Creative Dorm Room Decorating IdeasTHE INSTITUTION-PROVIDED DESKS, CHAIRS AND DRESSERS ARE BORING AT BEST AND SCUFFED AND SCRATCHED AT WORST.

Bedding• Purchase matching comforter sets for a balanced look.

• Reversible comforters with a solid color on one side and print on the other give students a chance to change things up.

• Add some personality with decorative pillows.

• For flare, use mismatched sheets, perhaps a solid red fitted with a black and white stripe top sheet.

Pillows• Throw pillows and shams made from pillowcases and sheets are a great way to spruce things up.

• Retro patterns will coordinate and add pop to your room.

• No-sew fringed pillows made with your new school colors will show your school spirit.

• Toss in some pillows made from favorite concert or sports team t-shirts to remember good times.

Curtains• Twin flat sheets , drop cloths, decorative towels and even tablecloths make easy no-sew curtain panels

• Tie-backs can be made from all kinds of fun materials including rope, bandanas, barrettes, neckties, necklaces and ribbon. Be sure to use adhesive-backed hooks that don’t damage walls.

• Use patterns to create a focal point in your room.

•Hang curtains from ceiling to floor to create the illusion of more space.

Carpeting• Create a one-of-a-kind rug. Buy a drop cloth & paint from your local hardware store & create your own design.

• Use a colorful tapestry as a rug.

• Individual carpet squares come in a variety of colors. If a spill happens, you just replace the one square, not the entire carpet.

• Look for carpet remnants. They are usually cheap.

• Choose colors that disguise dirt and spills.

• Rugs are inexpensive and can be discarded at the end of the year.

Lighting• Simple white Christmas lights can be used creatively to add both light and glamour

• Heavy paper, such as wallpaper samples, can be used to make chandeliers or individual lanterns

• Ribbon, fabric, bamboo and even paint chips can be turned into lampshades.

• Hand paint or poke holes in old lampshades for a fresh look

• Add mirrors to reflect light

• Flameless candles can add a bit of drama

• Be careful of fire hazards

Wall DecalsPersonalize your room with removable wall art such as:

• Quotes

• Faux wallpaper

• Cut-out designs like frames

• Sports team logos

• Greek letters

There are many designs available for purchase. For something unique, have a custom decal made or make your own with contact paper.

PostersWhether you are looking for inspiration, motivation or humor. No matter if you like cool, eclectic, nerdy, classic or just plain weird stuff, there's a poster for you.

Framed or unframed, color or black and white, small or large, canvas or paper - posters are a great way to spruce up a dorm room.

One or two meaningful posters are a time-honored way to decorate a dorm room.

Not sure where to buy posters? Check out allposters.com

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