Things You'll Need:
- About $100 budget.
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Step 1
Lights. Fluorescent lights, in the words of Tom Hanks, are soul-sucking. Unfortunately for you, dorm designers think giant fluorescent fixtures are an incredible addition to any living space. They aren't. Beg, borrow or buy as many floor lights and lamps as you possible can. You need enough lights in your dorm room so you never have to turn on that giant fluorescent fixture. Not even once, not even ever.
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Step 2
Nice sheets and blankets. Your dorm room is a bedroom more than anything else. And there is no better way to make a bedroom look nice than by having nice sheets and colorful comforters on your bed. Encourage your room-mate to upgrade his or her bedspread as well.
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Step 3
Ambience. You'll need to use all your design skills to create awesome looking walls. If you are living in a dorm, you won't be allowed to paint them. Instead, use fabric wall hangings to create atmosphere. Use posters tastefully, and with reserve. Hang only one or two classic posters in your room. Place framed pictures of family members and friends on drawers and tables. And cover that floor with a colorful, inexpensive rug from Target or Ikea.
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Step 4
Floor layout. Break out of the "shotgun style" mold by moving the furniture. Arrange your furniture in a way that breaks up the space to enhance the illusion of living areas within the room. Put desks at angles, move the beds to a unique location, and create personal space for each roommate. Find someone with a great looking room and copy their furniture layout.
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Step 5
Extra furniture. A small couch is always a pleasant addition. So are a few more wooden shelving cubbies and end tables for lamp and TV placement. Keep it simple.
