Easy DIY projects to glam up your dorm decor

It’s that time of year again, when thousands of college students are back to school. Whether a dorm room is shared by a single roommate or many, there are ways to make one’s dorm room unique and special without breaking the bank.

Here are some easy DIY ideas, guaranteed to glam up any dorm decor.

Many college students arrive wanting and needing a sense of “home.” One creative idea is to create a large collage with treasured photographs.

Instructions:

Purchase a large picture frame. You can choose to hang one large frame or several in a series.

Choose the photographs you wish to display.

Group the photos in a creative way. One option is to place on a colorful background, made using construction paper, wallpaper or gift wrap. Glue photographs on background.

Even though it may be someone else’s dorm room next year, there is nothing wrong with infusing a little bit of personality of your own while the room is yours. While painting is an affordable and easy way to add temporary color and personality (if allowed), removable wall stickers are one of the hottest trends in wall decor right now. From basic designs to the elaborate, they can truly be the design highlight of any dorm room.

While I am sure your dorm room will come with its own desk, there is nothing wrong with creating a study area to reflect your own design, taste and personality. From refinishing a desk purchased at a thrift store to painting or lacquering a raw piece of wood and placing in on a decorative base, there are lots of ways to jazz up study time.

This is one of our favorite DIY projects ever.

Instructions:

Purchase fabric double the width of your enclosure opening.

Purchase a grommet gun; these both punch holes and insert grommets.

Fold your fabric on the bottom at the desired length and add tiny weights if desired.

Place fusing tape in between your hem.

Use a steam iron (on steam setting) and place on top of hem, causing the fusion tape to melt and create your closed hem.

Hang on a basic tension rod.

Toss pillows are relatively affordable, and the right pattern and or color can really add impact to a space. If you want a budget, craft-friendly idea, why not make toss pillows from affordable scarves?

Instructions:

Take two scarves of equal size.

Face your scarves toward each other with the side you want to expose on the inside.

Place fusion tape around three sides.

Use a steam iron (on steam setting) and place on top of hem, causing the fusion tape to melt and create your closed hem.

Stuff your pillow with batting or with a down insert.

Close the fourth side by hand using a hand stitch.

Not sure what to do with those books from last semester? Covering hardcover books with beautiful printed or decorative patterned paper is a great way to display books and incorporate a decorative element into your decor at the same time.

Shadow boxes are such a beautiful way to display mementos and even items that you may have thought about packing away for good. Postcards, treasured photos, ticket stubs and the like all work well with multi-dimensional items such as buttons, coins, souvenirs and mementos.

Instructions:

Purchase frames with an inset at least 1 inch deep.

Open the frame, leaving the original matting in place.

Place your decorative items in the center of the frame (on paper within the borders of the matting).

Adhere decorate items to paper using a glue gun.

Close frame.

Instead of framed posters, framing wallpaper or fabric can add instant color, texture and interest. Nearly all retailers that sell wallpaper allow potential buyers to take home free samples. The sample sizes are usually substantial in size and perfect for framing. Fabric can be purchased in small quantities, or grab something from the discount bin.

Whether it’s a way to post a visual reminder about an upcoming test or leave a note for your roommate that it’s time for them to do the laundry, tackboards are a functional dorm staple.

Instructions:

Purchase a cork board,.

Wrap cork board with batting.

Cover in a bright, bold fabric.

Criss-cross your favorite ribbon using an alternating pattern.

Add upholstery tack pins.

Hang.

Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design home staging expert and short-term rental/vacation home designer with offices in New York City and The Hudson Valley. Contact her at info@cathyhobbs.com or visit her website at cathyhobbs.com.