by Samantha Gardner

Created on: February 03, 2009   Last Updated: February 13, 2009

A dorm room is not only a place to sleep and study but rather a statement of who you are. What kind of theme makes your dorm room stand out from the rest of the pack? The most important thing is to express your hobbies and interests through the theme of your dorm room.

Theme Ideas

Color theme- (Sky blue, candy apple red, lime green, purple, neon colors, etc.)

Sports theme- (Volleyball, lacrosse, figure skating, basketball, etc.)

Ethnic theme- (Indian, European, African, Oriental, etc.)

Music theme- (Old vinyl records, guitars, strobe light, leopard print, etc.)

Storage Ideas

Closet- (belt rings, shoe rack, baskets, garment racks)

Wall Hooks- (This is perfect for any type of door)

Shelving- (Plastic totes, corner shelving, stackable plastic drawer units, mesh shelves)

Under the bed- (This is a good place to put stuff that you do not use very often. Also there are plastic bins that hold a good amount of stuff in a small space)

Art/Posters Ideas

Vases- (This can be found anywhere from Target to a Flea Market)

Inspirational people- (Marylin Monroe, Albert Einstein, Gandhi, your favorite band, etc.)

Landscape- (A picture of a beach, autumn, a farm, etc.)

Lighting Ideas

Night lights- (These are usually discreet and won't wake up your room-mate)

Mounted lights- (These aren't movable but are great when you are reading a book or studying)

Mountable lights- (Christmas lights, hello kitty lights, multi-colored string lights, etc)

Color

If you have a theme going make sure to stick with certain colors. Unless you enjoy being eccentric then a color theme would be the best route to go. Bright colors can make a dorm room more lively and create an inviting atmosphere.

Roommate collaboration

Now this can be the most frustrating part about moving into a dorm room with a stranger or friend. You need to talk to your future roommate about what items you will be bringing. If they have a television and are willing to share it with you than you can bring a stereo system. It is important to make a check list of all the things that you two plan on bringing. Make a system of things you are bringing and things that are maybes. This way there won't be added conflict or confusion between you two.

On a Budget?

You do not have to break the bank when purchasing items for your dorm room.

1. Target (Stylish stuff without spending an arm and a leg)

2. Walmart (Known for their cheap prices on basically every necessity)

3. Bed, Bath, and Beyond (Not exactly the cheapest but they have a lot to choose from)

4. Pier 1 Imports (Items are unique)

5. Urban Outfitters (There are some interesting items to choose from)

6. IKEA (Scandinavian modern style items)

7. Goodwill (Not ideal for everyone but you will find cheap usual things there)

8 Flea Market (The perfect place for bargain shoppers)

Now it is up to you to get out there and make your dorm room a success!

Learn more about this author, Samantha Gardner.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.