Dorm Room Decor Essentials
by Hannah Haghighi
Every girl that has lived on campus probably has lived through an experience like this: It’s move in day. You’ve been preparing and perfecting your packing list for months to have the most Instagram-slash-TikTok worthy, aesthetically pleasing dorm on your floor. You even (hopefully) have the roommate of your dreams lined up, and today is the day you get to finally meet in person. You acquire your new student ID and key, lug your stuff to your new room, open the door, and you are welcomed with what could be described as a jail cells cuter, cleaner sister - cinderblock walls painted white, linoleum floors, and a minifridge that might be older than you. Not a lot to work with, but all hope is not lost. With the right materials, this dorm room can still be the cutest on your floor!
Something that applies to every space anyone ever lives in is this: there is never enough storage space. I am lucky to have closet space and a chest of drawers in my dorm room this year, but there are always odds and ends that need their own separate space. Hangable wall space has truly been a lifesaver in that regard. This hangable wall organizer from IKEA is a versatile way to store anything from skincare, writing utensils, and scrunchies with its customizable, detachable hooks and shelves. This frees up drawer and desk space for notebooks, homework, and getting things done!
Another great storage tactic is something pretty basic and cost effective: mason jars. I love to use mason jars for any type of desktop storage. Currently, I store my makeup brushes in them, but they also work great for writing materials, or any stray things that need a home. I also have been trying to keep fresh flowers in my room if possible; having them on my desk adds some life into my corner of the space! The best part about mason jars is that it is easy to find a pack of four for under twenty dollars, and they will last forever.
Since a lot of dorm rooms tend to be lacking in the natural light department, it is important to get some form of alternative lighting to the harsh overhead fluorescent lights that usually go hand in hand with dorm life. A bedside or desk lamp is the most important form of lighting to purchase, but to add some character to the room, try some fun colored lights! These rope lights from Amazon come with a color controlling remote, and add just the right amount of light that isn’t too bright for chilling right before bed. Another popular option are string or fairy lights for a delicate touch.
If you’re not one for clutter and prefer a more soft design aesthetic, a table lamp that you can dim or brighten up the mood of your room is key.
Finally, an essential for getting ready for class, dinner, or a party: a good mirror with lighting. There is nothing more challenging about dorm life than finding some good lighting to ensure the perfect makeup application. This touch screen, rechargeable, travel mirror by Vanity Planet offers optimal lighting for your skincare or makeup needs. My favorite thing about it is that it is perfect for packing in a suitcase or overnight bag, which can’t be said for a lot of LED light mirrors. The fact that it is rechargeable is a lifesaver as well, due to the ever present lack of outlets in most dorm rooms.
