The beginning of school is just around the corner, and whether you are heading back this week or still have a bit more time at home, dorm décor should be at the top of your to do list. Decorating your home away from home is often over looked or thrown together at the last minute, even though it is your go to place when you need some peace and quiet. Designing a layout for my room is my favorite step of my back to do list, and I have some inspiration if decorating is not your forte, or if you are looking to change up your style this year.
1. Accent Wall
I have never actually done this in my dorm room before, but it is something I am looking forward to utilizing in my apartment. This is a simple and affordable way to add a little excitement to your walls – all you need is a roll of wallpaper or wrapping paper. Simply measure and cut the paper to fit the wall you want to place it on, and use every college student’s best friend to attach (Command Strips). I’m planning on doing a polka dot or floral accent wall directly behind my headboard, and this wrapping paper is flexible where I can flip it over if I change my mind throughout the semester!
2. Bulletin Board
DIY bulletin boards are one of the most popular items I find
when doing a “dorm décor” search on Pinterest, and it is easy to see why. There
is nothing I enjoy more than starting the new school year with a clean slate
and watching it fill up with memories as the semester goes on. Head over to
Etsy for a quick fix, or create your own with your favorite fabric, ribbon, and
Styrofoam or corkboard.
3. Gallery Wall
I consider myself to be the Gallery Wall Queen, but they intimidate most people. Don’t be afraid of what seems to be the dauntless task of organizing the wall – it is easier than it looks! Play around with different frame sizes, materials, and even colors. Keep it simple with all white frames, or mix it up with a collection of canvases and frames. When it comes to prints to fill the frames with, look through your photo collections or browse Pinterest for free printables in every subject imaginable.
4. Bar Cart
Ignore the name, a bar cart doesn’t always have to be alcoholic. Instead think of it as a way to display the hundreds of cups (not an exaggeration) that have taken up residence in your dorm room. Other filler items could be decorative napkins, cans of sparkling water or soda, or even bins to hold your endless koozie collection (guilty as charged). For all my fellow coffee lovers out there, turn your bar cart into a coffee bar complete with a Keurig, K-Cup holder, flavored syrup, and coffee mugs. Brewing your morning cup of Joe will never be the same again!
5. Decorative Desk Chair
Throw your boring provided desk chair out into the hallway for Maintenance to pick up, and never look back. Adding your own desk chair to your room is an easy way to make this stark space feel like home and add a personal touch at the same time. I picked up this affordable chair at Ikea, and to say I am obsessed is an understatement. Add a decorative pillow and chair pad, and now finishing homework or getting ready in the morning will be a breeze. Simply turn your chair around and pull it out into your space for an easy place for friends to relax when they visit!
