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31 Creative DIY Dorm Room Ideas

A bed with a wooden frame and a DIY fairy light picture wall hanging above it.

College is all about releasing your most creative self. A perfect way to get started is through DIY dorm projects!

That’s why we’ve put together the best DIY dorm room ideas for anyone wanting to add some flair to their living space. If you’re in a room that makes you feel good, you’ll enjoy your college experience to the fullest.

Our 3 Favorite DIY College Dorm Room Ideas

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MyGift Vintage Galvanized Metal Cylindrical Hanging Succulent Planter Pots with Rustic Rope, Set of 2
Easiest
Twinkle Star 33FT 100 LED Silver Wire Fairy String Lights for Christmas Wedding Party Home Holiday Decoration,Battery Operated, Warm White, Pack of 1
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100 Corks in a Bag- Made in Portugal (38 x 22 #8 Short, Agglomerated Deluxe)
Title
MyGift Vintage Galvanized Metal Cylindrical Hanging Succulent Planter Pots with Rustic Rope, Set of 2
Twinkle Star 33FT 100 LED Silver Wire Fairy String Lights for Christmas Wedding Party Home Holiday Decoration,Battery Operated, Warm White, Pack of 1
100 Corks in a Bag- Made in Portugal (38 x 22 #8 Short, Agglomerated Deluxe)
Decor
Vintage Galvanized Metal Cylindrical Hanging Succulent Planter
Twinkle Star 33FT 100 LED Silver Wire String Lights
100 Corks in a Bag - Made in Portugal
Top Choice
Preview
MyGift Vintage Galvanized Metal Cylindrical Hanging Succulent Planter Pots with Rustic Rope, Set of 2
Title
MyGift Vintage Galvanized Metal Cylindrical Hanging Succulent Planter Pots with Rustic Rope, Set of 2
Decor
Vintage Galvanized Metal Cylindrical Hanging Succulent Planter
More Information
Easiest
Preview
Twinkle Star 33FT 100 LED Silver Wire Fairy String Lights for Christmas Wedding Party Home Holiday Decoration,Battery Operated, Warm White, Pack of 1
Title
Twinkle Star 33FT 100 LED Silver Wire Fairy String Lights for Christmas Wedding Party Home Holiday Decoration,Battery Operated, Warm White, Pack of 1
Decor
Twinkle Star 33FT 100 LED Silver Wire String Lights
More Information
Runner-Up
Preview
100 Corks in a Bag- Made in Portugal (38 x 22 #8 Short, Agglomerated Deluxe)
Title
100 Corks in a Bag- Made in Portugal (38 x 22 #8 Short, Agglomerated Deluxe)
Decor
100 Corks in a Bag - Made in Portugal
More Information

DIY Dorm Room Ideas You Can Create Yourself

Pom-Pom Fringe Hanger

A dorm room with a pom-pom fringe hanger wall decor made of tassels and twine strings with a brown motif.

Source: Raising Teens Today

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For this simple DIY dorm room idea, put together this boho-chic tassel garland with some string and neutral-colored tassels. Match it with a big fluffy comforter, and you’re good to go. 

Good Vibes Only Collage

A good vibes-themed collage made of cut-out photos, decorative paper, and stickers with a pink aesthetic.

Source: thelaurenritchie

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Bust out the patterned construction paper and good vibes. This DIY decoration for your dorm room will make your living space pop!

Fairy Light Picture Wall

Source: @cute_dormroomideas

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No matter what you decide for your dorm, you can’t go wrong with fairy lights. Add pictures of you and your friends with mini clothing pins! 

Dorm Window Upgrade

A large dorm room window upgraded to look like a French-type window using gaffer tape.

Source: teresa_jack

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Upgrade your boring windows with this easy project for people looking to class it up without tearing any walls down. All you need is some tape!

DIY Rainbow Headboard

A bed with a DIY rainbow headboard made of foam tubes wrapped in multi-colored fabrics, along with yellow throw pillows and a blanket.

Source: HGTV

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Headboards can make or break any bedroom. This one is a DIY project for you crafters who want to show off your skills and brighten your dorm!

DIY Crate Storage Bench

A dorm room with a DIY crate storage bench made of wooden storage crates, foam cushion, and printed fabric.

Source: _diythings

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No products found.

This DIY dorm room storage idea is perfect for any resident. Not only will you add some needed color to your space, but the bench also acts as storage. Check out this adorable pineapple patterned fabric we found on Amazon just for you! 

Magazine Wall

Source: @cute_dormroomideas

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Decorate your dorm with a magazine collage wall that will impress all your friends! It’s one of a kind. 

CD Window Project

A glass window adorned with CD wall art using blank CDs and acrylic paint.

Source: marsh.molly20

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CDs are great for window art! Students passing by will become your biggest admirers. 

Vibrant Chair Decal

A white modern chair with wooden legs, with the back adorned with removable yellow decal stickers.

Source: HGTV

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Transform a regular chair to a spotlight feature of your dorm room. You’re going to spend a lot of time studying, so you might as well enjoy the aesthetic! 

DIY Sticky Note College Calendar

A DIY college calendar made with multi-colored sticky notes, a large foamboard, and permanent marker for writing notes.

Source: HGTV

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College demands some organization. This DIY calendar is cute and will help you stay on track!

Chair Cushion Headboard

A DIY chair cushion headboard made using a gold-finish metal curtain rod and three aqua blue tufted seat cushions hung above the bed.

Source: HGTV

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Think outside the box with this DIY headboard alternative. All you need is a curtain rod and your favorite colored cushions. 

Christmas Tree Substitute

 

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A post shared by Réka Dörner (@gyongyvirag)

Source: @gyongyvirag

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Is your dorm too small for a Christmas tree, but you still want to celebrate? Use some Christmas lights and shape them into a festive decoration!

Light-up Flower Jars

 

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A post shared by Gil (@batistagilberta)

Source: @batistagilberta

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Find some fake flowers and fairy lights for this DIY dorm room decor idea. Upcycle your glass jars and get crafting. 

Ping-Pong Ball Lights

Source: Pinterest

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Instead of regular fairy lights, embrace your next crafting project with ping pong balls. The balls fit perfectly over most lights and will turn standard illumination into Hollywood magic. 

Not Your Average Cork Board

A round DIY corkboard made using several wine corks glued to a circular base and colored with different shades of acrylic paint.

Source: HGTV

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A circular tray, a bag of corks, and some paint are what you need for this project. You can ditch the ordinary brown cork board and get your craft on. 

Double the Glam Planter

A glammed up DIY planter made using gold spray paint on galvanized cylindrical metal hanging pots with a colored metal chain.

Source: HGTV

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Your DIY dorm room will benefit from these glamorous layered planters. Pink and gold is a classic combo that will make any room pop. 

Soup Can Turned Pencil Holder

Source: @majestis777

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Having the best DIY college decorating ideas is all about the details. Personalize your pen and pencil holder with this rustic-themed craft project. 

Painted Rainbow Dorm Doormat

A DIY dorm doormat made using a natural entry mat and multiple-color acrylic paints.

Source: HGTV

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Make an impression before anyone enters your dorm room. Paint a vibrant rainbow for everyone in the hall to enjoy as they pass by! Find a free pattern here.

Colored Shelves

DIY colored dorm room shelves made using a white four-tiered bookcase and colored adhesive film to line the shelf interiors.

Source: HGTV

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Transform any furniture item with wallpaper for a fun and unique addition to your dorm room. You can even spice up the provided furniture from your university!

Print Painted Pillows

A print-painted DIY pillow using a blank pillow case for a white canvas, black fabric paint, and fuchsia trimmings.

Source: HGTV

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Go solo or have your roommates join in on the fun. Use fabric paint to create a special decorative pillow for your bedding!

DIY String World Map

A bedroom with a DIY twine string world map framed and hung on a green wall, along with indoor plants, a lampshade, and a hot pink throw pillow.

Source: HGTV

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This homemade dorm room decor will take some time. But trust us. It’s worth the final result!

Vintage Book Planters

A DIY vintage book planter with the middle of the book cut using a fine-pointed blade and a succulent placed inside the cut portion.

Source: HGTV

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No products found.

These are the cutest planters we’ve ever come across. Make your own and add to a boho-themed dorm room!

Flying Hearts Above My Bed

A hearts curtain hung above the bed using twine strings and multiple-color construction and decorative papers.

Source: The Spruce

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We heart this DIY project for dorms. Spread the love everywhere this year!

Cereal Box Desk Dividers

DIY dividers using cereal boxes wrapped in various colors of decorative peel-and-stick wallpapers.

Source: I Heart Organizing

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Before you throw out any more cereal boxes, keep them for this fun DIY project. Repurposing them to help organize your desk drawers will save you time when finding everything you need so you can get studying!

LEGO Wire Organizers

Two LEGO figures placed strategically on the side of a desk, with their hands used to hold charger cables.

Source: Design Intuition

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Use LEGO figures to keep your wires from getting tangled. You’re never too old for LEGOs!

Sparkling Sheer Bed Canopy

Source: @decoretoo

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Create this stunning bed accessory meant for royalty! Just combine some fairy lights and sheer fabric, and you’re set. 

Dorm Sweet Dorm Sign

A dorm sweet dorm sign hung above the window of a dorm room, using black construction paper, silver marker, and twine string.

Source: DIY Network

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Use some bright metallic marker and black construction paper for this DIY dangling dorm decoration. Hang it up, and whenever you come back from a long day in class, you’ll feel right at home. 

Letters and Memories

Source: @verasweeney

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Print your favorite memories and then glue them to the letter of your first name. Go all black and white or colored, whichever gives you the best energy. 

DIY Hanging Pinboard

Source: @gurlcom

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We are suckers for any printed pinboard. Use your favorite pattern that matches your personal style and post those much-needed reminders. 

Cardboard and Yarn Wall Art

Source: Pinterest

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Finding materials for this DIY dorm decor is super easy. Use any cardboard or foam board as your base and find your preferred colored yarn. We highly recommend using a box cutter instead of scissors to cut out your wording. It’s way simpler, and you’ll have a better range of motion. 

Patterned Mirror

A DIY patterned mirror using mini square mirror tiles and Liquid Nails adhesive.

Source: @society19

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Regular mirrors are good, but this cool DIY mirror project is excellent. Use tiny mirrors to create one bigger one that will add some fabulous flair to feature. 

Are you feeling inspired yet? Time to get crafting!

Written by The Metamorphosis

The Metamorphosis is a lifestyle blog about the journey of college to adulting. Here you can find the tips for college, self-improvement, adulting, and more.

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