21 Small Dorm Room Ideas:
A Guide to Saving Space in Style

Is your new dorm room a little smaller than expected? Don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to make the most of your compact space and make it feel like home. Learn how to maximize your space and add in comfort with some of our favorite small dorm room ideas.

1. Loft Your Bed

Free up more space in your dorm room by lofting your bed. You can create a study area with a table and chair, or store seating for when your new neighbors stop by to say hello. Access the dorm room layout ahead of time to see if you can move the beds into an L-shaped arrangement for extra space.

2. Bring Light Into Your Space

Adding lamps and twinkle lights around your room can brighten up the space and make it feel larger, especially if you don’t get a lot of natural light. You can hang twinkle lights from your ceiling or around the edges of the room.

3. Use No Nails Shelving

Use the wall space to your advantage by adding no nail shelves around your room. You’ll want to avoid drilling holes into your wall so you aren’t charged dorm maintenance fees at the end of the school year. Shelves can be great spots to hold books, plants and other cute dorm decorations.

4. Utilize Vertical Space

When living in less square footage, use vertical space to your advantage. Over-the-door shoe racks or tall cubby bookcases are useful for creating more needed storage.

5. Picture This: A Photo Wall

A photo wall can be a great way to remember your family and friends from home while celebrating the new friendships you’ve made. Print out some of your favorite photos and pick out some empty wall space to put together a photo collage. Keep the collage simple to avoid making your room feel cluttered and closed-in.

6. Utilize Under-bed Storage

Add risers to the legs of your bed to create extra storage space underneath. Use under-bed bins for storing clothes and snacks.

7. Provide Shade With Window Coverings

Your dorm windows may have plastic or metal blinds already in place, but adding some light window drapes will help make the space feel homier. Keep the space light and airy with neutral shades. 

Have afternoon classes and want to sleep in? Use blackout dorm curtains to block out unwanted sunlight.

8. Hang a Mirror on the Wall

Hanging a full-length mirror on the wall will make the room feel larger. Plus, it’s perfect for last-minute outfit checks before heading out for a day of classes.

9. Roll in a Rolling Cart

A rolling cart can be used for a variety of purposes, from holding toiletry items to cleaning supplies. It’s easily portable, so if you decide to rearrange your room mid-year, you’ll have no trouble moving it to a different spot.

10. Bring Nature Inside With Plants

Add a couple of low-maintenance plants around your room to bring in some fresh greenery. If you tend to forget a watering routine, pick up a few artificial plants that stay looking fresh all year.

11. Throw on a Plush Comforter and Pillows

A fluffy comforter, silky sheets and plenty of cushy pillows will help make your sleeping area cozy and homey. Pick a light, neutral color scheme to help make the space feel luxurious and open.

12. Add a Headboard

Add extra pizzazz to your bed with a headboard. Choose a headboard with an extra cushion, or find one with built-in shelving with room for an alarm clock, a portable phone charger, or your favorite books.

13. Add Extra Seating

Even with a small space, you can still make room for hosting new friends. Purchase lounge chairs that can fold up when you need extra space, or grab some small cushions that can slide right under your bed.

14. Organize Your Closet Space

Use hanging racks or cubby-style organizers to organize your closet. These are useful for keeping your closet neat and creating extra room for clothes or shoes.

15. Minimize Cords With a Wireless Charging Lamp

Having heaps of cords lying around your room will make the space feel untidy. Purchase a lamp that can wirelessly charge your phone—it can make a great addition to your study desk area.

16. Purchase a Trunk for Storage and Seating

The trick to organizing a small dorm is purchasing multipurpose items, like a large trunk. They’re good for storing clothes, extra seating and can be used as a side table if your room allows it.

17. Lay Out a Large Rug

Most dorm rooms have thin tile or linoleum flooring. Warm up the room with a large, fluffy rug. Using a large neutral rug can actually make your space feel wider. Plus, a thick rug can absorb some of the noise from a chattering dorm.

8. Hang Jewelry Organizers

Display your favorite jewelry pieces on a wall jewelry organizer. Not only does this help keep your necklaces from getting tangled or lost, but it’s perfect for adding an elegant touch to a bare wall.

19. Customize With Removable Wallpaper

You most likely won’t be allowed to paint over your dorm walls, but that doesn’t mean you can’t cover them up. Use fun, temporary wallpaper to make it feel less like a dorm room and more like a bedroom. Wallpaper with vertical stripes or patterns will make the room appear taller.

20. Combine Your Desk and Vanity Into One

Hang a small mirror on the wall in front of your desk to instantly make the area a getting-ready station. Vanity by day, study table by night.

21. Save Space With Over-the-Door Hangers

A prime storage opportunity is the back of your dorm door. Use an over-the-door hook rack to hold jackets, bags or your bathrobe. 

Ready to glow up your dorm space? Use these tips and other dorm storage ideas to let your inner interior designer shine.