Move-in day is fast approaching for college students! If you’re moving into a dorm room or an apartment, you’re going to want to spruce the space up with decorations. I’ve lived in a dorm and an apartment space before, so I understand all too well how important it is to make these typically drab, boring spaces feel personalized and comfortable!
Do you need a essential items list? I’ve got you covered here, “25 College Dorm Essentials“. I found it incredibly helpful to create a check list of items when I was going away for school, so I hope it helps you too!
Also, if you’re a college student, chances are you’re going to have a budget for personal spending. Check out my “12 Affordable Natural Skincare Products” for budget-friendly skincare products so you don’t miss out on your skincare regime!
Here is a list of 15 must-have decorations for your dorm room!
1. Posters & Printable Art
The easiest way to decorate your dorm room is through art. Posters and print-outs are easy to put up and take down, and you can really make your college dorm feel like your own space by hanging photos, posters and signs that reflect your personal style.
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2. Fairy lights & photos
Fairy lights are a absolute must when decorating! Not only do they provide extra lighting for your room, they also set the mood. I purchased fairy lights for my own room at TJ Maxx. Mine came with a remote that allowed me to turn the lights on/off, set a pattern, or dim the lights.
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3. Must-have macrame for your walls!
I love the macrame art trend going on right now! This room radiates boho vibes from the combination of wicker and yarn decorative art and I’m here for it. Macrame is a fantastic decoration in any room, it adds texture and dimension to a space, making it less plain!
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4. Don’t forget about plant decor
Don’t forget about plants! Adding a living plant as a decoration to your room gives a calming feel to the space, plus they will help oxygenate the air in your dorm room and keep it smelling more fresh… A bonus for any student!
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5. Baskets for storage
Use baskets to transform your space to fit your needs. These metal baskets are handy when looking for items! Mixing different decoration styles (rustic v. girly) can add personality to a otherwise bland room. It was little touches like these when I went away to school that reminded me of home!
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6. Crazy about carts
These rolling carts are multi-functional and create the cutest setting for displaying items. If your dorm room or apartment is in need of extra storage or shelving units, this is your answer! Not to mention, if you are of legal drinking age, these can always function as a bar cart.
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7. Fun message board decorations
The subtle rustic, boho vibes of this dorm room are so cute! Get creative with adding decorations, such as a message board to your space. Make a welcome sign or show your school pride with fun slogan’s for weekend games!
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8. Bring out the poufs
Extra seating is always appreciated by friends and visiting family members. A pouf is the perfect touch to make a room feel more comfy and relaxed! Some poufs also function as storage, which can be extremely helpful when space is limited.
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9. Neon signs
Choosing simplistic, small wall art really makes the focal point pop. Pairing decorative for pillows with similar colors makes this room palette feel purposeful and bright!
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10. Tapestries & wall stickers
Fun tapestries and wall stickers make for some quick and easy decorations! I love the different patterns and chosen pieces in this dorm room, it is simple and personalized – a lovely combo!
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11. Put a throw on it!
Who doesn’t like a good throw blanket? A throw blanket is the perfect decoration for a creating a cozy atmosphere! The amount of times I could be found underneath a blanket while studying — countless. Besides, a lot of college dorm buildings can get cold during the winter, especially if your roommate likes to open the window during the winter (true story).
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12. Add a rug
College dorms are known for having pretty worn-in carpets or really ugly tile… A rug can be a great decorative touch to a room. I highly recommend purchasing a rug that isn’t fuzzy, as any kind of debris or food that falls onto it, can get stuck in the fibers and become difficult to come out. Yuck!
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13. Mirror, mirror
These smaller wall mirrors are seriously a must-have. Bathrooms are usually busy and door mirrors aren’t used as much as you think they are! I hung mine on the back of my door and hardly ever used it because my door was open most of the time for friends and to get airflow!
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14. Salt Lamp
It’s believed that salt lamps have “cleansing” properties, however, they can also function as a light. I love my salt lamp, as it gives off a warm light that is great for down-time and relaxation.
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15. Functional Knick-Knacks
Knick-knacks are not a essential decoration to have in a dorm room, but they do incorporate some fun into a space! Bowls and jewelry holders, found in this room aren’t just for display, but function as a place to put jewelry or small accessories that would get lost in a big drawer or bin.
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