Pinterest’s Top 14 Dorm Room Hacks to Know

With the start of a new school year fast approaching, many of you may have dorm decorating on the mind. Whether you’re excited to meet your roommates or can’t wait until you can deck out your new space, you’ll be more than ready to take on this new adventure come fall. To help you get there, we’ve rounded up the best dorm room hacks found on Pinterest to inspire your own interpretation of these creative DIYs. Scroll on to check out all 14 of these top dorm ideas you *need* to try.

1. Washi Tape Wallpaper: You may not be able to paint your dorm room, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still give it a makeover. Transform those blank walls by making your own temporary wallpaper with washi tape. (via Brit + Co)

2. DIY String Art: If you have the time, go all out with this gorgeous wall art made out of string. With a little patience and tons of string, you’ll have one pretty piece of art your floormates will definitely ooh and ahh over. (via Brit + Co)

3. Chain Link Closet Hack: Optimize closet space with this hack that only requires a chain. Choose skinny hangers to really get the best bang for your buck. (via Brit + Co)

4. Printable College Dorm Room Checklist: Yes, you actually probably need to have a checklist to help make sure you have all the essentials. (via Brit + Co)

5. Dorm Room Workspace Hacks: You might not have enough space for everything you need, but with a well-organized desk (full of smart design), you’re winning at least half the battle. (via Brit + Co)

6. DIY Unicorn Lamp: You’re never too old for a unicorn lamp, especially when you made it yourself. (via Brit + Co)

7. DIY Storage Ottoman: While most rooms don’t have a full-blown entryway, you definitely have space for a shoe hide-away. (via Brit +Co)

8. DIY Murphy Bar: A bar cart probably won’t fit in your shared space, but you can definitely spare some wall real estate for a murphy bar. Stock it with the essentials and use it as a cork board when it’s folded away. The RAs will never know what’s behind it. (via Brit + Co)

9. DIY Dorm Room Door Mat: When you treat your space like home, it will start to feel more homey. A punny welcome mat is the finishing touch that most won’t think of. Sorry, pug not included. (via Brit + Co)

10. IKEA Bed Slats Organization Hack: A dedicated trip to IKEA for some bed slats will give you a genius wall storage option. (via Brit + Co)

11. DIY Neon Light: These are everywhere these days, so why not save yourself the extra dough and just make one? (via Brit + Co)

12. IKEA MOPPE Desk Hack: Desktop organization is rarely cute, but this hack makes it happen. (via Brit + Co)

13. DIY House Slippers: Your entire living space is condensed, and that means the dirt and street grime are too. Ditch your street shoes in favor of furry socks. (via Brit + Co)

14. DIY Pineapple Laundry Basket: Laundry is now a thing that you have to do on your own, so you might as well make it cute. (via Brit + Co)

Which of these dorm room hacks will you try? Follow us on Pinterest for more creative DIY ideas!

(Additional reporting by Grace Lee)