Dorm
rooms can be difficult to decorate due to strict rules and a lack of space.
Thankfully, there are several ways to get around those hurdles and create a
great-looking pad. Here are 51 easy hacks -- from custom wall decals to fun and easy DIYs -- to spice up your dorm room
decor!
1. Install a chandelier
No, not a real one -- that's too much work. This chandelier wall decal is a great
alternative.
2. Revamp a basic desk
While you may not want to invest in
the fanciest desk at this point in your life, making a few small changes like
adding fun new handles or spray painting the legs can make your old desk lookbrand new!
3. Make an Instagram wall collage
This is
an easy DIY that doesn’t cost much time or money. If Instagram isn’t your
thing, here are
10 other easy wall art DIY’s.
4. Add a fun phrase
Whether
“a beautiful mess” describes your dorm or your roommate, this wall decal is
sure to get your guests' attention.
5. Dip dye your plant holders
Plants
can be a fun addition to any room. Try adding a funky, customized pot to the
mix to make them even more fun! Set them on your desk, next to a window, or
any other empty area of your dorm room for a little extra livelihood.
6. Add a pop of color with a rug
Sliding a
fun, colorful rug in front of your bed, in your entryway, or underneath your
desk is a quick way to add color without ever having to open a can of paint.
7. Create a cardboard headboard
Since
it’s just for show, no sewing is needed, and the materials you use can be less
than luxe. Simply cut out a piece of cardboard, wrap it in a pretty fabric, and
voila: a fun, affordable, custom headboard.
8. Get organized with a shower caddy
This is
an easy, affordable hack that can help with office accessories, craft supplies,
or even accessories like jewelry and belts. Get creative and showcase it on a
wall, or find a home for it in your closet to keep it out of sight.
9. Display your necklaces as art
Instead
of tucking your jewelry away, try framing some of your favorite pieces and
using your storage as a
decor piece.
10. Put stars on the wall
This
custom wall decal can be ordered in several colors and is a fun addition to any
room.
11. Add a bunk bed curtain
If you
have bunk beds in your dorm, use
this tutorial to create a curtain for thebottom bunk. This gives both of you extra privacy while also adding a pop
of color to your bed.
12. Organize your chargers with washi tape
Not only
is this idea super practical, but it's also a quick way to add a bit of color
to your desk area and make it so you never mix up your chargers with your roommate’s.
13. Add polka dots to pillows
This tutorial shows you how to take plain throw
pillows from boring to beautiful in just a few steps.
14. Use chalkboard paint for drawers
Convert a cheap plastic organizing unit into a chalkboard drawer in
a few easy steps. This takes the guess work out of
getting dressed in the morning, and also allows you to express your creativity.
15. Spray paint mason jars
Mason
jars are a must for dorm room decor. They’re inexpensive, multi-purpose, and
have the potential to be really cute! Try spray painting a few a fun metallic
color for storing pencils, makeup brushes, or any other odds and ends you have
laying around.
16. Get nautical
Anchors
are a timeless design, and using them on a dorm’s bare walls is a great
solution.
17. Craft a charging station
A
charging station is a great way to keep cords and cables out of the way, and
this one is easy to create: just find a
box you like and carve out some holes to slip your cords through.
18. Beauty bucket organizer
Organize
all of your hair and beauty goods with a few buckets and some rope. Follow the
full tutorial
here.
19. Feature your favorite show
These Game of Thrones wall decals would look great next to your TV or entertainment
area.
20. DIY monograms
Get
creative with blank wood letters and coat them in seashells, ribbon, or paint.
A fun shell example can be found
here.
21. Customize your mouse pad.
Add color
to your desk with this easy
DIY mouse pad tutorial.
22. Dress up your dresser
If you
have dressers in your dorm, this is an easy way to add a splash of color and
creativity to your room without much fuss.
This blogger used fabric on the sides of each
drawer for a pop of pattern.
23. Coffee cart
If your
dorm is big enough,
creating a coffee cart is a cute idea that lets you
organize your cookbooks, coffee supplies, and appliances safely in one spot.
24. DIY light bulbs
Use a
Sharpie to draw on your lamp’s light bulb. It will give off a great effect on
your walls: no wallpaper necessary.
25. Fake a vanity
While a
full vanity might be a bit too large to fit in your dorm, this wall decal gives the same look without the hassle of moving it in or out.
26. DIY wall mirror
Fancy
looking wall mirrors can be expensive.
This post shows you how to make one from
materials found at the dollar store.
27. Make a magnet board out of cookie sheets
Cookie
sheets can be converted into fun wall art with just a few simple steps. Follow
the full tutorial
here.
28. Choose a fun night stand
This one
from IKEA offers an accent of color and
three different compartments, allowing you to really maximize the space.
29. Cake stand jewelry organizer
Upcycle
an old cake stand and use it for jewelry storage
and organization.
30. Bring the outdoors in
Since
dorm rooms can be very enclosed, adding a bit of nature with a custom walldecal can really brighten up the room.
31. Use Christmas lights in unexpected places
Whether
your room gets poor light or you just want to use them as decorations,
string lightsmake a fun addition to a room, and
can be organized in many different ways.
32. Make a wall calendar
Create a
massive cork board calendar for you and your roommate to keep track of
each other’s schedules, post photos, and write reminders. Use ribbon, fun
push pins, and cut outs to make it your own.
33. Dip dye your silverware
Since
most of your dorm silverware will probably be bought on a budget, it might not
be the most decorative on its own. Use
a bit of paint on the ends to give your spoons and forks some life.
34. Crayon art
If you
need more wall art,
melting crayons has a surprisingly fun look, and
can be an awesome project to work on with your new roomie.
35. Pom pom flowers
Use
this tutorial to create cute pom pom flowers that
you can hang on a wall, house in vases, or place strategically around empty
areas of the room.
36. Cover your light switches
Use
scrapbook paper to cover your light switches and outlet plates.
This post shows you how to get your measurements just perfect with
downloadable templates.
37. Frames without the bulk
Use a set
of wall decals to frame photos or create a focal wall without actually having
to nail or screw anything into the wall.
38. Push pin art
Use
push pins on canvas to write a message or create a
picture. Since push pins are so affordable and easy to access, this is a
perfect piece of starter artwork.
39. Decorate your door
Washi
tape can be used for tons of decor ideas, but works especially well on the
backs of doors or as a splash of color on the side.
Check out more fun ways to use washi tape.
40. Macrame wall hanging
This is a DIY that works well with many styles
and is fun and easy to create!
41. Recycle glass bowls for storage
Big glass
bowls can often be found at thrift or dollar stores, and are
a great way to show off nail polishes or other cosmetics,
while keeping them organized at the same time.
42. DIY makeup board
Follow
this tutorial for a great strategy for keeping
your cosmetics off the bathroom counter and in their respective homes.
43. Polka dots for the wall
Sometimes
a bit of flair is all you need. This polka dot wall decal is customizable by size
and color.
44. Iron on wall art
Use an
iron to add easy-to-remove letters or designs to your wall.
This tutorial teaches you how.
45. Make a flying night stand
Top
bunkers will find this useful -- a quick DIY night stand that allows
room for books, drinks, or other nighttime necessities.
46. Mason jar candles
Since
real candles are usually off limits in dorms, opt for mason jar candles: electric tea lights set in painted mason jars for a cool glow.
47. Succulent garden
If you
have a green thumb,
succulent gardens make great additions to small
spaces and can cater to nearly any room’s style.
48. Decorate your keyboard
Use washi
tape to accessorize your keyboard, or anything else on your desk that may need
a bit of extra detailing.
49. Tissue flowers
In case
you don’t want to keep real flowers around, this post has
a great DIY on making your own.
50. Fabric cork board
Cover your cork board in fabric to add color to this functional area of
your dorm room.
51. Team spirit
If you’re
a sports fan, put these football wall decals up on game day!