The last few weeks, I am all about getting you ready to go back to school. I think your environment greatly contributes to your success, so let’s get it right. I’ve given you 20 back to school decorating ideas, dorm decor must haves, and today, we’re talking about creative dorm decor DIYs that you need to know about.
If you are all about that dorm life, you know that you don’t have a lot of control over the furniture situation. BUT! You have endless control over your decor scheme. Your dorm furniture is probably generic and terrible, so let’s add personality to your space in other ways!
A great ice breaking “get to know you” activity is crafting. And we aren’t talking about just any crafting; you are going to craft decor items so that your dorm room represents both you and your roommate’s personal styles. This is hands down the best way to learn about someone else, while simultaneously building the relationship (and decor!). So, let’s help you create some memories and some cool decor!
Creative Dorm Decor DIYs
1. DIY Art
Sugar & Cloth
Who doesn’t love a good DIY? A great bonding activity for you and your new roommate would be to make some abstract art together. It’s a great way to make the shared space feel like something belonging to both of you. You’re already being forced to live together, so why not bond and become sisters?
You might even inspire others on your floor to do the same thing! You can get together in the common areas and have art parties. Here is a DIY wooden art tutorial to get you started.
2. Washi Tape Wall Pattern
Sugar & Cloth
In a dorm, you obviously can’t make any permanent or possibly damaging changes to your space. What.a.bummer. So, painting and removable wallpaper are probably out. What you can do is create little wall graphics with washi tape!
3. Plug In Wall Sconce
Old Brand New
This is one of my favorite hacks to make an apartment feel really elevated. Tons of companies are making great plug in wall sconces so you don’t even have to worry about the hardwiring! You can even get some Command strips to skip the holes in the wall altogether!
4. Stocked Bar
House Beautiful
A stocked bar doesn’t have to meal alcohol, friends. Think of a bar as just a space for friends to gather and chill out. Your dorm will be the congregational hub if you have a designated space for making drinks. You can get a Keurig or French press, an electric tea kettle, and an assortment of coffee and teas, along with honey, sugar, non-dairy creamer, etc.
Go to town and stock your bar with sparkling or coconut waters and keep some fresh lemons in your mini fridge. Your place will provide a necessary reprieve for everyone on your floor. The first thing you learn about making friends as a toddler is to have the best toys; thankfully, this also applies to college, so style style style!
5. Accent Wall
Domino
An accent wall can be anything you want. It can be a vision board, a collage of pictures, a gallery wall, a washi tape mural, or even a painted wall (if you’re allowed). You can even create a DIY headboard or the illusion of a headboard with paint. The point of these dorm decor DIYs is to make your space feel like you and to add personality where you can.
6. A Fabric Room Divider
Apartment Therapy
You can install a room divider pretty easily and affordably. This just gives you an extra layer of privacy when you’re alone or with someone. It helps you feel like you have your own space, even if it is just an illusion of space. Check out Command hooks and try to install a curtain rod down the center of your space.
7. Use Wallpaper Where You Can
Lark & Linen
No, I don’t mean on the walls! Unless your dorm building is super cool and trusting, you’re for sure not going to even be able to install temporary wallpaper out of fear of damaging the walls. So, what can you do?
The whole point in installing wallpaper is to add another design element or focal point. You’re adding pattern, color, and texture where there previously was none. It’s just another way of making your room feel custom. But, did you know wallpaper doesn’t have to go on walls?
I covered an IKEA console in some pale blue ombre wallpaper from Wayfair! You can add peel and stick wallpaper to your bookshelves and any of your own furniture to give it some pizzazz. This is a really creative dorm decor DIY that is super affordable. You and your roommate can have a lot of fun choosing what to wallpaper in your space.
Which of these dorm decor DIYs is your favorite? What back to school DIYs are you planning?
-Kristen
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