How to Jazz up your Dorm Room

With the start of the fall 2011 semester, one of the first things you try to do when you move in is decorate your dorm room and make it feel like home, at least for the time you're here. Though being surrounded day in and out by these bister colored cinderblocks can't replace the feeling of being home in your warm bed, we can all make the best of it by decorating our rooms the way we want. There's only so much you can do, with a couple command hooks, so I've searched the archives for some quick and easy solutions to turn your room from bland to beautiful.

Wall Decals:

Easy to mount and even easier to dismount, these vinyl films, are depreciated. It's like having a custom art piece on your walls for a fraction of the price. You can get everything from inspirational sayings to abstract art designs. There's something for everyone.

New York Skyline: Starting at $46.90

my-wall-decal.com

There are also mirror wall decals, and you know what they say about mirrors, they enhance visually the size of a room.

Dots Mirror Wall Decals - 14 pc. Set: $19.99

target.com

Canvas and Prints

If you have a heap of spare time in between those long lectures, you can release some steam by painting on a blank canvas. You can make it a one stop trip and get your canvas, paints, brushes, and lacquer at AC Moore or Michael's Arts and Crafts. If you're tight with time, or lacking that artistic hand, you can buy canvases or prints like these and post them up in seconds with command tape.

Soul Searching: Starting at $28.47

imagekind.com

art.com

First Grade Love: $74.99 but there is a less expensive smaller print at fineartonsale.com for $6.00!

Rugs:

The possibilities for wall art are endless, but something that also drastically enhances the appearance of your basic dorm room is an awesome rug! Whether its shag, plush, animal print is up to you but one thing is for certain, when you have a killer rug on your floor, it gives you room a kick of awesome.

Red Prism Rug: $29.59

dormco.com

Pax Rug: Starting at $19.95

crateandbarrel.com

Lighting:

Besides walking on a wonderful piece of art each time you enter your room, you also need something to light your path when you don't want to turn on the huge fluorescent light that graces each of your ceilings. So why not buy a cool desk lamp or floor lamp that not only passes inspection by your Resident Director but is also approved by your biggest critic: yourself!

Here's a cool lamp to put on your desk made from Himalayan salt crystals. It is scientifically proven to work as an air purifier. It also fights allergens, smoke, dander, and air pollutants. The lamp comes in many different forms; you can even get a bowl design.

Himalayan Ionic Natural Salt Lamp: Starting at $22.74

walmart.com

Here we have a modern IKEA Lamp. This is great for not only illuminating your space but it looks like a big vase.

VÄTE floor lamp: $29.99

ikea.com

Have fun decorating and remember: "How you decorate your room says a lot about your personality"

Send in pictures of how you decorate your dorm room and your ideas for the next "Decorating Diva" topic! (Email me at Dannianddi@gmail.com)