Published August 15, 2024
Dorm Room Decor: 5 Looks Under $60 on Every Student’s Wish List By Realtor.com
August is winding down, which can only mean one thing for some parents and their campus-bound kids—the quad is calling.
If you have a student heading off to college in the coming weeks, you’ve likely been getting them ready with all of the dorm room essentials from shower caddies to twin-size bed sheets.
But something you might not have given much thought to is the actual dorm room decor. While this won’t matter to every student, some of the more creative and interior design-inclined ones (ahem, looking at you, parents of art students) might find that bare-bones student housing leaves a lot to be desired.
To help make campus living a little homier, we put together this list of five trending dorm room decor looks from Instagram. You can snag each of them for under $60—a small price to pay for a cozy and inviting semester.
1. Faux hanging vines
One of our favorite affordable looks that can instantly add life to a dorm room are these green vines—that don’t need watering—featured by @bedsandbedrooms.
“Faux hanging vines are a game changer if you want to transform a plain wall,” says Anna Tatsioni, lead designer at Decorilla. “What I love the most about these is that they bring nature indoors without any maintenance hassle, which works perfectly for busy students. I like to pair them with string lights for a more magical effect.”
Get the look: Transform a plain-Jane dorm room into a verdant oasis with these Gracie Oaks Ivy Vines ($36).
2. Glass side table
A big challenge in dorm room decor is making a temporary space feel less transient and more like home. Fortunately, pieces like this glass side table from @cozycoutureinteriors strike the perfect balance of taking up minimal space while also providing a distinctly living room-inspired feeling.
“A glass side table is ideal for a dorm,” says Hagan Kappler, designer and owner of Daisy. “It takes up little visual space, stores necessities within arm’s reach, and comes in many inexpensive options. For a small space, clear glass also helps a room feel more open.”
Get the look: Give your kid’s dorm room a homey flourish with this Doynton Glass Top End Table ($56).
3. Neon sign
Neon-anything has been a trend for a while, and it’s an especially fun and economic way to brighten up a boring room in a housing complex. For proof, just look at this design from @collectedlbk.
“I have noticed neon signs are becoming a must-have in dorm room decor,” says Tatsioni. “They add a touch of personality and pop of color that will instantly elevate any space—whether it’s your name, a favorite quote, or a logo or shape, neon signs bring a fun and vibrant energy.”
Get the look: Create the perfect high-voltage vibe with this Customizable Neon Sign ($29).
4. Nubby desk chair
Your student will (hopefully) be spending a lot of time at their desk, so why not make it extra comfortable? We love the idea of swapping out a standard desk chair for something more chic, like this one from @dormify.
“A cozy desk chair is a must for any dorm,” says Kappler. “Long study sessions require proper back support to maintain focus and good posture. For dorm life, choose a chair that’s supportive but still space-efficient when not in use.”
Get the look: Add in some extra cushion with loads of style with this Faux Fur Desk Chair ($40).
5. Floor cushions
Sometimes a study sesh or late night hang will require a bit more seating and, for that, we love these floor cushions @featured.design.
“Floor cushions are an incredibly versatile and cozy addition to any dorm room,” says Tatsioni. “They add extra seating without taking up much space and can be very easily stored when you don’t need them. They’re also perfect for creating a casual and inviting vibe for lounging or studying.”
Get the look: Create some storage-friendly seating options with a few of these Large Floor Pillows ($12).
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Source: www.realtor.com
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