Decorate Your Dorm In Style: 8 Must-Haves for The Best Dorm Decor 

Are you asking yourself what the best dorm decor options are? We’re here for you. The time has come! In the next few weeks, you will be leaving the nest and heading to campus. Have you thought about your dorm decor? With so much to think about as you or your child heads off to college, we wanted to put together some essential must-haves for your back-to-school decor necessities. 

cozy bedding for dorm decor

1. Comfortable Bedding

Productive days start with a good night’s sleep! So be sure to invest in some stylish bedding. Get some soft sheets to start and a cozy comforter. Don’t forget to add a throw blanket for those colder nights or for extra comfort while studying or lounging. Bedding is always the foundation for every room, so your dorm is no exception. Pick sets that match your style and build out your dorm decor from there!

wall art for dorm decor

2. Personalized Wall Art

Bring your personality to the space with framed posters, photos, or artwork that you love. Be sure to pack some family photos in case you get a bit homesick. Having art and photos that reflect your style is a great way to personalize your dorm room. Have a favorite music artist, movie, or video game? Get the poster! Bring that personal flair to your walls!

This is where we come in! We can frame art less than 1/4″ thick in any size up to 42″x62″. Nailed down your favorite poster? Framing is always the best way to add the finishing touch to your art so you have a more complete look. Can’t put holes in your walls? No problem! We have lots of ways for you to still display your frames without causing any damage to the walls. We also offer our EaselMate which is perfect for your desktop displays of your favorite family or pet photo!

dorm decor storage solutions

3. Storage Solutions

Let’s face it, dorm room space is limited, to say the least. So we have to maximize storage to keep things organized and clutter-free. With endless storage solutions, there will be no excuse to keep things nice and neat. Utilize storage bins, under-bed organizers, and shelving to keep your room tidy and maximize space. You can even get some hanging shelves for your closet perfect for shoe organization!

dorm decor: desk set up

4. Desk Essentials

When it’s time to hit the books you will want to be sure your desk is up to par with all the essentials. Set up your desk with a good gooseneck lamp, organizers for your pens and highlighters, and any necessary supplies to create a productive environment. Don’t forget the power strip to plug in all of your desk electronics! Now you can go ahead and ACE those exams! 

LED lights for dorm decor

5. Decorative Lighting

Atmosphere is everything! No dorm is complete without some snazzy lighting. String lights are the go-to for trendy dorm decor. You can get some easily removable command strips to hang your fairy lights around the room. LED strips are also very popular and come in a lot of funky colors, adding a pop of intrigue to your room. Soft lighting is a great way to tone things down after a stressful day of classes.  Turn off those bright overhead lights, and plug in some string lights. You can chill, unwind, and relax after a long day on campus. 

rugs for dorm decor


6. Rugs and Throw Pillows

Warm up your dorm room with a nice area ruz. The rug will probably get some wear and tear so go for something durable and easy to clean. Make the space feel even more comfortable and with colorful throw pillows. These small details bring any room together and are another opportunity to add your personal style to the room.

bedside table for your dorm decor

7. Functional Furniture

If space allows, consider multi-purpose furniture like a futon. Futons are low maintenance and perfect for letting your hometown besties come and spend the night.  If space is tight, and you don’t have space for the classic college futon, stick with smaller items, like an ottoman. Snag an ottoman that doubles as storage for some extra space to tuck things away in. Even a small bedside table would be the perfect fit. We love it when dorm decor meets functionality!

Add plants to your dorm room

8. Plants and Greenery

Incorporate low-maintenance plants or faux greenery to add a touch of nature and freshness to your dorm. We always say, that no space is complete without a touch of the outdoors. If a plant feels like another responsibility on top of your studies, get some faux plants with brightly colored flowers to make your dorm room feel homey and inviting. Plants are an extra touch to consider for your dorm decor. There’s something about bringing the outside in that rounds out any room. 

framed poster

Final Thoughts On Dorm Decor

Whether you’re an incoming freshman or a seasoned senior, everyone wants their home away from home to feel comforting and cozy. Dorm rooms are a small space, but so much can be done to make it yours. What is most important is to keep it to your style so it feels special and specifically fits your tastes. Of course, we want you to have some special art on the walls, because that’s the game we’re in!  Most dorm room walls are not the best looking, but we can remedy that. Play around with our frame designer to create some custom frames to make you feel more at home These 8 dorm decor must-haves are just a start. Be sure to download our free checklist of everything you’ll need as you head off to college.

Have a great semester!

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Dorm Decor Ideas and Inspiration

Ready to get creative?

Whether you have a piece of art ready to frame, or you have something for us to print, we've got you covered. Our online custom picture framing perfectly fits not only your art, but your style and budget, too! Use our custom frame designer to create a frame, or browse our suggested frame designs. Happy designing!