Although small and limited in terms of decor options, dorm rooms and small spaces can still feel warm, personal, and cozy. With just a few thoughtful pieces and some intentional organization, your space will be functional, pulled together, and ready for the year!

Make the Most of the Bed

In many dorms and small spaces, the bed ends up as the room’s centerpiece where you study, relax, and hang out as well as sleep. It also has a lot to offer in terms of design and personalization options, so it only makes sense to start here.

Decide on a couple primary colors and what style or feel you want in your space. Do you want a bright and bold look, or to bring in light soft neutrals? Without much storage space it can be difficult to swap things out or change it up too often, so aim for something that you will be happy with year-round.

Start with layers: Choose a quilt or duvet cover you love, and add complementary accents for variety. Think throws and pillows to add softness, personality, and color. Choose a couple different textures (chunky knit, velvet, linen etc.) to keep things from feeling flat.

Try this: A set of two square decorative pillows, one lumbar pillow, and a throw blanket instantly elevate a basic twin XL.

Square Pillows		Lumbar Pillow		Throw Blanket
	+		+

Don’t forget to be strategic with your bed as well. Is room available under it to store clothes, books, or extra linens? Keeping a small space feeling organized and uncluttered can be a challenge, so make use of every square inch available!

Add Warmth With Lighting

Overhead dorm lighting is notoriously harsh and cold. Adding soft, ambient lighting can instantly make your space feel more inviting and cozy, without taking up much room.

Desk or floor lamps, lanterns, and candles (battery-operated only here!) are great options for warm lighting and an easy way to add design components. Consider the style, material, and shape of the fixture or candleholder itself, the lampshade where applicable, and the type and intensity of the bulb (warm vs. bright white, wattage, etc.).

Pro move: Consider where you will need the most light in the space (for instance on your desk and by your bed) and focus on these areas first, before balancing out the rest of the room.

Be Functional & Creative

When floor space is limited, go up. Lean a mirror on your dresser to make your space feel bigger. Hang a framed photograph or piece of art for depth and personality. Add peel and stick hooks for jackets and towels and over-the-door organizers for easy storage.

Do you have space for a small bench or ottoman that doubles as seating but that also opens for additional storage? Think outside the (literal and figurative) box!

Trays, bowls, and catchalls are your best friends! They corral clutter to keep organized, and they can be found in a range of colors and styles to add visual interest. Grouping everyday items together looks intentional rather than messy but still keeps them within reach.

Try this: Add a tray atop your dresser to hold jewelry and perfume, and a small bowl by the door for keys, wallets, and headphones.

Add Personal Touches

The fastest way to make a room feel like yours is with small, meaningful details. Think a trinket dish that introduces a different material, a unique bud vase to keep the space feeling alive, or a bold candlestick that adds height and color. Add a family (or dog) photo and any other small personal mementos, and you’re done!

Remember: Design isn’t about having more, it’s about choosing what feels intentional, meaningful and right for the space.

Finally, let’s bring it back around and tie everything together with textiles. Remember your chosen color palette and consider how this may be incorporated into other areas for cohesion. Could you add curtains to a window or closet? Would draping a table runner over your dresser add a layer of color and soft texture?

Final Thoughts

While dorm room design may not be top of mind when heading off to college, creating a small space that is comfortable, practical, and that you look forward to going back to after a long day of classes helps to ease the transition and make the experience that much more enjoyable. With a few layered textiles, intentional organization, thoughtful lighting, and personal touches, any room can be comfortable and cohesive.

They say college is the best time of your life, and while that may or may not be true, you can at least have the best dorm room around.

Happy designing!