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75 Do-It-Yourself Ways To Decorate Your Dorm Room

by on Aug 16, 2021

Photo: A Beautiful Mess

With the new school year right around the corner, those of you who are heading back to college are probably thinking about how to decorate your dorm room this year. Well, we’re here to help! Today we have 75 awesome DIY dorm decor ideas to give your space a unique, custom feel. Click through to check ’em out.     

WALL DECOR

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Wee Birdy

1. Add some color to your dorm room walls with this cheerful giant paper confetti.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Paper & Stitch

2. Jump on the hand lettering bandwagon with this fun DIY quote art for your wall.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Why Don’t You Make Me

3. Add some functional storage to your wall with these beautiful hanging shelves.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Everything Emily

4. Washi tape can look like wallpaper if you use enough of it! Learn more here.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Sweet Teal

5. Find out how to make your own floral backdrop for your bed using this tutorial.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Jen Loves Kev

6. Take string art to a whole new level with this fun block letter quote wall.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Homey Oh My

7. Update that 1970’s macrame look with this boho chic tassel wall hanging.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Rhiannon Bosse

8. Add some warm light to your dorm room with a set of twinkle lights covered in pretty paper cups. 

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Alisa Burke

9. Looking for bold DIY dorm decor? Turn your favorite literary quote into wall art using this simple tutorial.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Via Yes Missy

10. Tape can give your dorm room door a new look too… find out more here.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: My Sister’s Suitcase

11. Hexagons never looked so pretty! Get the how-to for this project here.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Via Society19

12. Here’s a clever (and cheap!) way to display all of your photos on your wall. Find out more here.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: DIY In PDX

13. Metal grids can come in handy as both a decorative and a functional accent, making them a perfect fit for DIY dorm decor. Read more here.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: The Caldwell Project

14. Attach string to your wall in a geometric shape using this fun tutorial.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Brit + Co.

15. And if you really want to procrastinate on that paper that you have due tomorrow, give this  washi tape wall a try.


BEDDING + HEADBOARDS

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Burkatron

16. Make a set of these gorgeous patterned throw pillows to dress up that boring dorm bed. 

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Sugar & Cloth

17. Create a stylish headboard using Stikwood… it’s adhesive, and so easy to use!

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: The DIY Mommy

18. This cozy throw blanket is arm-knit…. so no need to buy knitting needles! Get the tutorial here.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: PuraVida Bracelets

19. Jump on the bohemian bandwagon with this boho chic tassel throw pillow.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Faith Towers Provencher

20. This faux fur blanket has colorful tassels on the corners… get the how-to here.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Brett Bara

21. Learn how to make a simple padded fabric headboard using this tutorial.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: SC Johnson

22. Add some personality to your bed with this fun pretzel throw pillow.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Spindles Designs

23. Add a pretty canopy to your dorm bed using this surprisingly simple tutorial.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Teen DIY

24. If you’re a fan of the dreamy watercolor effect, why not give it a try on a throw pillow?

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Hearth and Vine

25. This bed pocket caddy would be handy for your phone, TV remote, etc. Get the how-to here.


LIGHTING

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Live Loud Girl

26. Isn’t this twinkle light cloud just the cutest darn thing? We most certainly couldn’t leave it off this DIY dorm decor list.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Vintage Revivals

27. Learn how to make this DIY light box sign using this simple tutorial.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: akicsihaz.hu

28. This pretty Sputnik-style light is actually an IKEA hack! Get the how-to here.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Grey Likes Nesting

29. Learn how to make this fun initial marquee light here.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Apartment Therapy

30. This glittering light canvas would make a pretty addition to any dorm room.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Crafty By Photo

31. Turn a plain old tin can into a firefly lamp using this easy tutorial.


ORGANIZATION

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo:  ElephantShoe

32. Cover clipboards with pretty paper to organize your paperwork… learn more here.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Good Housekeeping

33. Divide your drawers by covering boxes with pretty paper. Get the how-to here.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Atilio

34. Take advantage of vertical space with this fun wall organizer. 

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Hearts & Sharts

35. Upcycle an old crate by turning it into this fun storage/seating combo. Learn more here.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Pull Teeth

36. Have lots of eyewear? Give this simple wall-mounted organizer a try.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: SallyAnnK

37. Keep your scarves organized with this DIY clothespin hanging system. 

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Glamour

38. Here again, vertical space comes in handy with this bucket organizer. Learn more here.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Buzzfeed

39. Turn a cardboard box into a stylish geometric organizer using this tutorial.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Sugar & Cloth

40. Here’s another handy desk organizer… check out the tutorial here.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Melissa Creates

41. Keep your necklaces tangle-free with this pretty wall mounted organizer.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: View From The Fridge

42. Recycle some old jars to make this simple desk organizer inspired by an Anthropology piece.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: BHG

43. Pegboard is another handy material that will help you get organized. Check it out here.


SEATING

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: A Beautiful Mess

44. Add some fluffy pink fur to your office chair for a playful makeover. Check out the tutorial  here.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: eHow

45. Here’s another upholstered bench idea for extra seating in your dorm room.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Apartment Therapy

46. Make a couple of floor pillows using this easy tutorial.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Darling Darleen

47. Add some faux fur to a stool for a très chic version. Learn more here.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Literacy Loves Company

48. Turn a few old plastic crates into seating and storage with this easy tutorial.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Faith Towers Provencher

49. Learn how to turn a cheap IKEA bench into this comfy upholstered version here.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo:  Kenarry

50. Add some pizzazz to plain old folding chairs with this tutorial.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Live Colorful

51. Bean bag chairs are back! Make this fun triangular one using these instructions.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Little Green Notebook

52. A decoupaged chair? Yes please! Learn more here.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: The Happ Housie

53. This square pouf would make great extra seating in your dorm room.


CURTAINS, RUGS, + OTHER TEXTILES

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Joann

54. Add pom pom trim to existing curtains using this tutorial.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: A Beautiful Mess

55. Weave your own large rug using this impressive tutorial.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Jojotastic

56. Find out how to dye fabric with ice to make your own stylish wall hanging.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: A Beautiful Mess

57. Hide your hanging clothes with with this fab rope macrame curtain.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Naptime Decorator

58. The college budget is real, and we took that into major consideration when making this DIY dorm decor list! Learn how to make your own curtains using bedsheets – here’s the how-to.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: The Whoot

59. Turn a bunch of yarn pom poms into a fluffy little accent rug.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Paper ‘N Stitch

60. Here’s another awesome rug tutorial to keep your feet nice and cozy.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Craftionary

61. Rope can be a great material for making accent rugs as well. Get the tutorial here.


DECORATIVE ACCENTS

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Pure Joy Home

62. Make this fun gilded monogram for your room using this tutorial.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Life Ann Style

63. Make a decorative note board out of fabric using these instructions.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: A Little Craft In Your Day

64. A key rack is always handy, especially when it involves a chalkboard! 

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Pennies For A Fortune

65. Tissue paper tassels are cheap and easy to make… get the how-to here.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: The Crafted Life

66. A floral mousepad would be a pretty addition to any dorm desk.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Homey Oh My

67. A decorative way to display your travel photos… check out the tutorial here.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Oh Happy Day

68. These colorful flower lights are made out of cupcake wrappers! Find out more here.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Little Birdie Secrets

69. Keep your schedule organized with a decorative “white” board made out of a picture frame.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Frog Prince Paperie

70. Add some character to your space with a tissue paper flamingo! 

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: I Spy DIY

71. Succulents act as bookends here… check out the tutorial here.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Delineate Your Dwelling

72. Corral all of your desk items inside this fun confetti tray.

 

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Homey Oh My

73. Avoid cup rings with these chic marbled coasters. 

 

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Curated Minimalism

74. A yarn wall hanging will add a sophisticated touch to your wall.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
Photo: Brit + Co.

75. To round off this DIY dorm decor list, something bright and happy. Hang some plants from your ceiling with these colorful macrame hanging planters.

Mega Roundup: 75 DIY Dorm Decor Ideas
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Photo: A Beautiful Mess

If you liked these 75 DIY dorm decor ideas, you’ll love this list of our favorite 100 IKEA hacks of all time!

100 Ikea Hacks

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