Eight great dorm room decorating ideas

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

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