Actually Affordable Ways to Upgrade Your Dorm Room This Semester
1/11Sure, dorm rooms should be functional, but isn't the word 'fun' in functional for a reason? While you'll need practical things in your room for storage and sleeping, there's no reason you can't simultaneously create a cool space. Roomers teamed up with JC Penney to create a dorm room at The New School Parsons School of Design (see the super swift transformation in this video) and click through the slideshow for additional tips and tricks to make your space comfortable AND cute. PS — you can win everything you see in the coming slides by entering here.
2/11Your bed = very, very important! Choose a print bedding that won't show stains and don't forget to use a mattress pad! It's not just hygienic, it's more comfy too. One of the easiest things you can do to style your walls is to create your own designs using washi tape and decals. This headboard was created in around five minutes, and the best part is it won't damage the walls.
Wall Pops Confetti Wall Dots, $40
Home Expressions™ Tiles Bedding Set, $100-130
Los Angeles/New York Reversible Pillow, $23
HMDX Blast Portable Bluetooth Boombox, $139
3/11Don't bother bringing your own chair to college. Instead, get a fun pillow to make your standard dorm chair more comfy and colorful.
4/11Your room probably won't have a nightstand so this modular cube unit is great as super-easy to assemble and disassemble at the end of the school year. It's tall enough to be a nightstand for tall dorm beds like this one, too. It actually comes as a 6-cube piece so you can double the size and storage if you have enough space. Pinboards are great to display cards, photos and other mementos. This one is cool because it has in-built twine for hanging things, too.
Honey-Can-Do® Set of 6 Modular Mesh Storage Cubes, $93
Cooks 12-pc. Mixing Bowl and Lid Set, $65
Tabletops Unlimited 12-pc. Melamine Dinnerware Set, $50
Corkboard, $50 available in-store at JC Penney
5/11As healthy snacks go, popcorn isn't the worst. Your own popcorn maker isn't just a good money-saver, it's also a very cute accessory for your room. Just make sure to store in an airtight container, 'cos no one wants soggy popcorn. This adorable ice cream wafer cup isn't just for ice cream. You can use as a drinking cup, storage for utensils, and even as a little planter for succulents.
Nostalgia Electrics™ Hot-Air Mini Popcorn Popper, $30
3-pc Chalkboard Canister set, $41.99
Ice-cream cone cups available instore at JC Penney.
6/11If you're a coffee fanatic, you must have a coffee maker in your room. Not only will you need a kick-start in the morning, you'll probably pull a few all-nighters around finals, and it would be a disaster to crave a coffee at 2 a.m. when Starbucks is closed. Writing your name on a chalkboard mug will help avoid any confusion with your roommate's.
7/11Decals can be used to decorate plain dorm furniture too, and in this case makes these drawers seem like they're a part of the room décor.
8/11A rug really pulls the whole room look together, and it's nice to have a soft/clean surface to walk around barefoot on, too.
9/11There are no doors on these closets, so sadly you can't hide your slovenly ways any longer! These hanging shelves keep everything neatly stored, and you can even get little canvas drawers for smaller items.
10/11Now it's time to check out the before...
11/11...and after! Solid proof that it's super simple to make your dorm feel like home with these special (and affordable) design touches.
