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Minimalism is the practice of only living with the things you value the most. This means paring down your closet to a single signature style, keeping non-functioning items out, and focusing on quality over quantity. But many minimalists take it to the next level by keeping their spaces earth-centered with lots of organic products, white linens, and neutral decor.

Don’t feel like you have to fall into this common misconception that everything has to white on white. The minimalist style does not mean boring. Minimalism just means that everything in your room is super functional. You can still have a super interesting dorm!

Aesthetically, the minimalist style usually produces a clean and put-together look. There are many ways you can go about dorm decor as a minimalist are still catered to your personal style. While it’s not for everyone, it’s definitely possible to integrate the less-is-more look into your dorm room.

If you are interested in bringing minimalism into your dorm, Dormify is here to help with subtle, chic dorm decor that is sure to impress any minimalist in the making. Take a look at these small touches that can help you transform your decor from overcrowded to minimalist paradise. Happy inspiration!

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Storage Trunk

Having items that are not being used out and about creates clutter and chaos. Instead, everything that doesn’t have a place should be neatly and efficiently tucked away. This achieves a clean look. In smaller dorm rooms that don’t have much space to work with, an armored ‍ can work wonders.

There are numerous styles and designs available for you to choose from. Storage trunks can double as seating while holding off-season clothing, storing shoes, or hiding cleaning supplies. This storage solution is perfect for minimalists because although it is super useful, it also adds some texture and decoration to your room.

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Hanging Mirrors

Saving space is a way of creating more room to breathe. That means you should avoid loading up on nonessential furniture, including bulky standing mirrors. But mirrors are also important in decor, so you need to find the right balance. One way to accomplish this is with an over the door mirror.

With hooks, it latches on to the top of your closet or dorm room door so you won’t need to move it around or store it when you have guests. These thin mirrors are full length so you can always see your entire outfit, or use it up close to do your makeup or whatever else. It serves its purpose and then it is out of sight. Another mirror option is something that hangs on the wall and doubles as a decor piece. Don’t worry, this is still minimalist because it is highly functional, clean, and doesn’t take up a ton of space. Pick out a classy mirror and hand it in your dorm and it will add to your space’s aesthetic while keeping things minimal. 

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Mood Lighting

Lighting is huge in a DIY minimalist dorm. Industrial lighting won’t do and you can’t use natural lighting when the sun goes down. Instead, you need something that is both flexible, pretty, and unobtrusive. Our top pick for nighttime lighting sources is the Sparkly String Lighting. Thin, copper-colored, and oh-so-pretty, you’ll feel like your dorm is full of little fairies. The best part is that you can use these just about anywhere, like lining your bunk bed or around a ceiling. They also look great draped across a wall hanging or desk. 

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Low-Key Throws

If white is your main color for minimalist decorating, you might get bored easily. After all, an all-white dorm room seems so drab in more dreary months! Counter this misconception by picking throw items that pop out while still blending in.  There’s just enough color and design to keep our attention. For an added pop of striking color add this strawberry shortcake gingham throw! If you still want to keep things white on white, there is a way to do this and still make things interesting. Play around with different throw textures and fabrics A chunky knit throw creates an entirely different look while staying in your color palette. 

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Modern and Typography Designed Canvas Prints

Canvas is a minimalist dream as it stands out without looking cheap. It gives emphasis to what it is showing or the message it has. But you need the right print to go with the rest of your room. Black-and-white makes a fantastic visual. Hang decor over the appropriate spot (your bathroom or makeup supplies, for example) to designate spaces. Another idea is to go with the popular typography design where the words are the focus and not a photograph. A mantra is one of our top choices, because who said minimalists can’t have fun with their decor! Find prints that inspire or motivate you, that way you feel like they are serving a purpose. There are plenty of prints and designs out there made just for minimalists. 

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Indoor Plants

Minimalist rooms can often start to feel uninviting with all the neutrals. To add some brightness to your space, but keep the simple aesthetic, add some indoor house plants to your room. Adding greenery will liven up your room instantly. You can play around with how you pot them depending on personal style.

You can put a few succulents in tiny clay pots and set them on your desk. Another cool idea is to hang some basic potted plants using macrame plant hangers. Consider DIYing your own terrarium. All of these options add a pop of life and color into the dorm, while still keeping it natural. 

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Bedding That Draws Attention

As mentioned above, the key to having a true minimalist room is to make everything highly functional. Minimalists do not have a bunch of random decor that they don’t use for anything. What is more functional than bedding? You spend time in your bed every single day, even more so when living in a dorm room. You probably sleep, eat, study, work, and just chill all in that bed. So, make that bedding double as decor. If you are keeping everything else in your dorm simple, make your bedding pop a little more. Get a bedding set with a fun pattern or texture, like this billie pom pom stripe comforter and sham set. Don’t be afraid of color! Minimal doesn’t always mean white!

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Storage Crates That Double As Decor

Keeping in theme with the functionality, use storage crates to add something extra to your space. Standard wooden crates can make for great storage of dirty shoes, bags, and other things you want to keep out of the way. Stack them on different sides to create unique geometric shapes that can break up the monotony of the room. This not only makes it easy to keep your room looking clean and simple, but adds some awesome decor. Crates like the ones pictured above can be found super cheap. 

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Cork Boards

Although unnecessary wall art might not be the best option for minimalists, you still have some options when it comes to wall decor. Hanging cork boards can really transform your space while simultaneously keeping you organized. Cork boards can be used as memo boards, or a place to keep important dates and reminders.

Hang up a calendar, handwritten notes, and other things that would usually clutter your desk or dresser. This helps keep the rest of your room more clean and put together. Find basic pins you like to hang things up. You can even add small points or postcards with messages or places you want to travel to. The cork will add a muted texture to the entire space. You can find a variety of different styles including cork tiles, large cork mats, and your average cork board. 

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Add Your Own DIYs for Personality

When designing a room with a minimalist style, sometimes personality can get lost in it all. While your room may look beautifully basic, you still want it to show that you are not basic! The best way to do this is to add some photos and personal items to make it feel more homey. Don’t think this is going against the minimalist code of conduct, everyone has important memories they want to display.

You can add these memories to your space in a way that will still keep up with your minimalist style. For example, print out some of your favorite photos or you and your loved ones. Then, instead of scattering them in a messy collage, or adding a ton of picture frames, try pinning them to the wall in a pattern. Keeping photos the same size and the same width apart will make the memories feel a little more organized.