Dorms can be bland and boring, but they don't have to be! I have some fun tips and tricks to decorating a plain dorm room and make it awesome!
1) Create a dorm checklist and start with the basics
Make a list of things you absolutely need in your dorm room! This is going to keep you on track and prevent you from buying too much or missing key items. No one wants to get everything moved into their room, only to find out that they forgot an internet cable, charger for their phone or a comforter for their bed!
Another important thing to note is make sure you know what you are expected to bring (and are allowed to bring) beforehand. No one wants to purchase a mini fridge and then find out they are not allowed! Don't waste money, do a bit of research and figure out what you need and what is already in the room. No need to buy duplicate items!
2) If you are buying something, have a plan for it!
The worst thing when you are going to school is spending money when you do not have to. As much as we want the nicest stuff in our rooms, we have to realize we are not moving in forever. Items should be bought only if there is a reason to have them. A cute chair or funky picture might be nice in the store, but if it's too bulky or not suitable for your space, then don't buy it!
Most dorm rooms are already limited in space. So don't use up valuable real estate with an item or items that have no purpose.
3) Get creative!
There are plenty of tutorials on Youtube and Pinterest for inexpensive, nice dorm decor! It can even be a great way to bond with a new dorm-mate, by creating decor for your new collective space!
Some simple DIY projects which are easy to do:
- Get a wooden or cardboard letter(s) from a craftstore, paint it in one of your favourite colours or colours to match your theme, and voila! Hang it on the wall and you have some DIY dorm art! You can use your first initial, State or Province letters or even rep your school!
- Get some Christmas lights from home, some push pins and hang on the wall. DIY light installation!
- Hang a piece of string on your wall horizontally, get some tiny clothespins or binder clips to hang photographs up
3) Go on a treasure hunt!
It can be easy to get caught up in the back to school hype when you see all the awesome dorm furniture and decor in the stores. What a lot of people overlook is that there are many places to find dorm furniture which can be better quality or more unique and cheaper!
Hit up thrift stores and yard sales during the summer to pick out some items. A used desk may seem boring, but just slap on a new coat of paint and you have an awesome desk!
You can also find great decor pieces at these places too and even materials to do some fun DIY projects with!
4) Find a use for items you already own!
This seems pretty common sense. But I know I love new things! Sometimes though the things we already have can suit a purpose. Instead of buying art or decorations, are there things at your house currently you can bring with you? Perhaps an awesome rug you have in your room, or a cool lamp that is tucked away in the basement could work in your dorm.
Collectibles can also be a great way to decorate while at the same time adding a very personal touch to a space.
Just don't get too carried away! Hope you enjoyed this My Take! Feel free to share some of your tips, ideas or plans for your dorm room below!
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