Yes, it's dorm

Apr 16, 2024

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Decorating a temporary pad for the school year has its challenges when it comes to setting up and personalizing a space

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We may be only halfway through summer, and the kids are still having fun at camps and backyard get-togethers, but it’s time for parents to start thinking about back to school.

Sending a child off to college or university for the first time is stressful for both parties involved — well, maybe more for parents.

So, it’s nice to know you’ve helped set up your child for success in a functional and stylish dorm room or apartment.

It seems easy-peasy, but certain necessities make all the difference so students feel like they have a home while away from home.

Don’t wait to scramble until the last minute! I’ve gathered decorating tips that keep a space tidy and organized, ensure optimal sleep and reflect the comforts of home. Have fun, kids. Behave, and we’ll see you at Thanksgiving.

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Wall them with style

Decorating a temporary pad for the school year has its challenges when it comes to setting up and personalizing a space. Many dorm facilities and landlords don’t allow nails in the wall, painting walls a favourite colour or even adding curtain rods and draperies.

But I’ve got work-around solutions to such decorating basics. The best way to improve a cinderblock wall in a dorm room is to cover it. Large bulletin boards handily allow the occupant to pin up magazine pages, visual inspirations, sports calendars and anything else that makes them feel at home.

Inexpensive art is also a great way to make a place feel homey and give it personality. Since making holes in the wall are verboten, duct tape isn’t the only solution; there is a better designer-approved way that will keep the landlord happy.

Stock up on damage-free picture-hanging strips and utility hooks. Some of the new 3M strips and hooks hold up to 20 pounds, are easy to install and the beauty is they will not damage the walls when removed. Take that landlords!

Want to add colour and pattern to a room? If wallpaper is not allowed, try using a few Command Heavyweight Hooks (also by 3M) and hang a decorative quilt, drapery or fabric panel — it will hide bland, beige walls while adding soft folds, pattern and colour. At the end of the school year simply launder, fold and store it until the next school year.

Make their bed

The focus of any dorm room is the bed. A good night’s sleep is a must after late-night studying (and other things – insert raised eyebrow) so the bed is important.

It’s also the largest piece of furniture in the room, so the bedding itself can help dictate a decorating style through colour. Slightly deeper colours with pattern are great choices as they can hide coffee stains until wash day, a.k.a. that large laundry bag that returns home on Thanksgiving weekend.

Tip: to ensure easy care, look for bedding that has a small percentage of synthetic fibre. It will help reduce wrinkles when coming out of the dryer and it’s slightly more resistant to stains and fading.

And don’t forget, size matters! Dorm rooms come furnished with a twin-XL sized bed. That’s five inches longer than a regular twin bed. Ensure you purchase the correct sheet sets and comforters.

I always recommend a large Euro pillow. It’s perfect for supporting study nights while sitting up in bed and it makes a good floor pillow when friends visit.

Keep ’em organized

Organization is essential in a tiny space. Dorm rooms generally provide a small bookcase, a few drawers and a closet, which is often shared with a roommate. To expand storage, I always suggest looking to the closet.

Fabric hanging shelves can organize folded items such as T-shirts, pants and socks and use minimal rod space while offering maximum shelf space. (Does anyone actually use hangers when in school?)

Also, look for over-the-door hooks and storage baskets — they’re great at keeping knapsacks, scarves and belts off the floor. If providing your own bed, look for one that has drawers underneath it or that hydraulically lifts to expose a mattress-sized area for storage.

Is there a desk already in the room? Add a desktop credenza to it to hold books, papers and tech supplies so they are directly at hand for school projects.

Shall we even attempt to deal with first-year student laundry? How about eco-disposable clothes students can wear and flush — or pre-labelled UPS containers, so they can ship the dirt home to be washed by you-know-who?

Do you have a decor dilemma or want more decor inspiration? Follow Karl on Instagram at Karl_ Lohnes .

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