Decorating Your First Apartment or Dorm
Decorating your first dorm or apartment is one of those big life moments. It’s exciting, a little overwhelming, and honestly, the perfect opportunity to create a space that feels like you. Your home (even if it’s just a 12x12 dorm room or a one room studio apartment) should be more than four walls, it’s your safe place, your reset zone, and where you start and end your day.
Here’s my go-to guide for making your new space cozy, functional, and personal, without overcomplicating it.
Set the Mood with Scents
Nothing transforms a space faster than scent. It sets the tone the second you walk in. For dorms, skip the open flames and opt for diffusers or room sprays! They’re safe, effective, and still feel luxurious. In apartments, you can bring in candles for that soft, flickering light at night (I’m a total “big light” hater...the glow from a candle or a small lamp just feels so much warmer and more relaxing).
Tips for picking the right scents:
- Go for calming notes like lavender or vanilla for your study space.
- Try warm, cozy scents like amber, pumpkin, or sandalwood for evenings.
Layer in Throw Blankets for Comfort and Style
Your bed or couch is the heart of your dorm or apartment. It’s where you’ll spend a lot of your time, whether you’re studying, hanging out with friends, or rewatching your favorite series for the tenth time. Throw blankets are where function meets style. They make the space look inviting, and you’ll thank yourself when you’re up late studying or binging TV.
How to choose:
- Keep a lightweight throw for warmer nights and a chunky knit for colder ones.
- Mix textures! Think faux fur, waffle weave, or soft cotton.
- Drape one over the bed and another on a chair for an effortlessly put-together look.
Add Personality with Throw Pillows
Throw pillows instantly add personality and comfort without a huge commitment. They’re a fun way to try new colors or textures without redoing your whole space. In a dorm or apartment, your bed and couch usually do double duty: they’re where you hang out, study, and sometimes even eat (we’ve all been there). Throw pillows make those hours so much cozier, and they’re perfect for propping you up during a long study session or mid-afternoon scroll break.
Pro tips:
- Mix sizes (small lumbar + oversized squares) for a designer feel.
- Play with seasons and holidays! Muted neutrals for fall, soft pastels for spring, themed pillows for Christmas, Valentine's day, Halloween etc.
- Choose covers you can swap out instead of buying new pillows every time.
Make It Sentimental with Picture Frames
This is where your space starts to feel yours. Photos of friends, family, your pet (I keep a framed photo of my dog next to my bed), instantly add warmth and personality. Every time you glance at them, you’re reminded of moments and people that make you smile.
Pro tips:
- Mix frame sizes and orientations for a more natural, collected-over-time look.
- Use matching frames if you prefer a cleaner, more uniform vibe.
- In dorms or rentals, command strips are your best friend! No nails, no holes, no stress.
Baskets + Storage
Let’s be honest: dorms and apartments are often small, and extra storage is a must. Stylish baskets and boxes are lifesavers! They let you “clean” in under two minutes by tossing things in and moving on, while still looking intentional. I especially love storage book boxes for hidden storage that doubles as decor. They’re perfect for keeping clutter out of sight but still looking chic. And baskets? They’re ideal for pillows, blankets, or anything you want to keep handy but organized.
Ideas:
- Keep a basket by your bed or the couch for blankets or extra pillows.
- Tuck a few baskets under your bed or in the closet for out-of-season clothes or shoes.
Vases + Flowers (Fresh or Faux)
A little greenery or a pop of flowers can completely change the mood of a room by making everything feel more alive and cared for. If fresh flowers aren’t realistic week to week, high-quality faux stems are your best friend. I love swapping them out with the seasons: soft pinks and greens in spring, sunflowers in late summer, and rich autumnal tones for fall. A pretty vase can be a statement piece all by itself on your desk or dresser.
Trinket Dishes
This might be the smallest item on the list, but it’s one of the most useful. Trinket dishes are perfect for keeping those little everyday things—keys, rings, earrings, hair ties—from disappearing into the abyss. I keep one by my bed, one on my desk, and one near the door, and I swear it makes my life 10x easier. Plus, they can be such a cute detail!
Where to use them:
- On the entryway table for keys, headphones, and lip balm.
- By the bed for jewelry or your watch before sleep.
- On your desk for paper clips, USB drives, or any miscellaneous items.
Moving into your first dorm or apartment is such an exciting step! It’s a blank canvas that’s all yours to style, organize, and make cozy. I love taking the time to add those little personal touches, because they turn a space from “just a room” into a home you actually want to be in. Be intentional about what you buy, choose pieces that are versatile and timeless so you can take them with you to future dorms or apartments. Trust me, once you light your favorite candle, arrange your flowers, and fluff those pillows, you’ll feel instantly at home and proud of the space you’ve created.
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