Tag Archives: dorm room decorating

Decorating room by room: 5 tips for a really cool dorm room

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If you have a child going away to school then you not only know how important it is to them to decorate their dorm rooms but you also know how teeny tiny those rooms really are.  In order to get the most function out of a dorm room you will want to think about items that have a multi-purpose such as under bed drawers, space saving bins, lots and lots of shelving, hanging bags, wall pegs etc.  All of these items can easily be found in large discount stores such as Walmart and Target as well as The Container Store. 

dorm logo from the container store
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But there is more to decorating a dorm room than just storage!  The kids are more interested in “stuff” like cool bedding, hip artwork and sic colors.  (I have probably dated myself with those adjectives but they are the only ones I know) 

1.  Remember to personalize their space with family photos, memories of high school and even their childhood stuffed animal.  As freshmen they are not too grownup for this stuff yet.

2.  How about a special lap quilt that features their favorite colors that they can toss over their legs on chilly study nights.

3.  A bulletin board is a must for tacking up class schedules, photos etc.  Use colored ribbon for a girl or back it with burlap and add twine and clothespins for a young man.  Here’s a link to a great tutorial for covered bulletin boards.

4.  Those beds are small so make it as comfortable as possible with a memory foam topper and a cozy down comforter.  High thread count sheets will also be appreciated, IF you can find them in the x-long twin size required.

5.  Plush towels and plenty of them will also be appreciated.  Send your girls to school with a shower wrap that will protect their privacy.  Buy them at the store or, better yet, make your own out of pretty and absorbent terry cloth.

Life in a dorm room can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time.  This is a transitional time for both you and your child.  Make their dorm room as comfortable as possible so they can relax and enjoy college life…and maybe even squeeze in some study time!

Eight great dorm room decorating ideas

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How exciting!  The time has come for you to move in to your own space even if it is an 8×10 dorm room that will be shared with one, two, maybe even three other girls.  The trick to dorm room decorating is to find storage in every little nook and cranny available and to use items that are multi-purpose.  And while you want the room to be pretty and reflect your personality, it must be functional first.  Here are eight easy ideas that may help when it comes time to create your own space.

  1. Most dorms do not allow you to paint the walls.  Besides, how difficult would it be to get all you girls to decide on a color?  To hide those ugly dorm room walls (or at least your section) create a custom message board that is half cork to post notes  and pictures and half white board to write reminders etc.  In place of all those posters that serve no functional purpose, this can hang right above your bed.  Paint the molding a color that coordinates with your bedding and it will act as a headboard.
  2. Under bed storage is a must; as are units with drawers and wheels.  Shops like The Container Store have items made specifically for a dorm room and there are cool colors and patterns available. 
  3. Space bags make it possible to store out of season clothing and bedding in small spaces, allowing you to be comfortable all year long.
  4. If you know your roommates, you can coordinate your bedding for a real pulled together look.  But chances are you will meet her on the first day of check-in.  Result—each girl will have different colors and patterns.  So choose what makes you happy and comfortable.  Buy the best sheets you can afford so insure a good night’s sleep because you are going to need it! 
  5. To help ease the pangs of homesickness, be sure to have plenty of pictures of your family and friends around.  To save space, have these pictures transferred on to a lap quilt, pillow case, wall hanging or tote bag.
  6. Even something as simple as clothes hangers can make a decorative statement.  For an uncluttered look, choose hangers in one color that, again, coordinates with your bedding.  For a wild and crazy look, buy hangers in all available colors for a rainbow effect.  You can assign a color to each type of clothing i.e. red for jeans, blue for blouses etc. 
  7.  Hanging purses on the wall can act as a functional piece of artwork and add color and texture at the same time.
  8. Most dorms provide each student with a small desk and chair.  Create a cute slipcover or seat cushion for your chair and turn that utilitarian piece of furniture into something pretty.

Moving into a dorm room is both exciting and scary.  Surrounding yourself with your favorite items and your favorite colors will make it possible to create a little home away from home