College Dorm Decorating Tips and Ideas
A visit to a typical college dorm room reveals the need for expert advice. If you haven't already visited your dorm, you will see what we are talking about when you arrive at your dorm room for the first time. But have no fear -
Deck My Dorm can help.
Drawing on ten years of interior design experience, we have created an online college dorm decorating store featuring products that transform your bland dorm room into a personalized and comfortable retreat perfect for studying and hosting friends. With the many
college dorm bedding options, you can start Decking YOUR Dorm to reflect your signature style. Here are our college dorm decorating tips and ideas to take your dorm from ho-hum to fabulous!
Check Out Your College Dorm Room in Advance
Many colleges offer dorm layouts online or have sample dorm rooms for viewing. But don’t get too excited, dorm rooms are notoriously plain with an institutional feel with twin beds, two dressers, and two desks. By the way... the twin bed will be twin XL (extra-long) so if your bedding is standard twin you won't be happy (luckily, our bedding is twin XL, just another reason to order from Deck My Dorm)!
Plan Out Your Dorm Room Layout
Develop a dorm room decorating budget. Coordinate with your new college roommate if possible (everything's so much cuter when it matches). Even if you are going potluck, it's worth a try to email your dorm roommate about dorm decorating. If your new roommate's ideas don't jive with your own personal taste, it is better to try to settle on one common color scheme for your dorm room for large items such as an area rug. Remember - the two of you (hopefully your not in a triple!) will be living in close quarters for the next nine months so think twice before you bash her "Hannah Montana" poster. Dorm room design has to also go vertical with lofts or risers (usually available upon request from your college) to make use of all available space.
Customize and Personalize Your Dorm Room
Now the fun part! Begin deciding on a color scheme for coordinating your college dorm decor. Deck My Dorm has colorful and bold
college dorm bedding since the
dorm walls will be painted in that oh-so-boring shade of old coffee with too much cream (blah). Choose a reversible dorm bedding such as a
duvet or comforter to add even more options. When selecting your college dorm bedding - don't forget the coordinating pillow sham and
throw pillows that show your personality.
Make Your College Dorm Room Cozy
Think comforts of home…. an inviting bed, a
lap desk for studying in bed, a soft rug, a cozy throw, and accessories that express your style. We take care in selecting these types of items for you that bring all the comforts of home into your dorm with style. Although we can't promise our designs will be as comforting as that decaying blanket you've had since you were four, we can promise your dorm will be a lot cuter than anyone else's on your hall (unless they buy from us).
Start with our lightweight drapes for the window. One of our bulletin boards is a must for displaying photos and mementos from home. We have a huge selection of posters, wall decals, caulk board stickers, and wall hangings so you are sure to find wall decor that defines your personality. Don't forget the back of your doors are also a great place to hang art. Just be careful of making holes in the wall, which you'll have to pay for at the end of the year. There are many non-damaging adhesive options available (Thanks 3M!) as well as suction cups, tension rods, Velcro, etc. Just email us if you're have difficulty hanging your new stuff.
Most dorm rooms have an overhead fluorescent light – only. Combined with the emotional darkness of late night studying and college-transition blues, this lack of lighting can really dampen the mood. Our fun lamps and cool accent lighting will transform your room and brighten your day (nothing like a little sunlight). Think hanging…we love to hang a small chandelier from a ceiling hook (completely removable and damage-free of course) or use string lights in coordinating colors.
College Dorm Rooms Need Storage and Organization
Add one of our shoe organizers to the back of your closet door for shoes or the bathroom door for toiletries. Choose one of our
colorful college storage trunks that can also do double duty as a coffee table and stow-away space for those winter boots.
Cover Up Your Dorm Walls, Furniture, Floor, etc.
The designing divas philosophy is... "What can be covered should be covered (starting with a good mattress pad)!" Drape one of our sheer table toppers over your dresser for a punch of color and style. An area rug adds to the décor and provides comfort for those cold, unforgiving tiles. Have a piece of glass cut for your desktop so photos and notes can be displayed underneath. Our coordinating bedskirts help hide items sure to be stored ("shoved") under the bed. If your bathroom is down the hall (which it probably is), you will want a robe or spa-wrap.
Cool Your Dorm Room Off
Our small desk fan has great retro style and keeps air circulating. A dorm refrigerator is great for keeping drinks cool (sodas, of course!) and storing snacks. Look for a small, frost-free refrigerator with freezer section, adjustable shelves, and a flat-top that can double as workspace.
Keep Your Dorm Room Clean
One of our tremendously cute laundry bags is a must have! You will be doing your laundry in a laundry mat or toting it home. Don’t forget the cleaning supplies (and remember to actually use them!).
We are excited to show you our dorm room collections featuring bedding, window treatments, lighting, wall décor, accessories, and so much more! We hope you can come to one of our trunk shows so we can meet you, your family, and friends or better yet... host your own trunk show and we will come to you.