PHOTO CREDIT: ADOBE STOCK

The transition into college can be stressful, but decorating a dorm shouldn’t have to be.

Every year, thousands of eager freshmen move into residence halls armed with their own personal style and needs. Hoping to make their new spaces feel like home, students typically create lists and vision boards — and fill up their shopping carts — with decorative items.

But dorm decorating isn’t what it used to be.

Far from the once ubiquitous spartan college interiors featuring a basic wooden headboard and a few posters on the cinderblock walls, many of today’s students are choosing to do up their home away from home with lavish matching bedding, window dressings and elegant accessories.

In fact, if you look up “dorm decor ideas” online, thousands of search results pop up.

In particular, incoming freshmen are flocking to apps such as TikTok and Instagram for decorating advice. On TikTok, the hashtag #dormdecor has over 28,600 posts. The videos cover a range of topics that include everything from dorm shopping lists to must-have amenities such as neon signs, custom shelving and decorative art pieces.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Essentials with Eden (@essentialswitheden)

They’ll also find designers who specialize in aesthetic dorm room decor, among them Eden Bowen Montgomery, who founded her business, Essentials with Eden, in 2017, when she herself was a freshman at the University of Mississippi.

Besides frequently posting colorful dorm decor inspiration on her Instagram, including links to various products, Montgomery’s company sources and ships large furniture pieces.

And while her designs — which feature brightly patterned throw pillows, colorful area rugs and tufted headboards specifically made for dorm beds — have gone viral for their style and charm, Montgomery also recommends that students find pieces that can be reused beyond their freshman year of college.

“We encourage our clients to choose classic pieces and invest in quality pieces that will seamlessly transition with them to their future apartments and homes,” Montgomery told the New York Post.

While colleges may have different rules and regulations when it comes to dorm decor, there are always ways to make the most out of the limited space.

Pittsburgh-based interior designer Jennifer Janeway, owner of Jennifer Janeway Designs, suggests incorporating elements of a student’s personal style into the dorm room.

“World traveler? Add some of your souvenirs or photos from places that you’ve been. Plant lover? Bring in some of your favorite types of plants for a breath of fresh air,” she says. “Sports enthusiast? Add décor in your favorite team’s colors and a framed vintage team poster for a more sophisticated take on a theme.”

Less can also be more; Janeway suggests finding pieces that can pull double-duty, such as a storage ottoman, which act as both a study seat and a place to stow away clothing or personal items.

PHOTO CREDIT: ADOBE STOCK

Another smart way to decorate a dorm is to go vertical; hanging storage shelves, white boards, extra hooks and twinkle lights can all create a functional yet welcoming environment, Janeway says. Decorations like temporary peel-and-stick wallpaper and dream catchers also add a bit of whimsy to the walls.

Another effective way to transform — and illuminate — a space is through lighting. Ambient lamp lights create a cozy environment, while functional lighting, which includes desk lamps and clip-on reading lights, can allow for late-night studying. Another fun way for students to express their personalities is through custom neon signs or disco balls, Janeway says.

“When I went to college in the late ’90s, I remember bringing a new twin comforter and my boom box and CDs,” Janeway says. “Now, students are more design savvy and put much more thought and intention into their décor.”