Dorm Room Decorating Ideas

It can be very challenging to decorate your college dorm room because of the small amount of space. Check out these room decorating ideas to make your dorm room appear spacious and comfortable:

• The Walls

Mount large framed mirrors on the walls. This will give your dorm room a classy look and make it appear much more spacious. Hang a mirror across from the window reflect natural light. You can also place mirrors on opposite sides of the room to further create the elusion of spaciousness. Large mirrors will also help you check out your outfit and apply make-up before going to class. This saves you the hassle of having to rush down the hall to the bathroom when you are already late. Decorate the walls with framed prints of artwork and metal decor instead of cliché posters (Bob Marley, Audrey Hepburn etc.). This will give your dorm room a more sophisticated look.

• Desktop/Storage

You will accumulate a great deal of paperwork, books, and fliers during the semester. Get stackable storage bins to help organize all of the mess. These can easily slide under your desk and they will still give you room to maneuver underneath. Place a couple of decorative magazine holders on your desk to organize your paperwork. Get some old file holders from a thrift store and decorate them with scrapbook paper/decals.

• Kitchen

Utilize one of the corners of your dorm room to create a kitchen area. Place a nightstand in a corner and use the drawers to store non-perishable food. Place a small microwave on top. Put a mini-fridge next to it to store all your perishable foods. Make sure to check with the resident director to see which appliances are allowed in the dorm rooms (they might require you to use a surge protector).

• Shelves/Cabinets

Installing extra shelves and cabinets will greatly help to reduce clutter in your dorm room. Shelves also allow you display framed pictures and mementos from home. Cabinets will give you more storage space for clothes, linens, and bath products.

Note: Always check with the resident director before installing anything in your dorm room. Each building has its own rules. Don’t get fined!