17+ Best College Dorm Room Ideas We’re Obsessing Over

Even though it’s been a few years since I graduated college, I still remember the excitement of moving into my dorm room.

And while my first “apartment” in the dorms was a tiny, drab room with cinder block walls, I was determined to make it feel like home.

So I spent the summer before moving in researching the best dorm room ideas and buying all of the essentials.

Whether you’re moving into a dorm room for the first time or you’re looking to redecorate your space, you’ve come to the right place.

From cute and cozy to modern and stylish, we’ve rounded up some of the best college dorm room ideas and inspirations for you to shop or recreate.

Read on to learn more about our favorite dorm room decor ideas and how you can bring them to life in your space.

1. Add a pop of color to your dorm room

You may not be able to paint your dorm room walls, but you can still add a splash of color to your space.

This dorm room design is the perfect example of how to add a lot of color to a small space without it looking too busy.

The bright and colorful bedding is the focal point of the room, and the rest of the decor is pretty neutral.

The white walls and bedding make the room feel open and airy, while the colorful accents add a fun pop of personality.

2. Create an accent wall in your dorm room

If you’re not allowed to paint your dorm room, you can still create a statement wall with peel-and-stick wallpaper.

This design from WallPops! is a great example of how you can add some bold color and pattern to your space without going overboard.

The rest of the room is kept pretty neutral, with the bedding and furniture in shades of white and gray.

But the bright pops of colors in the wallpaper are brought in with the pillows, vase, and flowers on the nightstand.

3. Add a rug to your dorm room

Laying down a rug is a great way to add color and personality to your space. Plus, it can make a hard, cold floor feel a little more homey.

Dorm room flooring is usually made of linoleum, so a rug is an easy way to add some softness.

4. Add a DIY canopy to your dorm bed

If you’re not into the idea of a lofted bed, you can still make your bed the focal point of your room with a DIY canopy.

All you need is a curtain rod and some sheer curtains to create a dreamy, ethereal look.

To get the look, add a few strands of twinkle lights to the inside of the canopy.

You can even use a remote control to turn them on and off without having to get out of bed.

5. Add a headboard to your dorm bed

If you’re trying to make your dorm room feel more like home, a headboard is an easy way to do just that.

You can find a headboard in just about any style, color, or fabric to match your decor.

This dorm room headboard is actually just a tapestry, and it looks great with the rest of the decor.

Pro tip: Add a string of lights to the top of your headboard to add some extra light to your dorm room.

6. Add a photo wall to your dorm room

Decorating your dorm room with pictures of your friends and family from home is a great way to make your space feel cozy and personal.

To create a photo wall like this one, you’ll need some twinkle lights, a few command hooks, and a whole lot of your favorite pictures.

Pro tip: If you’re worried about damaging your wall, you can use these command hooks to hang your pictures instead.

7. Add a gallery wall to your dorm room

If you’re looking for a way to add some personality to your dorm room, a gallery wall is a great way to do it.

You can include a mix of photos, prints, and wall decor, and even layer in some wall shelves to add dimension.

To create a gallery wall that feels cohesive, pick a color scheme and stick to it.

This will help you choose what to include, and keep the overall look from feeling too busy.

8. Add a mirror to your dorm room

When you’re living in a small space, mirrors are your best friend.

They make any room feel brighter and bigger, plus you can use them to check your outfit on the way out the door! This one is from Urban Outfitters and comes in five different colors.

9. Add a wall hanging to your dorm room

If your dorm room has a lot of blank wall space, consider adding a wall hanging.

This is an easy way to add a pop of color and texture to your room. Plus, it’s a great way to show off your personality and style.

You can find wall hangings in all shapes and sizes, so you’re sure to find one that fits your space.

We love this rainbow wall hanging, but you can also find wall hangings with quotes, animals, flowers, and more.

10. Add a tapestry to your dorm room

Tapestries are an easy way to add a pop of color and texture to your dorm room.

These large pieces of fabric come in a variety of prints and patterns, so you’re sure to find one that matches your style.

Add a curtain rod to your dorm room wall to hang your tapestry. This is an easy way to hang it up without damaging the walls.

11. Add a plant to your dorm room

No dorm room is complete without a plant.

Adding a plant to your dorm room decor can help to improve air quality and bring a little bit of the outdoors in.

If you don’t have a green thumb, don’t worry! There are plenty of low-maintenance plants that are perfect for dorm rooms.

12. Add string lights to your dorm room

If you’re looking to add some ambiance to your dorm room, string lights are the way to go.

You can add them to your bed frame, drape them over the windows, or hang them from the ceiling.

String lights are a great way to make your dorm room feel cozy and inviting, and they also make for great photo backdrops.

13. Add a neon sign to your dorm room

Neon signs are a great way to add some personality to your dorm room.

You can find a sign with your favorite quote, a fun shape or even your initials.

While neon signs can get expensive, you can find some great options that are budget-friendly.

This “Good Vibes” sign is a great size for a dorm room and is under $50.

14. Add a seating area to your dorm room

If you have the space in your dorm room, consider adding a little seating area.

This is a great way to make your dorm room feel more like a home and less like a temporary living situation.

A small sofa or a pair of comfortable chairs can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your space.

If you don’t have the space or budget for a full seating area, you can create a cozy nook with a bean bag chair or a couple of floor pillows.

This is a great spot for reading, studying, or just hanging out with friends.

15. Add a bookshelf to your dorm room

A bookshelf is a great way to not only store your books, but also to add some personality to your space.

You can fill it with your favorite reads, pictures of your friends and family, and even some decor pieces.

This bookshelf from Dormify is perfect for adding some extra storage to your room.

You can also find a variety of other bookshelves at different price points and styles.

16. Add a rolling cart to your dorm room

This is a great idea for anyone who wants to add extra storage to their dorm room but doesn’t want to commit to a large piece of furniture.

Rolling carts can be used to store anything from beauty products to school supplies to small kitchen appliances.

We love the idea of using a cart to create a coffee bar in your dorm room. You can store your coffee maker, mugs, and coffee pods on the cart.

Then, you can wheel it over to your desk when you need a caffeine fix and roll it back to your closet when you’re done.

17. Add a bedside caddy to your dorm room

Keep your phone, laptop, and any other small gadgets organized and protected with this bedside caddy.

It’s the perfect way to keep your dorm room essentials within reach and off of your bed.

Dormco’s bedside caddy comes in 12 different colors and includes a soft foam insert to help it stay in place.

Conclusion

We hope these dorm room ideas inspired you to create a space that feels like home and makes it easier to relax, study, and sleep.