20 Adorable Single Dorm Room Ideas To Maximize Your Space
This post is all about single dorm room ideas.
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There’s nothing better than having your own space on campus to recharge. Dorm rooms are already small and compact, so not having to share one with a roommate is a major win.
However, decorating a single dorm can feel super overwhelming. How do you make use of all your extra space and make it your own?
These single dorm room ideas will help you figure out the perfect layout for your room while also infusing some personality and decor.
Your single dorm will definitely be the cutest hangout spot on campus for you and your friends.
Here are 20 Adorable Single Dorm Room Ideas To Maximize Your Space.
THE SINGLE DORM ROOM IDEAS
1. DECK OUT YOUR STUDY SPACE
A desk area is necessary in any dorm room. In a single dorm, you have more opportunity to deck it out and create an amazing study space.
When I lived in a dorm room, the desk my school provided just wasn’t big enough for all of my books and accessories. I added a desk extender and organizer for extra shelving and surface area, which was a total lifesaver. This dorm room essential will turn your single dorm into a study haven.
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2. INVEST IN A COUCH OR FUTON
The best part of having a single dorm is being able to invite your friends over to hang whenever you want. Plus, since you only have one bed, there’s room for extra seating. Adding a couch or futon to your single dorm will make it so cozy and welcoming for guests.
This futon from Amazon is the perfect size for a small dorm room and can be converted into a sleeper for overnight visitors.
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3. PEEL-AND-STICK WALLPAPER
In a single dorm room, you have total creative control.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is the cutest way to add a pop of color, pattern, and personality to your space. Don’t worry, it won’t destroy your dorm walls–this removable wallpaper to apply and peel right off when the semester ends.
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4. CUTE COFFEE STATION
What’s a better start to your day than waking up and walking right over to your coffee station? Coffee is fuel for any college student, so you can’t go wrong with building an adorable coffee spot in your single dorm.
If you’re looking for an affordable furniture piece to create your coffee area, I highly recommend a utility cart. You can use the shelves to store your coffee supplies and mugs, and easily roll it anywhere around your dorm room.
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5. NEON SIGN
Single dorms take a little extra work to bring to life since there’s only one person living in it. If you feel like your single dorm is missing something, a neon sign might be the vibrant finishing touch you need. Neon signs will transform your space with a bold, electric energy.
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6. A CLOTHING RACK
A clothing rack is a trendy decor idea for dorms that also happens to be super functional. Clothing racks add an aesthetic, refined touch to a dorm room. Most importantly, they provide extra storage for your clothes without having to fold them and wrinkle them up in a drawer.
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7. PUT A TV STAND AT THE END OF YOUR BED
If you love to watch TV before going to sleep like I do, you’ll love this single dorm room idea. Pull your dresser to the end of your bed, and place your TV on top. This layout is so cozy and convenient for cuddling up in bed and watching your favorite show.
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8. UTILIZE EXTRA STORAGE SPACE
Storage is always an issue in a small space like a dorm. While single dorm rooms are still very small, you don’t have a roommate taking up space that could be used for extra storage. Take advantage of this by adding extra floor shelves, wall shelves, and storage drawers to keep under your bed.
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9. STRING LIGHTS
String lights are my go-to decor item. I love string lights because they’re so easy to hang up and take down, and create the dreamiest ambiance in a dorm room. Your dorm room will be illuminated with a cozy, warm glow.
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10. CREATE A MINI LIVING ROOM
If you truly want your dorm to feel like a home, you can arrange your furniture to create a miniature living room. The best way to do this is to face the back of your couch or futon to your bed, add a TV stand in front of it against the wall, and a rug or small coffee table in between. The key is to create separation between your sleeping area and seating area for a cozy, homey feel.
11. HANGING PLANTS
I’m obsessed with hanging plants because they’re just so whimsical and earthy. If you need some decor inspiration for your walls, a hanging plant is like a breath of fresh air. They’re also super affordable and can be easily hung on the wall or ceiling with adhesive hooks.
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12. ADD A MINIFRIDGE
A minifridge comes in handy when you don’t feel like leaving your dorm to go to the dining hall or just want a quick snack. My favorite way to display a minifridge in a single dorm is putting it under a shelf, so you can use the shelf area to create a little kitchen.
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13. STICK WITH A COLOR SCHEME
When you share a dorm with a roommate, you typically don’t get to control how they decorate their side of the room. However, if you choose to live in a single dorm, you can design the room however you want.
I highly recommend sticking with one color palette in your single dorm, since you have creative freedom. This will also create a sense of cohesion and unity that is so homey.
14. USE AN AREA RUG
A rug is a simple and straightforward design tip, but it’s so necessary. Having a rug as a central focus point in your dorm will pull the whole space together. It’s also an easy way to add color and texture to fit your dorm aesthetic.
15. FLOOR CUSHIONS
If a couch isn’t in your budget or you simply don’t have the space, you can still add extra seating to your single dorm. Floor cushions are affordable, easy to transport and store away, and add an additional space for studying or just hanging out with friends.
These huge floor pillows from Amazon are my absolute favorite.
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16. ADD A HEADBOARD
Most dorm rooms come with a twin-sized bed, so you might overlook the idea of adding a headboard. You totally shouldn’t! Headboards elevate your space and help create a more comfortable sleeping area.
You can easily find detachable headboards or even headboards that hang from the wall with adhesive hooks.
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17. Add a Vanity Space
A vanity space is something you probably won’t have room for if you’re sharing your dorm with a roommate. But with a single dorm, you could definitely make it work! Vanities make it so much easier to get ready in the morning before class.
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18. Rearrange Your Pillows
This is a tiny adjustment in your single dorm room, but it might make all the difference! If your twin bed is pushed up against the wall, try arranging your throw pillows against that wall. This small touch will open up your space and give it more of a living room vibe.
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19. Add a Reading Chair
You can’t go wrong with more seating in a dorm room. Adding a chair, whether it’s a fluffy reading chair or a sleek accent chair, will give you another space for lounging other than your bed and desk. This helps separate study time, sleep time, and relaxing time.
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20. Angle Your Bed
I love how having a single dorm room gives you more freedom to arrange your furniture. Try arranging your bed in different ways, like in a corner, to make it stand out from other dorm rooms.
HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE A SINGLE DORM ROOM?
Single dorms are the best because you can play around with the layout and furniture until you find your preference. You can also make single dorms more homey because you don’t need to account for two sleeping areas.
Here are a few organization tips:
- Loft your bed for extra storage room
- Designate a corner for your kitchen/coffee space
- Use multi-functional furniture
- Utilize wall space
- Create a separation between your sleeping area and TV/seating area
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A SINGLE DORM ROOM?
Another benefit to living in a single dorm is having decorative freedom. You don’t need to compromise with a roommate on your aesthetic, so you can fully infuse your personality into the space.
One of my favorite ways to personalize a single dorm room is to create a photo collage on the wall. This will make your dorm room feel like it’s truly your own. You can also coordinate a color palette that feels like you, play around with different patterns and styles, and find wall art that fits your personality.
IS IT GOOD TO HAVE A SINGLE DORM ROOM?
There are so many benefits to having a single dorm room, but it’s all about personal preference. Honestly, I don’t recommend living in a single dorm during your freshman year. When you’re transitioning to college life, it’s nice to have someone to go through it with and it gives you the chance to make a friend on campus.
However, once you’re settled in after your first year, it’s so nice to have your own room. After class, you have a personal space to decompress and recharge. You’ll always have peace and quiet to study and sleep, and don’t have to worry about clashing schedules with a roommate.
ARE SINGLE DORMS POPULAR IN COLLEGE?
Single dorms aren’t as common as shared dorms in college, but tons of students opt for them. It all depends on how many single dorm rooms your specific college has available and what you feel most comfortable with.
If you love coming back from class and chatting with a friend about your day, a shared dorm might be for you. If you prefer to have your own space and need alone time, a single dorm is right up your alley.
Single dorm rooms are much trickier to decorate because you have the same amount of space as shared dorms, but less furniture to work with. However, this allows you to be more creative and expressive, and also to maximize your space.
With these 20 adorable single dorm ideas, everyone on campus will want to hangout at your place.
