by Nadiya Waterloo

Created on: February 05, 2009   Last Updated: February 13, 2009

Most college students cannot wait to get into their dorm rooms and finally have a place of their own to decorate how they want. It can also be a little overwhelming. Take heart, here are the commandments for decorating the perfect dorm room.

1. Know thy dorm room.

Most universities will have the basic floor plans and storage options on their websites. This information will help you understand the space you are working with. Also check if there are any restricted items. Some schools prohibit candles, flammable wall hangings and hot plates. Contact the administration office if you cannot locate this information on the website.

2. Know thy roommate.

When possible contact your future roommate. Discuss how you would like to decorate the room. You may have some common ground, if not remember to respect one another's personal decisions.

3. Know thy storage.

Purchase a closet organizer to increase your closet space.

Consider raising the bed off the floor and use plastic bins for storage under the bed.

Make sure your furniture can double as storage space.

4. Know thy bedding.

In addition to serving as the place where you sleep, the bed serves as a desk for studying, a couch for congregating, and a place to relax. A comforter should be a balance between showing your style and not easily showing dirt or wear. Consider a reversible comforter that will give you two very different looks. Use the comforter as the focal point of your design. Be sure to avoid monochromatic color schemes as this will visually shrink an area. If you chose to work with a darker color pallet be sure to place points of color throughout the room to avoid a gloomy atmosphere.

5. Know thy wall decorating.

Posters are always a popular way to decorate and a lot of places will have sales on them when classes start.

A cork bulletin board can be decorated with pictures, music lyrics, and concert or sporting event tickets. You can constantly add, change, and rearrange the things on the bulletin board.

Designer magnets from a craft store can be used to stick pictures or other items to metal surfaces.

Place a dry erase board on your door to communicate with your roommate or for people to leave you notes.

Sheer fabric tacked to the wall will create depth with the added benefit that items can be stuck or clipped to.

String photographs, greeting cards, and other items across a wall using a laundry line. Since it can easily be changed you are not locked into a specific theme.

6. Most importantly, know thyself.

Even the most carefully designed room will seemed flawed if it doesn't match the personality that lives in it. Don't be afraid to start out with an idea and change it over time.

You are ready to start decorating. Remember, the great thing about a dorm room is that it's your space to show people who you are, so have fun with it.

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