Decorating your dorm room is, of course, about making sure you’re stocked with the necessities you need to live through the semester without going home to bug your partners too often. But it’s also about making an ugly, boring dorm room look much more aesthetically pleasing. It’s your chance to get creative and really fix your own living space without your parents telling you “no” simply because they don’t like it. And because of that, it’s easy to go a little crazy, and, uh, end up spending all of your money on dorm decor. So, take a step back, and try making some of your own first.
The advantages of DIY dorm decor aren’t just about money, because honestly, sometimes it ends up being just as much for supplies. It’s also about having unique pieces that no one else will have – everyone shops at Target and Wal-Mart, so if you’re concerned with standing out, going there isn’t going to get you where you want to be. And it’s about lending a personal feel to an impersonal space, which you’ll need as the weeks go on. The below DIY projects are ideal for making your dorm room look good, and of course they can be used in any bedroom as well. Check ’em out, and get to work!
1. Marble Pencil Holder
Marble contact paper is amazing. It’s cheap (you can find it on Amazon), and it makes anything look instantly more luxe. Wrap old tin cans in marble paper to create the easiest, most chic pencil holders for your desk.
2. A Cozy Rug
Area rugs can be pricey, so if you can, make your own! It’s way more fun that way, and it’s not as hard as it seems. You can use any colors you want, or you can just go for something classic like ivory or cream colored.
3. Fringed Lumbar Pillow
Dorm room beds are not known for being comfortable, so it’s always a good idea to add a lot of pillows to make things more comfy and homey. A lumbar pillow is ideal for lounging or propping yourself up, and they’re also nice to snuggle with during the night when you’re feeling lonely. Make your own with some cool fringe!
4. Succulent Garden
Plants might be the last thing on your mind when you’re thinking of how you’re going to decorate your dorm room, but they shouldn’t be – they help purify the air and give a nice burst of nature and color. Succulents are easy and maintenance, and a succulent garden will look perfect by your window.
5. Furry Stool
You’ll probably end up adding some small pieces of furniture to your dorm room, and a stool isn’t a bad idea – it’s a perfect way to get extra seating room. Go for some glamour and make your own furry stool with gold accents. Super chic!
6. Cloth Headboard
A headboard instantly makes you bed look more comfortable and luxurious, but they can be expensive, and it’s almost impossible to find one that will fit on a dorm bed. So just make your own! It’s easier than you think, and makes such a big difference.
7. Gold Wire Memo Board
Stay organized with a memo board that is easy to hang things on and take them off when needed. This gold wire board is very cool to look at and will help keep you on top of everything.
8. Rose Gold Mousepad
Want your desk area to look polished? Get yourself a nice mouse pad – or just make one. Rose gold is so on trend, and this will look gorgeous next to your laptop.
9. Unicorn Planter
If you love unicorns, you’ll love this super unique planter, perfect for a succulent or a low-maintenance plant that will bring some life to your room. How can you resist?
10. Throw Pillow
Bright throw pillows are an easy way to add pops of color and to make your room seem more inviting. Make your own throw pillow design easily – these little guys are surprisingly expensive.
11. Double Duty Side Table
Getting yourself a tiny table isn’t a bad idea – it has a lot of uses, especially if you have a common area. I love how this one has a secret compartment.
12. Mason Jar Nightlight
If you don’t love the dark, get a nightlight… or just make your own. This mason jar transforms into a perfect little light, and looks even better when painted in this way.
13. Cactus Ring Holder
Need somewhere safe to stash your rings while you’re sleeping? Make your own cute cactus dish to use as something practical and decorative.
14. Marble Coasters
Source/Tutorial
Marble coasters might seem like a weird thing to make for a dorm room, but hey – maybe you’re the type of person who hates leaving behind rings of condensation while drinking (I am one of these people). In any case, these are gorgeous.
15. DIY Dreamcatcher
Dreamcatchers are for more than just clearing the air and getting rid of any bad vibes – they also look really, really cool. Make your own for a personal touch of decor.
16. Your Giant Initial
Hey, why not decorate with the initial of your first name? You can easily make it with gold and your favorite color for a touch of personalized style on the walls.
17. PomPom Garland
Hanging things on the walls is a great way to keep the room looking fun. A pompom garland is easy to make and will look super unique wherever you put it.
18. DIY Pinboard
Forget corkboards – pinboards are cool, easy to use, and fun to put together.
Which one of these DIY projects are you going to try? What did we forget to add? Share in the comments.
You can follow the author, Jessica Booth, on Twitter or Instagram.
20 Creative Ways To Decorate Your Dorm If You Don’t Have A Lot Of Money
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