’s light and practical, making it perfect for hanging above your desk and displaying photos, reminders, or inspirational quotes to keep you going.
Etsy, $22.56
Wall Collage Kit
If you want a quick, easy way to decorate your walls but don’t necessarily have an eye for design, this wall collage kit will give your space the “cool girl” aesthetic in minutes. Choose between blue, neon pink, neutral, and a variety of other fun colors at a price that won’t break the bank.
Amazon, $8.99
Hybrid Whiteboard & Bulletin Board
If you love a good whiteboard for planning your week but appreciate the convenience of a classic bulletin board, you’ll love this combination board that gives you the best of both worlds. This practical wall decor also comes with magnetic, colorful markers, magnets, and push pins!
Amazon, $34.79
Removable Mirror Wall Decal
Adding reflective, mirror-like art to your wall is a surefire way to make any dorm space feel a little bigger. This 32-piece set features removable acrylic mirror stickers that you can easily peel off and stick on. Trust me, your dorm room will feel brighter and more interesting in no time.
Amazon, $12.99
Hanging Eucalyptus Plant
Greenery is 100% necessary for sprucing up any stark space, but let’s be real, caring for plants while juggling a busy college schedule isn’t always realistic. This faux eucalyptus plant brings a sense of tranquility to your space without the stress of having to water it, and it’ll look perfect in front of a window, over your bed, or over your closet door.
Amazon, $18.69
Travel-Inspired Artwork
Have you ever dealt with a long night of studying even though you secretly wished you were on a tropical vacation instead? Same. This eye-catching, travel-inspired artwork set will transport you to sunnier places like Malibu, Capri, and California — all for less than $20.
Amazon, $18.21
Bedside Shelf
Living in a college dorm means mastering the art of saving space, and this mountable bedside shelf has you covered — plus, it’s small enough to fit right next to your bed. I love wall decor that’s minimal and functional, so grab one to store your phone, chargers, magazines, and any other dorm essentials you might need.
Amazon, $13.99
Boho Mini Tapestries
If you don’t have space for a giant tapestry in your dorm room (let’s be real, a lot of us don’t) these mini tapestries are a great decor solution for you. This set of three is super affordable, plus the material and design is lightweight, long-lasting, and sure to add an artsy boost to your blank walls.
Amazon, $13.99
Macrame Hanging Shelf
Chances are, you don’t have a ton of shelf space in your dorm room — nonetheless any shelves at all. This macrame hanging shelf is a cute, yet functional way to store your favorite trinkets, from candles and crystals to flowers and succulents. Trust me, in a tiny dorm room, it’ll totally be worth the spend.
Amazon, $37.98
Zodiac Mirror
If you love astrology and want to bring a celestial vibe to your dorm room, you’ll love this zodiac-inspired mirror. There’s one for every sign, so you’ll be reminded to harness air, water, fire, and earth energy every time you get ready.
Dormify, $99
This list is by no means exhaustive, but if you’re looking for a way to start decorating your dorm room walls on a budget, the above items can be a great place to start. If you’re not sure where to begin, remember that you can always start small! Opt for a few small stickers or mini tapestry and see how it feels, then use it to shape your dorm decor vision. Soon, you’ll have a space that feels fun, comfortable, and most importantly, yours. Don’t be surprised when your hallmates come over to ask where you got your decor. Good luck!