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As summer winds down, countless articles, blogs, and TV segments will pop up, all buzzing with brilliant dorm room decorating ideas for college freshmen. And it’s true – these typically tiny spaces present unique decor and organizational challenges that can sneak up on you! This is prime time for parents (with essential input from their kids, of course) to plan those back-to-college shopping sprees.
But here’s the thing: most of this advice is overwhelmingly geared towards young women’s dorm rooms. What about the young men heading off to college? Should they resign themselves to living in a characterless box, perpetually littered with clutter, simply because fairy lights aren’t their style?
Absolutely not! While decorating his dorm might not be at the top of your high school grad’s summer to-do list, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t want a cool, comfortable space. When he’s away at school, he’ll want his room to feel as much like home as possible. Because whether they admit it or not, guys get just as homesick as girls do when they embark on their college journey.
With these considerations in mind – and in the spirit of design equality – here are some fantastic dorm decorating tips specifically for guys, focusing on practicality, longevity, and personal style.
Choose a Versatile Bedding Theme That Lasts
Your child will spend a significant portion of the next four years living in a dorm room. This might not be the same room for all four years, and he, too, will evolve greatly throughout his college career.
For maximum practicality and longevity, when shopping for bedding, opt for neutral color palettes and simple patterns. Look for bedding that hits that perfect cozy quota and boasts a classic style or color that will truly stand the test of time. Reversible bedding is a fantastic choice for versatility – when he gets bored with one side, a quick flip offers an easy refresh.
Want to make things super simple? Grab a ‘bed-in-a-bag’ set that thoughtfully includes a comforter, pillowcases, and sheets, often with other coordinating pieces. But do remember that almost all dorm rooms call for ‘Twin XL’ sheets, so keep that in mind when shopping.
Embrace Practical Decor
Little decorative knick-knacks can certainly make a big visual impact, but in a guy’s dorm room, they often risk getting broken, lost, or simply shoved aside to make room for textbooks, snacks, or even a pile of laundry. Instead, shop for decorative display items that serve a purpose or provide a home for essentials. This way, you avoid wasting money on decor that might not even make it through the first semester.
- Smart Storage as Decor: Invest in a set of hooks so he can easily display items he uses every day. Maybe he has an awesome collection of hats, or he likes to swap out his backpack based on his mood. Command Hooks are brilliant for this, as they offer strong hold without damaging walls (most dorms have strict rules against nails and screws) and come in a variety of styles and colors.
- Designated Drop Zones: Add a sturdy tray somewhere prominent, like on top of a dresser. This creates a well-appointed surface to neatly display a collection of shower, hair, or beard accessories. Using everyday items as “decor” not only keeps them off the floor and organized but also personalizes the space with things he already owns and uses.
Help Him Create a Hangout Space
When visitors hit the average male student’s dorm room, you often find that anything capable of holding weight becomes a makeshift chair – which can be both messy and uncomfortable!
To make his dorm a more inviting and comfortable hub, help your child add simple, flexible seating options like bean bag chairs and floor cushions. Since space is always a premium in dorms, these are perfect because they can be easily tucked away when not in use and rearranged effortlessly to accommodate any number of friends or for solo relaxation.
Help Him Stay Organized (Realistically!)
Let’s be honest: Is the average dorm room, regardless of whether it belongs to a guy or a girl, going to stay perfectly neat and tidy all the time? Probably not. But you can absolutely help keep the chaos at bay and prevent clutter from completely taking over with smart, practical organizational solutions.
- Maximizing Small Spaces: He’ll definitely need drawer and closet organizers to make the absolute most of his limited space and keep clothes, toiletries, and personal items from becoming a jumbled mess.
- Under-Bed Storage: Storage containers that easily slide under his bed are perfect for stashing miscellaneous belongings that don’t fit anywhere else, from extra bedding to seasonal clothes.
- Desktop Solutions: A desktop organizer is another fantastic piece of functional decor for a dorm. Encourage him to choose one that not only matches his personal aesthetic but also aligns with his preferred organizational style – whether that’s visual bins, drawers, or open slots for papers.
Ready to Make Dorm Move-In a Breeze?
The thought of preparing a college dorm, or any student’s space, can feel overwhelming. That’s where Just Organized by Taya steps in! We offer personalized solutions for students of all ages, from pre-K to college.
How We Can Help You & Your Student:
- Pre-Move Decluttering: We can help you sort through belongings and decide exactly what needs to go to school, ensuring you only pack essentials and favorites.
- Move-In Day Organization: On move-in day itself, we can be there to help unpack, set up, and create functional, lasting organizational systems right from the start. This means less stress for you and a more settled, comfortable space for your student.
Don’t let dorm prep add to your stress! We’re here to make the transition smoother and more organized.
Why not book a free, no-obligation 15-minute consultation call today? Let’s chat about your specific needs and how Just Organized by Taya can help you and your student start the academic year off right.
Working with Taya and her team is easy. You can book an appointment easily on her website, or contact her directly at 832-271-7608
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