It’s that time of year where graduates have {and are} graduating, and doing all things next-year prep. I’m asked by sweet readers to do this every year and I never quite get around to it. I guess we’re on the verge of that change with our oldest, now a senior. We just toured our first school, though we’re trying to figure out what the best fit for him will be. Things are changing and we love that there are so many options other than the traditional set up. This time of year has me thinking about all things fun dorm ideas. So whether it’s a first apartment or dorm or even their own room refresh no matter which direction they’re taking, I thought it would be fun to put together a few ideas! There’s just something about making a space homey that brings comfort. We’ve rounded up goodies for three spaces, and some essentials too – they work together or you can cherry pick items according to your tastes and needs! Either way, we hope this is fun. So here we go – fun dorm ideas!
See Emerson’s space here for more ideas + the boys’ spaces here + here
First up: Dorm Ideas For a Touch of Blush
Obviously this is just ideas for all things decor because I couldn’t help myself and love rounding up fun combos. We tried to keep everything practical though we do realize some things are splurges. We tried to keep it lose on the themes so sweet students and hard workers can pick whatever they want.
Here are some of our faves: {some links are affiliate}
1. You look so good art – we love a good quirky find. – A simple digital download you can easily combo with poster frames a-la Target.
2. Faux headboard – a bit of a splurge but I couldn’t help myself. It charges things + currently on sale.
3. Bedding – quilt + sham / Sheets / stripey pillow / throw – alternate quilt here -twin XL size is sold out
4. + 5. Pillow + Chair – for a comfy sitting space
6. Rug – because anything beats those floors but this makes it extra cozy + it’s durable
7. Desk accessories – desk chair / lamp / desk shelf + in case you need a desk…this one works too.
8. Magnets – yes not necessary. But they’re so cute and I’m a designer so don’t hate me.
9. Clock – makes it easy to keep up with the time and makes a great wall accessory – {great way to hang it below.}
10. Lights – because is it even an apartment / dorm room / first place without some form of fun lighting?
11. Blackout curtains – because blackout curtains
12. Over the door mirror – with storage
13. Elton John Pennant – my daughter is now begging for this one
14. Boyfriend Pillow – perfect for studying and reading on that bed
15. Fridge – because why not make it cute – and they can use it in their own room, later.
We have a similar one and love this handy piece in our cabana! – the one I chose has a freezer too.
Next up… Fun Dorm Ideas For The Explorer
We just thought a few more ideas that make for great finds as well.
That way you can definitely mix and match all these things to create your own space!
1. Rug – we love these simple easy pattern to cozy up that floor. It’s durable, too.
2. Headboard- it charges and I couldn’t resist making those concrete slabs a little more cozy.
3. Bedding – comforter / quilt {available in full size which works if you fold at foot of the bed} + sham / sheets / throw pillow / throw
4. Lights with clips – because photos and lights make it all oh so cozy
5. Desk chair – love the shape of this one
6. Art – I love all the variations here so be sure to check them out – Combo with Target frame here
7. Blackout Curtains – young whippersnappers need their sleep.
8. Rolling Cart – easily wedges between all the things and holds so much
9. No Vacancy – because this banner is so much fun
10. Locker – I still have mine from that I repainted for my daughter years ago. It’s a classic + holds so much.
11. Mirror – I love the arch and the way it can make the space feel larger
12. Chair – foldable and comfy
And now… Fun Dorm Ideas For Earth Tones
1. Headboard – I loved finding this one in a faux caramel leather
2. Bedding – comforter + pillow / throw / sheets / throw pillow
3. Rug – to cozy up the space- similar found here
4. Drawers – for more closet storage
5. Desk Chair – because this one looks cozy.
6. Fridge – chilling in style. Yes I just wrote that.
7. Mirror – over the door
8. Blackout curtains – Yes, I’m sharing these again
9. Art – this printable piece + Combo with Target frame here + this pinboard {more ideas for it here – styled for a younger kid} See it in the space here.
10. Laundry Hamper – with straps for easy carrying
11. Floor chair – for a little extra seating
We also rounded up dorm ideas – smart essentials!
These are just some good ideas for all things to consider, that you might want to check out.
1. Toaster – because bagels {and options} are always a good go-to.
2. Desk – great for working on the bed + when not in use works great on the actual desk
3. Speaker – for a little music
4. First Aid Kit – for minor scrapes etc.
5. Fan – Folds up and out of the way when not in use. Also comes with a remote.
6. Organizer – for those “pantry items” that need a spot and can loop over the fridge
7. Tiny Fridge – just in case you need extra fridge space for medications, skin supplies and more.
8. Personal Safety Alarm – because at least it’s cute.
9. Steamer – and wrinkle release downy – for those super tight dorm room spaces
10. Hangers – for more space
11. Shower Caddy – for those trips to and from the bath
12. Sound Machine – because no matter where you live, you need one of these.
13. Lamp – in compact size + perfect for bedside reading
14. Mirror – in fog free which is perfect for shaving and skincare in the shower + a light up version for dorm rooms here
15. Power Strip + Washi Tape – for all the cords + a color-coded way to keep them sorted
16. Vacuum – in cordless with a handheld – on sale now
17. Desktop Shelving – for all things organizing and books
18. Microwave – because this one’s pretty
19. Shelving – extra hanging space for the closet
20. Bedside Storage – for all those nighttime things
21. Extra Storage – underneath all flat surfaces possible. These fold down and stack.
22. Small Tool Box – because it’s smart to have the essentials on hand
23. Tape – for all things dorm room hanging and rugs and more…. where holes just aren’t allowed.
Whew this post was a doozy, and that about wraps it up! I’m a big planner for spaces and this was fun for me… so we hope you find it useful as well. We hope that you’ve enjoyed a little change in gears here for some simple {and hopefully handy} inspiration! We’d love to hear what your kiddo is doing next year if it’s their first year out of high school, no matter what that looks like. Things are changing and it’s interesting to hear about all the paths they’re taking. And if you’ve already ‘sent some off’, what is something handy you’d like to recommend? We would LOVE to hear.
Have an inspired day!
Barbara says
Fabulous ideas! Love the Tiger framed- now just add a WAR EAGLE! š
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you so much! It was fun to round up all the things!