Dressing Up Your Dorm Room

Start a new school year by exploring your ever-evolving style. Flex your decorating muscles and create your dream dorm room. Get inspired with these options to add comfort and flair to essential pieces, mix in some eclectic storage, and top it off with smaller decorations that let your individuality shine.

1. Favorite Artists.

Decorate your walls with the musicians you love. Show off your fandom and give a classic rocker top billing with a large poster, or let all your favorites share the spotlight with smaller countertop posters displayed in an eye-catching collage.

Countertop Posters, $9.99 each, 3/$24.99 or 5/$39.99, David Bowie Poster, $8, Young Ones Records

2. Throw in Fun.

Add coziness and a friendly message. These cotton throw pillows feature “Oh, hello” in tufted mint green and “LOVE” in colorful braided fabric. Decorate your bed and create an inviting space to nestle into while you study or chill out.

"Oh hello" Square Cotton Pillow, $32, "LOVE" Cotton Lumbar Pillow, $42, Five & Divine

3. Textured Trend.

Give your space a Boho-chic look. Handcrafted with 100 percent cotton rope and embellished with geometric wooden beads, this macramé hanging adds texture and retro-inspired style to your wall. Pair this durable, sustainable piece with some plants for an airy feel.

Hand Woven Cotton Macramé Wall Hanging Curtain Decor Banner, $31.99, Finch + Fern

4. Tropical Greeting.

Highlight your personal style even when your door is closed. Decorative and functional, this welcome mat features a vibrant, leafy design to jazz up your entryway. Keep your space clean and make it easy for friends to find your room.

Threshold Banana Leaf Doormat, $13, Target

5. Double Duty.

Enlist a stylish trunk for furniture and storage. Choose from 18 colors and neutrals. Use it as an end-of-bed bench or as a nightstand to corral blankets, extra supplies or seasonal clothes. Handy wheels enable you to change up your layout mid-semester.

Texture Brand Trunk, $199.99, student discount: $174.80, Dorm Co.

6. Budding Style.

Enhance your dresser or desk with natural sophistication. This cement bud vase is ideal for holding a single flower, tiny wildflowers or a faux bloom. Or experiment with flower arranging and put multiple varieties in one of these rustic-style cement planters.

Embellished Cement Bud Vase, $6, Small and Medium Cement Planters, call for pricing, Five & Divine

7. Glow Glow Up.

Post a positive message. This LED neon sign will infuse your dorm with a cool glow and good vibes. Pick hot pink or warm yellow to complement your color scheme. Combine with photos of your favorite places for a striking display.

“Good Vibes Only” Neon Sign, $79, Dormify

8. Glam Addition.

Dress up your bed with a plush headboard. Attach this studded design to the wall to add elegance to your dorm. Built-in outlets help you keep your phone or laptop at full power without having to get out of bed.

Jordyn Charging Studded Headboard, $249, Dormify

9. Sunset View.

Liven up your walls with a burst of color. Repurpose this beach blanket as a tapestry. This eco-friendly textile is made with post-consumer recycled materials and can be used for its original intent anytime you want to sit on the sand.

Geometry's Over the Hill Beach Blanket, $68, Finch + Fern

10. Scent of Relaxation.

Unwind after a long day of classes. Add a few drops of essential oils to this diffuser and fill your room with a relaxing aroma. The color-changing design includes a cool mist humidifier so you can breathe easy and stay moisturized.

Pure Enrichment PureSpa Essential Oils Diffuser, $44.99, Kohl’s

11. Salute Your Roots.

No matter how far away you are, pay homage to your home state with a magnetic, PA-shaped sign. Make it a focal point of your décor by adding colorful magnets from your travels or special photos of friends and family.

"Home" and "We Are" Handmade Steel Wall Signs, $54.99, Finch + Fern

12. Rest Assured.

Snuggle into your best night’s sleep. Body pillows provide optimal support so you’ll wake up refreshed. They’re also perfect for relaxing while reading or watching a show. Complement your bedding with patterns or solids, or go extra cozy with faux fur.

Sealy Body Pillows, $11.99-$19.99, Bearpaw Faux Fur Body Pillows, $19.99-$29.99, Boscov’s

13. Pouf-ect Solution.

Make the most of your space with flexible seating. This pouf can be used as a seat for guests or as a comfy footrest while you study. The neutral color goes with everything, and the parading elephants are a fun addition.

Majestic Home Goods Ellie Small Cube Ottoman, $129.99, Kohl’s

15. Geometric Set.

Choose a set containing sheets and a coordinating comforter for effortless style. Make your bed the center of attention and comfort with sapphire blue or calming sage green. Either way, the bold lines will add a trendy look to your room.

U.S. Polo Association 4-Piece Comforter Set, Twin/Twin XL: $34.99, Full: $39.99, Boscov’s