7 Decorating Tips for Your College Dorm

Even the nicest college dorm rooms are still probably smaller than you’d like them to be. Since decorating a small space often poses its own unique challenges, figuring out how you want to spruce up your home for the next academic year can be overwhelming. Whether you’re a first-semester freshmen or returning for a senior year victory lap, we’ve got you covered with this list of decorating tips for your college dorm.

1. Pick out a colorful rug
Dorm room carpets aren’t typically the nicest—and that’s if dorm rooms are carpeted at all. No one wants to touch cold tile when they first wake up in the morning, so adding a colorful area rug to your dorm room is a great choice for both comfort and style.

2. Make the most of your bedding
Your bed is likely to be the focal point of your room, so use it as an opportunity to set the tone for your décor. Find bedding that suits your style and accessorize with accent pillows and blankets. Plus, since your bed is also likely to act as both couch and study location, you’ll be glad to have a few extra pillows and blankets around.

3. Utilize fun lighting
Dorm ceiling lights are often fluorescent and unappealing. Whether you add a unique lampshade or a fun strand of string lights, the lighting in your dorm room is the perfect area to let your personality shine through—literally.

4. Bring in plant life
Having plants in your dorm room is not just a great way to achieve a classy and natural look—they can also improve the air quality. Choose a flowering plant to bring in a little color, but just make sure you’re ready for the added responsibility. When in doubt, go with a low-maintenance plant like an orchid.

5. Use your wall space
Hanging things on your dorm walls is a great way to cozy up your space without actually taking up too much space. Try hanging a tapestry on the wall, making a collage of photos with your friends or framing your favorite poster or piece of art.

6. Dress up your windows
Window dressings are an easy way to make a room feel more homey and sophisticated without breaking the bank. You can even easily fashion your own with a little fabric and hemming tape.

7. Let your accessories be decorations
Let’s face it: Closet space in college is limited. Luckily, you can utilize your accessories that won’t fit in the closet as part of your décor. Hang a jewelry rack to display your necklaces and earrings or add hooks to your wall to store your favorite scarves.

You’ll inevitably spend a lot of time in your dorm room over the next year. Why not make it your own? With these decorating tips, you can truly make your college space feel like home.