15 Dorm Room Ideas That Will Make Your Space the Coolest on Campus (2024)

15 Dorm Room Ideas That Will Make Your Space the Coolest on Campus (1)

You might be so excited to move into your college dorm, you're not even thinking about how plain and basic it's bound to look—and trust us, they all look like that. Don't even get us started on the limited square footage, which you're sharing with another person, by the way.

Regardless of the tight space and stark appearance, this is about to be the backdrop to your entire college experience—there's no way we're letting you go all four years with a dull dorm room.With some inspiration, you can transform your assigned living space into a stylish home—no matter how limited your lighting is, how cold-looking your brick walls feel, or how boring your furniture looks, we have tips for bringing your bland dorm to life.

Ahead are 15 ideas to make your blank dorm room canvas look like a serious masterpiece. Fair warning: you're sure to become the dorm everyone flocks to on your floor.

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Make Your DIY Gallery Wall a Vibe

15 Dorm Room Ideas That Will Make Your Space the Coolest on Campus (2)

Your student housing director might be less than thrilled about you putting holes in your walls. Instead, try a dorm-friendly approach that feels cool without trying too hard. This achromatic color scheme looks even cooler with posters taped on the wall with a single piece of black tape.

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Hang Temporary Wallpaper

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You won't be in college your whole life, but while you are enrolled, be sure to have some fun with pretty peel-and-stick wallpaper. A removable print will completely transform even the most basic of spaces.

Renters, Rejoice! These Are the Best Places To Buy Temporary Wallpaper

03of 15

Fake a Wallpaper

If you're looking to get some texture on your walls but don't have time to hang an actual wallpaper, hanging faux plants gives you the same pattern effect with some greenery and thumbtacks.

Faux flowers, as shown here, work great, and you can also experiment with fake ivy and other vines.

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Hang a Tapestry

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The easiest way to cover a big blank wall is to break out a cool tapestry. This patterned lip print makes this space pop, and all it takes is a couple of thumbtacks to get the look.

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Try a Neutral Color Palette

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When the other students in your building are opting for bright colors and a maximalist approach, try something different. A neutral color palette looks clean and really opens up even the darkest of spaces.

06of 15

BYO-Headboard

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Dorms are packed with basic pieces of college hand-me-down furniture. Adding a gorgeous headboard to your assigned bed frame will totally transform the overall aesthetic of your room.

It is super easy to DIY a dorm headboard as well—don't be afraid to get creative.

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Bring in a Rug

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Never underestimate the power of a really good rug. Laying one down in the middle of the room will completely transform your space with barely any effort at all.

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Don't Treat It Like a Dorm Room

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When decorating your dorm room, treat it as you would your bedroom back home. Just because your assigned space comes with brick walls and office carpet, doesn't mean you can't make it feel cozy. Bring in some lamps, a vanity mirror, tons of pillows, and hang a gallery wall for a room that screams anything but "dorm."

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Decorate Vertically

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Save yourself some floor space and decide to decorate vertically instead. Rather than having a desk next to your bed, try bringing in a loft-style bed and sliding your study space under your sleeping area. You'll have everything you need without taking up extra square footage.

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Maximize Your Storage

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Dorm rooms can get tight—so it's wise to be mindful of every piece you bring into your space. Invest in pieces that pull double duty, like ottomans that boast hidden storage.

This space smartly made a desk chair out of a storage ottoman, allowing another place to stash snacks and dorm essentials.

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Take Your Favorite Color to the Next Level

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Decorating a room in a single color always feels chic. We love this room that incorporates a variety of powder-blue shades from floor to ceiling.

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Incorporate a Ton Of Texture

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You'd be remiss not to accessorize your room like you would your outfit for a night out. Texture via a faux fur throw blanket, decorative pillows, and a tufted headboard will make your space feel completely elevated.

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Decorate Your Walls

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Dorm room walls are as bare as they come, and they're always painted in a super boring color. Dress them up with inspiration photos, macrame wall hangings, pom-pom garland, and an oversized mirror. The result will be a space with tons of personality.

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Create a Curtain Wall

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Curtain walls are a major trend right now, and lucky for you, they hide cold-looking brick. Install a single rod and hang some sheer curtains for a glamorous feel.

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Hang a Single Frame

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You can cover an entire wall with magazine clippings and inspirational quotes, but sometimes less is much more. A single oversized piece of framed art dresses up your walls without being too much. Do this, and your space will look so sophisticated— never boring.

30 Teen Bedroom Ideas so Good You'll Steal Them for Yourself

15 Dorm Room Ideas That Will Make Your Space the Coolest on Campus (2024)

FAQs

How do you make a cool dorm room? ›

A neutral base can help small, shared spaces seem larger and will make it easier to merge styles with your roommate. Incorporate light hues using a pastel or neutral colored sheet set, comforter, and decorative pillows. Or hang up tapestries or posters in the same color palette for a cohesive dorm room theme.

How do I maximize space in my dorm room? ›

5 Ways to Maximize Storage Space in a Dorm
  1. Use Every Inch of the Closet. While the closet may be a prime source of storage in a dorm, it's limited. ...
  2. Elevate the Bed. Outside of the closet, the next best opportunity for storage is under the bed. ...
  3. Keep Bathroom Essentials Portable. ...
  4. Organize the Desktop.
Jun 26, 2023

How can I make my dorm room hotter? ›

Ways to Keep Your Dorm Warm and Cozy This Winter
  1. Hang Christmas Lights. That overhead lighting is less than stellar most of the time. ...
  2. Make Warm Drinks. ...
  3. Get a Space Heater. ...
  4. Invest in Fuzzy Slippers or Socks.
Jan 22, 2019

What makes a good college dorm? ›

Prioritize Dorm Features

Some of the most common are air conditioning, heating, suite style, closet space, furniture and the ability to loft your bed.

How can I make my dorm without AC cold? ›

How to Cool Down a Room Without Air Conditioning
  1. Cover Windows. ...
  2. Optimize the Use of Fans. ...
  3. Turn on Exhaust Fans. ...
  4. Turn Off Lights. ...
  5. Skip Heat-Producing Appliances. ...
  6. Open Windows at Night. ...
  7. Heat-Proof Your Bed. ...
  8. Get Low and Sleep Low.
Sep 14, 2023

How can I make my dorm room cold without AC? ›

Categories
  1. Dorm Fan. Obviously, a dorm room fan is the best way to help lower the temperature in your dorm room! ...
  2. Cooling Dorm Bedding. Sure, the idea of warm, thick, cozy bedding sounds great for the winter months. ...
  3. Cold Drinks. ...
  4. Towels.

What is the best fan for a dorm room without AC? ›

Best fan for dorm room without A/C: Rowenta Turbo Silence Standing Floor Fan, $148. Best fan for dorm room bunk bed: Pelonis Oscillating Tower Fan, $70. Best box fan for dorm rooms: Vornado 460 Small Whole Room Air Circulator Fan, $50. Best electric fan for dorm room: ​​Lasko Oscillating Pedestal Fan, $44.

Why is my room the hottest? ›

Air Vent Obstruction

Air vent obstruction occurs when furniture, curtains, or other items unintentionally block the airflow. This disruption in the airflow balance can lead to certain rooms being warmer than others. Your HVAC system is designed to maintain equilibrium.

Are dorms a good idea? ›

Being on campus also makes it easier to get involved in activities, meet people who share your interests and truly experience college life. Most freshmen are on their own for the first time, and it's a huge adjustment. Living in a dorm provides a level of security that an apartment doesn't.

Is living in dorms better? ›

Dorms give students more opportunities for interaction, which means more practice and growth in their social skills. Students in off-campus housing may not have as many opportunities to engage with peers and could struggle to build social skills as a result.

What is a cold dorm room? ›

In the cold dorm, the windows are always open year-round — so whether it's 100 degrees or 0 degrees outside, the windows are open. It's also dark 24/7, and you have to be quiet all the time."

How to decorate dorm walls? ›

From Dorms to Rentals: 13 Ways to Decorate Walls Without Damaging Them
  1. Hang Tapestries Like a Pro. ...
  2. Mount Curtains Without A Rod. ...
  3. Hang Posters & Photos Without Frames. ...
  4. Hang Heavy Objects Without Hardware. ...
  5. Install Wallpaper Without Commitment. ...
  6. Hang Baskets Without Nails. ...
  7. Display Instruments As Decor.
Sep 6, 2023

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