23 Cute Dorm Room Ideas You Need To Copy
This post is all about cute dorm room ideas.
As someone who went to college and stayed in a dorm my first two years, I know good and well how notoriously small and difficult it can be to decorate your dorm room. We all want to have the best dorm space and thankfully there are a ton of cute dorm room ideas to take inspiration from.
What Every Dorm Room Should Have
For the most part, every dorm room should have at least these essential items. For a full list, check out my college dorm checklist here:
- Bedding/Bed Stuff: bed sheets, blankets, comforter, pillows, pillowcases
- Room: wall posters, desk lamp, mini trashcan, area rug, picture frames, hangers, under bed storage, wall mirror
- Computer & Tech Gear: laptop, mouse, cell phone charger, headphones, extension cords, printer, flash drives
- Desk & School Supplies: binder, notebook, backpack, pens, pencils, calculator, folders, post its, ruler, scissors, stapler, tape, white out, waste basket, desk organizer, journal
- Cooking/Kitchen Supplies: mini fridge, microwave, cups, plates, bowls, utensils, coffee maker, cleaning supplies, pots and pans, trash bags, kitchen towels, broom
- Laundry Supplies: laundry cleaning supplies, laundry basket/hamper, iron, ironing board, lint brush
- Toiletries: bath towels, shower caddy, soap, shower cap, shower shoes, loofah, bathroom cleaning supplies, toothbrush, toothpaste
- Personal Items: hair dryer, curling iron, flat iron, hair care products, skin care products, razor, shaving cream
- Clothing: shirts, sweaters, denim jeans, pants, jackets, coats, underwear, socks, shoes, hats, slippers, pajamas
READ: 19 Dorm Wall Decor Ideas That Are Super Cute
Cute Dorm Room Ideas FAQ
How Can I Make My Dorm Room Unique?
Dorm rooms can be small; however, that doesn’t mean you can’t make your space comfortable and efficient. There are a variety of ways to transition your plain dorm room to one you can be proud of. You want a cozy and stylish space and there are so many themes, items and cute dorm room ideas to follow to transform your space into one you look forward to retiring to after a long day on campus.
Here are 23 cute dorm room ideas to help you transition your room into a lovely space in no time!
1. Go Bohemian
I’m so feeling the blue and boho vibes in this gender neutral dorm room.
2. Put A Tall Mirror Up Against The Wall
Having a tall mirror leaning against the wall is definitely a must. It just makes the space look bigger and better and if you love taking mirror photos for the ‘gram, then you’ll love having this essential decor in your dorm room. Place an area rug in front so you’ll feel comfortable while doing your hair and makeup.
3. Add A Big Calendar To Wall
See DIY video here
I say definitely keep with cute dorm room ideas that involve wall calendars. I think every college student needs a big planner in their room to add quick reminders on exams, plans with friends, school breaks and etc. You can buy a big one or DIY it like the image above. I love how she used washi tape to create one. It’s big enough for your roommates to use too!
4. Add Cubbies Under Your Bed
Having a bed lofted or high off the floor is perfect for extra storage space especially if your dorm room is very small. So the best way to use the space is to add some cubbies underneath. Use them for clothing, shoes, books, snacks, or just additional storage.
5. Hang Removable Wall Paper
Does your dorm room have plain walls, ugly old bricks or is the paint just peeling off? Yea, my last dorm room had ugly walls so what I did was place removable wall paper. Me and my roommate spent one Saturday choosing the wallpaper and placing it on the wall. Such fun times!
It’s so simple to do and you’ll be amazed at how well it can transform your dorm space. You can go with solid colors, print or you can just look at the countless options online.
6. Hang Tapestry
If you don’t have the time or just too lazy to put up wallpaper, then try tapestry. Hang up a large tapestry to hide ugly walls. You can find a lot on Amazon that’s not very expensive so you won’t have to blow your college budget on one. I would suggest finding one that will give off calm and relaxing vibes but the ultimate decision is yours.
7. Add a Few Plants
In the realm of cute dorm room ideas, adding some greenery like a couple of potted plants can really transform your space. This is such a great dorm room idea because there are a lot of plant options that are great for indoors and don’t need much maintenance. The best are succulents since they don’t need a lot of care.
8. Have A Few Area Rugs
Don’t you just hate the ugly floor tiles in your room? You’re not alone. When I was still living in the dorm, I made sure to add a large or a few area rugs to cover up marks and to make the space look more homey. Besides who wants to wake up each morning stepping on cold floors? No one.
9. String Up Lights
For a more warm and relaxing dorm room space, hang string lights. It’s especially great for late night studying. One of my favorite cute dorm room ideas on this list!
Get even more creative with your string lights by wrapping it around hanging plants. Seriously…who needs a night light?
10. Get a Wooden Headboard
The right headboard can make your bed look so much better. That’s why I love dorm rooms with wooden headboards. I just love the rustic theme and I can see why it’s coming more and more into style. I love this dorm room idea because it really can add some uniqueness to your dorm room. Don’t you think?
11. Have a Coffee Bar
If you’re a college student, then you need your coffee. You won’t always have the time to run to your nearest Starbucks or local coffee shop so why not have your own coffee bar inside your dorm room. Sounds like a win-win situation to me!
12. Have a Ton Of Pillows
Make your dorm bed super comfy by adding a ton of small pillows. If you can’t afford a headboard, you can create your own cozy corner with cozy bedding for the ultimate comfort nook.
13. Get Creative With a Gallery Wall
When you have a small dorm space, the best way to make it stand out is when you can give your room some personality by creating a gallery wall. I had so much fun decorating my wall in my dorm room and you will too. Put up photos, with or without frames, art work, posters, or whatever you like. Here’s the best part, it won’t cost you much to do!
14. Have a Flower Wall Headboard
Don’t have a budget for a headboard? Get creative and create your own like this DIY flower art headboard. This is becoming super popular in the realm of cute dorm room ideas as it can transition your room from plain to chic and cozy.
15. Light Up Neon Signs
A neon sign is a super fun and great way to make a statement in your dorm room. Buying one can be expensive but you can also make time to DIY it yourself. Etsy also has a couple of inexpensive custom options. So I would look there too!
16. Add Lots Of Photos
Traditional photo frames can take up a lot of wall space which is why I’m more in favor of a photo wall display. It’s such a lovely and cute way to showcase to your visitors your favorite moments in college. It’s so creative and easy to do!
17. Get An Ottoman
Adding an ottoman or two is such an easy way to maximize your dorm room space. It was definitely an essential in my room. I had one that you can open for additional storage space and when my friends came over, I used them as extra seating. Plus it makes for great decor!
18. Make Your Bed Look Different
At some point during your school year, you’ll get bored with the bedding you brought in at the beginning of the year. Jazz it up by adding your own personality. Stick to a neutral color comforter so you only change the pillows and throw comforter. That way you can switch up with out spending a lot of money. If you already bought a busy color or pattern, another option is to buy an inexpensive duvet cover from IKEA or sites like Amazon so you won’t break your wallet. Another one of my favorite cute dorm room ideas!
19. Get a Tiered Rolling Cart
The best way to make the most of your side table is to double it as a bedside table and storage. Look for a rolling cart preferably three tiered for more space.
20. Add Printed Art Work
If you don’t have the budget to buy heavy art, you can print out art you found on the internet or create your own. You can find a couple of DIY websites on Pinterest that will allow you to download their artwork for free on your computer and print out from a printing service.
There’s also Etsy and they have a number of options that doesn’t cost an arm and leg. You can find chic individual prints as low as $2.00 or even better if you find sets! For example, I just found this 6 print set on Etsy that you can place on your wall. When you divide the final cost by 6, each individual print cost $2.49!
21. Add a Couch Under Lofted Bed
If your campus allows you to loft your beds, keep a couch underneath one of the lofted beds. It’s such a great space-saving idea. When you have visitors over, they have a place to sit or you and your roommate can relax and put your feet up on top of the ottoman after a long day.
22. Have Fun With Washi Tape
I love using washi tape and a creative way to use it in your dorm room is to use it when hanging up your decor. Instead of using plain boring tape, add some pizazz when hanging up posters, pictures, and photos to your wall, bookshelf or desk. There’s an array of colors and cool patterns to choose from Etsy and online.
23. All Good Vibes
I love how they transformed their dorm room.
Loved this list of cute dorm room ideas? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts by commenting below!
