12 Cute Dorm Room Ideas You And Your Roommate Will Be Obsessed With

When I arrived on campus at the University of Maine at Farmington, I became extremely excited because I could help decorate my dorm with my roommate. We were in the center of campus on the third floor and from what I had heard in the previous weeks, the hall I would be living in was the ultimate place to be. I was eager to plan out what my style would be and what would go on the walls and floors and everything in between. Your dorm is you. It’s your personality, your roomates personality. But at the same time, you want the place to feel like home and you want anyone who walks into that tiny new space of yours to feel comfortable. Although decorating isn’t 100% my cup of tea, here are 12 cute Dorm Room Ideas you and your roommate will be obsessed with. 

Maximize the wall with string lights

As you will see once you enter your new living space for next year or so, the space isn’t huge. Square footage is short and that is why it’s crucial to maximize the wall space to the best of your ability. That’s why one of the best Dorm Room Ideas is to use string lights. Not only are they a great way to incorporate personality into the space, but they make the place more homey. If you don’t want all of the lights on during the evening, simply use your string lights for a more relaxed feel. Check out this set of string lights from Walmart for only $14.97. 

Mainstays 20-Count Indoor Outdoor Incandescent String Lights, with White Cord, AC-powered, 6 Volts

Bright colors are in

Bright colors are in, Y’all and they are not going anywhere anytime soon. From blues, pinks, yellows and greens, these colors are all over the runways and are heading straight for your college dorm room. If you and your roommate want to coordinate, then go for a neon pink and yellow or bright blue and pink color scheme. It’s one of the most common Dorm Room Ideas that is sure to never go out of style. Check out this pink rug from Wayfair for only $63.99. 

Ranyah Machine Woven Area Rug in Pink

Pillows

I don’t know about you, but I love pillows. They’re a great way to make your door room cozy, all while providing extra support when your up late and studying in bed. They’re also a wonderful but simple decorative item. If you and your roomate love pillows, then incorporate a bunch of them into your living space. If you want to match, then great. If not, pillows come in a variety of shapes, styles and colors that I am sure you will find more than one that you will like. Check out this cream knitted pillow from Walmart. Price: $23.00. 

Nourison Life Styles Ivory Decorative Throw Pillow, 18″ X 18″

Wall Art

Do you and your roomate have tons of photos together or just hundreds of your own that you would like to put up in your dorm room? Are you both a fan of The Office or an old 80’s band that no one listens to anymore? Hang up posters and photos all around your room with clothespins on a piece of string or on a board to show off your personalities and what you both like. 

Bring in some plants

Nature is right outside your front door, even in college. So, why not bring it into your new living space? Adding some green not only helps makes your dorm room feel less basic, but they can also be beneficial to your health as well. If you and your roommate have an extremely busy schedule, bringing some succulents into the space might be just the perfect idea. They’re small, attractive and the best part about this plant is that they need minimal maintenance. They don’t need much water, but only need a decent amount of drainage. 

Mirrors

I love mirrors and so should you. Mirrors are not only used for checking your look, they can also help brighten up a small place and make it look larger than it is. That’s why out of all the Dorm Room Ideas, this might just be the perfect one. What I love about mirrors is that they come in a variety of shapes and styles, so if you don’t like circle ones, then square it is. You can also get mirrors at almost anywhere, even online. Check out this mirror from Amazon. You can easily attach it to your closet so that it takes up less space as well. Price: $59.99. 

Americanflat Over The Door Mirror – Full Length Mirror with Hanging Brackets – Door Mirror for Bedroom, Bathroom, Dorm, Long Full Body Mirror with Hanger and Shatter-Resistant Glass – Black

Chairs

Although most dorm rooms come with a desk chair, you might want something more comfortable since your desk is a place that you will be spending a large amount of time at. If you don’t mind the chair that is provided for you and you want another one, then perhaps you and your roommate could coordinate with similar chairs like this one below. It’s a bit more on the pricier side, but in the end, it might be worth it. Price: $50.00. Put this on your list of Dorm Room Ideas, when you go out shopping for your dorm room. 

Simply Essential™ Sherpa Bean Bag Chair in Grey

Lamps

Dorm rooms don’t always have adequate lighting, so if you would like more, lamps are the best way to go. If you tend to get sleepier as the day goes on, purchase a lamp as they will help you stay away longer to finish all of that studying that you need to do. Check out this cute pink lamp from Amazon. it also has 2 USB charging ports, perfect for your technology. Price: $29.99. 

Touch Control Table Lamp with 2 USB Charging Ports, 3 Way Touch Lamps Beside Desk, Nightstand Lamp for Bedrooms Living Room, Pink Shade with White Base, LED Bulb Included(Pink)

Blankets, Blankets, Blankets

I am a lover of blankets and I truly don’t believe that will ever change. They not only are a great way to decorate, but for me personally, they make me feel more comfortable and cozy, especially during the winter time. What’s great about blankets is that they come in all shapes, sizes and colors, so if you and your roommate would like to coordinate, then you both could get the same blanket but in different colors. Check out this throw blanket from Amazon for only $28.79. 

Madison Park Ruched Faux Fur Luxury Throw Lavender 50*60 Premium Soft Cozy Brushed Long Faux Fur For Bed, Coach or Sofa

Loft your bed

If your college/university allows you to set up your dorm in a loft layout, then do it. Why? It allows you and your roommate to optimize the small space that was given to you, but makes it bigger with your bed on higher ground. Feel free to put your desk underneath your bed or even drawers for clothes. Whatever you choose to do, with a loft layout style, you and your roommate will have the place everyone wants to be. Out of all the Dorm Room Ideas, I truly believe this is one that people forget about the most, so make sure you don’t 

Use Curtains

If your dorm room is on the first floor, then you may want to add curtains to provide more privacy to your space. Curtains also allow the protection of light, especially if you want to sleep in during the weekends and can filter the light as well and can make for a brighter and relaxing feel. If there are not curtain attachments near the windows and you’re not allowed to drill holes, then don’t worry. There are plenty of other options for you to hang your curtains such as with the use Command strips which don’t damage the wall. Are you unsure of where to purchase them? Try Target. This set below is only $11.99. 

Sora Casual Textured Light Filtering Grommet Top Curtain Panel – No. 918

Lastly, Cozy Bedding

Your dorm room is where you hang out, where you study and where you sleep and let’s be real, your bed is the biggest piece of furniture in your dorm room so you mind as well make it look good. Whether you would like to buy a matching set with your roommate or not, make sure that your comforter set is comfortable and that YOU like it. Then throw on some of the other items here like pillows and blankets and you will be sleeping like a baby at the end of the night. Although this isn’t one of the most affordable Dorm Room Ideas, it’s a must need item. Check out this comforter set from Bed Bath and Beyond. Price: $80.00. 

Wild Sage™ Jaimie Wave 2-Piece Reversible Twin/Twin XL Quilt Set in Sky Grey

What are some Dorm Room Ideas that you love? Do you and your roommate like to match or be different? Tell us below in the comments.