Dorm Room Ideas for Roommates

If your roommate and you don't like the same style or colors, search for dorm room ideas that use a neutral color scheme as a base. Splashes of color in your dorm room bedding and in personal accessories will label your style and define your individual space. Consult a color wheel for examples of compatible color combinations.

For privacy, use laundry lines draped with colorful sheets or fabric to partition the space. Install a double line on a pulley system to allow flexibility for those times when privacy is desired.

Ideas for Decorating Dorm Rooms without Paint

Color scheme is a big consideration in dorm room designs. Dorm room bedding, fabric, accessories, and wall décor are the tools of color transformation - most schools won't allow painting the walls. By using a variety of textures and fabrics for dorm decorating, ideas for adding color and defining style are then limited only by the use of changeable accessories.

Color the walls with fabric; use liquid fabric starch as the adhesive. If the walls are concrete or stucco, the fabric will come right off with water. For wallboard or sheetrock, use Blutac or 3M wall hanging putty. Several strips across the top and bottom will usually hold the fabric in place and leave no residue when removed.

Warm up those commercial-grade tile floors with carpet. Room-size remnants or rugs are fairly inexpensive at discount stores. Carpet tiles are a cool alternative; salesman's samples are often given away free or sold for pennies on the dollar at carpet outlets.

Big posters add bright color and define style and personality.

Dorm Room Ideas for Maximizing Space

Dorm rooms are usually very small, so organization is a huge factor when you are working those dorm decorating ideas.

Stackable milk crates are the most common storage for a limited space, but they don't have to look cheap; place a strip of Velcro around the top and sides, and cover them with fabric that coordinates with the dorm room bedding.

Put the bed on risers or concrete blocks to create under-the-bed storage; make or purchase slide-out drawers or shelves on casters to keep shoes neatly tucked out of sight but easily accessible.

The bed can serve a dual purpose; stack two or three long bolster pillows along the wall-side of the bed; add throw pillows to create an instant sofa.

Ideas for Decorating Dorm Rooms with Lights

Florescent lights in dorm rooms produce lighting that doesn't lend well to any décor. Thankfully, you have options: tall torchiere lamps soften the lighting and add drama by creating light and shadow; mid-sized floor lamps with a bendable gooseneck can be moved to accommodate those study hours at the desk; holiday lights strung around the ceiling add a bit of whimsy. Another option - use mirrors to bounce light around the room and add visual space.

Have fun with Dorm Room Designs!