13 Budget Dorm Room Decorating Ideas

Want a decked-out dorm room for not a lot of cash? It's easier than you think. Try out these quick tips and hacks for stylish, budget-friendly decor everyone will want.

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August 26, 2015

By: Kayla Kitts

Show: HGTV Crafternoon

Related To:

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Photo By: Jennie Andrews Photography

Rearrange the Room

Before you do anything, rearrange your dorm room furniture. Here, the previous arrangement blocked the windows and didn't provide as much floor space. We moved the dressers and wardrobes against the walls to bring in as much natural light as possible. Move things around until you get the perfect configuration for you and your roommate, then decorate your heart out.

Layer Inexpensive Rugs

If you've done any rug shopping, you know they can be super pricey. Dress cold, bare floors with indoor-outdoor rugs that are inexpensive and hold up to a lot of traffic and spills. Here, we layered a black polypropylene rug on top of a larger sisal rug to add style and texture to the space.

Use Scarves as Curtains

Dress up windows with affordable window treatments made from pretty scarves looped over a simple dowel rod attached from the ceiling with removable hooks. Secure the window treatments in place with a loop of leather cording.

Spice Up Furniture With Removable Wallpaper

Dorm room furniture can be pretty plain, but there's a quick solution — removable wallpaper! From the top of the desk to the storage units to the front of the air conditioner, we brought these pieces a dose of style on a budget. Get the step-by-step instructions >>

Pretty-Up Appliances

Give your MicroFridge some personality with strips of washi tape and a chalkboard decal to keep track of your grocery list.

Build Your Own Storage

Short on storage? Try this DIY shelf hack. We turned two wall shelves into a mobile coffee table by adding two sets of casters and mending plates. It can hold makeup, games, craft supplies and more! And when you need more space, you can simply roll it under the bed. Get the step-by-step instructions >>

Make a Big (Budget!) Impact

You can't paint, but you can use a big wall to make a big impact. We painted cork hexagons in our color palette to create an abstract art installation that doesn't break the bank. Get the step-by-step instructions >>

Frame Cute Paper

Look for wall art anywhere and everywhere, starting with your school supplies. We found this geometric notebook divider in the office supply section for less than $1. It looks super sweet in a frame, right?

Skip the Frames

Think outside the frame. Use clips, washi tape and a decorative clipboard to showcase your favorite works of art.

Use Thrift Store Finds

Scour thrift stores or even your parents' house for items you can simply dress up with a coat of paint. This hanging terra-cotta planter was refreshed with blue paint and rope. Get the step-by-step instructions >>

Pieces From Home

Save money by bringing items from home and restyling them in a fresh, new way. Sometimes your old pieces just need to be paired with a few new things to feel refreshed.

No More Mesh Hamper

Skip the store-bought hamper and save space with this hanging no-sew version made from a pillowcase and embroidery hoop. Get the step-by-step instructions >>

Display Your Style

Put your style on display by taking your favorite items and hanging them in blank spaces around the room. Your vintage handbag instantly becomes a work of art.

HGTV Crafternoon

13 Budget Dorm Room Decorating Ideas

Related To:

Shop This Look

Rearrange the Room

Layer Inexpensive Rugs

Use Scarves as Curtains

Spice Up Furniture With Removable Wallpaper

Pretty-Up Appliances

Build Your Own Storage

Make a Big (Budget!) Impact

Frame Cute Paper

Skip the Frames

Use Thrift Store Finds

Pieces From Home

No More Mesh Hamper

Display Your Style

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