25 DIY Ideas for the Best Dorm Room Decor

Dorm rooms can feel pretty dull, right? But considering how much time you’ll spend there, it’s important to make it a space that feels like you. The good news is, you don’t need to spend a lot of money or make any permanent changes to create a cozy, inspiring environment. Here are some fun and easy DIY ideas to transform your dorm room on a budget. Let’s get started!

Display Your Instagram Feed

Show off your Instagram photos by printing them out and creating a wall collage. Use washi tape to stick them up in a grid pattern. No nails needed!

Instagram Wall Collage from 100 Layer Cake

Decorate with Pom Poms and Sequins

Don’t take dorm décor too seriously. Add some playful elements like pom poms or sequins to your space. You can find free art prints online and jazz them up for some unique wall art.

DIY Five-Minute Art Print Frame from Minted 

Add Greenery with Wall Planters

Even if your dorm lacks natural light, you can still enjoy some greenery. Create a wall planter for easy-to-care-for succulents. They’ll add life to your room and are pretty low maintenance.

DIY Succulent Wall Planter from The House That Lars Built

Make Faux Succulents

If you’re not great with plants, make some faux succulents out of felt. You’ll get the look without any of the upkeep!

Easy DIY Felt Succulents from The Spruce

DIY a Stylish Laundry Hamper

Turn your laundry hamper into a piece of décor. Choose a design that blends with your room so it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb.

DIY Laundry Hamper from Sugar Bee Crafts

Transform a Basket into a Nightstand

Use a geometric wastebasket and a piece of wood to create a lightweight, functional end table. It’s a budget-friendly option that won’t take up too much space.

DIY Wire Basket Side Table from Oleander and Palm

Update Pillows with New Cases

Add texture and interest to your room with throw pillows. Mix different fabrics and patterns. You can even make your own pillowcases using materials like denim and a bleach pen.

How to Make a Patterned Pillow Cover from The Spruce

DIY a Desk

Instead of bringing a bulky desk from home, make a streamlined one that fits your dorm perfectly. It’ll be more stylish and space-efficient.

DIY Desk Under $60 from Pretty Providence

Cover a Lampshade with Fabric

Brighten up a plain lampshade by covering it with a fun fabric that matches your room’s décor. It’s an easy way to add some personality.

Cover a Lampshade in 5 Easy Steps from The Caldwell Project

Create Wall Art with Wrapping Paper

Turn leftover wrapping paper into wall art. Choose a sturdy paper, cut it to size, and attach it to firring strips. It’s a super budget-friendly way to decorate.

Pull Down Wall Hanging DIY from Making Home Base

Hang Photos with Thread

Why not fill a big, blank wall with your favorite photos? You can print them all in black and white or use the same filter for a cohesive look. Then, hang them up with some thread to create a cool photo display.

DIY Family Photo Wall Hanging from The Sweetest Occasion

Personalize a Cork Board

Instead of buying an expensive bulletin board, make your own! Get a piece of cork, cut it to size, and add some style with string or other materials. It’s perfect for pinning important papers without using push pins.

DIY Cork Board Frame and Organizer from Craftaholics Anonymous 

Add Personality to Storage Hooks

Organization is key in a small space like a dorm. Make your wall hooks more fun by creating your own with polymer clay. They’ll be both functional and stylish.

Decorative Geo Wall Hooks from We Are Scout

Add Boho Vibes with Macrame

Learn some basic macrame knots and create a wall hanging or a planter. It’s a minimal investment for a lot of style.

DIY Macrame Wall Hanging from Classy Clutter

Make a Modern Clock

Craft a giant modern clock for your wall. It’s a nod to traditional school clocks but with a contemporary twist.

DIY Giant Modern Clock from Hello Lidy

Create a No-Sew Rope Basket

Keep your supplies organized with a stylish rope basket. No sewing required! It’s a cute and functional addition to your dorm.

Easy, Stylish DIY Rope Basket from The Spruce

Weave a Colorful Rug

If you’re feeling crafty, try weaving a small, bright rug. It’s a bit more advanced, but the result is worth it.

DIY Positive Vibes Rug from Poppytalk

Paint Storage Boxes

Organize your papers and supplies with wooden storage boxes. Add geometric designs with acrylic paint to make them decorative as well as functional.

DIY Painted Storage Boxes from Sarah Hearts

Make a Washi Tape Wall Mural

Create a removable wall mural with washi tape. Use different colors to create a confetti effect. Just be prepared to take it down when you move out.

Confetti Mural Using Washi Tape from Freckle and Flair

Use Garden Mesh for a Memo Board

Turn garden mesh into a bulletin board. It’ll keep your schoolwork organized and serve as a modern piece of wall art.

DIY Storage Grid from Burkatron

Craft an Inspirational Letter Board

Make a felt letter board for motivational messages. It might cost around $40, but it’s a fun and inspirational addition to your wall.

DIY Felt Letter Board from Earnest Home Co

Spell Out Words with Floral and Wire

Create a short mantra using wire and faux flowers. It’s a pretty and playful way to decorate your space.

DIY Floral and Wire Words from Lovely Indeed

Add Floating Shelves

If you can use nails, make some faux floating shelves. They’ll give you extra space for décor without taking up too much room.

Easy Faux DIY Floating Shelves from A Piece of Rainbow

Turn Gift Bags into Wall Art

If you love the pattern on a gift bag, turn it into wall art. It’s a creative and cost-effective way to decorate.

DIY Wall Art From a Gift Bag from The Craft Patch

Decorate a Ceiling Fan with Washi Tape

Brighten up your ceiling fan with washi tape in geometric patterns. It’s a simple update that’s easy to remove when you move out.

Chevron Pattern Fan Blades from Design*Sponge

Happy decorating! These ideas will help you create a dorm room that’s as vibrant and unique as you are.