Many thanks to Evelyn Long for her summer article, How to Create a Pinterest Dorm Room on a Budget. Be sure to read Evelyn’s updated bio at the bottom.
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Resource: Casart Decor Chinoiserie Panels 1-2 Design
Moving into a new dorm room marks a new chapter. Since this will be your home away from home, it’s important to design something that accurately captures your vibe and aesthetic. Here’s how to turn your dull dorm room into a Pinterest-worthy space.
1. Gather Inspiration Photos
Collect and combine photos in a mood board to create a cohesive design style. Start a Pinterest board or an album on your phone. Screenshot images from Instagram, online decor stores and interior design blogs.
2. Set a Budget
While it can seem daunting, budgeting can help avoid future financial stress. Sit down and list your priorities and nice-to-haves. Next to each item, write down the maximum amount you’re willing to spend. You can check online marketplaces that offer affordable decor and visit thrift shops to get a benchmark. Remember, a stunning space doesn’t require a huge spend.
3. Adopt Some Plants
Houseplants can instantly make your space pop. They’re ideal for empty corners, shelves and your windowsill. Many plants are ideal for smaller spaces, including pothos, lady palm and aglaonema Chinese evergreen.
Some plants seamlessly blend with design trends. For instance, a mini jade’s tree-like appearance aligns with biophilic design. Bonsai trees, succulents and bamboo evoke a sense of calm, ideal for a Japandi-style dorm.
4. Add a Headboard
A headboard can instantly set your room apart from others. Invest in one if you want your bed to be a focal point. Look for discounted headboards at thrift shops, furniture stores and online marketplaces.
Resource: Casart Decor Tuscan Spring Design
You can also create a faux headboard with peel-and-stick foam headboard tiles or a canvas covered in velvet fabric. If your bed is in front of a window, hang pretty curtains and fairy lights to still give your bed a cozy presence in the room.
5. Add a Double-Duty Desk
Every piece of furniture must pull its weight in a small dorm room. A double-duty desk serves as your vanity and workspace area. Rest a mirror against the wall, place skincare and makeup products in acrylic drawers, and put pens on the other side of the table.
Look for a desk with built-in shelves or drawers to store supplies and other self-care items. Consider one that can fold down when not in use or has a hutch for vertical storage. If you have a bigger space, an L-shaped desk works well. Place it in a corner and divide the table into two sections — one for your vanity and the other for studying.
6. Invest in Quality Curtains
Resource: Casart Faux Panels Light Blue / White / Red Stars Design
The right curtains can be the perfect decor. You can’t go wrong with neutral colors, but pops of color are becoming increasingly popular, especially in furniture or accent walls. Consider favorites like blues and greens, or choose something dear to you.
Colors evoke certain emotions. For instance, green symbolizes growth, freshness and nature, while blue triggers feelings of wisdom, hope, peace and reason. Choose colors that produce your desired feelings when relaxing in your room.
7. Choose Your Wall Decor
Wall decor lets you transform your space into a gallery with your favorite art. It can be a vibrant print, your own painting or a framed star map. Combine various art prints, personal photos or postcards. You can also make your own vision board — a collage of images and quotes that represent your aspirations. Use it as a tool for manifestation or to stay on track with your goals.
Resource: Casart Removable Wallpaper Faux Panels
8. Invest in Smart Storage Solutions
Pinterest rooms look flawless and organized. Use stackable drawers, storage cubes and organizing trays to maximize your space and maintain a clutter-free sanctuary. Utilize every inch under your bed with roll-out bins. A clothing rack is a storage solution that instantly doubles as decor. Artfully arrange your clothes to express your fashionable personality.
Resource: Casart Decor Light Blue / White Faux Panels Design
9. Add a Colorful Rug
Resource: Casart Decor Light Blue / White Faux Panels Design
A rug helps define your space, adding texture, warmth and a pop of color. It’s a foundational piece that pulls the room together and makes it feel inviting. Choose a soft rug for that comfortable underfoot feel. You can opt for a solid or something visually striking, like an architectural patterned rug that creates the illusion of a larger space. Place it under your bed and extend it slightly to make a bedroom zone.
10. Let Your Personality Shine
Aesthetics matter, but creating a room that speaks to you is the most important thing. Do you love taking Polaroids? Clip them onto a string light curtain. Are you a fragrance lover? Dedicate a shelf space for your perfume collection. A concertgoer? Display your ticket stubs in a photo frame. Let your quirks, passions and cherished memories take center stage. The more unique additions you have, the better. This will make your room truly [personalized and] Pinterest dorm room worthy.
11. Double Your Room Size with a Smartly Placed Mirror
Did you know you can fake an expansive room with a mirror? The key is strategically placing it to create the illusion of more depth in the room. A standing mirror in the corner by the door can deflect attention from the wall corner. You can also hang a mirror near the window to bring more light in and open up your space.
12. Get Creative with Lights
Lights are the ultimate mood-setter. Ditch overhead fluorescent lights and choose warm lights for a cozy ambience. Consider LED, fairy and cute ceramic lights. A sunset lamp projection is also an excellent, trendy addition. Floor lamps with shelving double as lighting and storage, making them ideal for small spaces.
Spice up Your Room for Less
Make your Pinterest dorm room dreams come true without breaking the bank. Follow these tips, do DIY projects to save more and remember to infuse your space with things you love. Whether you’re powering through finals week or enjoying the fresh start of a new semester, your room will give you the perfect backdrop.
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Additional posts & resources:
- Back to School Bliss: Decorating Tips to Inspire Young Minds
- 6 Ways to Achieve Stylish Dorm Room Designs for Your Digs
- How to Find Comfort in a New Place
- Beach Time with Back to School Bags
- 3 Ways to Bring the Beach Back Home
Many thanks to Evelyn for her insightful article on ways to create a pinterest dorm on a budget.
About the author:
Evelyn Long is an interior design expert who uses emerging trends to help every homeowner discover their perfect style. Her work, regularly published in the National Association of Realtors, I+S, and DecorMatters, offers readers actionable tips for blending the latest looks with their personal taste. As editor in chief of Renovated Magazine, Evelyn is committed to making great design accessible and tailored to every individual.
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