Moving into a university dorm room or student housing can be an exciting new chapter.
But the generic, cookie-cutter dorm rooms provided by most universities often leave much to be desired in terms of style, comfort, and personality.
Personalizing a small shared living space poses some challenges, but there are many clever and affordable ways to customize your dorm or student housing to reflect your aesthetic, interests, and priorities.
Get inspired to put your personal stamp on your home away from home while studying.
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
Add Color with Paint and Wall Decor
Dorm rooms are notoriously bland, with ubiquitous white walls that could use some decoration.
Painting your walls or adding colorful wall decor is a Budget-friendly way to instantly inject personality into your space.
Some universities allow students to paint dorm walls, while others prohibit this.
If painting is allowed, opt for bright, cheerful shades like lemon yellow, sky blue, lime green, or orange.
Paint just one accent wall to make it pop.
Or paint all the walls a crisp white and use wall decals, removable wallpaper, photo collages, tapestries, and artwork to decorate.
For those not allowed to paint, never fear.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper, removable wall decals, washi tape designs, and posters or framed prints can all transform a blank wall into a stylish focal point.
When decorating a shared dorm, coordinate your wall accents with your roommate for a pulled-together look.
Make a shared mood board ahead of time to decide on a color scheme and decorative elements you both love.
Define Your Sleeping Area with Curtains
In a small shared dorm, it can be tricky trying to carve out a sense of privacy within the bedroom area.
Hanging curtains around your bed creates a cozy sleeping nook and provides privacy and separation from your roommate.
Curtains also allow you to control light and block it out when you want to sleep in.
Opt for blackout curtains for maximum darkness and insulation.
Sound-dampening curtains can provide acoustic privacy as well.
When selecting dorm room bed curtains, consider the following:
– Rod or track style.
Choose from ceiling rods, wall-mounted track systems, freestanding tracks, or curtain rods that attach to bed frames or walls.
Clean, modern track styles work well in small spaces.
– Curtain length and fullness.
Measure the height from ceiling to floor and get curtains long enough to puddle on the floor for a luxe look.
For a small dorm, choose streamlined curtains instead of fuller styles which can overwhelm.
– Texture and drape.
Lightweight linen, cotton, or microfibre curtains offer soft drapes.
Velvet or heavy fabrics create lush drapes that insulate and absorb sound.
– Color and print.
Choose solid neutrals or colors complementing your overall room decor.
Subtle prints or patterns add visual interest.
Suspended from the ceiling or mounted closely to the wall, curtains make dorm beds feel like a private retreat within the shared room.
Add Storage with Under-Bed Drawers
Maximizing vertical storage is key in a compact dorm room.
The space under your bed is prime real estate for adding enclosed storage quickly and affordably.
Under bed drawers or rollout storage containers allow you to tuck away anything from clothing, shoes, and bedding to school supplies, tech gadgets, and more.
Look for sturdy plastic drawers on wheels with handles for easy access.
Labels or colored drawers help keep your stuff organized.
If allowed, you can build or install more customized built-in drawers under lofted or raised beds.
For shared dorms, coordinate with your roommate to evenly distribute shared storage.
Clever tip: Under-bed drawers are also handy for storing off-season clothing or bulky bedding when not in use.
Stash your winter clothes away when the weather warms up to free up closet space.
Swap in cooling lightweight bedding during summer.
Utilizing the space under your dorm bed is an easy way to keep your small room from feeling cluttered.
Install bright under-bed lights to make retrieving stored items easy.
Loft Your Bed for More Space
Lofting your dorm bed helps free up valuable square footage in your room for lounging, studying, or exercising.
Most universities offer loft kits or beds that can be stacked as bunks or raised up on legs or lifts.
Many standard twin XL dorm beds can also be lofted with bed risers or lifters.
Benefits of a lofted dorm bed:
– Creates space underneath for a couch, desk, or storage
– Allows room for a taller wardrobe or bookshelf
– Makes room feel more open and spacious
– Elevates sleeping area away from noisy or high-traffic areas
If lofting on your own, choose sturdy metal 14-18 inch bed lifts secured tightly to bed legs.
Make sure the lofted bed height meets university requirements for safety and allows access.
Use guardrails to prevent falls from top bunks.
Under a lofted bed, add comfy seating like a futon, sitting area, or extra-long twin mattress for guests.
Or place your desk or dresser in the new useable space below.
Get creative dividing the space underneath with curtains or movable room dividers.
With lofted beds, both roommates can maximize floor space for living and storage.
Just be sure to communicate about who gets the top vs.
bottom bunk.
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
Make a Statement with Wallpaper
For a dorm room with wow-factor, decorate one wall with bold, graphic removable wallpaper.
From geometric patterns to nature prints, removable wallpapers allow you to go big with style.
And it comes off cleanly when your lease ends.
Some eye-catching wallpaper ideas for your uni room:
– Black-and-white graphic or illustrated prints
– Wall mural depicting a peaceful nature scene
– Retro palm print or tropical setting
– Damask, floral, paisley, or Moroccan patterns
– Silver foil splash for glam style
– Faux exposed brick or wood plank effects
When selecting a statement wallpaper, pick a focal wall like behind your bed or on the longest wall.
Measure carefully and buy just enough wallpaper for that one area.
Watch out for wall switches, outlets, and fixtures and cut wallpaper to fit around them neatly.
Use a plastic smoother to adhere the wallpaper evenly.
Finish off your focal feature wall with framed art, sconces, or shelf displays.
The possibilities are endless for making a boring dorm wall into a stylish showstopper with the power of modern removable wallpapers.
Make DIY Wall Art
For one-of-a-kind, budget-friendly wall decor, devote an afternoon to making your own wall art creations.
DIY options are endless, unleash your inner artist!
– String up colorful pennant flags with inspiring quotes or shapes
– Arrange a gallery wall of framed photos, prints, posters, and postcards
– Create a painted canvas abstract art piece in your favorite colors
– Use washi tape to make geometric wall designs
– Trace and cut out world maps or blueprints for inexpensive prints
– Decoupage patterned napkins or tissue paper onto plain wooden shapes
If you’re crafty, refurbish a secondhand frame with spray paint.
Or use embroidery hoops, yarn, and macrame skills to whip up boho wall hangings.
A little bit of painting, gluing, arranging, and hanging can transform a bare dorm wall into a personalized art installation.
The options are endless when making custom wall art.
Collaborate with your roommate and make DIY projects together for a cohesive look that reflects both your styles.
Multitask with a Sofa Bed
A comfy couch quickly makes a dorm room feel homey and livable.
But traditional couches take up precious floor space needed for other furniture.
A sofa bed solves both problems—providing a place to study and lounge by day as well as extra sleeping space when you have overnight guests.
Look for compact futon sofa beds with thin arms to conserve space.
Options withbuilt-in drawers or pop-up coffee tables allow for added storage and surface space.
Avoid bulky sofa bed mattresses by selecting an easy to maneuver memory foam model.
If floor space is extremely limited, consider a twin-sized chair futon that flips down for sleeping.
Place it vertically against a wall like a sofa, and flip it horizontal at night.
Using smart configurations and placement, even the smallest dorm can fit a multifunctional sofa bed.
Coordinate bedding and throw pillows to complement your room’s color scheme.
When shopping for furniture, double-check that delivery is available for your campus housing.
Get Smart with Compact Furniture
Furnishing a compact dorm means getting strategic with space-saving, multi-purpose furniture designed to do more with less.
These savvy compact furniture ideas can help maximize every inch of room:
– Loft bed with built-in desk underneath
– Platform bed with drawers for storage
– Retractable pull-down desk or wall-mounted drop-leaf desk
– Stackable cubes that function as seating, side tables, storage
– Over-the-door hangers for coats and clothing
– Slim rolling cart for extra storage
– Nesting side tables or coffee tables
– Ottomans or benches with storage space inside
– 3-in-1 breakfast tray, desk, and chair combos
Measure carefully before buying compact furniture to ensure items will fit and function well.
Think vertically and consider furniture that lifts, folds, rolls, or serves multiple purposes.
Don’t overlook the space-saving possibilities of overhead floor-to-ceiling shelving, hanging wall racks, and supplies stored under furniture.
With some savvy shopping and creative configuring, even the tiniest of dorms can be furnished both stylishly and practically using space-saving compact furniture.
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
Multifunctional Furniture from IKEA
For affordable, space-saving dorm furniture, look no further than IKEA.
The iconic Swedish retailer offers endless compact products perfect for small spaces.
Some top space-saving IKEA picks for dorms include:
– RÅSKOG Utility Cart on Wheels – Rolling storage
– RIGNER adjustable height standing desk – Great for studying or using a laptop in bed
– JÄPPLING Folding Stool – Extra seating for guests that tucks away easily
– STUVA Storage Combination with Desk – Built-in desktop workstation with storage
– FORSA Laptop Support – Ergonomic for sofa use
– SOCKERbit Boxes – Modular storage cubes for shelves, side tables, more
– RIBBA Frames – Display prints, photos, mementos
– SKÅDIS Pegboard – Utilize wall space for organizing desk supplies or jewelry
Take photos and measurements of your dorm space when shopping.
PADDINGTON Visit IKEA’s small spaces section online and use their interactive room planner tool.
Think creatively how furniture like wall-mounted shelves or drop-leaf desks can maximize room.
Affordable, functional IKEA furniture and organizational tools help you make the most of compact dorm dimensions.
Think simple, adaptable, and multi-purpose.
Built-In Organization for Shared Spaces
For shared dorm rooms, built-in storage and organization helps keep communal spaces tidy.
While you can’t make permanent changes, there are removable ways to add storage that works for everyone.
Some shared dorm organization ideas:
– Over-the-door canvas organizers for shoes, coats, accessories
– Hanging wall file sorter for papers and mail
– Multi-tier metal utility cart for snacks, appliances, extras
– Acrylic desktop organizers for office supplies
– Sliding drawer cart or cabinet for clothes, toiletries
– Separate laundry baskets labeled with names
– Shelving unit divided into cubbies labeled for each person
Communicate with roommates about what storage furniture you each need nearby your bed or study area.
Select versatile pieces like cubes or wheeled ottomans that can move around as needed.
Establishing designated storage zones in a shared dorm helps keep common spaces clutter-free.
Be considerate and give roommates equal access to storage options.
Define Spaces with Room Dividers
In a studio-style dorm room, it can be tricky figuring out how to divide sleeping, studying, and socializing zones.
This is where freestanding room dividers come in handy!
Consider using room dividers to section off areas in your dorm in a stylish, removable way.
Options include:
- Folding fabric room partitions on hinged frames – Choose from canvas, linen, shoji, or paper materials.
These create a temporary wall when opened up, but fold compactly when not needed.
- Freestanding bookshelves – Position tall bookshelves perpendicularly to walls to divide space functionally.
They double as storage!
- Curtain dividers – String or mount curtains on rods or rails to cordon off defined areas.
Opt for sound-dampening curtains for more acoustic privacy.
- Panel screens – Asian-inspired panel screens make an attractive way to divide a studio dorm into sleeping and living zones.
- Hanging textiles – Tapestries, quilt hangings, or beaded curtains hung from rods add a cozy separation of spaces.
- Indoor trellises – Free-standing or mounted trellises with faux vines and leaves bring nature indoors while splitting up rooms.
Use room dividers to delineate where one roommate’s area starts and the other’s ends in a shared space.
They allow dorm studios to feel like they have separate living rooms or bedrooms.
Position dividers to maximize openness while still creating defined zones.
With the right room divider, studio dorms can feel organized and multifunctional.
Use them to creatively segment your compact living space into workable areas for studying, relaxing, and sleeping.
Incorporate Meaningful Memorabilia
An easy way to make your dorm room feel special is by decorating with small objects that have sentimental meaning to you.
Displaying touching mementos from your life helps create a space that feels like home.
Some ways to work personal memorabilia into your dorm decor:
- Frame meaningful photos of family, friends, pets, or favorite places.
Cluster frames gallery-style on a wall.
- Hold onto childhood treasures like trophies, souvenirs, or artwork you’ve made over the years and display them prominently.
- If moving far from home, bring reminders of your hometown like a hometown flag or local artwork.
- Show off collections like ticket stubs, shells, stones, or postcards gathered from travels.
- Display awards like ribbons, medals, or plaques from past accomplishments.
- Incorporate handmade gifts, cards, or crafts given to you by loved ones.
- Use jewelry gifted to you or passed down as decor on shelves or frames.
- Display concert wristbands or other memorabilia from favorite memories or events.
Surrounding yourself with sentimental objects makes a new space feel welcoming and special.
Choose meaningful décor that sparks joyful memories and connects you to the people and places you love.
Let your keepsakes inspire you as you embark on new adventures away at university.
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
Make a Bedroom Haven with Lights
An easy way to make any dorm room more homey is with strategic lighting.
From fairy lights to paper lanterns, lamps to string bulbs, creative bedroom lighting can transform a basic space.
Some ways to accessorize your dorm with festive lighting:
– Hang delicate curtain string lights for a cozy alcove effect over your bed
– Affix wire LED strip lighting under lofts or beds for a cool glow
– Adhere remote-control color-changing LED puck lights under shelves
– Pick a fun lamp, like a geometric metal angle lamp or bentwood arm lamp
– Use wireless motion-sensor closet lights to illuminate stored clothes
– Install wall-mounted swing arm lamps or sconces by bed or desk
– Position a floor lamp in a corner to illuminate without taking up space
– Place mini-lights inside clear jars or glasses for warm accent lighting
– String paper lanterns or bunting across the ceiling for a playful look
Layering lamps, string lights, and tape lights creates a dreamy, restful dorm room oasis.
Using dimmers and smart bulbs allows you to control the brightness and ambiance.
Remember any rules about lighting safety and avoid potential fire hazards.
With strategic lighting choices, your simple dorm room can feel like a cozy, personalized retreat.
Making a cookie-cutter dorm room or student housing feel like your own special space is very achievable.
Even small upgrades like wall decor, compact furniture, and creative lighting can personalize a bland blank canvas.
Remember to check on any university housing rules before making permanent changes.
Part of the fun of dorm living is collaborating and coordinating with roommates to design a space you both enjoy.
With a bit of creativity, organization and style can shine through in any shared or private university residence.
Use these ideas to craft a living environment as unique as you are while studying away from home.
