Dorm Room Wall Decor – Decoration Ideas

Are you moving into the college dorms? It is an exciting time and you should enjoy every moment. The first day you step into the dorms, it will be exciting, and probably exhausting, because you are moving all your life to that small room. But, at some point, you will be somewhat disappointed at the looks of the dorm room.

The resident hall might be highly decorated and look beautiful, but your dorm room will be dull space. Do not be disappointed. A few design elements can turn a plain dorm room, into a fun and relaxing space for you.

Dorm Room Wall Decor Ideas

Adding elements to the wall can make your space look cozier and more similar to your home. Here are a few options that fit most budgets:

Option1: Canvas

Consider a large canvas or a series of small canvas for the largest wall in your dorm room. There are tons of options online, and they can be very affordable. Think about a general theme that you would like to highlight with a canvas:  your home town, hobbies, your favorite vacation spot, a piece of art, etc. Below I picked a few beautiful options I found online (for less than $50):

Canvas: Wieco Art Brooklyn Bridge Night View 5 Panels

Wieco Art Brooklyn Bridge Night View 5 Panels

Canvas: Wall Art Abstract Sunrise and Sunset and Nature Setting- Framed

These canvas sets do not have to be hanged in a symmetrical fashion, be creative and place them in a pattern.

Wall Art Canvas Decor sea Black and White Deer 3 piece 12"x16"

Option 2: Posters

There are millions of designs for posters. Follow the same advice fro the canvas and find a few that fit your taste match a theme. Here are a few interesting ones (under $25) I found online:

A bit of humor and a great view
A summer-themed option
Volkwagen Surfer Pink Kombi Van Vintage Car
Motivational Posters
Motivational Posters For Classroom Decor

Option 3: Peel and Stick Wallpaper

I had no idea this was on option when I was in college and I wish I knew. Peel and stick wallpaper does not damage walls, it stays on if stalled properly and it w=can be very affordable. Do not try to cover your whole dorm with wallpaper, but maybe add a section of color or add some to make it look like a headboard for your bed. Here are a few designs I found online, for under $20 you can cover a decent area and create an accents design.

 Blue Distressed Wood Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Classic wood design
Trellis Removable Wallpaper Trellis Wall Paper Trellis Peel and Stick Wallpaper
A pattern design
Mediterranian Tile Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Perfect for the Mediterranean theme
Dark Blue Brick Peel and Stick Wallpaper - Brick Wallpaper
Dark blue wallpaper with a brick design
A darker palette
Black Silk Wallpaper Embossed Self Adhesive Peel and Stick Wallpaper

Option 4: Photos and Photo Frames

You probably brought some pictures from home when you moved it. You can put them in an album or actually display them on your walls. If your photos are of standard size, you can get simple photo frames in the dollar store or Walmart. If you are considering some more interesting frames or display options, here are a few ideas:

Wood Picture Photo Frame for Wall Decor
Similar to a photo frame, but a 30 picture display with clips
A photo collage frame with a letter board
Customizable Letter Board with 8-Opening Photo Collage

Option 5: Hanging Greenery

You can’t take care of pets in your dorm room, but you can still add some life with plants. Observe for a few days how much light you get through your window and consider the weather. Then pick a few plants that need minimal care, but can brighten your room.

You can pick regular pots and place them on your desk or next to a window. or you can buy a few hanging pots to use as extra decoration. Ideas under 25 dollars:

Woven Hanging Planter
Set of 2 Hanging Baskets
Geometrical Hangers with Pots

Dorm Room Wall Decor Ideas

I hope you liked this dorm wall decoration ideas. Sometimes you have to think of decorating vertically to save space. Dorm rooms have such small footprints, you gotta take advantage of every single inch.

If you are still debating between housing options for college, you might be interested in this article: