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By Sydney Meister
Published Jun 22, 2021
After years of seeing the same old tapestries and terrariums monopolize “dorm room ideas” on Pinterest, we’re saying enough is enough (and apparently, we’re not the only ones). Since the onset of COVID-19, we’ve seen creative DIYers, TikTokers and designers alike put their creativity to the test as they transform dorm rooms and tiny apartments into truly unique spaces that celebrate individuality. Here, we’ve rounded up 30 dorm room ideas that prove the sky’s the limit when it comes to making a small space work.
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1. Thrifted Studio 54
Disco ball in the dorm room? How are we just seeing this now? Instead of hanging it up, let it lean on a table or make a statement in the corner of your room. Or, you know, right in the center of your bed, if that’s your thing.
2. Vintage Innovation
Excuse me; this person did what with that vintage vanity? The bar for “creative headboards” has just been raised.
3. Cottagecore In College
Check out how The Sorry Girls transformed this dorm room into every cottagecore-lover’s dream, thanks to a sheer canopy, faux foliage and sage and yellow accent pillows.
4. Parisian Minimalism
With this elegant blend of minimalist decor (psst: continuous line drawings are trending), dorm room becomes pied-à-terre.
5. Day-to-night
Daybed, let us introduce you to the world of late-night snacking. (Bonus: The ladder doesn’t just draw your eye up, making the room seem a bit bigger; it can double as a space to hang throw blankets.)
6. Pops Of Pink
Brb, channeling our inner Elle Woods (and we’re definitely adding that Yeah! Framed Art Print to our carts).
7. Modern Privacy
A chic, modern privacy hack for when you or your roommate are ~entertaining~ guests (or for when you need to recharge your social battery).
8. Quirky Combos
Shades of pink and green that *don’t* look like they’re straight out of your childhood bedroom? Bravo.
9. Homage To Home
Homesick? Adding decorative reminders of home will soothe that pit in your stomach like your Grandma’s lasagna (Pro Tip: try using a print of your hometown, like this Seattle City print by Brian Buckley).
10. Den Of Zen
Worried that the bulky, university-provided bed frame is going to ruin your whole aesthetic? Opt for the mattress-only look on a minimalist bed frame.
11. Mirrored Novelty
Why stick to a traditional headboard? A full-size mirror—especially one as glam as this—can be even more impressive. Plus, it’ll reflect light, making the room seem a bit lighter and brighter.
12. Moody Macramé
Sorry, did you say something? We couldn’t hear you over all of this coziness.
13. Modern Maximalist
I’m pretty sure we had no idea what maximalism was until we saw this pic. (Oh, and we’re calling it now: That Foam Frame is about to be the next hottest thing).
14. Clean Classic
We’re swooning over this sophisticated minimalist bed/artwork combination (psst: you can find that framed Chanel print here).
15. Pretty Pastels
Ohh, so this is what they meant when “sweet dreams” was coined. We love how the muted pastels soften up the white-walled room.
16. Not Your Mother’s Neutrals
We’re pretty sure that these fairy string lights, cozy throw pillows, and edgy, feminine art pieces have never appeared in your mother’s shopping cart (unless she’s a cool mom).
17. Artisanal Blues
We’re just going to leave this here (you know, in case you want to have the chicest dorm room on campus).
18. Fresh Bohemian
Now, this is how you do a boho dorm room in 2021. Hanging planters, rattan accents and a large woven tapestry lend this updated dorm room a complete boho design cred.
19. Midcentury Mix
Vintage posters, a geometric throw as an area rug (genius), and midcentury modern colors: somehow, this mix of pattern and color have come together to create a masterpiece.
20. Sophisticated Dreams
There is no need to do a semester abroad in Paris when you have a dorm room that looks like this. (Also, let it be proof that a well-placed—and shapely—piece of brown furniture doesn’t have to look clunky or heavy.)
21. Earth-toned Scandi
This one is almost too cozy…go to class.
22. Color Crush
The last time we were this excited about shades of yellow and purple was during our childhood Easter egg hunts.
23. Coral Chill
We thought coral was just your nana’s favorite nail color…until now. Warm accents keep it looking fresh.
24. Boho At Sea
A dash of blue, a hint of greenery and sprinkles of sand—just like that, you have yourself a boho coastal dorm room.
25. Natural Calm
We feel our shoulders falling just by looking at this (is this what it feels like to be calm and relaxed?).
26. Magical Minimalism
Minimalism with a splash of magic…and maybe some Parisian chic? Whatever’s happening here is divine.
27. Contemporary Terracotta
A moment of appreciation for this seamless blend of brass, wood, and terracotta accents…and yes, we’ve already scoured the web for that piece of artwork, so you don’t have to.
28. Eclectic Green
*Insert green with envy cliché here* If you can get away with a removable wallpaper mural, by all means, do it. It’s the statement-maker every dorm room could use.
29. Mini Japandi
The best part of Japandi style? You can make the minimalist aesthetic work anywhere.
30. Chill Luxury
Add a little Prada to your boho vibe, and *chefs kiss*, you’ve created a laid-back luxury aesthetic.
Sydney Meister
Assistant Editor
Sydney Meister is PureWow's Assistant Editor, covering everything from dating trends and relationship advice (here's looking at you, 'soonicorns') to interior design, beauty...
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in interior design and decor, I have spent years immersing myself in the world of transforming living spaces into unique and personalized environments. My deep knowledge and first-hand expertise have allowed me to explore various concepts and ideas that can elevate any space, including dorm rooms and small apartments.
In the article titled "30 Dorm Room Ideas That Prove the Sky's the Limit," Sydney Meister shares a collection of creative and innovative ways to make the most out of limited space. From thrifted Studio 54 disco balls to vintage vanities turned headboards, the article showcases the limitless possibilities for expressing individuality and style.
The concepts presented in the article cover a wide range of themes and aesthetics. For those who appreciate the rustic charm of cottagecore, The Sorry Girls demonstrate how to create a dreamy dorm room using sheer canopies, faux foliage, and sage and yellow accent pillows. On the other hand, Parisian minimalism offers an elegant blend of minimalist decor, featuring trending continuous line drawings.
The article also explores practical solutions, such as incorporating daybeds for late-night snacking and using ladders as both decorative elements and functional spaces to hang throw blankets. From pops of pink to quirky combinations of colors like pink and green, the article highlights the importance of personal expression and breaking away from traditional design norms.
Adding decorative reminders of home can provide a sense of comfort and nostalgia, as shown in the "Homage to Home" concept. By incorporating prints of hometowns or cities, such as the Seattle City print by Brian Buckley, one can create a soothing and familiar atmosphere.
The article also delves into various design styles, including modern privacy hacks, mirrored novelty headboards, and the coziness of moody macramé. It explores the concept of maximalism and how it can be artfully incorporated into dorm room design. From clean classics to sophisticated dreams inspired by Parisian aesthetics, the article presents a plethora of ideas to suit different tastes and preferences.
Other concepts touched upon in the article include pretty pastels, artisanal blues, fresh bohemian designs, midcentury mix-ups, earth-toned Scandi, and contemporary terracotta. Each concept is accompanied by visuals and descriptions that bring the ideas to life, making it easier for readers to envision how they can adapt these ideas to their own living spaces.
In conclusion, the article "30 Dorm Room Ideas That Prove the Sky's the Limit" is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity that can be applied to small living spaces. With a wide array of concepts and themes, individuals can truly express their individuality and design preferences, transforming their dorm rooms into unique and inspiring environments.
