Simple ideas to create a home that is stylish and kid-friendly...Find them in Free Resource Library>>


Dorm Room Decorating can be quite a challenge. The room is small; you have a ton of rules and might end up sharing it with a stranger (at first, at least)!

I know you are up to this dorm-room-decorating challenge. Moving to college is probably THE most exciting phase of your life. You are finally stepping out of the cocoon (aka home) and taking flight into a wondrous world...all by yourself!

Get an in-store shopping experience without stepping in one this Holiday season with Amazon's 3D virtual Holiday Shop. Worth a visit, even if you don't need anything.

(We have included third party products with the goal to help you navigate the web easily so you can focus on what matters to you. Purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission.)

As you start on this journey, your dorm room (or your half of it) is the only private space you will have. It is yours to decorate, yours to sleep, study, organize...and clean (mmhmm).

Dorm Room Basics - Understanding College Dorm Life


Here are some common questions dormers ask, that I have come across.

"Does anyone have good dorm room decorating ideas?"

"I am looking for posters or art prints for my dorm room. Any suggestions?"

"What are some ways to transform dorm room furniture without it being permanent?"

"What should I decorate my dorm room with?"

You might feel a little overwhelmed with all the rules around the dorm room decor. No Paint, No Nails in the walls, No room for all those grand "Legally Blond-esque" ideas.

And yet, this is your space. This is your domain. Here, YOU RULE...at least in your corner of the room (if you are sharing with a roomie).

If you have been searching the Net for dorm room decorating ideas, you probably found tons of articles offering not much value.

"I thought this was alright advice, but I was looking for specific hints and tips... Lights are great and all, but I was hoping for more of the design prospect... plus this was the exact list of things on 4 other websites I've been to today; words and all." (random comment found on the internet)

Dorm Room Mood board - World TravelerDorm Room Mood board - World Traveler

Repetitive and uninspiring advice is not the only problem if you are  looking for answers to your dorm décor dilemmas. Listen to this harassed mom troubled by the restrictions of dorm room living...

CAN'T...CAN'T...CAN'T

"My daughter is at _____ and you CAN'T remove any of the furniture, the ceilings aren't high enough to build a true loft. You can bunk the beds but it's tight. Concrete blocks aren't really toe friendly in the middle of the night. You CAN'T paint or really hang much on the walls without doing damage and losing your deposit...we squeezed in a task lamp and that's it. I don't think we even had space in the power strips for designer lamps after the laptop, printer, task lamp, cordless phone, hair dryer, phone charger, iron and whatever else is needed... Most of the dorm rooms don't have closet doors so you CAN'T hang anything over the door..."

Yes, most dorm rooms are tiny spaces overcrowded with essential furniture, two teens (heavens!), tons of friends dropping in and strict rules and regulations. This does not leave us much luxury for fancy dorm decorating ideas. But should this mean that we leave the room looking dingy, uninteresting and colorless?

Read on...5 Inspiring Dorm Room Ideas that Add Style and Personality. Check here.

Are You...
Dingy, Uninteresting or Colorless?

Of course NOT! Then why should your dorm room be?

After all, it is supposed to reflect YOUR personality. Whether you are vivacious or languid; whether you are interested in music, sports or horses; whether you want to decorate your dorm room in perky florals, black and white modern designs or make a statement on eco-friendliness; your dorm room should mirror You.

You Are Spirited and Full of Life.

Dorm Room basics - Twin XL Comforter SetsTwin XL Comforter Sets

You are also leaving home and striking it out on your own for the first time in your life. Your head must be full of ideas and dreams of a bright future. Surely you anticipate a room with character. 

The new life will bring with itself many unknowns. It is worth investing your time and money to create at least one haven you can relate to.

And just look at all that this room does for you -

  • it gives you a place to rest your weary head every night; 
  • it's where you sit late at night studying for your exams that can make your career;
  • it's where you can put up photos of your loved ones and keep a piece of home close to your heart;
  • it's where all your friends could gather and create some amazing memories to cherish in the future;
  • it's also where you can lock the door when you want those friends to leave you alone, so you can have a good cry;
  • it's where you go to look for that post-it note that was to remind you of the test coming up next week.

In short, it's an essential part of your existence. A neat and organized room will bring you a calming breath of much needed air. A chaotic one will just as easily plunge you into panic mode EVERYDAY!!

Isn't that a great reason to spend some time thinking about your dorm room decorating?

On an average, students spend around $500 on their dorm room bedding and accessories. 

It doesn't seem as big an amount as you would have thought, now that you realize all that your dorm room does for you, right?

And most of the big ticket items can easily last you beyond your college days. Yay to that.

I will be doing all the legwork so you don't have to. Meanwhile, we have some more answers for you. TTYS - Talk to You Soon.

Return to Top

Hi, I am Richa and am super excited to see you here. I enjoy interior designing so much I went back to study it. Now armed with knowledge, passion and a vision to make 'happy homes', I hope this site will give you all the tools you need to make your kid's room happy too.   Read More...

Return from Dorm Room Decorating to Home Page