How to Personalize Your Dorm Room

   1.  Visualize. You must first decide how you would like your door room to appear. Trendy, classy, retro, fun or comfortable? For me, I wanted something that showed off my personality but also made me feel like I was at home.

   2.    Bedspread. Your bed takes up the majority of both physical and visual space in your room. Therefore making your bedspread a huge part of the décor… The focal point. Make sure and find a pattern or color you like that shows off your personality, and one that you’re most likely not going to get tired of it. Buy tons of throw pillows to give your room warmth. I have about five on each bed.

   3.   Rugs. Rugs have the ability to completely transform the look of a room. They can be used to hide unpleasant blemishes, highlight certain furniture and accent to the room. A soft rug will make your dorm room feel like home. You can pick up inexpensive rugs most anyplace. 

   4.    Furniture. I know furniture can be expensive so I’m going to let you in on a secret. All of the furniture in my room has been bought at a thrift store. If you can find a sturdy dresser and chest for a good price, get it! It can always be refurbished. We painted the drawers to match my color scheme and make it more “fun”.  I used and old bistro table (spray painted it) as a dining table in the middle of my room. I also found an armoire in great condition at Salvation Army and used it to store my small kitchen (microwave, small refrigerator, etc…). Everything fit perfectly and the piece definitely adds to the room. Being my mother’s child …I always have an eye out for bargain finds that can be used for future purposes.

   5.   Mirrors. Mirrors are your new best friend. They instantly make a room look larger, accent areas and reflect your good taste. You can put them on the back of your door or even on top of your chest. I’m constantly checking our local retail stores for mirror. They are easy to refurbish.

   6.   Lighting. . You can purchase nice lamps for little money. I recommend getting an old lamp from a thrift store and replacing the lamp shade. It will look brand new. If you’re like me and want your room to be more inviting, go out and buy a battery operated chandelier and hang it from your ceiling. It will dramatically change the tone of your room.

   7.    Storage Space. Suitcases, clothes, shoes, textbooks etc. can all be stored safely under the bed using plastic storage bins. If the height of your bed is too low, bed risers are available. I was able to lift my bed frame high enough to place my dresser underneath, and hiding all of my bins behind it. It has helped me feel very organized.

       I hope this has helped you. Get inspired, be creative and make sure your room identifies you. Here are a few pictures of my dorm room.