I never lived in a dorm, but I did share an apartment with a gaggle of girls while I was in college. Even back then, I took special care to make my bedroom feel like me. I remember spending my paycheck as a waitress on a matching dishware set and sheets and things to make my apartment look really homey. With so many people going back to school and some 18 year olds leaving home for the very first time, I thought it would be fun to put together a dorm room mood board. If I were living in a dorm in 2022 (and was 18 years old), this is how I would decorate my dorm room.
I went really neutral on most of the things, from the collage on the walls to the bedding, and sprinkled in some color through the rug, mini fridge, and pennant. Basically, this is the right amount of graphic and color. Overall, I think it's teetering on being a full blown responsible adult, vs. a teen and I think this toes the line really well.
1. Collage Kit $44 Really cool graphic wall art.
2. Laundry Bag $46 Carry your dirty laundry in this bag! I love that it zips up.
3. Linen Desktop Organizer $60 For a desk with limited space, this is going to add so much.
4. Wally Sconce $129 A plug-in wall sconce is really going to chic up your space in a snap. I bet you could even hang this with some heavy-duty command strips.
5. Swivel Pinboard Mirror $299 This is the coolest thing because on one side it's a mirror, but swivel it around and it's a pin-board. Put your hands up for functional decor.
6. These Are the Good Old Days Pennant $55 A chill-inducing reminder of what being in college is all about.
7. Scalloped Velvet Headboard $150 A twin headboard is going to elevate your bedding to the next level and really set you a part.
8. Marshmallow Puff Comforter $239 A really warm, cushy, textural element! Don't you want to just snuggle up in this?
9. Banyan Potted Tree $55 The quickest way to bring some life into a room? A potted plant (even if it's fake).
10. Jules Terracotta/Multi Rug $176 Even college dorm rooms need a rug. If you can fit a 5x7 great! Or maybe you snag a runner to put between the beds.
11. Mini Fridge $199 Essential for housing late night studying snacks and drinks and doubles as a night stand.
12. Underbed Storage $69 Using every inch of space as storage is key, especially under the bed!
13. Round Storage Ottoman $155 Again with the cute, functional storage!
14. Shower Caddy $15 I love the texture on this shower caddy AND the fact that it's plastic so you don't have to worry about it getting wet.
15. Velvet-Trim Sheet Set $90 Lastly, this crisp stripe bedding is so elevated and classic.
Really beautiful idea, I'd love to see a mood board mixing more elements from the places college kids are really shopping like Target, Walmart and Bed, Bath and Beyond.
Love this! Could you do inspiration for a boy’s room too! I have a son going to college next fall!
This is cute but it’s definitely not realistic for a typical college student’s budget.
Love this! My dorm room was definitely not this cool :) It would also be fun to see a version that is more realistic for a college student’s budget…kind of a twist on the splurge/save series you do!
Decorating my dorm was always one of my favorite things! I always took photos too so I have it all documented. Looking back now the designs were pretty out there (I even hand painted 70s style flowers on a furniture set haha), but it always felt 100% me!