32 Ways to Decorate Your Dorm on the Cheap
Get ready for dorm life! Sure, the showers might be freezing cold and the halls smell like socks, but college is the only time when you get to live in the same building with all of your friends, which makes it *all* worth it. Even the least appealing dorm room can look so much better with some creativity and a few basic craft supplies. If you’ve already spent your summer money on clothes, shoes, and textbooks, check out these inexpensive and colorful DIYs that are sure to turn your dorm room into a space that feels like home.
1. DIY Coat Rack: The key to a happy dorm room is keeping things off the floor. With just a few tools, you can DIY this cool coat rack in 15 minutes. Start hanging those scarves! (via Brit + Co)
2. DIY Tassel Chandelier: This one is for all you Anthro-loving gals out there! Use tassels, an IKEA lampshade, and a cord set to create this funky chandelier perfect for a sophisticated study space. (via Brit + Co)
3. DIY Mirror Frame: A full length mirror is crucial in a dorm room, but why settle for a boring frame when you could spruce it up with one of our favorite techniques — DIYing. This mirror kicks it up a notch by using expanding foam. (via Monsters Circus)
4. DIY Washi Wallpaper: Dorms are infamous for their bland white walls and the sad fact that you can’t do anything about it. But we’ve come up with the perfect solution and, naturally, it involves washi tape! (via Brit + Co)
5. DIY Tie Dye Placemats: Throw these on your desk for a fun pop of color! They are super easy to make in any color you want. (via Brit + Co)
6. DIY Geometric Mobile: Feeling crafty? Stock up on straws and make this awesome mobile to hang in your dorm room to instantly make your roomies jealous. (via Brit + Co)
7. DIY State Cork Art: Show off some home state pride with this awesome cork project! Don’t worry, you don’t have to drink all that wine. You can buy bags of corks at any craft store. Technically, you could even pin things to this artsy board! (via Brit + Co)
8. DIY Graphic Pillow: How adorable is this seasonal pillow? Make a bunch of them to decorate your dorm or make an extra for your faraway friends. (via Love Create Celebrate)
9. DIY Vertical Garden: This colorful garden will fit in the tiniest of rooms. Hang it as close as you can to the window and you’ll have some perky plants brightening up the dorm in no time. (via Brit + Co)
10. DIY Ladder Shelf: In case you haven’t noticed, we’re slightly obsessed with DIYs and their practical dorm room uses. Just adding a few planks to a plain ladder can create instant storage or decor for that forgotten corner in no time! (via Brit + Co)
11. DIY Macrame Wall Hanging: Bust out your knot tying skills and make this fabulous wall hanging with only two items. Instead of using traditional macrame materials, we used jersey fabric for a fun (so, sooo simple!) take on this trend. (via Brit + Co)
12. DIY Constellation Wall Art: This art is created using a batik, which is a dying method that allows you to create detailed designs. We love star art for a dorm room to remind you to keep dreaming big! (via Brit + Co)
13. DIY String State Art: Show where your heart really is, whether that be back at home or at your new school! This is a really easy DIY, but it looks absolutely gorgeous. You could stick with a single color or alternate different colors for a fun rainbow effect. (via Brit + Co)
14. DIY Color Dipped Chairs: Color blocking is an easy way to revamp old chairs and add some major wow to your dorm furniture. After you’ve done your desk chair, why not paint the desk legs as well! (via Brit + Co)
15. DIY Hanging Shelf: Turn a basic wooden box into a statement shelf using only durable rope, a standard drill and a bright pop of color. It’s always nice to have a little space to display some favorite knickknacks from home. (via Brit + Co)
16. DIY Slouchy Storage Bags: Consider this bag a catchall for your dorm room! You can stash keys, sunglasses, magazines, notebooks, and more. Even if it’s empty, it doesn’t look out of place. (via Brit + Co)
17. DIY Color Dipped Stools: If you love the idea of color dipping, we’ve got a couple of really cool variations for you to try on your dorm furniture — ombre and stripes! (via Brit + Co)
18. DIY Neon Straw Hanging Planters: Since floor and shelf space is rare and hard to come by in a tiny room, think vertically. Hang these colorful little planters right in front of the window for lots of sun. Also… can you believe these are made out of straws? (via Brit + Co)
19. DIY Copper Ladder: This rustic ladder adds a chic twist to what otherwise might be a drab college setup. Using only basic items, you can go from dorm room humdrum to super-fab pad in a matter of minutes. (via Little House On The Corner)
20. DIY Branch Hook: Make this trendy hook for next to nothing! Just grab a branch the next time you spot one laying around and paint it up with whatever colors and patterns you want. (via Brit + Co)
21. DIY Bath Mat Wall Hanging: If you love the look of macrame wall art, but aren’t sure you want to do all those knots, this is an even easier project for you! All you have to do is pick your bath mats, assemble them together, and ta-da! Instant eye candy! (via Brit + Co)
22. DIY Pom Pom Rug: Soft and plushy, this pom pom DIY has so many purposes! Use it as a cozy rug in front of your bed or hang it on your wall for some fuzzy wall art. (via Brit + Co)
23. DIY La Croix Planters: Just because you live in a dorm, that doesn’t mean you can’t bring nature inside. We love these La Croix planters. They’re super low-maintenance and they double as decor! (via Brit + Co)
24. DIY Wooden Wall Art: Nothing cheers up a dreary room like a dash of neon! (via Brit + Co)
25. DIY Magazine Wall Art: If you’ve got a lot of magazines cluttering up your space, why not roll them up into some cool wall art? The 3D aspect is pretty rad, plus the colors are so fun! (via Brit + Co)
26. DIY Gilded Polar Bear Bookends: You’re going to need something swanky and fabulous to hold up all those new textbooks! For this DIY, use your favorite animal, whether that be a polar bear or a T-rex! (via Brit + Co)
27. DIY Sharpie Ceramics: Such a fun, inexpensive way to make a really cool set of dishes! Play round with all different colors and patterns and be able to tell yours apart from your roomies’. (via Brit + Co)
28. DIY Dipped Frame Photos: This is a great way to spice up some framed artwork you find at thrift shops. Just pick some pretty colors and start dipping! (via Brit + Co)
29. DIY Geometric Memo Board: This board looks good empty or full of photos. Use bright VELCRO to create a fun pattern and then start hanging all your favorite photos and important notes on it. (via Brit + Co)
30. DIY Bottle Lamps: Have you ever tried making your own lamp? Check out this DIY to make super cute, tiny lamps to decorate your workspace. (via Brit + Co)
31. DIY Color Block Cork Trivet Clocks: Keep your schedule straight with these colorful clocks. We love the infinite number of color and design combinations that you can do with this easy DIY. (via Brit + Co)
32. DIY Typography Pillows: Give yourself something charming to wake up to with these cute typography pillows. All you need are some plain throw pillows, some stencils, and your favorite quote. (via Brit + Co)
What are you DIYing for your dorm? Tell us on @BritandCo!
Additional reporting by Kate Thorn