Budget-friendly dorm décor ideas for students

If you’re in college, you’re probably balancing a lot of priorities: classes, assignments, extracurriculars, work. You name it. When you finally have some down time, your dorm room should feel like a comforting escape that reflects who you are. And, most importantly, you should be able to achieve that without breaking the bank. Here are some budget-friendly décor ideas you can use for back-to-school time – or anytime!

Look for multi-purpose furniture.

Let’s face it: Dorm rooms aren’t known for their spaciousness. Before you start buying furniture for yours, think about how you could get the most from every piece. Consider using:

• An elevated bed with desk space underneath.
• A bed with built-in storage space.
• Stools or ottomans with inner storage space.
• Ladder-style shelving you can place on your desk or over your bed.

Tip: A full-length mirror is an unexpected but effective way to turn function into décor. Choose one that complements your aesthetic. Plus, mirrors give your room the illusion of being larger than it is!

Make a big impact with statement pieces. 

Simplicity is a powerful – and sometimes underrated – interior decorating tool. Instead of filling every available corner and surface in your room, challenge yourself to rely on just a few eye-catching items: your statement pieces. This approach saves you money on décor and creates a more impactful aesthetic. Win-win! You might try:

• Large plants. From ficuses to fiddle leaf trees, there are countless kinds of artificial plants you can feature in your dorm room. It’s a great way to incorporate a pop of color, especially if you like green or other earthy tones.
• Big, bold wall art. It can be fun to hang a variety of smaller things on your wall, but it also adds up in cost and might take away from the design impact. Instead, highlight your favorite style – abstract, contemporary, farmhouse – with a single large piece of wall art.
• Colorful blankets and/or pillows. Your bed will be right in the middle of your living space, so it’s a great opportunity to have some fun with it. If you’re planning on buying a throw blanket or some decorative pillows, you’ll want them to pop against the color of the rest of your bedding.
• A stylish headboard. Depending on how tall and striking it is, your headboard can serve as a piece of art on its own. It can also give your bed a more mature look, which is tough to achieve when you’re only allowed a small one in your dorm room. 
• A vibrant desk chair. Why not have some fun with an item you’ll need to buy anyway? Skip the standard and go for tan leather, blue velvet or whatever expresses your style!

Tip: If you’re struggling with simplicity, choose one spot in your room where you’re allowed a bit of busyness. It could be a small wall covered in posters or a shelf where you display all your knickknacks.       

Warm it up with mood lighting. 

The right lighting can single-handedly turn a run-of-the-mill room into a “shining” achievement. While you can’t add new fixtures to your dorm room, you can utilize:

• String lights. Hang them up all around the room or in a specific area you’d like to highlight. Hooks with adhesive strips will be your best friend for damage-free walls!
• Table and floor lamps. Add a hint of sophistication to your desk or get a stylish floor lamp for an open corner. Go for soft white bulbs if you’re aiming for light that’s functional, but not overwhelming.
• Battery-powered sconces. Some wall sconces – like the kinds with twinkling lights inside of mason jars – can be hung like picture frames on a wall and operated with a remote for easy use.

Embrace the power of curtains.

Even the simplest curtains can make a plain space feel warmer and more inviting. They can also make great statement pieces if you want to go with an attractive pattern or vibrant color. Plus, they give you a greater sense of privacy and keep your room darker for those mornings when you’re hoping to sleep in.

Tip: If there’s room, give yourself some space between the top of your window and your curtain rod. Curtains that are closer to the ceiling make your room feel larger and look more high-end. 

Get thrifty!

Check out some secondhand stores, garage sales or flea markets for your budget-friendly décor! You might be surprised how gently used some of those items are, and it’s a great way to stay on track with your spending. You can also ask around about student discounts for furniture, décor, clothing and more.

Tip: Stay safe when shopping online or using apps like OfferUp or Facebook Marketplace. If a deal is too good to be true, it probably is. You’ll also want to meet the seller in a public place and bring someone with you when picking up your item.

Back to school you go!

Decorating your dorm room is a great way to practice managing your money in college and gaining financial independence. Just remember to make the most of your limited space, stay budget-friendly and – most importantly – have fun with it!