Dorm Room Updates

Moving into your first college dorm or apartment can be stressful enough as it is before you even consider the process of buying and choosing your dorm room decor. Knowing how to decorate a dorm room is the just beginning of the nerve-wracking, yet life-changing experience that is college or your first time living away from home. Update your home-away-from-home with these low-cost, high impact finds, including wall art, throw pillows and blankets.

1. Boxed Beds

For a full time college student, sleep is important. After a long day of classes, homework and making time for friends, there's no better way to destress than on a wondrous mattress. Boxed beds offer support and comfort, with a range of different designs and features. For instance, a hybrid boxed bed may combine individually wrapped coils with layers of foam for exceptional pressure relief with an unmatchable comfort. These vacuum-packed mattresses are ready to unroll and require minimal time to self-inflate, perfect for college or apartment move-in day. They are typically cost-effective compared with traditional mattresses, making them ideal for many college students and first-apartment dwellers.

2. Bold Bedding

Need a decorating theme? All of your dorm room decorating ideas can simply revolve around the color scheme and pattern you choose for your bedding, as it can tie the whole room together. Take a bold approach by choosing a comforter with a bright color or fancy print. Color scheme aside, a good quality comforter is a key item for the college dorm checklist. Many affordable comforters and bedding sets are crafted of soft, microfiber, which maximizes comfort and keeps you warm—and can be easily machine-washed as needed.

3. Pillows

A space-conscious college dorm or small apartment bed can still be dressed up with a simple pillow arrangement. Aside from your standard pillow, you will also want to incorporate throw pillows for an added decor element. Coming in a number of textures, shapes and sizes, you are sure to find a few that not only accents your space but plays well with your bedroom aesthetic. Larger throw pillows can also double as alternative floor seating options for friends or guests.

4. Throw Blankets

The versatility of throw blankets is what makes them a great accessory for your space. Try draping your soft throw over the back of your accent chair or headboard. Throw your blanket on the foot of the bed for easy access when you are wanting to cuddle up for a good book or movie. Like throw pillows, throw blankets come in a variety of colors and fun patterns, all of which will look cozy and stylish in your space!

5. Wall Art

Add personality to your space with dorm room wall decor. From wall mirrors to canvas wall art, you can fill those blank spaces with the perfect touch of personality. In recent trends, gold and copper tones have made their way to the limelight. These pieces will easily warm up your dorm room wall and look cute as individuals or part of a grouping.

6. Accent Chairs and Additional Seating

The accent chair you choose for your dorm room space can add a stylish focal point in your space, but it should also prioritize comfort. You want to make sure you are able to study comfortably for hours on end and also allow for additional seating when you have friends over. Make sure you consider the size of your space. OttOne functional piece you could add to your dorm space is a storage ottoman. Not only will it act as a comfortable seat, but you can even store your additional throw blankets and pillows!

7. Let there be Light!

An essential for late-night cramming and getting ready for early morning classes while your roommate is asleep, invest in the perfect lamp for your dorm. Finding a lamp that is both practical yet decorative is important for small spaces without a lot of room for decorative items. Many lamps come with a USB port or outlet, which is useful for charging devices while being productive at your desk.

8. Floor Decor

Pass on the cold linoleum floors by adding a beautiful area rug to your dorm checklist. An area rug placed in your space will not only tie your decor together but add a snug and homey feel. A shag rug will play well with any chic dorm decor. A subtle floral print will go wonderfully for a more boho design.

By following these dorm room decorating ideas, you can put together a Pinterest-ready space that suits your personality, and even accommodates your pals for a cozy movie night or study session.