So, your dorm room is drab, and that institution-chic look just isn't cutting it. What to do? Like most college students, you probably don't have an unlimited budget to stock upon on luxury dorm room items. And unlike a homeowner who wants to spend a few dollars to spruce up a boring room, there's only so much you can do. A homeowner can do a cheap makeover with a coat of paint and a few new fixtures, but unless you own the dorm, you can't make these kinds of changes.
If you want to decorate a college dorm room for cheap, you'll need to work with a limited budget and purchase just a few simple things to jazz up your space. Here are some suggestions.
Dorm Room Color Makeovers
The biggest problem with a dorm room may be the lack of color. Most dorm rooms come with plain walls and floors, and the only color may be from the thoroughly outdated curtains. If you're going to spend just a little money on the room, purchase some items that add bold or bright color. Many students solve this problem with unframed wall posters-- which is fine, but there are more creative solutions as well that will make your room stand out. Here are some suggestions for things that can be bought used or on the cheap-- or that you can make yourself, if you have some decent sewing skills:
- Area rugs
- Throw pillows
- Curtains
- Chair covers
- Colorful comforters or afghans
- Colorful organizers for your school supplies, clothes, and linens
Here's more information on how to choose a color for dorm room decorating.
Dorm Room Lighting Makeovers
Institutional dorm lighting is not exactly the most cheerful. Putting a few better light sources in your room can make the space much more pleasant. No, you can't spend thousands of dollars on recessed lighting, but a few inexpensive lamps will go a long way. Choose some colorful lamps and you'll be able to add both color and better lighting with one purchase.
Consider getting some lights you can dim so you can adjust these brightly for studying and less brightly when desired. Another possibility is a wireless wall sconce lamp, which is a decorative light you can hang on your wall that doesn't need to be plugged in. Of course, small desk lamps and clip-on lamps are a favorite of students for reading.
Dorm Room Decor Makeovers
Bringing decor into your room may require some creativity. Remember, you probably don't have much space, and you can't attach anything to the walls, ceiling, or floor that won't come out easily. Here are a few inexpensive things you can bring into your room that will dress it up:
- Plants. Keep them on the small side, and make sure they're easy to care for. If you have a brown thumb, consider fake plants.
- Fake flowers. Real flowers won't be around long. Find some pretty fake ones in a craft store and put them in an inexpensive vase.
- Small framed decorative wall hangings. These are in vogue and can be purchased cheaply in any discount store. Or you can make your own with a cheap frame and some decorative paper.
- Small stylish wall mirrors. Little mirrors in funky shapes are also in style and can be purchased inexpensively.
No, your dorm room probably isn't going to look like a home and garden magazine. However, with a little thought and just a few purchases, you can make a drab student space look a lot more appealing and livable.
See also:
- Cheap Dorm Room Furtniture Ideas
- College Dorm Room Necessities
- College Dorm Room Essentials Checklist
- Dorm Room Loft Beds
Naomi Rockler-Gladen - Instructional designer and freelance writer, Naomi Rockler-Gladen writes some of Suite101's most read work.
