8 Common Dorm Decorating Mistakes That Make Pros Cringe
Choose the best decor and organizing solutions for any dorm room layout.
While starting college is an exciting time, you and your kid might feel uneasy about dorm room decorating, which is completely normal. To help you out, we tapped a few professional interior designers to share the most common dorm room decorating mistakes to avoid at all costs.
Use their advice to shop for the perfect mix of decor options and organizing solutions while there’s still time. After all, as a parent, all you want is to help your college kid design a space that’s equal parts stylish and functional. It’s one of the best ways to set them up for a successful school year.
Overlooking vertical space
“Dorm rooms have a very limited footprint, so one of the biggest missed opportunities is the walls,” says designer Beth Diana Smith. “Shelving, over-the-door organizers, and hooks help maximize every inch without taking up valuable floor space.”
Ignoring lighting
Don’t settle for harsh overhead lighting, since it’s easy to “change the way the room feels by adding in lamps on your desk and bedside,” says designer Ashley DeLapp. “It’s a great way to create different lighting levels, while also adding some color.” She also recommends buying a few warm-toned bulbs to enhance the room’s cozy feel.
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Prioritizing function over cohesion
If you’re not careful, your college kid can accumulate unnecessary storage solutions that waste money and space. They can detract from a room’s visual appeal, too. “Consider how they work together visually,” Diana Smith says. “While storage is essential, too many mismatched pieces can make a small room feel cluttered and chaotic.” She suggests buying the same style of organizers for a cohesive look.
Using a rug that’s too small
“A tiny rug looks like a postage stamp and visually clutters the space and shrinks an already small room,” says DeLapp. Her trick for picking the perfect size? “Choose a rug large enough to anchor both beds,” she says. Plus, it can help mask unsightly flooring and add personality to the room, she adds.
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Not considering dimensions
Whether you’re shopping for storage solutions or rugs, Diana Smith recommends spending wisely to ensure you’re choosing the best styles for your kid’s dorm room layout. “Wait until you've seen the space, or at least confirmed the room's dimensions, which can help you avoid buying pieces that don't fit or aren't actually needed,” she shares.
Forgetting to raise the bed
If there’s one dorm room task you should prioritize, it’s lofting the bed. Many retailers sell lofting kits and adjustable bed risers to make the set-up process easy. “Remember to loft your bed for extra storage space—it’s a great place for your dresser or futon,” DeLapp says.
Failing to make it cozy
Every college kid deserves a room that feels like an escape after a long day of classes. “To create a more comfortable environment, invest in a good mattress topper, a throw blanket, and at least one accent pillow,” DeLapp says. “The bed(s) usually takes up the most visual space, so make it a focal point, not an eyesore.”
Choosing unattractive storage
“Plastic bins are the easy go-to in dorm rooms, but there are more attractive options available,” says DeLapp, who prefers styles like metal rolling carts, woven rattan baskets, and storage ottomans. Any piece you choose should be “functional and blend in with your decor.”
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
