A new semester is about to begin, and many young adults are heading back to college. As campuses open back up for in-person instruction, that also means students and parents will be swept up in the hustle and bustle of setting up dorm room or apartments. The space in which we live greatly affect our mood, creativity and productivity.
If you're a college student looking to decorate your space with a limited budget, this post is for you. Bring the laid-back feeling of the coastal aesthetic and the free-spirited vibes of bohemian styles to your space. Here are 10 awesome decor pieces that will help make your dorm room or student apartment feel more like home.
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1. Set of 4 Beach Art Prints
This gorgeous set of 4 beachy prints totally gives off a cool, retro California vibe. Featuring soft faded shades of blues and soft pinks, these four images are super relaxing and almost nolstagic to look at. At less than $5 per print for the larger size, 11"x14", these prints are an ideal choice to hang above your dorm bed, study area or display in your common area.
Promising Review: "I was super hesitant about buying these prints, but they came out Beautifully! The clarity of the picture is so nice and clean and the packaging was very good as well." - jennifer delgado
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (11"x14" size. Also comes in a smaller size.)
2. Fairy String Lights with Clips
Lighting is an important part of each space. But as you're well aware, lighting gets to be very expensive. This 17 feet of string lights costs under $16, and can practically illuminate an entire wall. The soft warm glow is soothing while the accompanying clips allows you to customize the look with your favorite photos.
Promising Review: "These little lights are so fabulous! You can bend them any way you like! I'm seriously thinking about getting two more for other areas in my tiny home. You don't even need to use those clips. The lights alone for what the price is cannot be beat!! Awesome value here!!" - Marianne Fisher
Get it from Amazon for $15.98
3. LED Customizable Light-up Quote Sign
This marquee lightbox is so cute. It comes with 100 letters, number and symbol tiles that you can pick from to create your own custom message. It fits perfectly on your desk or can be mounted to the wall. So whether it's "Believe in Yourself", "Enjoy Every Moment" or "Embrace the Journey"... your favorite motivational quote is awaiting.
Promising Review: "Great gift - set comes with all letters and numbers. Easy to slide characters in and out. Light box looks great in a room even with light off. Recommend as a fun way to add some signage to a room or business." - Jack Mitchell
Get it from Amazon for $29.99
4. Set of 2 Macrame Woven Wall Tapestry
One of my favorite ways to break up a bland boring wall is with texture. And woven macrame tapestries are all about texture. The hand-crafted feel of macrame adds an organic, earthy, artisan feel to the room. These trendy wall hangings are nice to pair with other decorative pieces such as framed wall art or photos.
Promising Review: "This macromae is beautiful! It's a 2 pair with a little bit difference on each. I hung them above my makeup vanity in our bedroom and they look amazing in my opinion. I am buying more!! If you're hesitant, don't be - you will not be disappointed!" - yhuerta1991
Get it from Amazon for $22.99
5. Pack of 2 Pineapple Fairy Lights
Like in number 2, these are also fairy lights... but with such a fun twist! Each LED bulb is encased by a tiny, adorable pineapple case. Just how cute is that? These fruity fairy lights instantly add a festive, tropical feel. Drape these around a houseplant or line a bed frame with it to add a warm glow to your space.
Promising Review: "Anyone who loves pineapples is going to go wild over these pineapple string lights. They are adorable. The metal caging really makes them look like quality. Loved getting a box of two, so they can be strung across the whole length of the wall. Great buy!" - ChefShellie
Get it from Amazon for $15.49
6. No-Damage Wall Adhesive Floating Shelves
These clean, sleek, floating shelves technically aren't "decor" per se, but they are truly a life saver when it comes to adding extra storage... something dorm rooms are not typically known for. Plus what's great about them is that they are no drill shelves, meaning no damage to the walls. They are perfect to mount in a student bathroom to hold toiletries, or above a desk to hold office supplies.
Promising Review: "I got two of these. I'm using them in my studio and it the bathroom. They are fantastic and very sturdy!" - MN Mom
Get it from Amazon for $21.99 for 4 shelves
7. Set of 5 Mini Faux Succulents with Planters
Being a busy college student doesn't exactly jive with caring for plants. But with these uber-realistic potted faux succulents, the work is done for you. Effortlessly place a couple on your desk, or one on the kitchen or bathroom sink without worrying that another innocent plant has come to slowly meet its demise under your watch.
Promising Review: "Attractive and the right size to brighten a small area in various rooms of your environment whether it be a home, office, etc. Good for individuals who have allergies and are unable to share space with live plants. Easy to clean. Satisfied with purchase and plan to buy again as part of several gift bags for upcoming event." - Carolyn L. Johnson
Get it from Amazon for $23.99
8. Cozy Decorative Throw Pillows
What could transform a tired, generic dorm room into an inviting home? Try some cozy, and fluffy pillows to start! These neutral-toned, Boho-inspired throw pillows are stylish and expensive-looking. Get a few in different sizes and dimensions, and not only will you add comfort to your space, but also tons of visual interest.
Promising Review: "Love everything about this pillow! Very boho and durable." - Nicole
Get them from Amazon. Pictured are:
Lumbar Pillow the Tassels, 12x20 for $18.99
Lumbar Pillow with Petals, 12x20 for $15.99
Square Pillow with Tassels, 20x20 for $18.99
9. Extra Soft Faux Fur Throw Blanket
To go with your chic throw pillows, you'll also need a warm, luxuriously silky soft faux fur throw. Not only does it instantly elevate the look of any room, but also comes in handy on movie nights. Enjoy the soothingly soft texture and just the right amount of warmth when you're curled up on the couch enjoying a book or sipping on your favorite cup of joe.
Promising Review: "This throw is snowy white, soft and beautiful. I didn't expect such a beautiful throw for the price." - Cynthia Werner
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (also comes in 5 other colors)
10. Ultra-Realistic Faux Fig Tree
This well-made faux fig tree may be small at 22", but makes a huge visual impact. The branches have metal wires inserted in the center, making them bendable, so you can fluff up and shape to your heart's desire. The 'Real Touch' silk leaves are convincing, if 1700+ reviews are something to go by. Customize the look by placing it in your own planter pot or basket.
Promising Review: "The plant comes in a tiny, heavy planter-- if you display it like that, it looks kind of weird. However... if you stick it into a larger planter and add some moss to make it look full, it looks just great. I was surprised by the detail of the veins in the leaves. All around a really good buy. Couldn't be more pleased." - S. Mcwalters
Get it from Amazon for $27.90 (for the 22" size. Also comes in 30", 40", 49" at varying prices)
And with that, we are going to wrap up our top 10 recommendations on how to effortlessly breathe life into your dorm room or off-campus apartment! Hope these tips have inspired you to treat yourself to a more beautiful, welcoming space that you'll love living, studying and relaxing in.
