Dorm rooms: Most are old, institutional, and just plain dull. You’ll be living in this teeny, tiny space for the whole school year, and we’re sure you’ll want to do some decorating to make it your own. But most colleges have a lot of regulations regarding what you can put on your walls. No paint, no tacks, no nails—no fun! There are some easy ways to get around these restrictions to make your dorm a place you’ll want to come home to. We looked online and found some of the best wall décor for college students; everything is removable, reusable, or safe for room inspection. To avoid buyer’s remorse, be sure to review your own school’s rules before you invest in anything. (And one more thing about money: Always look for coupon codes and shipping deals for online purchases! A quick Google search can usually yield valuable discounts for well-known websites.)
Photo collage
Nothing says “college” like a wall plastered with your favorite photos. This is the college student classic! There are many ways to hang up your pics: You could create your own wallpaper by covering the entire surface, make a fun shape like a heart, or hang them up like laundry on a line. You can even use visually similar shots to create a sort of photo-wallpaper effect. Whatever you do, be sure to use a safe adhesive—like dorm tape or blue painter’s tape—to avoid any damage. You don’t want to ruin your photos or pay fees to repair your blistered walls at the end of the year!
Related: 5 Tips for Decorating Your Dorm to Help You Settle in at College
Wall decals and wallpaper
These dorm-safe stickers are easy to apply and remove from smooth walls, and they can often be reused after each application. Available on sites like Etsy, DormCo, and Fathead, wall decals can be decorative or functional—or both! Here are a few different options to inspire you:
Striking peel ‘n’ stick
Huge self-adhesive stickers are a great way to enhance a boring, white wall and show off your interests. Display your favorite animal, flower, or sports team—but the options extend beyond birds, poppies, and Gators, of course. There's a sticker for anything your heart desires if you look hard enough! Removable decals also make cool decorations for theme parties and holidays—think of a space-saving fake Christmas tree when you aren’t allowed to have the real thing.
Practical décor
You don’t have to hang a life-size Danny DeVito on your wall to make it prettier (but you could and it would be hilarious). These options are less overwhelming than those monster decals but just as ornamental while also serving a purpose. Sticky message boards and timepieces don’t require a screw or nail to hang on the wall; all you do is peel, stick, and use. So easy, attractive, and RA approved!
Rooms with a view
Window stickers are ideal if the view outside your dorm room—or lack thereof—leaves much to be desired. They could also dull the pain of homesickness with a familiar scene or help you escape to your happy place during a study session. Fathead offers a wide array of Instant Windows, but other online options may cater more to a college student's budget.
Temporary wallpaper
Removable wallpaper can add color to your dorm that looks permanent but easily peels away at the end of the school year. Use it to cover your entire space or just an accent wall. You can even create your own unique patterns with blank canvas wallpaper, made for the artist in you! Temporary paper can be pricey, but Dormify.com has some pretty good deals, regularly offering discount codes and free shipping on minimum purchases.
Related: Smart Ideas to Decorate and Save Space in Your College Dorm or Apartment
Paint swatches and samples
Paint chips are all over Pinterest! Those little swatches are free for the taking at home improvement stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot, and they can be used for a number of creative projects: accent walls, murals, arts and crafts...the list is as long and as captivating as a rainbow.
Rainbow rooms
These vibrant works of art make us want to run to Sherwin-Williams and steal every paint sample they have! Your rainbow wall can be as big or as small as you like. All it takes is some patience and creativity to customize this project for rooms of all shapes and sizes.
Funky patterns
You don’t have to restrict your paint-sample wall art to rainbows. Patterns like chevron, stripes, or polka dots can spice up any free space and take a lot less planning and fewer swatches than a fully covered wall. You could also create a mosaic design if you’re feeling really inspired!
DIY paint-chip crafts
Paint samples can also be used for fun little projects that you can transport home after you take them down—just don’t make holes in the walls to hang them up! Display your one-of-a-kind paint-chip picture, calendar, or garland using Command hooks or the like. They stay on the wall using a self-adhesive strip and easily come off without any residue. And they can hold up to a few pounds—perfect for a small canvas or picture frame!
Related: The Most Important Things You Need for Your Dorm Room
Sure, there are a lot of limitations to what you're allowed to do to decorate your dorm room, but there are also a lot of creative solutions you can turn to that are absolutely okay. With a little research and some brainstorming using these ideas, you can turn your dorm into a fun little oasis that any of your new campus friends will want to visit—and you'll feel comfortable living in all year round.
Making your room a comfortable place to come home to isn't the only way to help you ease into college life. Check out some expert answers to the common question: How Can I Make the Transition to College Easier?
