Main image courtesy of Dormify on Pinterest.

The aspect that is perhaps the most fun about going to college is figuring out how you want to decorate your dorm room. Whether you plan on sticking to an idea you have in mind or just going with the flow as you begin your shopping for your dorm room basics, the entire process of picking out items for your new space can be a super exciting time. 

When beginning to plan how you want to decorate your dorm room, think of what you want your dorm to look like and try to keep it functional as well as stylish. You only have one room in college to keep all of your things and  really make it your own, so making the most out of the room you are given is key to loving it all year round. 

But even though decorating a dorm room can be fun and exciting, it can also be a little exhausting as you go through store after store to find items you want to incorporate into your room. And after looking at so many “dorm essentials” at every back to school area in stores, everything might begin to blend together and it can be hard to keep your vision in mind as you shop.

We know how frustrating it can sometimes be when you’re looking for the perfect dorm room accessories, so we’ve gathered 4 of our favorite tips to keep in mind as you decorate your dorm room this year. We’ll discuss them in more detail below, but here’s a quick look at the tips we’ll be thinking about:

• Choose a theme or color palette for your room
• Make the most out of multi-functional items
• Keep your room simple
• Let your style shine or try out a new one

1. Pick Out a Theme or a Color Palette to Begin 

Having a theme in mind when decorating is always helpful 

When you first start thinking about how you want to decorate, choosing a theme for your dorm room or a color palette to stick to can help you buy pieces that work cohesively together, and help you bring the vision you have for your room to life. When picking a theme for your dorm room, this can be anything from a bohemian style room to a room that screams 90’s. Or, if you don’t have a specific theme in mind, then picking a color (or two) to stick to when buying your dorm accessories can create a more unified look.

There are tons of ways that you can create a theme or color scheme for your room, but choosing the right bedding is one of the easiest and most noticeable ways to set the right vibe in your room. Dorm bedding can come in so many different forms from bold patterns to more muted and simple designs. As one of the largest pieces in your dorm room, your bed is also the most noticeable when you first walk in so have it make a statement right away. If you want to incorporate two colors into your room, then choose a bedspread you love and then grab some accent pillows to add in extra colors. 

You can check out some fun comforters and duvets on Dormify’s site to help set the theme of your room. 

2. Consider Using Multi-Functional Pieces in Your Space

When you are decorating a small space, multi-functional is the way to go

Chances are if you are living in a dorm, your room is probably going to be on the smaller side. It might not be ideal, but believe it or not small dorm rooms can still be just as trendy and fun as a larger apartment; you just have to make the most out of your space. In order to do this, when you are searching for decorating ideas keep in mind the use of items that can double as something else. This can be anything from a reversible comforter to desk lighting that also doubles as a makeup light on the weekends. 

Another fun way to add extra usability of items in your room is to style seating options in your room that can double as storage containers. Just because you need more storage in your dorm doesn’t mean you have to resort to having a bunch of bins slid underneath your bed. Instead, opt for a storage trunk or ottoman that can be brought out for extra seating when needed and looks nicer displayed under your bed. Or, invest in a bench or ottoman that looks nice sitting out while providing extra storage space. 

Check out Dormify’s trendy trunks and benches that are not only stylish, but functional too. 

3. More Isn’t Always Better

When it comes to a small room, sometimes simple is better

Take a more minimalist approach this school year and keep your dorm room simple. Often when you have a smaller space like a dorm room (especially if you are a Freshman) there isn’t a lot of extra room for all the knickknacks and extra decor you might want to display. This doesn’t mean that you can’t decorate your dorm room to be personalized to your style, but try to avoid any unnecessary items when you are packing. You can always buy more decor items or bring more from home, but start the school year simple. 

Instead of displaying a bunch of smaller items around your dorm room, give your space a personal flair with wall decor that really showcases your style. Wall decor can add style to your room without taking up extra space. Wall tapestries can add a lot of color to a blank wall and neon signs are a fun way to change up your space. You can usually find wall decor in plenty of different styles and neon signs are often customizable as well, so you can put your own spin on them. 

Choose from a variety of wall decor items on Dormify to spice up your space this school year. 

4. Showcase Your Aesthetic or Try Out a New One 

Your dorm room is a place you can really make your own 

Whether you are starting as a Freshman this school year or you are a returning senior, there are plenty of ways to decorate your dorm room. You can let your personal style shine with a room that showcases your aesthetic or you can try something completely new this year. There are plenty of aesthetics out there to try out like a preppy look, retro, and so many more. You can even shop by the aesthetic on the Dormify site. 

But, if you are having trouble choosing an aesthetic to work with, or you already have one and need inspiration on how to decorate with it, or you have no idea what your aesthetic is, then figuring it out can be a simple and fun process. There are quizzes out there to help you figure out what your personal aesthetic is or you can check out Dormify on Instagram for room inspo. 

The school year is almost upon us, and it’s time to get excited to head back to school. And what better way to get you in the school spirit mood than to start thinking about how you want to decorate your college dorm room this year? Putting your own spin on your dorm space is one of the most exciting parts about college, so make the most of it!

Use this article as a guide and keep these 4 tips in mind while you begin your shopping for those “can’t live without” pieces that you know you want to incorporate into your dorm. These tips will help you figure out a solid plan for decorating and can make your life just a tad bit easier. We’re here to help, so let us know in the comments which tip is your favorite or if you think we missed one that is sure to help!

Then, head over to Dormify and shop all of the amazing dorm essentials you need this year.