2014 Dorm Decorating Ideas

Shopping for your dorm room can easily veer in one of two directions: a crazy mashup of tastes that doesn’t really go together, or so matchy-matchy that you seem one fluffy toilet-seat cover shy of becoming a Stepford Wife. We want to help, so we’ve culled some of the best advice we’ve heard over the years, as well as a few inspiration boards to get you started.

Hope these 2014 dorm decorating ideas inspire you (and if they don’t, try our 2013 edition):

Ladylike:

• Faux Marble Duvet Cover Set, H&M Home; $35
• Ceramic Bird Ring Holder, Amazon; $7
• Beach Framed Print, Society6; $35
• Watercolor Ombre Pillow, JCPenney; $16
• “Good Morning, Gorgeous” pillow, Dormify; $39

Boho:

• Indigo Tie-Dye/Chambray Reversible Duvet, Dormify; $99
• Windowpane Collage, Target; $35
• Hummingbird Decorative Pillow, JCPenney; $15
• Moroccan Tabletop Lantern, Amazon; $16
• Blue Indie Rug, Dormify; $179

Modern:

• Adrienne Vittadini Sylvie Quilt Set, Kohl’s; $109
• Silver Snack Table, Amazon; $24
• Big Joe Dorm Chair, Amazon; $37 (Note: This isn’t for style as much as never-want-to-get-up-comfort)
• Matted frame, Target; $9 (Try a set of three evenly spaced over your bed)

Tips that Make the Whole Decorating Thing a Bit Easier:

You can’t paint the walls, so why not make a bold color statement with your comforter — or a massive tapestry hung on one wall? A 9-foot-by-9-foot box deserves a focal point (something’s gotta distract from those offwhite cinderblock walls), so start with that. If you go bold with bright bedding, tone down the art on the walls, and vice versa. And when you’re choosing colors, ask yourself this: What mood do I want to feel in this room?

Sounds cheesy, we know, but it makes a huge impact on the shades you choose. Brighter colors tend to be energizing, but for some people, they can be anxiety inducing. If you’re more into relaxation, go for paler, more subdued hues. The more saturated the color, the more in-your-face the color seems. (Also, if you’re struggling to figure out what colors to go with, let your comforter or art set the tone: the two most dominant colors can be your primary and secondary shades — make sure they’re both cool tones or both warm tones — and choose a splash of color that’s the opposite of those. So, for ex: If you’re going with a cool blue and a cool gray, try a pop of warm, sunny yellow.)

From there, go with what you love. Seriously. It’s easy to get caught up in rules, rules, rules and create a room that looks catalog-chic…and so inauthentic that it’s just not you. If you don’t love where you live, what’s the point of all this decorating mumbo jumbo?

The Ultimate Space Savers and Life Organizers:

• Pop-Up Closet, Ikea, $30
• Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer, Amazon; $12
• Remote/Book Caddy, Amazon; $13.45
• Rolling Ironing Board and Laundry Sorter, Amazon; $58

Note: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means that Collegiate Cook receives a portion of the proceeds from purchases made using those links. (And it helps us raise money toward scholarships at USF!)