So, you want to transform your dull student room into something more vibrant and inviting? Well, luckily for you, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together a list of our ten favourite ingenious ideas, D.I.Y. projects, and subtle changes that will convert your student room into a relaxing sanctuary.
Disclaimer! Before we go any further, we’ve got to get this out of the way; ask for permission. That’s right, you must ask for permission from your landlord or student accommodation provider before decorating your room.
1. Hang tapestry on the walls
Simply hanging a bright wall tapestry will add instantly add colour to your mundane student room, and it’s far easier than painting.
Most landlords won’t be very keen on you cracking open a pot of Dulux paint and covering the walls with your favourite shade of cyan, so tapestry could be the answer you’re looking for. We recommend using self-adhesive removable hooks as they will stick to any flat surface, and can easily be removed at the end of your tenancy.
2. Build a temporary headboard
The great thing about creating your own headboard is that it’s really quick and easy to do so, and all you need is some basic home improvement skills, a few bits and bobs, and to follow a few simple guidelines to get the job done.
Here is a very detailed tutorial that will help you get a luxurious upholstered headboard.
3. Collage of your favourite photos
We love polaroids, and nothing beats homesickness better than vibrant pictures of home.
Photos are a great way to bring back great memories and remember what an awesome life you’ve had. Get creative with your own collage! When sticking up photos, we recommend using white-tack over blu-tack as it doesn’t leave any marks on the wall.
4. Get creative with fairy lights
As you already know, fairy lights are a must-have for any student’s interior arsenal.
Forget bedside lamps, and introduce some glow to your room. Fairy lights add decorative detail and will transform your bedroom into your own personal sanctuary. Choose from thousands of different light designs, and drape them across your room from anywhere you want.
Disclaimer! Fairy lights are banned from most student halls, so make sure you check up the rules of your student accommodation before purchasing them as they could be confiscated.
5. It’s all about the greenery
Plants make your student room feel so much more alive.
Here’s a great idea we found – build your own terrarium. They’re a great low-maintenance solution to get some fresh smells and greenery inside your room. Terrariums are ‘super-trendy’ right now, and they’re really easy to make on your own, all you need is a: glass container, moss, gravel, and soil.
6. Colourful seating
If you want to change your decor, you can do it quickly and easily with a few floor stools.
Colourful floor stools are not only decorative, but functional. There are hundreds, if not thousands of different types of seating. If you’ve got some space in your bedroom, we definitely recommend getting yourself some knitted floor stools.
7. Washi Tape wall art
Add more colour to your student room with Washi Tape.
Washi tape is thin masking tape which can be used to add colour and patterns to anything. There are endless possibilities of what you can do, so get creative and create your own designs on your walls! The best thing about this tape is that its low tack, which means that at the end of your student tenancy, there will be no marks left behind and it will be as if nothing was ever there.
8. Transform your desk space into a creative hub
What better way to ensure your desk is the creative hub you desire, than having sketches and inspirational quotes on the wall? Make sure you keep this area a clutter-free zone, and keep it as minimalist as possible to reduce the chance of getting distracted.
9. Bedding, bedding, bedding
The bed is the focal point of you room, so make sure it gets the attention it deserves.
Chuck on some nice bedding, get yourself a throw and plenty of pillows and make your bedroom a relaxing space. Choose a colour scheme and stick to it - we recommend using neutral bedding colour as it’s easy to match with other bits around the room.
10. Rugs galore
Rugs will give your bedroom a warm surface to walk on, whilst adding more colour and personality to your space.
Bedroom rugs come in all shapes and sizes, and really can enhance the decor of your room. If you want to strengthen your colour scheme, or add a new colour, consider getting a rug for your student accommodation.
If you’re feeling adventurous, check out this upcycling tutorial which uses old t-shirts and transforms them into a rug.