The college dorm room. It’s a blank slate where college students across the country are able to make the space their own. The room is an essential part of most college students’ lives — it’s where they live for a few years and a home away from home.
For incoming freshmen, new and old students and the want-to-be interior designers, their dorm rooms are opportunities to get creative and make it personalized. You are likely in one of these positions if you’re reading this article, which is great because you’re going to learn so many great tips to turn that blank canvas into something that screams “you!”
Here are seven clever ways to personalize your dorm room and make it a place you want to come home to every day.
Make the Entryway Stand Out
When you move into your dorm room, you might notice that every single door looks the same. How can you tell which dorm room is yours without looking at the room number? That’s why you should start by personalizing the entryway!
Decorate your door and make a “welcome” sign or personalize it using letters and tape to spell out your name. Additionally, once you open the door to your room, have an area to set your items. For example, you can hang a key holder or add a few hooks to stash your coat and backpack.
Create a Comfort Zone
Your bed is the focal point of your room, so add pillows, blankets and any other items to create a comfort zone. Get matching pillows for your bed sheets and comforter. A great way to make it personal is by designing your own pillowcase, complete with a photo of your pet or family!
From mattress protector to kitchen supplies and storage solutions, be sure to check the dorm room essentials to meet all your needs and ensure a successful college experience.
Another super clever idea is to raise your bed to loft height and make a cozy area underneath. You could add some fun bean bag chairs, or you could hang a hammock in your dorm room with the help of a hammock stand! How many other people are going to do that?
Set Up a Small Kitchen Area
Although your dorm room is small, you can make the most out of the space by creating mini rooms, like a small kitchen. Plus, it gives you a reason to decorate your mini-fridge and microwave!
Add a small cart beside your fridge, microwave and coffee pot to store food items. This keeps your dorm room cleaner and allows you to have a space set aside just for food items. Bring a piece of home with you by hanging art, to-do lists and photos on your fridge with magnets.
Decorate With Natural Elements
A great way to brighten up your dorm room is by adding plants. Plants provide you with some greenery, and if they flower, it’s added color to your room. Plus, these are decorations that will last you throughout college if you take care of them well.
To kick the natural decor up a notch, you can make a plant terrarium. Whether it sits on your windowsill or hangs from the ceiling, it will be super unique to your room!
Add Creative Lighting
There are so many ways to get creative with your lighting in your dorm room. You don’t have to just rely on those harsh overhead lights. Instead, string lights throughout your room to create a soft glow.
Also, you can get strip lights, which you can control from your bed using a remote. These lights change colors to set any mood you want, from studying to having a fun dance party with your roommates.
Craft Your Own Decor
When you craft your own decor, you can ensure no one else will have the same decorations in their dorms as you! Get out your creative side before heading off to college to make whatever embellishments you like.
You can paint canvases with beautiful backgrounds, knot together string for a macrame piece or even find a local artist to create something that captures your personality.
Bring a Touch of Home
Finally, an excellent way to personalize your dorm room is by bringing a touch of home. It will make your dorm room feel even more like home.
Whether you bring a few photos of your family and friends from back home to hang up or you bring your favorite childhood stuffed animal, it’ll make you feel comfortable moving into a new space. The little reminder of home can especially help you get through that first semester of college.
Make It “You”
The best thing you can do with your dorm room is to make it “you!” If you love the color yellow, create a yellow wonderland. If you love animals, decorate with your favorite photos of your pets. As you go throughout college, you’ll find what works for you when personalizing your dorm room.