DORM DECOR: STARTING WITH THE BASICS

Dorm room decor essentials with bedding, pouf, art prints via @thouswellblog

I finally found the time during my first weeks of class to start documenting my dorm room transformation. When I started moving in, I prioritized the area of the room I would be using the most – my bed. I do most of my homework and studying in the libraries on campus, so I haven’t spent much time in my room doing anything but sleeping. The sheets and shams have a simple trio of light grey lines on the hems, which is a simple but traditional motif that instantly upgrades the room. Another trick to an inviting bed is layering pillows – I used two euro shams, two standard pillows, and one lumbar pillow on my bed, with a puffy duvet and soft woven blanket at the end of the bed. I also brought in more layers of textiles with curtains from Minted and a neutral jute rug from Dash & Albert. Covering the wall-to-wall carpeting in my room made one of the biggest differences, along with the statement art pieces above the bed and the luxe embroidered bedding.

Dorm room before and after via @thouswellblog
Dorm room decor essentials with bedding, pouf, art prints via @thouswellblog
Dorm room decor essentials with bedding, pouf, art prints via @thouswellblog

One of the most versatile pieces in my room was the Fresh American striped pouf. It’s a great bedside table, seat, or ottoman which I can move around super easily based on how I need to use it.

Dorm room decor essentials with bedding, pouf, art prints via @thouswellblog
Dorm room decor essentials with bedding, pouf, art prints via @thouswellblog

The large art prints above the bed (bull, butterfly) really take it to the next level – they provide a great focal point for the walls and highlight the ceiling height. I also love having the patterned curtains behind the bed, especially since there’s no headboard. The pattern provides a nice contrast to the simple bedding, and also softens the transition between the bed and the window.

Dorm room decor essentials with bedding, pouf, art prints via @thouswellblog
Dorm room decor essentials with bedding, pouf, art prints via @thouswellblog

Since the room is small, I wanted to limit the mix of patterns in the room. With a large-scale print on the pouf, a busier pattern on the curtains in a lighter grey, and the spotted lumbar pillow, it adds just enough interest to keep things interesting without overpowering the room. I can’t wait to share the rest of the my room details, including my desk makeover with WallsNeedLove and the home decor from At Home I brought to the dorm!

Kevin O'Gara signature on Thou Swell

Product for my dorm design was sponsored by the following brands: Annie Selke, At Home, Minted, and WallsNeedLove. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep Thou Swell running!

Leave a Comment

6 Comments

  1. Mike M. wrote:

    When I moved into my first dorm room, I “decorated” by scotch-taping some posters to the wall and called it a day. This is impressive.

    Posted 9.13.16 Reply
  2. Katherine Davenport wrote:

    Absolutely love what you have done in such a small space. FABULOUS!!!!!

    Posted 9.1.16 Reply