The start of a new year comes with an inevitable urge to redo your life. And if you’re a college student moving back into a bland, tiny unit of a room, that typically includes a deep desire to re-decorate your dorm, too. However, with the many strict rules of college living and limited space, time, and money, where do you start when it comes to updating your space? Luckily, I found the perfect DIYs to try if you’re looking to do some small-scale change-ups. From velvet pillows to midcentury planters, here are the best do-it-yourself projects Pinterest has to offer.
Taper Candle Holder
Creating DIY candle holders is the perfect way to make your candles look as good as they smell. Use geometric shapes in your design and contrasting colors to incorporate some current trends this season.
What You’ll Need: Wide drill (wide enough to fit candles), block of soft wood, spray paint (white), acrylic paint (black), paint brush, hand drill, pencil, ruler, and candles
Round Velvet Pillow
One of the most fun ways to decorate your dorm is with pillows; they’re easy to make and add instant life to a little-too simple space. Playing around with textures and shapes, like this velvet fabric, will give your room the cozy vibes it needs.
What You’ll Need: 1/2 yard of velvet fabric, thread, fabric scissors, ruler, straight pins, and pillow stuffing
Cotton Fabric, Copper, and Wood Magazine Holder
This makeshift storage solution is not just a cute decoration—it can help you reach those 2018 organization goals as well. Match the fabric for your magazine holder to another decoration in your dorm to pull the room together.
What You’ll Need: 6 1/2-inch wooden dowels that are 12 inches long, 2 1/2-inch-wide wooden dowels that are 10 inches long, cotton fabric, scissors, fabric glue, adhesive glue, and 8 1/2-inch copper elbow fittings
Midcentury Planters
In my opinion, succulents are the go-to plant of 2018. Not only are they adorable, they’ll stay alive for months if given the right (read: minimal) care. These planters are the perfect way to add a pop of color to your current greenery display.
What You’ll Need: Waddel (3 1/2 inch) and tapered legs (8 inch), 3 angle plates (per stand), 6-inch wooden plaque (per stand), painter’s tape, spray paint, planters, wood stain, foam brush, drill, and drill bit
Gold-Dipped Ring Cones
Pro tip: Don’t overlook your jewelry counter when it comes to decorating. These ring cones are a super-simple way to add some brightness to the top of your dresser.
What You’ll Need: Oven-bake craft clay, liquid gold leaf, small paint brush (to touch up edges), and turpentine (for cleaning)
What are your favorite dorm room DIYs? Post them in the comments below!
Featured photo by @merebanks.
