30 Dorm Room Ideas That Prove You Don’t Have to Compromise Aesthetic for Function

After years of seeing the same old tapestries and terrariums monopolize “dorm room ideas” on Pinterest, we’re saying enough is enough (and apparently, we’re not the only ones). Since the onset of COVID-19, we’ve seen creative DIYers, TikTokers and designers alike put their creativity to the test as they transform dorm rooms and tiny apartments into truly unique spaces that celebrate individuality. Here, we’ve rounded up 30 dorm room ideas that prove the sky’s the limit when it comes to making a small space work.

Disco ball in the dorm room? How are we just seeing this now? Instead of hanging it up, let it lean on a table or make a statement in the corner of your room. Or, you know, right in the center of your bed, if that’s your thing.

Excuse me; this person did what with that vintage vanity? The bar for “creative headboards” has just been raised.

Check out how The Sorry Girls transformed this dorm room into every cottagecore-lover’s dream, thanks to a sheer canopy, faux foliage and sage and yellow accent pillows.

With this elegant blend of minimalist decor (psst: continuous line drawings are trending), dorm room becomes pied-à-terre.

Daybed, let us introduce you to the world of late-night snacking. (Bonus: The ladder doesn’t just draw your eye up, making the room seem a bit bigger; it can double as a space to hang throw blankets.)

Brb, channeling our inner Elle Woods (and we’re definitely adding that Yeah! Framed Art Print to our carts).

A chic, modern privacy hack for when you or your roommate are ~entertaining~ guests (or for when you need to recharge your social battery).

Shades of pink and green that *don’t* look like they’re straight out of your childhood bedroom? Bravo.

Homesick? Adding decorative reminders of home will soothe that pit in your stomach like your Grandma’s lasagna (Pro Tip: try using a print of your hometown, like this Seattle City print by Brian Buckley).

Worried that the bulky, university-provided bed frame is going to ruin your whole aesthetic? Opt for the mattress-only look on a minimalist bed frame.

Why stick to a traditional headboard? A full-size mirror—especially one as glam as this—can be even more impressive. Plus, it’ll reflect light, making the room seem a bit lighter and brighter.

Sorry, did you say something? We couldn’t hear you over all of this coziness.

I’m pretty sure we had no idea what maximalism was until we saw this pic. (Oh, and we’re calling it now: That Foam Frame is about to be the next hottest thing).

We’re swooning over this sophisticated minimalist bed/artwork combination (psst: you can find that framed Chanel print here).

Ohh, so this is what they meant when “sweet dreams” was coined. We love how the muted pastels soften up the white-walled room.

We’re pretty sure that these fairy string lights, cozy throw pillows, and edgy, feminine art pieces have never appeared in your mother’s shopping cart (unless she’s a cool mom).

We’re just going to leave this here (you know, in case you want to have the chicest dorm room on campus).

Now, this is how you do a boho dorm room in 2021. Hanging planters, rattan accents and a large woven tapestry lend this updated dorm room a complete boho design cred.

Vintage posters, a geometric throw as an area rug (genius), and midcentury modern colors: somehow, this mix of pattern and color have come together to create a masterpiece.

There is no need to do a semester abroad in Paris when you have a dorm room that looks like this. (Also, let it be proof that a well-placed—and shapely—piece of brown furniture doesn’t have to look clunky or heavy.)

This one is almost too cozy…go to class.

The last time we were this excited about shades of yellow and purple was during our childhood Easter egg hunts.

We thought coral was just your nana’s favorite nail color…until now. Warm accents keep it looking fresh.

A dash of blue, a hint of greenery and sprinkles of sand—just like that, you have yourself a boho coastal dorm room.

We feel our shoulders falling just by looking at this (is this what it feels like to be calm and relaxed?).

Minimalism with a splash of magic…and maybe some Parisian chic? Whatever’s happening here is divine.

A moment of appreciation for this seamless blend of brass, wood, and terracotta accents…and yes, we’ve already scoured the web for that piece of artwork, so you don’t have to.

*Insert green with envy cliché here* If you can get away with a removable wallpaper mural, by all means, do it. It’s the statement-maker every dorm room could use.

The best part of Japandi style? You can make the minimalist aesthetic work anywhere.

Add a little Prada to your boho vibe, and *chefs kiss*, you’ve created a laid-back luxury aesthetic.