Gone are the days of showing up to college with a couple of suitcases, a comforter and some strings of Christmas lights to hang over the bed. Kids today are getting super-creative with their college abodes, increasingly moreso each year. So, I figured I’d get myself up-to-speed with this trend, and help all you mamas out there who have kids going off to college this year piece together a super-cool, super-functional space!
Dorm Room Decor: Where To Start?
1. Look For Smart Storage
When you are working with such a small space (like a dorm room) with limited storage, it is so important to utilize every square inch of that space as best you can! Pottery Barn has done an AMAZING job at coming up with storage solutions that not only help you maximize your storage space but also look nice while doing so! Some of my favorite options are their Ultimate Bedside Storage, the Chair Back Space Saver and The Wall Leaning Valet.
2. Find Not-So-Basic Bedding & Bath Products
This Quick Dry 8-Piece Towel Set is a #1 bestseller on Amazon. It’s only $25.99 and comes in 8 different color options! If you’re looking for a cute spa wrap, this Pottery Barn Quick Dry Bath Wrap is an absolute must (because there’s nothing more awkward than trying to haul your bath caddy and hold up your towel while walking from the shared showers back to your room!). Pottery Barn also has some really great shower caddies and toiletry cases. This Cozy Sherpa Robe would be on my must-have list, too!
I’ve also rounded up a ton of beautiful bedding below — try your hand at mixing and matching for a fun, fresh look.
3. Keep Electronics & Appliances Mini
There are some things we just can’t live without, but trying to squeeze a bunch of standard-sized appliances into a tiny little space is just not feasible. Fortunately, I have rounded up some great small appliances that can meet your college kid’s needs while working in the small space they’re given. If your school allows it, here are some I’d recommend:
This Keurig K-Mini is the perfect size coffee maker for a dorm room and is available in several color options to work with the decor of the room. A mini-fridge is a must-have, and Amazon has some really great choices, like this Magic Chef Mini Fridge in white, for under $100. If you’re looking for something a little bit bigger with a lot more style, these Kuppet Retro Mini Fridge’s are amazing! Lastly, it’s not a college dorm room without a microwave to nuke your food with, and these Daewoo Retro Countertop Microwaves are super-compact and also super-cute, available in several color options and under $80!
Dorm Room Decor Ideas: Design Inspo For A Small Space
Now for the best part…decorating! Here are five ideas for bringing a blank-slate dorm room to life:
Dorm Room Style: Bohemian & Bright
1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10
Dorm Room Style: Shades of Gray
1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9
Dorm Room Style: Cool Mint & Blush Pink
1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8
Dorm Room Style: Leather & Denim
1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9
Dorm Room Style: Dark Florals & Luxe Velvet
1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8
Shop Dorm Room Design Inspo Below
Dorm Room Furniture
Dorm Room Decor
Dorm Room Bedding
Dorm Room Storage
