Creating a cozy and personalized dorm environment is key when it comes to combating homesickness and starting off on the right foot. We know most student housing locations don’t allow students to place any permanent hanging fixtures in the wall, so we’ve compiled our list with that in mind. Read on for our top 13 easy and creative ideas for decorating your dorm walls.
Dorm Wall Decor Ideas
1. Tapestries
One of the easiest ways to transform your space is by hanging a tapestry using detachable wall strips or hooks. Not only do tapestries cover a large area of your wall, they also add an instant pop of color and texture to the room. Popular patterns include mandala designs or tie-dye prints, but you can find a tapestry of almost anything. Do some online searching to find a tapestry that features your favorite quote, song lyrics, movie characters, or aesthetic imagery.
2. Removable Wallpaper
A recent trend for sprucing up temporary living spaces, removable wallpaper is popular dorm decor for walls. Future interior designers who want to revamp their rooms often look to peel-and-stick wallpaper to transform an area from drab to fab. Whether you’re looking for bold patterns, bright colors, or muted neutral tones, you can find removable wallpaper both online and in stores.
3. Photo Collages
An easy way to combat homesickness is to display images of the people and things you love around your room. Cut out photo subjects and glue them down on posters to make an artistic photo collage. Create a cohesive grid of same-size photos in a gallery wall, and hang them with sticky tack or clothespins on a string. Remove the hassle of measuring by storing multiple photos in a Lasting Memories photo frame. Or, draw attention to your most cherished photos by displaying them on a shelf in a custom photo frame.
4. String Lights
String lights are an easy way to brighten up a room and add a warm, inviting ambiance to any space. String lights are tried and true wall decor for dorms that instantly make a place more cozy. To be more unique, you don’t have to purchase the generic fairy lights; opt for string lights in various shapes or icons, or different colors instead.
5. Memorabilia
You likely collected memorabilia over the years like yearbooks, posters, photos, varsity letters, tickets from dances, and gifts from friends. Instead of packing all these items that hold fond memories away, set them around your college dorm room and use them as decor! If you have important memorabilia like a varsity letter to display, consider preserving it in a varsity letter shadow box frame to keep it safe while you’re in college.
6. Dry-Erase Board
A functional addition to any space, dry-erase boards keep college students organized and in the know, especially when you’re living with roommates. Jot down notes for your roommates, remind yourself of upcoming events, keep track of important test dates, or use a dry-erase board as a place to doodle and showcase your artistic skills! Hang it with adhesive strips for an easy-to-remove setup.
7. Plants & Greenery
Adding some greenery is a great way to liven up any living space. Grow plants in hanging pots or keep container plants on stick-on shelving. Indoor plants like pothos, snake plants, aloe vera, and ZZ plants are low maintenance and grow well with limited light.
8. Light-Up Signage
Add a playful touch to your dorm room with light-up signs or neon wall decor. Whether it’s a favorite quote or symbol, bright signs create a fun focal point for your wall and add an overall nightlife ambiance to your space. Choose battery-operated options for easy installation and to keep from worrying about reaching outlets or plugging it in.
9. Cork Board
Cork or bulletin boards are not only functional, they’re an easy way to spruce up your dorm decor. On one of these boards, you can post notes to roommates, pin cherished photos of your besties, keep important schedules in sight, or show off some favorite memorabilia from years past. You can also use a cork or bulletin board to create an aesthetic collage of different patterns, favorite celebrities, or quotes to add to the overall vibe of your dorm room.
10. Posters
A simple and timeless dorm room wall decoration, posters are a way to communicate the things you love to those who enter your room. Showcase a scene from a much-loved film, a shot of a favorite athlete, an image of a popular band or music artist, or a reproduction of a classic art piece for a vintage aesthetic. If you can’t find a poster while shopping in person, it’s easy to find cheap prints online as well as affordable poster frames.
11. Keepsake Shadow Box
Throughout your time in college, you’ll inevitably collect keepsakes from school events, memorable hangouts, and gifts from friends. The last thing you want is to lose or misplace items with sentimental value. Keep them all in one place and display them in a keepsake shadow box frame. Dorm decorating ideas for walls like this one require somewhere to set your frame, like a stick-on shelf, desk, the top of a dresser, or a bedside table.
12. Removable Stickers
Another easy way to add character to your dorm is by adding stickers or removable decals to your walls. Stickers come in a number of shapes, sizes, and styles. Use wall decals to highlight your favorite motivational quote, colors, characters, or your favorite celebrity. They also peel off at the end of the year without leaving a trace!
13. Painted Canvas
Get crafty and create your dorm room wall decorations from scratch by painting your own wall art. Whether it’s floral pastels, retro vibes, dark academia, or a new style that’s totally unique, painting a statement art piece is a fun activity and a way to show off your creative side.
Decorating dorm room walls is all about finding creative, non-permanent ways to make your space truly your own. Your personal style and some trendy dorm wall decor ideas can quickly create the comforts of home away from home. From artistic adhesives to functional frames, the decorating opportunities are endless!
