25 DIY Projects to Make Your Dorm Room Feel Beautiful and Organized

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Image Credit: Jeran McConnel

Heading off to college? There's so much to do when moving into your dorm room. Not only will you want to put your personality on display, you'll also want (read: need) to make the most of your space, which most likely will be on the small side. No judging – we love small spaces and are all about storage and organizing tricks. (One of these mini fridges is a must!) We've got 25 DIY projects that will help you set up and decorate your new home-away-from-home.

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1. Mirror Using Dowels

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Image Credit: Lucy Akins

A mirror in your room is a must. Plus, all your new friends will love getting ready with you.

2. Shoe (and Bag) Storage

Image Credit: Francesca Stone

You can customize this to fit any space.

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3. S-Hook Shelf

Image Credit: Caroline Burke

For coats, bags, hats, keys ... basically, your life.

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4. Acrylic Pour Paint Art

Image Credit: Lucy Akins

Because any old poster just won't do. This art will be originally yours, any way you pour it.

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5. Painted Plant Pots

Image Credit: Carrie Waller

Place a plant in a corner for instant decor that never disappoints. If you haven't quite flexed your green thumb yet, we say go faux.

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6. Door Tassel

Image Credit: Trisha Sprouse

Hang this on your door when you want your roommate to know you have company over. We kid — these are just lovely to have as doorknob decor.

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7. Paper Tray Organizer

Image Credit: Carrie Waller

Why not have a cute way to keep all your papers under control?

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8. Drawer Dividers

Image Credit: Caroline Burke

Easy to put in, easy to take out at the end of the year.

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9. Coffee Table

Image Credit: Sara Albers

If your dorm room is on the bigger side, you might be able to fit this adorable coffee table made from an IKEA floor pad.

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10. Graphic Art Prints

Image Credit: Caroline Burke

We are really into the idea of original artwork for your dorm room walls. Skill level for making these: beginner.

11. Desk Organizer for Cables

a cable organizer made out of a square of plywood with cables hanging from it and a potted plant inset

Keep cables under control and have a place to put a plant. Double duty.

12. Leather and Wood Wall Hooks

Image Credit: Trisha Sprouse

Obviously wall hooks are a must. The more, the merrier.

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13. Air Plant Holder

Image Credit: Maya Marin

Air plants are so easy to care for ... so you can keep your focus on classes. (That is mainly what you're focused on, right?)

14. Alternative Photo Displays

Image Credit: Jeran McConnel

No frames? No problem. Here are five cute ways to display photos.

15. Raffia Mirror

Image Credit: Francesca Stone

So, yes, we like the idea of having a mirror in your room. Keep this one by your door for last minute check-ups as you head out.

16. Scandi-Style Lamp

Image Credit: Francesca Stone

Oh, hi, cute little bedside lamp. Simple, modern, chic.

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17. A-Frame Shelf

Image Credit: Trisha Sprouse

This packs major style and function.

18. Framed Pressed Flower

Image Credit: Maya Marin

This is one of Hunker's most popular DIYs. We think it's perfect for perking up a dorm room.

19. Wall-Mounted Organizer

a shelving unit made from a sheet of plywood with a shelf, several thick wooden pegs, and a mirror at eye level

I mean, this is basically the ideal thing to mount inside your room next to your door, don't you think?

20. Wood Bead Wall Hanging

Image Credit: Carrie Waller

For when you want to add a cute, boho touch to your decor.

21. Jewelry Cones

Image Credit: Carrie Waller

Make a few of these to keep out on your dresser or desk to hold your cute baubles.

22. Floating Shelf

Image Credit: Caroline Burke

If you don't have room for a nightstand, place a floating shelf next to your bed.

23. Mudcloth Pillows

Image Credit: Caroline Burke

We never tire of the mudcloth look.

24. Basket Shelves

Image Credit: Carrie Waller

Why not take a few IKEA baskets and turn them into shelves for holding your succulents?

25. Modern Art (Made from Scrap Paper)

Image Credit: Lucy Akins

Another genius idea for creating your own original artwork.

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