Back To Campus: What You Need To Dress Up Your Dorm This Year

It's time to head back to school, and whether it's your first year or last year of college, your dorm will be your home for the next year. And much like home styles, dorm styles change too. Not only do you have to think about how your room looks, but it’s a small space that must be extremely organized so you and your roommates can function well together.

The good news is that you still have time to work a few of these trends into your dorm this year. Here’s what you need to know to head back to campus in style.

Parents, from cleaning to redecorating, we can help you take care of your student’s room. Contact a pro today for quotes from contractors in your area.

Dorm Decorating Ideas

When you’re thinking about dorm décor, one of the biggest issues is space. In a dorm, there isn’t as much room to accessorize. However, you can still incorporate the hottest trends into your dorm room even with little space. You’ll also want to be thinking about how your décor will help you function. Keeping your room organized and healthy should be another priority. Here are a few dorm decorating ideas:

• Letterboards
• Himalayan Salt Lamp
• Essential Oil Diffuser
• Photo Clip Wall Panel
• Succulents
• Throw Pillows
• DIY Laundry Hamper

1. Letterboards

Say goodbye to the traditional whiteboard leaving notes to your roommates. One of this year’s hottest dorm room trends is letterboards. This vintage look is the perfect way to dress up your dorm with your favorite motivational saying or simply remind yourself of an upcoming test. Since it hangs on the wall, it won't take up space you can otherwise use, making it a great addition to your dorm décor.

2. Himalayan Salt Lamp

Most dorm rooms are outfitted with bright, fluorescent lights that are not the best at creating a relaxing environment. Instead, get a Himalayan salt lamp. This soft glow not only will relieve any pre-test anxieties, but it can also help to purify the air. Salt lamps work best when you get the right size for your room. Be sure to research what size is the best option for your dorm.

3. Essential Oil Diffuser

Unpleasant smells are the curse of living in a dorm. Because there are so many people in one building, you never know where the smell is coming from, much less how to get it out. Essential oil diffusers can help eliminate odors from the air and the right ones can even add a more natural look to your room. Additionally, essential oils have health properties that can help to keep you healthy during those late night study sessions.

4. Photo Clip Wall Panel

Hanging frames in your dorm room is a hassle. Hanging each fram individually can be expensive and time-consuming. Instead, hang a photo clip wall panel, like this one, and easily attach your photos where you’d like. If you hang with temporary hooks, you can easily take this down at the end of the year.

5. Succulents

Including greenery in your home is a must this year. But, it can be hard to incorporate into dorm style. There’s not really a lot of space for an indoor plant and generally, light is limited. If you do want to include a plant in your room, try a succulent. These are a low maintenance option that requires just a small space to grow in. Echeveria, as well as hawthoria, are two types of succulents that do well in dorms. Just don’t forget to take it with you when you head home on break!

6. Throw Pillows

Gold, copper and other warm metallic colors have become increasingly popular in the last year, not to mention, bold colors that can easily brighten up the space. Most dorms have rules against painting the walls. If you still want to introduce a little color and sparkle into your room, try a few throw pillows. You may have to get into the habit of making your bed when you leave for class, but it’s a hassle-free way to add color to a room without utilizing the walls.

7. DIY Laundry Hamper

Your laundry will have to go somewhere in your dorm. If your closet is already full, try hanging it on the back of the door, disguising it with a beautiful pattern you love. While having your laundry out in the open is not ideal, you can easily turn this into a decorative item. For a quick project before you head back to school, try this tutorial from Making Nice In The Midwest on creating a hanging hamper from an embroidery hoop

Conclusion

Dorm life doesn’t have to be ugly. There are easy ways to incorporate the latest trends and your personal style into your temporary space. By choosing the right items to style your room, you can have a great year back at school.

Looking for more ideas to try on campus? Read Dorm Room Organization Tips.