No it’s not diy Sunday but, ‘tis the season for heading back to campus. So what better time than now to craft up a few super easy and quick(ish) décor ideas that will really make your dorm room the envy of everyone in your quad. Let’s get into 10 easy dorm decor diy’s!
Most of these projects will take about an hour to complete. Some may take a bit longer, so before you have to start cramming for mid-terms, let’s get crackin! I included links to full instruction videos for the projects that might need a bit more explanation. Side note, I do not have affiliate agreements with any of the sites. I chose them because I love their content or I use their services myself.
10 Easy Dorm Decor DIY’s, Project 1: Gallery Frame
This project is great when you want to change out pictures to update your dorm décor. It’s a really awesome way to bring your digital photos into the analog world. You’ll need:
An old picture frame (Check the attic or basement… Or thrift store, baby!)
Twine
Command Hooks
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Mini clothespins (Dollar Tree)
Pictures from your socials
You want the bare frame for this project, no glass or picture backing necessary. Flip the frame over and cut 3 strings slightly wider than the width of the frame. Position the first twine string where you want it to be, approx. 1/3 of the way down for the top. Glue one end and then the other making it tight but not too tight. (If you can tune your frame like a guitar it’s too tight, just sayin’.) Repeat with the other two strings. Now attach your command strips making sure to use enough to support the weight of the frame. Flip it back over and clip your photos onto the stings with the mini clothespins. Hang it on your wall. For an added effect, string some battery operated led lights around the frame or just inside the frame to give your pictures some illuminated pizazz! Done.
10 Easy Dorm Decor DIY’s, Project 2: Picture Pillows
Bring a little bit of home with you to school. This is a really fun way to bring your four legged best friend with you to school. This nifty project involves some “Photo Magic” from Mod Podge and a picture that you want to transfer onto a piece of fabric. You can make pillows, tee-shirts, blankets, you name it. If it’s fabric, you can transfer the images onto it. To see how this is done, click the picture and you’ll be transported by the magic of the interwebs to a fun tutorial by Cathie and Steve.
10 Easy Dorm Decor DIY’s, Project 3: Word Art Print
I love this one! It’s very minimalist and completely customizable. You can use Canva for this one. Canva is a free site that allows you to create custom graphics that you can down load on your computer to print or post elsewhere online. (I do most of my graphics on Canva and I love it!) You can choose whatever stock size print you want to create. They have tons of templates to choose from and you can even enter a custom size if you want. They also have lot’s of stock graphics if you want to jazz up your word art. Click the picture to sign up for a free account and start designing!
10 Easy Dorm Decor DIY’s, Project 4: World Cork Board
This one’s been heating up the internet all summer and probably before. The world map corkboard is a great way to bring a bit of everywhere with you when you’re off to school. Dream about where you want to visit or mark the places that you’ve been. Or, use it as a reminder station or vision board. It’s a great way to add some organization to your space. You can make this as big or as small as you want. Use some command strips to put it up so you don’t damage your wall. Wanna make it? Click the picture to get the full instructions from youngandcraftysisters.com
10 Easy Dorm Decor DIY’s, Project 5: Chalk Paint Message Board
Back in the days before cell phones we used to communicate with one another by writing messages on little sign boards that we hung from our dorm room doors. It may seem a bit old timey now, but I still think that you can make this work. If nothing else, it’s a great way to let new friends know where your room is by writing your name on it. Write a quote of the day or motivational saying. Plus, here’s a reason to use chalk board paint! Everything is better with chalk board paint!
Visit the craft store and head down the isle that has the wood letters and shapes. There are tons of fun marquee style shapes. If you’re good with using power tools you can cut a shape of your own design with a jigsaw. Give it a coat of primer and then top it off with a couple coats of chalk board paint and embellish it with silk flowers or give it a Lego frame if you want. Stick some command hooks on the back and put it on your door!
10 Easy Dorm Decor DIY’s, Project 6: Cloud Lamp
Yep, that’s right, cloud lamp. Now this is not a task style lamp where you can turn it on and study till the wee hours of the morning. No, this is more ambient/mood lighting. This is to add a bit of whimsy to your space and to bring the vibe down to chill. Put your favorite music on and hang with some friends and marvel at the pretty glow of your cloud lamp. To see exactly how to make this little number, click the picture and you’ll be transported to a short video on Cotton Handy’s website that explains how to make one for yourself.
10 Easy Dorm Decor DIY’s, Project 7: Yarn Tapesty
There is just something about a boho vibe for a college dorm that just feels right, don’t you think? Well, if you agree, then you’re going to love this super simple but visually beautiful diy. The boho yarn tapestry is all the rage as of late and I can’t get enough! This is one of those projects that can be super organic or super contemporary depending on the materials you use. This one is very boho chic but I’ve come across a few out there that are really contemporary with metal accents and metallic yarns. You can add beads to them, play with different thicknesses of threads or tapestry materials. If you want to see how this style was created, click the picture to visit Jeran over at Oleander + Palm to get the full skinny on how it’s done.
10 Easy Dorm Decor DIY’s, Project 8: Tin Can Cactus Planters
This one is one of the easiest projects on this list. Soup cans, glue and twine. It’s also a great way to reuse a tin can that could end up in a landfill otherwise. Not only are you making a thing of beauty for your room but you’re saving the planet too! Good Job!
The hardest part of this one is choosing a plant to put in your tin planter. So I’m gonna concentrate on telling you how to plant your little planters and leave the tutorial for this one up to Gardenoholic. Just click the picture to see the full tutorial.
For the Plants:
Choose smaller plants like little cacti and succulents.
Place some loose stones in the bottom of the can for drainage, about 1/3 of the way up.
Best to use Miracle-Gro Cactus Palm and Citrus Soil for the best results. Find that at your home improvement store or garden center.
Fill the tin with the soil and remove the plant from the plastic store planter.
Gently break up the root system and plant the cactus or succulent in the soil.
Give it some water so that the soil is wet and cover the exposed top soil with some decorative stones or moss to give it some style!
10 Easy Dorm Decor DIY’s, Project 9: PVC Pipe Desk Organizer
This desk organizer is so chic and beautiful. Its also quite pricy to buy form stores. I’ve seen this design go for $50.00 or more depending on what it’s made from. This one is made from pvc pipe, which you can find at your local home improvement center for quite inexpensive. With a bit of paint and some office type stuff to put in it, you’ll have a visually appealing way to store the items you’ll use everyday. Don’t take my word for it, here’s a quick video tutorial from Shannon Petrie at HGTV to give you the low down.
10 Easy Dorm Decor DIY’s, Project 10: Pom Pom Rug
Just imaging how happy your tootsies will be every morning when you step out of bed onto this super soft and fluffy pom pom rug. OMG, Becky! This one’s gonna take a minute to make, so plan on spending a few hours wrapping yarn around some cardboard. (Binge watch Game of Thrones and you’ll have it done in no time flat!) It’s not a difficult project and you can make it any color(s) you want. The end result is heaven for your feet, literally! Check out Homesthetics to see how you can make this rug and other pom pom items that will make your dorm personalized and super cozy for this coming year!
There you have it! 10 easy dorm decor diy’s! I’d love to hear what you think of these projects and, as always, let me know if you’ve tried them out for yourself. If you liked this post make sure to give it a thumbs up and share it with your friends, your kids or friend’s kids, etc! And, if you haven’t subscribed yet, do that by clicking the green button in my blog signature. I’m getting closer every week to the launch of my newsletter. Sign up today to be one of the first ones to get the inaugural issue on September 5, 2017…It’s right around the corner! You’ll be the first to know about behind the scenes happenings at MH Interiors, awesome diy’s, plus tips and tricks for creating a home you’ll love and so much more! Each issue will be packed with all my best ideas that I only share with my subscribers. Get on the list, click that green subscribe button below! Until next week my friends, stay fabulous!
Michael is Principal designer and blogger at Michael Helwig Interiors in beautiful Buffalo, New York. Since 2011, he’s a space planning expert, offering online interior e-design services for folks living in small homes, or for those with awkward and tricky layouts. He’s a frequent expert contributor to many National media publications and news outlets on topics related to decorating, interior design, diy projects, and more. Michael happily shares his experience to help folks avoid expensive mistakes and decorating disappointments. You can follow him on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook @interiorsmh.
