Cozying up for Autumn: Tips on decorating your dorm for fall
When the leaves start to change and the temperature begins to drop, many gravitate toward a cozier lifestyle of soft blankets, sweaters and pumpkin-spiced everything. Whether you like Halloween or autumnal aesthetics, here are five tips to making your dorm cozy without breaking the bank.
Craft your inspiration
Finding the right style comes down to personal preferences, and the internet is a useful asset for researching various fall styles and aesthetics.
Whether you like building the perfect Pinterest board or collecting scraps for a peg board collage, finding inspiration online is a great way to get new ideas and develop your own style. Look for things that fit your style as well as things that embrace all things fall.
Look for warm colors
There are so many options for dorm room decorating, but the key is finding the right color palette.
Tones like yellow, orange, maroon or brown help tie all the decor together and make the room atmosphere feel homey and comforting. Look for decor that can serve multiple purposes, such as blankets or pillows. This is a great way to showcase the season while still being practical.
“You have to find things that make you feel at home,” junior interior design major Carlee Jakobowski said.
Look at thrift deals
Shopping for decor can be an expensive endeavor, but there are some tricks for finding adorable and affordable items.
Thrifting is a great alternative; it’s easy to find some eclectic and whimsical items to repurpose as decor, such as frames, mirrors or vintage treasures. Seasonal decorations can be pricey, so be sure to keep an eye out for coupons and deals at Hobby Lobby or another craft store. You may find shopping easier after the holidays, when everything is on sale.
“I would get it a year before, when it’s offseason, … and then use it to decorate the next year,” senior interior design major Grace Grill said.
Don’t be afraid to try some DIY kits and make your own decor, such as Jakobowski’s idea of putting fairy lights inside a mason jar to display some creativity.
Utilize your space
Decorating in a small space can be difficult, but it can bring some advantages. Staying away from dark colors can make the room cozy without being too gloomy. Fairy lights and lighted diffusers are great ways to showcase some festive and resourceful materials. Grill recommended wall decor such as pictures or wreaths for dorm room doors.
Grill said that “Framed pictures of your friends, … the mountainside … or a waterfall with leaves falling” are great to incorporate nature in your decor and tie everything together. Since candles are not permitted in dorm rooms, opt for a diffuser to get the same comforting feel.
Be creative
Have fun with your space — collaborate with friends and roommates to make it entertaining. Even a paint night with friends or a fall photo shoot are great ways to have fun and make memories. Despite the changing seasons, the Lord will always remain steadfast and be an ever-present help in our lives. Cheers to autumn, and happy decorating!
Loranger is a lifestyle reporter for the Liberty Champion.