Back to College: Dorm Decor 101

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{Dorm decor has come a long way. This poster was personalized by the student and hung above her bed. Photo by Ali James for Knox News Sentinel. Styling by The Back Porch Mercantile at UT Knoxville.}

Are you getting ready to send a child to college? There is a long list of essentials for getting ready for dorm and apartment life. Dorm rooms have come a long way from the bed in a bag and shower caddy kind of needs.

Here are a few favorites to make a new space more like home, pack some personality and have function:

 
{Image via Pinterest, Darling magazine.} 

1. Make the bed a cozy space.

The dorm room doesn’t have a lot of furniture. The bed in the dorm also doubles as a place to study frequently. Make sure there are a couple of really good pillows to lean against for late night study sessions. A throw at the end makes the bed nicer and is easy to curl up with without having to undo the bed. Many times clients opt for queen size bedding to hide things underneath beds that are put on risers or lofted. This also makes the bedding last longer when transitioning to a bigger bed. Investing in some quality items will help the fabric last longer.

{Image via Pinterest, styling by Em Henderson.}

2. Add some art and photos.

Walls are pretty plain and usually nails are not allowed. Some good things to use to put things on the wall are command hooks and velcro tape. Make a pretty collage framed out with washi tape. Washi tape is inexpensive and makes a big impact when making simple frames.  

 

{Image via Pinterest.}

3. A tray.

A nice tray corrals all of the electronics and accessories into one area. It doubles as something pretty and functional.

{Image via Pinterest.}

4. Something “green.”

Every space needs to have a little plant to feel alive. Choose a small faux plant or easy care plants like succulents. 

{Image via Pinterest, Darling magazine.}

5. Lighting.

Task lighting is key at a desk. If the desk also doubles as a nightstand, choose a pretty lamp to add some personality to the space. The overhead lighting is usually sterile and cold. A lamp will warm it up! Candles are usually not allowed in dorms and battery operated candles make a good alternative.

{Indoor/outdoor rugs are easy to clean and come in lots of colors like these by Dash and Albert.}

6. Rugs.

Select an easy care rug with color to hide stains more easily. Indoor/outdoor rugs are a great option because they can be cleaned with a hose. They are also warmer underfoot than the cold concrete floor. 

A nice space to live and study is important while pursuing an education. With a few good pieces and a tidy space, it can make adjusting to new changes and a busy life a lot easier. Do you have any dorm essentials or moving tips that helped? Let us know!

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