How to Make the Most Out of Your Dorm Room

For as fun as college can be, decorating your dorm room can be a real drag. Not only are you working with a tiny amount of square footage, much like any other rental, you can’t make any permanent changes—i.e. nail holes, wall paint, etc.—to the place.

But fret not my studious friends: There are still plenty of ways to score a superior dorm room without making any major changes. To prove our point, we put together a list of eight ways to make the most out your dorm room, no hammer or nails necessary.

1. Removable Wallpaper A single statement wall goes a long way in a small space. If you can’t hang art or paint your dorm room, removable wallpaper is the next best thing.  It comes in all kinds of cool patterns and colors—and you can just peel it off and take it with you when you move.

2. Curtains

Who says curtains can’t be cool? Even if your dorm only has one measly window, you can dress it up in seconds with a pretty curtain panel (in just about any color or pattern you choose).

3. Knobs

Furniture knobs are a super simple and affordable way to liven up a small space. Upgrade your cabinet and dresser hardware with a handful of fun new knobs; just remember to switch them back before you move out.

4. Houseplants Not only are houseplants affordable and stylish, they’ll help purify your dorm room’s air. Consider a low-maintenance plant, like a snake plant or heartleaf, so you won’t have to worry too much about sunlight in your small space.

5. Bedding

Like rugs, good bedding makes a big difference in a dorm room. Invest in a quality Twin XL sheet set—such as our Classic Core Sheet Set—and sleep more soundly (and stylishly) at night.

6. Mirrors

Mirrors can work wonders for a cramped dorm room. Not only do they create the illusion of depth and dimension, they help open up a small space by making it appear bigger! If you can’t hang one up, considered leaning an oversized one against a wall or propping up a few smaller ones throughout your space.

7. Rugs A good rug makes a big impact in a tiny room. Opt for a boldly patterned one if you want to dress up your dorm with a pop of color or a textured one in a neutral tone if you consider yourself more of a minimalist.

8. Storage Baskets

Working with little to no storage space in your dorm room? No worries. Storage baskets are chic and affordable, and perfect for piling up textbooks and other school supplies—and keeping them out of plain sight.

Decorating a tiny dorm room is never easy. Luckily, there are several ways to liven up your dorm room without making any permanent changes— and score some perks like fresher air, fun colors, and extra storage space while you're at it.