How to decorate your dorm room walls
Dorm rooms can feel a little bare, so make the most of your new living space by decorating it to fit your style. It’s easy to personalize blank walls with pieces that remind you of your favorite people, places and things.
Investing in a few key aesthetic touches will transform your dorm into a place you’ll like coming home to after a long day of classes and studying.
Photos of family and friends
Putting up photos of your family and friends is one of the most popular ways to decorate your walls and is an easy way to personalize your room. Having your favorite photos around you can help you to feel more at home when you get homesick. You could make a collage wall full of photos by arranging your pictures in a pattern and using colorful tape around the edges to frame them. Alternatively, hang some pieces of string and use mini clothespins to attach your photos for a super cute and easy picture display wall.
Lights
Adding lights is bound to make any dorm room feel cozier and more homey. Fairy lights are an easy and inexpensive option to make blank walls a little more exciting. You can hang a curtain string of lights to instantly transform your room with a variety of setting modes that include twinkle, flashing and steady light. These 3M Command small wire hooks will hold the lights in place and come off without damage to your wall when you remove them at the end of the school year.
Posters
Let your personality show by displaying a bunch of posters on your walls. Whether you love films, books, gaming or something niche, there are posters that speak to all tastes and interests. You can find artistic re-imaginings of your favorite things on Etsy, too. Posters look great framed or hung up with tacks or putty. They can make a great conversation starter for any potential new roommates or visitors, and can help you express yourself in a shared space.
Tapestries
A printed tapestry can be an inexpensive way to personalize your walls and even cover up any damage left by a previous occupant. Wall tapestry hangings come in a variety of colors, patterns and sizes so you can choose one that best suits your style.
Vision boards
Stay motivated at college by displaying a vision board of quotations, pictures and anything else that inspires you to work hard. You can make your vision board as creative and crafty as you want by writing, drawing, painting or using photos from magazines or the internet. This is a great bonding activity to do with other people in your dorm. When you’re finished, hang it up like you would a poster.
Removable wallpaper
If you want a change from blank walls, removable wallpaper is an ideal option for a college dorm room. It is easy to apply and remove from smooth, flat surfaces. Pick a pattern of peel-and-stick wallpaper that you love, and you can even reuse it at your next place. Removable wallpaper comes off without damaging the wall, but will make a huge statement while hanging up.
LED neon signs
Neon LED signs will make your space look super cool, and they don’t have to be expensive either. Some neon signs are powered by USB so they can connect to a laptop or plug socket for easy and convenient use. They’re available in different colors and are an easy way to add an ambience without buying a lot of lights. Some models can get hot if left on for a long time and could be dangerous if left on overnight, so always remember to unplug your sign before you go to bed.
Cork boards
A cork board is a super practical thing to have on your wall, and it doesn’t need to be boring. You can pin up reminders, assignment deadlines or important documents, but you could also add a few photos or concert tickets for a fun and more personalized board. If you have a roommate, having a board will let you leave notes and reminders to each other if you’re out.
Floating shelves
A floating shelf is an inexpensive way to add a little more storage. While shelves in themselves are not super decorative, what you put on them definitely can be. Displaying potted plants, flowers, knickknacks and photos on your shelf will brighten up your room quickly and easily.
Heather Roy is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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