How to decorate your dorm room in 10 easy steps
Get your residence hall room ready for your #dormroomtour with these simple tips. Plus: four ways to achieve your vision without breaking the bank.
A pink "Interlochen" hooded sweatshirt hangs in an Arts Academy student's closet.
Congratulations on your acceptance to boarding school! Living away from home for the first time is a big decision—but it’s also an opportunity to build independence, flex your interior design skills, and create a space that reflects your unique sense of style. Here are a few easy tips to get your residence hall room ready for your TikTok dorm room tour.
Know before you go
Before you start shopping for supplies, determine what you need—and want—for your room.
1. Know your space. Find out the dimensions of your room and what furniture is provided; links to Interlochen Arts Academy’s floor plans can be found at the bottom of this article.
- Most schools—including Interlochen—require you to keep all school-provided furniture in your room.
- Floor space is at a premium in residence hall rooms. Keep walking spaces and emergency exits in mind if you’re thinking about adding extra pieces of furniture. If you’re worried about walkways, create a scale model of your room (and furniture) using graph paper or an interior design app to help you visualize your space.
- Most boarding school rooms have twin- or extra-long twin-size beds. Check your student handbook to determine what size bedding to bring (Interlochen’s beds are standard twin size).
A standard residence hall room at Interlochen Arts Academy.
2. Know the rules. Certain appliances, wall-hanging devices, pets, and other items generally aren’t allowed in residence halls. Check your student handbook and familiarize yourself with the rules before you hit the stores.
- Be kind to your walls. Nails, tape, and other adhesives can damage the walls and result in fines. Try using 3M adhesive gum for safely hanging posters.
- Leave your popcorn popper at home. Heat-emitting devices can be fire hazards—which is why they are usually not allowed in residence halls. Check your student handbook before packing your electronics to make sure everything is safe.
3. Know your roommate. If you already know who your roommate is, connect with them to plan your room. This is not only helpful for deciding who will bring certain “communal use” items, such as carpet or a mini refrigerator; it’s also an opportunity to coordinate colors. Planning your room together is also a fun way to bond with your roommate before move-in day.
4. Know your vision. What’s your ideal interior design aesthetic? Boho? Contemporary? Dark academia? Browse trends on TikTok, build a mood board, or subscribe to a newsletter such as Dorm Therapy to find inspiration and identify your personal style.
5. Know what you need. Make a list of all the items you need for your room. Check to see what items you already have, then make a shopping list of all the items you don’t. Here’s a sample list to help you get started:
- Alarm clock
- Bath towels
- Bedside light
- Blanket or comforter
- Extra blanket or throw
- Floor lamp
- Crates, baskets, or bins for storage
- Desk organizer
- Laundry basket
- Mini refrigerator
- Pillow and pillow cases
- Sheets (see your student handbook for size)
- Small rug
- Wash cloths
Upgrade your space
Once you’ve made your shopping list, it’s time to head to the stores (or the internet) to find the little touches that will make your room feel like home. Here’s how to infuse your personality into your space in a few easy steps:
1. Cover it up. If the thought of stepping onto cold linoleum each morning makes your toes curl, consider adding a rug or carpet to your space. Just be sure your floor covering does not impede the opening of closet or entry doors.
2. Snuggle up. Nothing says “home” like a cozy bed. Supplement your bedding with a throw blanket and plenty of decorative pillows. Make a statement with a chunky-knit blanket. Throw pillows are also a great way to transform your bed into daytime seating; add some holiday-themed covers to celebrate the season without breaking the bank or adding to your pillow collection.
3. Hang it up. Unless you love the minimalist vibe, plain white walls can feel uninviting and uninteresting. Make your space your own by adding posters, wall art, and pictures of your friends, family, and pets. For a bigger splash of color, try hanging a tapestry on one of your walls. Decals are also a great way to add interest to your walls without risking damage. Check your school’s student handbook for more rules about wall decorations before making your purchases.
A photo display in a Picasso House room.
4. Light it up. Most residence hall rooms come equipped with a ceiling light. While this fixture will provide plenty of light to see by, adding more lights will brighten up the corners and make your room feel bigger. String lights are a fun favorite! Just be sure all of your lamps and lights are UL listed.
5. Tidy up. Loose items on your shelves, desk, or dresser can look sloppy—and get lost easily. Store your miscellaneous items in baskets or totes that match your decor for a neater look and shorter search times. Don’t forget desk organizers for your school supplies!
Shop smarter
Decorating on a budget? Follow the tips below to transform your space without breaking the bank.
1. Use a carpet remnant. Area rugs are more expensive than you might expect. If you’re looking to cover your floors without spending a small fortune, try using a carpet remnant. Grab a scrap from a loved one’s recent home remodel, or head to your local home improvement store for a deal on a piece from the end of a roll.
2. Shop the clearance section. If you know you’re headed to boarding school next fall, stop by the clearance section this year. Many stores mark down dorm supplies once the school year begins—giving you a chance to pick up great finds at great prices.
3. Check the dollar zone. Discount areas, like Target’s Dollar Spot, often have cute decorative items and storage solutions for low prices. Dollar stores are also a great destination for affordable decorations and organizers.
4. Do it yourself. Searching high and low for the right poster at the right price? Making your own dorm room decor is a great way to achieve your one-of-a-kind vision on a budget. It’s also lots of fun! Search #dormroom or #dormdecor on TikTok for easy and creative ideas.
Two painted records adorn the walls of an Arts Academy student's residence hall room.
