10 Ways to Elevate Your Dorm Decor for Back-to-School Season

Dorm rooms come with a host of special dietary requirements, so to speak. Since they’re typically smaller, they get easily bloated if packed with too many pieces. Instead opt for strategic, hardworking essentials, and make sure each one is the prettiest it can be. Maybe a bed that doubles as a sofa for when a pal drops by, or a flexible locker in a deep olive hue. Here are 10 trendy decor ideas to get you ready for your first day of school. Can’t wait (groan). #wheredidsummergo

Pottery Barn Teen

1 / 10

Hang a Pretty Mirror

Mirrors are key for last-minute spinach-between-the-teeth checks. Also: as decor pick-me-ups. This one bounces around the light, adds a touch of bling, has a trendy contour and doesn’t take up any space at all. We like the cut (and the cost) of this mirror’s jib — the Over-the-Door Framed Mirror, from PB Teen.

Rambling Renovators

2 / 10

Display Happy-Making Artwork

So fresh and lovely! The coordination skill in this botanical bedroom by Jennifer Flores of Rambling Renovators is a joy to behold. Steal a page by adding a simple, serotonin-inducing display of colourful artwork above your dorm bed. We also love a good space-saving sconce and a plant-on-a-nightstand situation.

IKEA

3 / 10

Add a Zippy Rug

A checkerboard-patterned rug is a very hot commodity, and its popularity shows no sign of waning. The olive colour of this flatwoven KLASSRUM rug from IKEA adds a cool retro vibe to any room. Tip: be sure you buy a large enough size, so that the furniture legs are tucked underneath the carpet.

Indigo

4 / 10

Get Yourself a Sherpa

This Sherpa Backrest by OUI is like a big hug from behind for when you’re missing mom (and her laundry skills). Crafted consciously from recycled fibres, the plush pile is plump and functional. Rest it on your bed or the floor and lay back to read.

Mustard Made

5 / 10

Choose a Hue

Take the largest piece of furniture such as this storage locker — The Twinny (shown in olive) — as a starting point when choosing your palette. Just weave in coordinating hues. We love the monochromatic magic going on here. This locker also comes in other fun colours such as berry and mustard — and it’s flexible. Use it as a wardrobe or for food supplies. The hanging rails are removable, the shelves are adjustable and there are cable holes. Plus, it’s magnetic. A peg board in a pinch!

West Elm Kids

6 / 10

Pick a Bed Purposefully

Make the largest piece of furniture in your dorm count. West Elm’s Avalon Corner Storage Bed is dripping in style thanks to the cushy tufting and inky blue velvet. Plus, this hardworking piece tucks neatly into the corner for real-estate-challenged spaces. It serves as a bed, a sofa and a dresser of sorts. The bottom drawers, meanwhile, handle everything from clothes to linens.

Samsung Canada

7 / 10

Get Your Tech Right

Good technology is key for any student. And, hey, even better if the equipment is attractive. Samsung Canada’s M8 Smart Monitor is a TV and computer all rolled into one. Available in four stylish colours (hello, lime!), the unit has a built-in smart TV, so connect to your apps and start binging on your favourite show. Recent models even have a gaming hub. And the 32-inch size makes it ideal for dorms.

Bed Bath & Beyond

8 / 10

Get a Table for Tasks and Meals

Whether you’re hunched over a bowl of mac and cheese or banging out an essay, the handle-it-all Novogratz Regal Laptop Couch Desk & Accent Table with the zig-zag legs is up for the task.

Endy

9 / 10

Buy the Best Bedfellow

If anyone needs a good night’s sleep, it’s a dorm resident. And yet so many dorm beds sport scratchy bedding. Buy the best you can. Endy offers sumptuous bedding in soothing sage green and other colourways. Plus, the 100% organic cotton bedding is breathable and gets even better with each wash.

Govee

10 / 10

Opt for String Lights on Steroids

Move over basic string lights, there’s a new kid in town. Govee Curtain Lights are illuminated, interactive totally fun decor. The teardrop-shaped light beads cascade down in a curtain form and are 100% customizable via an app. Adjust the speed, add colour or even your own personalized GIF. And it works with voice control. Comes with 62 preset scenes. Put up one of these and your dorm will be the most popular on the floor.