It’s the start of another semester. If you are a freshman, you may have never had to decorate a dorm room before. Although my roomies and I always loved decorating our dorm together, it can seem a bit overwhelming to decorate your new room. The bare walls, the harsh fluorescent lighting, and the monotony of the room can really make you feel homesick. But with a few decoration tips, your dorm room will feel more welcoming in no time. So, if you’re a freshman and have never had to decorate a dorm room before, or you are a returning student looking for some new decoration ideas to make your room feel cozier, these 9 tips will make your dorm room feel more like home.
1. Twinkle Lights
https://badt.us/apartment-decorating-ideas-for-college-students/
Having cute lights in your dorm room will instantly make your room feel cozier. Instead of having the harsh overhead lights, turning on some nice warm lights framing your room will make your dorm room feel much more like home. You can find twinkle lights on Amazon or at Walmart.
2. Macramé
https://easecollect.com/shop/homeware/macrame-wall-hanging-clover/
If you’re not sure how to decorate an empty wall, hanging a macramé adds a chic look to your room. If you don’t know how to make a macramé by yourself (craft night, anyone?), you can find a low-cost option on Amazon. Just make sure to check the sizing of the macramé to make sure you don’t order a tiny or gigantic size.
3. Pillows, Cute Bedding, and lots of Fuzzy Blankets
https://www.collegefashion.net/dorm/dorm-room-color-scheme/
There is nothing cozier than wrapping up in a nice warm blanket on a cold evening. Having tons of blankets and pillows in your room will make you feel extra cozy after a long day of classes.
4. Pictures of your friends, family, and pets
Having pictures of your favorite people and pets will make your room feel homey and will help alleviate some homesickness. There are a lot of cute patterns online that will help you decide how to hang the pictures, such as putting the pictures into a heart shape or into a collage pattern.
5. Candles
Candles bring a nice ambient lighting to an otherwise drab dorm room. Since Saint Vincent doesn’t allow real candles, these electric candles are a nice alternative to the dangers of having a real flame in your dorm room.
6. Plants
I love my plants in my dorm room. My succulents and cacti make me feel comfortable and right at home. They add a nice touch to my desk, window sill, or wardrobe and are super easy to take care of. Bonus: certain plants, such as spider plants, dracaena plants, or peace lily’s, will actually help cleanse your air, creating a better air quality in your dorm room.
7. Tapestries
Even if you think you are the worst decorator ever, fear not. Tapestries are an easy and stylish way to decorate your walls. There are tons of fun patterns and colors out there. If you have a certain theme for your room, you can find a tapestry that will fit it. Adding some lights to the tapestry will give your dorm room an effortless, welcoming feeling.
8. Posters of your favorite hobbies and interests
http://blog.allposters.com/college-dorm-room-posters/
There are posters out there for every hobby, interest, or activity you can think of. You can find posters of your favorite movies or TV shows, favorite sports teams, or favorite band. Some good places online to find posters are allposters.com or posters.com – these shops have every category you might be looking for, from movies, maps, even abstract art posters.
9. Decorations that remind you of home
http://aurorarichlandchamber.net/hadxgr13769/13826SwHgab/
Your dorm room is your home away from home. Bring things that you like and that will make it feel comfortable for you! Decorate your room the way you like, with favorite colors, patterns, and styles. Bring a favorite picture or stuffed animal from home. Create a beach theme for your room. This is your space. Do with it what you love and what makes you feel at home.
HCXO,
Norina