Ace Dorm Room Décor with Designer-Approved Tips and Techniques

This fall, 18.6 million students will be heading off to college in what just might be the quintessential downsize — transitioning to life in a dorm room. Anyone who’s been there knows the drill: small spaces equal big challenges.

For starters, optimizing every square inch. Next, figuring out the must-haves. And finally, adding elements to pack a ton of personality into even the tiniest quarters.

To help cut through the clutter, we turned to Tamra Canoe, general manager of Dallas Design Group Interiors. She knowingly passed our request on to a trio of the firm’s newer designers, MacKenzie Lemon, Emma Thelen, and Alexa Knopp.

Inspiration

“Pinterest is the easiest place to find quick inspiration imagery, said Lemon. “You can also go to the search portion of Instagram and look up #dormroomdesign.” Other go-to’s include TikTok and big box websites like Pottery Barn Teen, Target, and West Elm.

All three designers gave a shout-out to Dormify, an online resource devoted to dorm necessities. “It has a great option that allows you to ‘visualize your space’ when choosing bedding, pillows, blankets, photos, wall art, and more,” said Thelen.

Storage Solutions

So much stuff. So little space. Luckily, there are ingenious products to help keep everything neat and organized.

Stock up on storage items for your closet and under your bed, advised Thelan. “When I was a freshman, I also used a lot of baskets to store small things I would normally throw in a drawer.”

Knopp’s suggestions: wall hooks, carts, and stackable containers.

“One huge tip I learned is, bring less than you think you need,” added Lemon. And lean on your new roomie. “We had one huge closet because we would share clothes all the time.”

Dorm Room Essentials

Thelen: An air purifier, small fan, water filter, and power strip. “I also think a plant that doesn’t need much water or sun is great for a dorm room to add some greenery in the space.”

Knopp: Mini trash can, toolbox, storage ottoman, mirror, bed bug protector sheet, mattress protector, foam topper for bed, rubber shower slippers, a handheld vacuum, first aid kit, speaker, and headphones.

Lemon: Extension cord and a small fridge for snacks and drinks. “And mini steamers are the best! Mine saved my life so many times, especially going through sorority recruitment.”

Personalization

Photos instantly add a personal touch, agreed all the designers. Include friends, family, pets, vacation spots — anything that has special meaning.

Lighting.  Fun and functional, think string lights, floor lamps, paper lanterns, neon, LED strips, and more. And don’t forget individual task lighting for late-night study sessions.

Peel & stick wallpaper. A damage-free way to customize walls, furniture, and shelving.   

Rugs. Add warmth and personality to lackluster flooring. Check out the selection at Ruggable, which features an extensive array of color, textures, and patterns. Bonus: Rug covers are machine washable.

A comfy chair. Because every student needs a place other than their desk or bed to lounge, read, or nap.