First of all, I want to extend congratulations to any and all recent high school graduates! It can be an exciting time to start thinking about college, perhaps living away from home, and how you might make your dorm room or first apartment a home and a place that represents you and your style. I’d like to share some bits of info on what are often the most popular designs styles for young people at college along with some suggested design tips and ideas! I hope one of these resonate with you and you can find some inspiration in this blog.

Contemporary style college dorm. Image created using AI via Canva

Before you start exploring some design styles you need to consider first what is going to come “pre-loaded” into your dorm room. It’s already furnished with the basics in a color scheme, style, and materials not of your choosing and you’ll need to work around and with this to get to something that is more representative of you. Also something to consider investing in some decent quality purchases at minimum because ideally all of what you bring in to your space you can use again for future apartments outside the dorm system.

Minimalist

The minimalist design style focuses on simplicity and clean lines. It often involves a neutral color palette, uncluttered spaces, and functional furniture. Minimalist design is popular among college students due to its clean and organized aesthetic, as it helps create a calm and focused environment and at the very least you hope that the dorm provided furniture for you is functional at the least! Stick to a neutral color palette with shades of white, gray, and beige as the foundation. These colors create a clean and calming atmosphere and will go with anything. You can add pops of color sparingly, but keep it minimal to maintain the overall minimalist aesthetic. Choose furniture pieces that are sleek, streamlined, and practical with minimal ornamentation. Keep your dorm space tidy by decluttering regularly and organizing your belongings efficiently by using storage containers, baskets, and shelves to keep things in order. This is a great example of a shoe storage solution that works great with this specific style. Decoration is typically spare, just choose a few carefully selected pieces that have meaning or bring you joy. Consider displaying a simple piece of artwork, a potted plant, or a small decorative item on a wall or shelf. Incorporate lighting that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Utilize natural light as much as possible by keeping window areas clear.

Bohemian

The bohemian or boho style is characterized by a relaxed, eclectic, and free-spirited atmosphere. It often incorporates vibrant colors, patterns, and natural elements like plants and textures. College students who embrace the bohemian style tend to appreciate the laid-back and artistic vibe it offers. Bohemian style embraces a wide range of colors, often in warm, earthy tones such as deep oranges, rich reds, terracotta, and mustard yellows. Combine these with jewel tones like deep blues, emerald greens, and purples. You can also incorporate pops of bright and vibrant colors to add energy and liveliness to the space. Bohemian style thrives on layered textures. Use an assortment of textiles like woven rugs, kilim or Persian rugs, tapestries, macramé wall hangings, and colorful printed fabrics for curtains, pillows, and throws. Mix and match different patterns, textures, and materials to create a cozy and visually captivating space. Boho style embraces furniture with a mix of styles, shapes, and eras. Look for vintage or repurposed furniture pieces with ornate details, intricate carvings, or unique shapes. Bring in natural elements like plants, bamboo, rattan, jute, and wood to add a bohemian touch Embrace cultural influences by incorporating global accents such by adding Moroccan lanterns, Indian tapestries, African masks, or Turkish mosaic lamps. These items not only enhance the bohemian atmosphere but also reflect the diverse and artistic nature of the style. Decorate your space with an assortment of eclectic decorative accents. Here is an example of adding some textures such as baskets or plates to your dorm wall while stay true with boho style. The bohemian style is all about expressing your individuality. Showcase items that have sentimental value or represent your passions and interests. Display photographs, artwork, or travel souvenirs that tell your story and make the space uniquely yours.

Industrial

The industrial style draws inspiration from raw and unfinished materials, such as exposed brick walls, metal accents, and distressed wood. This can work really great in a dorm setting as often the materials found in this setting already has this look! This style often features a blend of rustic and modern elements and is particularly popular among students who appreciate urban and edgy aesthetics. Emphasize exposed materials such as brick walls, concrete floors, or ceilings with visible pipes or ductwork. If your dorm doesn't have these features, you can use removable wallpaper like here or faux finishes to create the look. Stick to a neutral color palette with shades of gray, brown, black, and white as the base. These colors create a backdrop that complements the industrial aesthetic. You can add pops of color sparingly through furniture or décor. If you want to swap out or add furniture pieces, use metal and wood to reflect the industrial vibe and look for pieces with clean lines and a sturdy, utilitarian design. Consider a metal bed frame, a wooden desk, and metal shelving units. Utilize storage solutions like metal bins, wire baskets, or industrial-style cabinets to maintain an organized space. Select lighting fixtures that have an industrial flair. Look for pendant lights with exposed bulbs, metal shades, or wire cages. You can also use industrial-style floor or table lamps with metal or concrete bases. Edison bulbs add a vintage touch to the lighting. This floor lamp is a good representative of this design style and takes up little space, so it’s good for small rooms. Embrace repurposed or salvaged décor items to add character. You can go thrifting and search out vintage signs, old factory equipment, or industrial-inspired artwork. Raw textures such as distressed leather, burlap, or rough fabrics add depth and visual interest to an industrial space. Use these materials for cushions, rugs, or curtains. I strongly recommend you to include one or two statement pieces to create a focal point. This could be a reclaimed wood coffee table, an industrial-style bookshelf, or a vintage map as wall art. These pieces can anchor the room and reflect the industrial aesthetic.

Scandinavian

Scandinavian design is known for its simplicity, functionality, and emphasis on natural light. It typically features neutral colors, clean lines, and a minimalist approach. The Scandinavian style appeals to college students who value a clean, bright, and uncluttered living environment. Scandinavian design is characterized by a light and neutral color palette using shades of white, cream, beige, and soft pastels as the base colors for walls and larger furniture pieces. These colors create a bright and airy atmosphere. Emphasize natural materials such as light-colored woods, like pine or birch, for furniture, décor, or art frames. You can use the elements of nature, such as plants, to bring a sense of calm and freshness to the space. Wool or cotton textiles can add warmth and texture. Scandinavian style includes a lot of elements of minimalism, so keeping the dorm clutter-free and organized, with functional and clean pieces without excessive decoration is also important. It’s also great for the wallet! If you need to pick out your own furniture or want to swap out what’s provided, choose furniture that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, something like this chair or this desk. Add cozy textiles to create warmth and comfort with soft and fluffy rugs, throws, and cushions made from natural fibers like wool or cotton. Maximize natural light by keeping windows unobstructed. Use sheer or light-colored curtains that allow sunlight to filter through. Natural light enhances the Scandinavian aesthetic and creates a sense of openness and freshness. Stick with calming and simple patterns such as stripes, geometric patterns, or subtle floral prints can add visual interest without overwhelming the space. Stick to a limited color palette to maintain a cohesive look. Task lighting, like a desk lamp, should be adjustable and provide ample light for studying or reading. When it come to decorating - keep decorations minimal and purposeful. Simple artwork, a few potted plants, or a wall shelf with functional and decorative items can also enhance the space.

Mid-Century Modern

The mid-century modern style takes inspiration from the design trends of the 1950s and 1960s and often showcases organic shapes, clean lines, and a mix of materials like wood, metal, and plastic. This style is favored by students who appreciate retro aesthetics and want to create a stylish and timeless atmosphere, so it’s also very thrifting friendly! Mid-century modern design emphasizes clean, straight lines. Look for chairs, desks, and shelves with tapered legs and geometric shapes - here is an example that I am referring to. When it comes to this style, you can always include iconic mid-century modern furniture go-to pieces, such as the Eames chairs, a Noguchi coffee table, or a Saarinen tulip table or knockoff versions of these. Mid-century modern design often features natural materials. Use materials like wood, leather, and metal to create a warm and organic atmosphere. Choose furniture with exposed wooden frames and legs, or incorporate wood accents throughout the space. You can really have lots of fun with the retro color palettes that work with this style; mustard yellows, avocado green, teal, or burnt orange. Use these colors as accents in furniture, textiles, wall art, or appliances like a toaster or coffee maker. When it comes to decorating - keep it at minimal and purposeful. Avoid clutter and choose a few carefully curated décor pieces. Select artwork with abstract or geometric patterns, and use decorative accents sparingly. Choose lighting fixtures that make a statement. Look for pendant lights with clean and sculptural designs, or choose floor or table lamps with a mid-century modern aesthetic. Lighting fixtures with metal or glass elements can enhance the overall style.

Japandi

Japandi style is a design trend that combines elements of Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian functionality. It is a harmonious fusion of these two aesthetics, resulting in a clean, serene, and contemporary look. Stick to a neutral color palette with warm earthy tones. Use shades of white, beige, gray, and light wood tones as the base colors. These colors create a calming and inviting atmosphere. Incorporate natural materials like light-colored woods, bamboo, rattan, or linen for furniture and textiles. These materials add warmth and texture to the space while maintaining the aesthetic. Low-profile furniture pieces like a low bed frame, floor cushions, or a small coffee table. This design element reflects Japanese influence and creates an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. Here is an example of a chair that is great example of this style. Introduce Japanese-style shoji screens to divide the space or create privacy if you have a larger room with roommates. These screens allow light to filter through while adding a touch of traditional Japanese design to the dorm. Maximize natural light by using light-colored curtains or blinds that allow sunlight to filter through. Natural light contributes to the overall bright and airy ambiance of Japandi style. Select a few carefully curated décor pieces inspired by Japanese or Scandinavian design. These can include potted plants, bonsai trees, simple ceramic vases, or handmade textiles. Less is more when it comes to Japandi style, so choose pieces that bring joy and have meaning.

It's important to note that these are general design styles, and many college students prefer to mix and match elements from different styles to create their own unique aesthetic. Ultimately, personal preferences and individual style choices will vary from student to student.

Before you start shopping for your dorm, I need to point out something that’s frequently overlooked. Many dorm beds are not the standard twin bed size. Most of them are actually an XL twin size which means you’ll need to find right bedding to fit. When I moved into my college dorm and I knew other students that learned the hard way that they had purchased and brought the wrong size bedding and were short sheeted for a while!

I hope this blog helps you to discovery a design style that speaks to you and matches your personality. I wish you the best of luck with your new life chapter in college! :)

Jun 4 The Most Popular Design Styles for College Dorms