Starting college is both thrilling and a bit nerve-wracking. It marks the beginning of a new chapter where independence and personal growth take center stage. Yet, amidst the excitement, there’s often the challenge of making a dorm room feel like home. These spaces can be notoriously small and impersonal, making it tricky to infuse them with your own style and comfort. Having recently graduated college, I gathered a few tips and tricks to transform your dorm into a cozy bubble that school stress can’t pop. Keep reading for tips to find the ideal balance between coziness and functionality!

Dorm Scale

When decorating my dorm room, I found it helpful to consider the scale of the space. Dorms are typically compact, but the right decor choices can transform a cramped room into a cozy sanctuary. Avoid overwhelming the space with oversized items like full-sized table lamps or large framed photos. Instead, opt for smaller, appropriately scaled pieces that complement the room’s size.

For artwork, think about bringing one standout focal piece or creating a collage of several smaller artworks. This approach not only adds personality to your space but also ensures that your decor enhances rather than overwhelms the room. (More on collages to come!)

It's Cool To Be Kind Wall Pennant 

In the end, thoughtful consideration of scale in your decor choices ensures that your dorm room feels cozy, stylish, and tailored to your preferences without overwhelming the limited space available.

Wall Scrapbooking

One way to bring a creative touch to your dorm room is through wall scrapbooking. This is crafting a unique wall collage made from personal posters, magazine cutouts, handwritten notes, polaroids and any other items you treasure. This paper collection is called a scrapbook because as you collect more items through special memories made on campus, you can add them to the wall. It creates a personal touch that makes the space feel like home. 

Depending on dorm regulations, you may not be able to use tape on your walls. Paper collages are a great option as they can be easily applied to closet doors or other unpainted surfaces without risking paint damage.

A helpful tip is to choose a focal piece to build your collage around, such as a large print or a distinctive item like a camp flag. This focal point can anchor the design and guide the placement of other elements for a balanced look. Prints can be arranged in a layered bohemian style, or spaced out evenly for elevated balance. In either approach the wall is your scrapbook. I mixed a bunch of art when I decorated my dorm. My favorite pieces were pages from a botanical book that I thrifted. 

Check out this floral book for inspiration

Decorative Storage

In a compact space, finding the intersection of likability and livability is key. This involves designing a space you visually enjoy and want to be in, while attaining functionality. Despite dorm size, there are numerous opportunities to maximize wall space, utilize underbed storage, and create an efficient desk area 

Utilizing wall space effectively is key to this. Hanging totes and hats doubles as both storage and decoration. If you prefer a tidy look without the clutter of multiple items on one hook, consider evenly spacing your accessories in a grid formation. This not only keeps your dorm organized but also enhances the visual appeal of your space.

Browse bags

I found this method keeps your favorite accessories top of mind. Seeing them displayed encourages you to use them more often. While maximizing storage, your hung accessories add personal flair. It's a functional way to showcase your style while keeping your belongings organized and within reach.

Many dorm rooms feature shallow desk drawers perfect for storing small everyday items like jewelry. However, a common issue is that these drawers often can't accommodate organizer bins due to their height. A somewhat unconventional solution is using an ice tray. They are shorter than most organizers, fitting seamlessly in a drawer. The cubes make perfect separators too. But if you are fresh out of ice trays, a small teacup saucer or similar container can also serve as a charming drawer organizer.

See more jewelry hanger colors

For a whimsical touch, consider using mushroom plushy jewelry hangers to integrate your jewelry into your room's decor. These creative solutions blend functionality with aesthetic appeal, ensuring your jewelry remains both accessible and stylish.

Pillow Talk

Let’s be real. The hardest design choice in any bedroom is deciding what accent pillows to pick. There are way too many cute options. However, the reality of a dorm's twin-size bed is its limited space. While it's perfectly cozy for one brilliant college student (that’s you!), adding too many pillows— throw pillows, sleeping pillows, and a body pillow—can quickly clutter your bed. Every night becomes a routine of tossing pillows onto the floor, only to have to rearrange them in the morning just to navigate your room.

So, what’s the solution? Only have one pillow? Certainly not!! The key is selecting pillows that align with your nesting habits and lifestyle. For instance, if you often find yourself doing homework from bed, consider a husband pillow for sturdy back support. If you’re someone who loves to cuddle up, a body pillow can snugly fit beside you while also serving as a comfortable backrest when your bed transforms into a cozy couch for studying or relaxing.

Another fun way to express yourself without overwhelming your bed space is with pillow plushies. These mini pillows pack maximum personality and can add a whimsical touch to your dorm decor. Whether it’s a cute animal design or a quirky shape, pillow plushies are a playful way to personalize your space without sacrificing comfort or functionality.

Sun Plushie

In a dorm room, choosing pillows that blend with daily routines not only enhances comfort but also keeps the space organized and inviting. It’s all about finding the right balance between style, functionality, and personal expression when selecting pillows for your dorm.

When Dorm Doesn’t Feel Like Home

What if you've meticulously decorated your dorm room, yet it still doesn’t quite feel like home? Don’t worry—it’s completely normal. Moving into a new space takes time to settle in, regardless of how well-planned your decor may be. Adjusting to a new environment involves more than just physical arrangements; it’s about building memories and connections that gradually turn a space into a place you truly feel comfortable in.

As you navigate through your semester, you’ll make new friends and explore different activities. Each experience will bring its own little mementos—a stress ball from a club event sitting on your windowsill, or a coffee mug from your school’s orientation becoming a new home for your pens. These small tokens start to fill your room with personal touches and school spirit, gradually making it feel more like your own.

A few treasures collected throughout college :)

Before you know it, your dorm room will begin to reflect your personality and experiences. You might find yourself adding sticky notes to your mirror or sticking googly eyes on your coffee machine—quirky touches that signify it’s truly becoming your space. Home isn’t just about decor; it’s about the memories you create and the ways you make a space your own.

Embrace the process of settling in, and allow your room to evolve with you as you make it a reflection of your college experience and personal growth.

 For more dorm ideas click here

Thank You for Reading!

Embrace the nerves—they're butterflies lifting you to beautiful new experiences! We're thrilled for you to embark on this exciting phase of life. We hope these tips have inspired your decorating journey. However you choose to decorate your new home, it will undoubtedly be lovely. We'd love to see your creative touches! Tag us on social media or email us at info@rootednewlondon.com to share your dorm room transformations with us.