Transforming your dorm room into a home away from home can be tough when you’re watching every penny. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to stretch your budget so you have money left over for books and fun! Today, meori shares some great ideas for creating a cozy space that promotes your studies and your social life – without overspending.

Choose a Great Color Scheme

Dorm rooms tend to be tight on space, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be big on style! Start by getting some decor ideas from the experts so that you have an overall idea of what you’re going for. From there, as College Fashion points out, the colors you select can pack a punch, whether you go with all neutrals or aim for high drama with primary hues. You might hang a well-chosen tapestry as your headboard and let that suggest your color scheme selections, or perhaps you’ll pay homage to your alma mater with whatever you choose.

Keep in mind that in a small space, too many colors can make it feel cramped. A few large decorative items will feel less imposing than a lot of little ones, and the more you can hide your organization, the better! Underbed boxes and seats that double as storage (or trunks that double as seats!) make the most of your space without cluttering up your dorm.

Get Organized

Keeping track of your school and personal stuff is a must, and when you’re in a small space that you share with others, it’s all the more important. At the same time, you want it to offer ample eye-appeal. House Beautiful notes there are plenty of smart organizational smart organizational solutions that are also affordable, from racks that slide over your door to shelving units that frame your mattress.

And don’t forget about the necessity for a desk, something no dorm room should go without. It’s important for the student to have a good workspace, so look into models that not only will fit in the room but are durable and ergonomic. Some of the best work of all time has been done in dorm rooms – look no further than Bill Gates and Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page.

There are also some creative alternative solutions you can employ, like tension rods that become shoe racks and a jewelry organizer from an old bulletin board. If you’re really feeling handy, you can even make your own shelving unit for under $75, then paint it to match your decor!

In addition to organizing the layout of your dorm, see what you can do about organizing the feel of it, as well. In other words, try to be consciously aware of your emotional state, and gently steer yourself toward positive thinking. Healthy eating and exercise help a lot, too, and will go a long way toward making a living space that’s conducive to happiness and efficiency.

Temporary Touches Complete the Look

Since you don’t own your space, it’s important not to make permanent changes your college will ding you for. Thankfully, there are lots of low-cost ways to beautify your room that are also temporary. For example, washi tape can bring color, pattern, and texture to all sorts of items throughout your space, from your notebooks to your wall pockets.

If you don’t have anything over the head of your bed, that space can be pretty empty looking. Why not make your own headboard? Some plywood, basic hardware, fabric, and batting, and you can have an upholstered headboard, customized to your sense of taste without digging deep into your wallet.

Another idea is to make posters featuring your favorite photographs for your own personal touch. Create it with images from good times with friends, spell your name, use favorite fabrics. The possibilities are nearly endless! Consider what would be fun to work with and feel special to you, and do some crafting. It’s an inexpensive way to add little temporary touches that make a big difference in the look of your room.

Is your dorm room looking a little drab? Making a personalized space in your dorm can feel pretty challenging, especially if you’re being careful with your money. Be creative in your ideas, spending, and execution, and you’ll have a room that’s ideal for studying, sleeping, and socializing!

meori is a family-owned business that’s here to help you simplify your life. Let us know if you have any questions! Need the right storage solutions to organize your home? We’ve got you covered. Browse our online store today to start shopping.