Decorating a small space that looks good and works well can be a challenge. Dorm rooms need to be clutter-free. Roommates can benefit from calling each other in advance to decide on who will bring what appliances. This avoids the problem of there being two of everything, such as microwaves and ironing boards.
It is also a good time to discuss colors and themes. Deciding early on the decorating direction will give roommates time to shop around for items they need and that will complement the scheme.
Keeping Dorm Rooms Organized
With space being the main challenge, keeping all the stuff organized is essential. Getting the right items to help do this is key. Items to help keep the room organized and the stylish look intact:- Color-coordinated containers
- Fabric-lined baskets with a fabric lid
- Soft hanging folding bins for the closet
- Collapsible hampers
- Shower caddys
- Stackable wire baskets
- Media holders
- Adjustable shelving units
Bedding, Curtains, Accent Rugs, and Accessories
Deciding on colors will help when shopping for bedding. This is the dominate coordinating area of the room. It is not necessary to have matching bedding but having a general theme in mind will help pull the look of the room together. Animal prints, vintage flair, warm florals, and ethnic themes can blend if you stay with similar color palates.- Accent pillows will decorate solid bedding in an inexpensive and stylish way.
- Georgette curtains with a decorative piece of fabric draped above is inexpensive and adds that extra touch.
- Sewing together cotton dishtowels in two or three coordinating colors will create a spiffy focus piece as a throw rug without the expense and it is washable.
- You can use hand towels, twisted tightly into a rope and sewn together at the ends, to make a circle rug for the bathroom. It is a great way to pull together different colors into a fun and functional design. Buy extra towels to fold neatly onto a hanging shelf to finish off the look.
- Swapping out a window shade with your own homemade one can add flair. Painting or covering a plain shade with fabric is a way to bring color to eyelevel without hammering nails into the wall. This is a good place to get wild with color and creative finger painting.
Lighting
Lighting can be problematic in dorm rooms. Lamps with adjustable arms are available in several colors and less disturbing to sleeping roommates then a bright overhead light.Furniture and Creating Zones
If possible, move the furniture around to create different zones in the room. Sleeping, studying, and socializing are key areas.- Zones can be created by hanging a strategically place beaded curtains to the divide space and add flair.
- Area rugs create invisible walls. Placing a round one under a table and a square one between the beds defines the purpose of the space.
- Hanging mirrors are not only mandatory for all dorm rooms but they also expand the look of a small space and let's face it -- there can never be too many mirrors in dorm room!
- Buying the mirrored self-sticking squares and attaching them to a large piece of board and hanging it can give enough grooming areas and make the room look larger.
- Double up the purpose with items you can stack or furniture such as a small table to eat on and to study on.
- Consider building a simple wooden box with a hinged lid, cover it with padding, and staple a coordinating fabric over it. This can be used for storage and seating.
- A small adjustable laptop cart can double as a nightstand or a workstation.
- If there is room for a desk select one that is narrow and high to allow for extra storage.
Personal Space
Part of having one's own space is having the ability to decorate it with personal items. Fabric covered boards can be hung as an organizer. Corkboard attached to the wall with mounting tape can provide a place for personal notes, calendars, postcards, and photographs.Having a well-organized, nicely decorated dorm room with functionality and personal flair will make it the perfect place to unwind with friends, study for exams, and rest.
