by Whether a parent or a teen is on a mission to set up a trendy college dorm room, it is important to go for a space-saving and cozy decor (check 5 great space-saving loft beds for small room). With a few personal touches, you can make your sleep trendier and more personal. And the best part is that you don’t have to spend much on it either.
If you are looking for some inspirational dorm room decorating ideas to set up your dorm room beds, keep reading till the end because we have put together a list for you. Let’s begin!
Best Dorm Room Ideas
Of course, your bed is the centerpiece of the entire setup. You have to focus on this particular aspect of your dorm room and stylize the rest of the room accordingly.
Now, there are various ways you can set up your bed in the room and decorate it according to your preferences and interests. We have gathered this list of ideas for your inspiration to help you become more creative with your dorm room bed. So, here it is:
1. Keeping a standard layout
Designing your dorm rooms begins with selecting the best layout around your needs. For example, if you want more personal space in your room, you can always push your beds against the dorm room walls. This way, you and your roommate can customize it according to your choice.
And if you need, you can always add a room divider right in the middle using a stringed tapestry or hanging curtains. It will allow you to get some much-needed privacy in your dorm room. And if you are looking for some solid options, consider going for foldable room dividers made of wood or plastic for an excellent dorm decor option.Â
2.   Going for that L-shaped arrangement
Another way to make your dorm room trendier while saving more space is to go for that L-shaped arrangement. It will allow you to maximize your space. Of course, this arrangement works better if your roommate is your best friend or someone you are comfortable with.
You will use too many walls in your room and push One of the beds can be right next to the window, or both beds can be right next to the window wall to get the natural light in.
It depends upon the preferences and the overall design of the room. But going for the L-shaped arrangement will help you a lot when it comes to saving space without compromising style.
3.   Loft the beds for even more space
If you crave space or have a small room to deal with, the best way to create more room is to go up. If you can elevate your sleep area, you will make your room ideal for more activities.
And below your bed, you can go for another bed (bunk bed), use this space to create your study nook, or for extra storage furniture. Storing something under the bed makes them more accessible without consuming too much space.
Bed lofts for dorms are ideal if you want to save space in your room. It works in smaller rooms to get more space, and it works better in larger rooms if you have to put in some more furniture. But going for the bed lofts in dorms has always worked as a space-saving option.
4.   Going for the bed risers
If your dorm room doesn’t have a lift bed, you can always go for bed risers (check 6 amazing dorm bed risers). With these bed risers, you will be able to create some space right under your bed. You can use this newly created space for storing your boxes or carts for your extra clothes or shoes and even some dirty laundry.
Even if you have bed risers that are four to five inches high, you can significantly accommodate a lot within that space. This way, you will be able to declutter your room pretty effectively.
5.   Going for the multifunctional furniture
Using your dorm room space efficiently can be done right if you choose multi-functional furniture in the room. This type of furniture can come in pretty handy.
You can always add a coffee table with a lifting top right under your bed or use the space to place your storage unit, dinner table, or work.
Another way you can do this is to place a storage ottoman right next to your study table or your bed which can function as your storage space or seating furniture for any of your visitors. This way, you will be adding some more decor to your room.
Going for those foldable storage boxes is another option. You can consider storing any spare items, and you can fold them later when you are not using them. You will not only be using your space to the maximum capacity, but you will get more storage space that you can manage effectively.Â
6.   Dorm bedding
Your bedding will play a significant role in designing the overall looks of your room. It can dramatically change your room’s mood, so you can use it to define your personality and give your dorm room more character.
When it comes to styling your bedroom room, going for the bedding accessories is the first step. And the good thing is that you can explore plenty of options here. There are so many mattress companies on the market that have a wide variety of bedding accessories.
Whether you are looking for sheets (check 10 best selling sheets for college dorms), comforters, duvets, mattress toppers, pillows, or pillowcases, there is a huge range to choose from, and the options seem to be a bit overwhelming at times.
If you want, you can even go for a personal touch and print your photos of special memories on these pillowcases and sheets. You can explore many options to pour your heart out and give your sleep surface a look you have always wanted.
7.   Stringing up some twinkling lights on your bed
If you are looking to hype up the cuteness in your dorm room, then you can add some twinkling lights here and there throughout your dorm room. Of course, if your bed is the main highlight of the room, then why not underline it with some cool light effects?
You can use the space right around your bed for decoration, or you can use this space to use these lights for studying or other work. The possibilities are endless here to create that whimsical vibe.
You can use color-changing bulbs to lighten up the darker parts of your room. This is handy, especially if there are not many windows in the room.
Use LED light strips and illuminated the space according to your needs and requirements. Floor-length lamps can work because they don’t take up much space and look great for decoration.Â
8. Using mirrors for decorating your bed
You can use mirrors to add a more look and give an illusion to your room that it is more spacious. You can hang up these mirrors on empty walls if there are any or right at the back of your door and add some stickers if you want.
Moreover, you can add a mirror with additional storage compartments where you can place all your accessories and jewelry if you want. Mirrors can always add an extra dimension to your room, and you can use them to make your room more luminous than it is.
These mirrors can be right next to your bed, on the headboard, or on the wall next to your bed. They make the room and your bed much brighter and more spacious.
9. Place a few houseplants with your bed
Houseplants can truly add more life to your living space. If it is your first experience with these plants, there are so many you can find on the market. But make sure you go for houseplants because they are much easier to look after.
They not only add more color to your dorm room but improve the overall air quality in your room and help you release stress. If you are not a true green thumb but want to add some color, then you can choose fake plants and find a way to embrace greenery in your room that you won’t have to maintain.
You can have separate shelves right next to your bed for these houseplants. They allow you to sleep much more comfortably by keeping the air quality optimal.
10. Use blankets and throw pillows
Going for a stylish and fun-looking comforter is always a good option to decorate your bed even further. They not only make your sleep surface cozier for you, but you will be able to be more comfortable while using your bed for various other activities like studying or doing other work.
You can use various decorative styles to brighten your dorm room and add a color splash. If you have a DIY mindset, you can always create more decorative styles to personalize your dorm room further.
11. Going for that handy mattress cover
Reducing your maintenance is all that you need for your dorm room. There is already so much going on, and you have an entire room to manage. And the last thing you want is a spill on your bed.
And don’t get us wrong, these things happen as you use your dorm room day in, day out. However, these spills and stains can make your end look and smell pretty bad over time if you don’t do anything about it.
But what if you can prevent the spills from staining your mattress altogether? Well, if you want that, you need a quality mattress cover. This way, you will extend the overall lifespan of your mattress and keep it clean (also check 10 great mattresses for college students).
12. Using a mattress topper
If there is only one bed in your dorm room and you share the room with your roommate, who has an entirely different lifestyle and sleeps preferences, then a mattress topper can come in handy (check 8 amazing mattress toppers for college).
For example, if your roommate prefers to sleep on a firmer surface but uses the room at some different time because they have to go to study or work and you don’t have another bed, then you can use a mattress topper to make the sleep surface much more comfortable for yourself when they are not using the bed.
It’s a cost-saving endeavor as you and your roommate can use the same bed with different sleep preferences using mattress toppers.
13. Choosing a trundle bed
If you don’t know what a trundle bed is, it’s a compact bed frame with a mattress that sits lower to the ground, and you can store it right underneath another bed.
This frame comes with wheels, and they help you comfortably roll out the bed when needed. Therefore, you can save plenty of space in your room.
This type of bed works pretty well if you have limited space in your dorm room or if you frequently host visitors in your room. You and your roommate will get personal sleep space, and you won’t have to mess up your room decor either.
14. Creating a headboard
By creating a headboard, you can give your bed and your wall space some extra flair (check 5 top rated headboard for dorm bed). You can purchase headboards or make your own if you have to go DIY. Make sure you use some soft materials to get that extra comfort.
You can go for the headboards that give you more shelving space to place your chargers, alarm clocks, mobile, laptops, or books. You can elevate your cube storage shelf and use that as your headboard.
15. Placing a bed trunk
Yes, placing that all-important bed trunk is a good option to get more storage space for further decluttering your room. You can use these trunks to hide away papers, seasonal clothing, textbooks, and so much more.
These trunks can be used on your makeshift table, desk chair, or desk, or you can use them as trendy decor. Based on your preferences, you can go for a wooden trunk, a woven trunk, or even a patterned one with different clasps and locks.Â
16. Use air mattresses
Another excellent way to save space without compromising the overall looks of your dorm room is to go for air mattresses. You will have to inflate these air mattresses only when using them.Â
When not using them, remove the air and store the mattress away until you need it again. This way, you won’t have much space in your dorm room, and you can work out things even if you have a single bed.
Setting up these air mattresses is pretty simple, and you won’t have to make much effort to deflate them. You can use a mattress topper on this mattress to make it more comfortable according to your preferences and sleep requirements.
17. A Murphy bed or wall bed is another space-saving option
If you have some DIY experience, you can create your own Murphy bed, which is a great space-saving option for you to consider (also check 10 top rated mattresses for murphy bed). Even if you are not much into DIY projects, you can go to different options available on the market.
A wall bed or a Murphy bed uses spring mechanisms that allow you to fold the bed when you are not using it. In addition, some beds come with different innovative styles that you can fold up the bed and use as a desk or a sofa.
18. Add a sofa cum bed
Yes, who can forget about these useful and versatile sofa cum beds? They have a design that allows you to unfold the sofa into a bed and fold the bed back into the sofa. This way, you will have some sitting space in your room, and you can always use the space effectively for the elephant in the room, your bed.
Now, these sofa cum beds are available in different sizes and styles, and you can choose the one according to your dorm room decor and looks. If you have space, you can get away with just a single bed in your room and a sofa cum bed to truly use the space efficiently.
19. Different styles of bunk beds
Bunk beds are another great option that can be very stylish and trendy, and they are space-saving at the same time. Of course, these are suitable for younger kids, but teens can use them if they are sturdy. There are multiple options available on the market too.
You can permanently attach a study area with these bunk beds, making your space look even more stylish. Moreover, you can decorate your bunk beds and enjoy a tiny personal space within your room that you can share with your roommate. These bunk beds give you more space in your dorm room for other furniture like a table with a chair, a sofa cum bed, or anything else that is part of your dorm room.
20. Using floor mattresses
You can use floor mattresses to accommodate even more sleep areas in your small dorm room. These floor mattresses are pretty comfortable, and you can put this mattress under the bed that is already there in your dorm room. You can place the mattress on the wall to make enough room when you are not using it.
Some floor mattresses come with a rollable design, and you can comfortably roll them up and store them away when you are not using them. These floor mattresses give a unique look to your dorm room without compromising the space and overall comfort.
21. Considering a cabinet bed
Yes, you heard that right, a cabinet bed! It’s a true instant bed you can use for your visitors and yourself. When you fold it, it looks like a cabinet you can use to place your items or use as a study desk.
But when you unfold it, it turns into a bed, and you can do that within a minute. So, there are no maintenance or set-up hassles that you have to deal with. The good thing about these cabinet beds is that they don’t take up much space in your room, but they are versatile.
22. Using a storage platform bed
Storage platform beds are exactly what they sound like. They are platform beds that have storage underneath. These beds come with drawers for additional storage space that you cause to place your stuff, and you get access to its shelving pockets that you can use to put your quick access items right next to you.
The good thing is that these beds are available in different sizes, and you can go with the suitable side base without the size of the room and how much storage space you need.
Key Takeaways: Trendy and Space-Saving Dorm Bed Ideas
Setting the Foundation: Dorm Bed Layouts
- Standard Layout: Positioning beds against walls for more personal space. Add room dividers like stringed tapestry or foldable wooden/plastic dividers for privacy.
- L-shaped Arrangement: Maximizes room space, especially when sharing with a close friend. Beds can be positioned to make the most of natural light.
Elevating the Bed: Space-Saving Vertical Solutions
- Loft Beds: Elevate the sleep area to make room for other activities or storage below.
- Bed Risers: Lift the bed slightly to create storage space underneath. Perfect for boxes, clothes, or shoes.
- Murphy Beds: Foldable beds attached to walls which can be pulled down when needed.
- Bunk Beds: Two beds, one above the other, to accommodate more sleep areas without consuming horizontal space.
- Storage Platform Beds: Beds with built-in storage drawers underneath.
Alternative Bedding Solutions
- Sofa Cum Bed: A dual-purpose furniture piece that serves as both a sofa and a bed.
- Air Mattresses: Inflate when needed, and can be stored away when not in use.
- Trundle Bed: A bed that stores a second bed underneath, which can be pulled out when needed.
- Floor Mattresses: Comfortable mattresses that can be placed directly on the floor.
- Cabinet Bed: A bed that can be folded into a cabinet. Unfold to sleep, fold for other functionalities.
Accessorizing the Bed Area
- Dorm Bedding: Use beddings to define personality and room’s character.
- Twinkling Lights: Add fairy lights for a whimsical vibe and to brighten up space.
- Mirrors: Enhance room brightness and give an illusion of spaciousness.
- Houseplants: Add a touch of nature and improve room air quality.
- Blankets and Throw Pillows: Increase comfort and aesthetic appeal of the bed.
Our Recommendation
We have shared many decorating ideas for college students to decorate their college dorms when it comes to utilizing the space. From bunk beds to loft beds and bedding accessories to go with these beds, there is so much you can explore and make your dorm room trendier even if you don’t have much space on your hands.