Of all the unofficial fresh starts during the year – New Year's, spring cleaning, the first summer weekend – back-to-school season is the one that truly motivates me to reset my home. I think part of that is because the start of the school year still feels like a new beginning, no matter how old you get. When I was actually in school, that energy went into a new haircut and fresh supplies. Now, as the parent of three school-aged kids, it goes into getting the house ready for back-to-school.

When I say 'reset my house', I don't mean top-to-bottom. The areas I focus on are the ones that are most important as soon as school starts: the kids' rooms, the kitchen, and the entryway and exit points of our home. These are the spaces that take the most daily traffic, and the ones that make the biggest difference when they're running smoothly.

I've gotten this reset down to a solid routine over the years, so there is a certain list of tasks I do as summer starts to wind down. If you're feeling a similar energy this year, here's a list of the simple, effective ways I've found to reset a family home for back-to-school.

Take Inventory and Declutter

Also called: out with the old, in with the new. Before I order any new clothes, gear, or backpacks, I go through what we have to see what we actually need. While I'm doing this organizing, I'll save whatever is in good shape and still fits the child it's supposed to, and I get rid of or pass on anything that doesn't.

Once I have a pile of things I know are staying, I then go in and see what we need. This process helps with ensuring that I don't overbuy, but also that I don't forget something or simply assume my kids have enough clothes because their drawers look full, only to find out five minutes before the bus comes that all the clothes in those drawers are actually too small.

I also do this process with things like sports equipment, the school and art supplies my kids use for homework (markers, printer paper, glue), and the lunch/snack containers.

Make Summer Spaces Feel School-Ready

I always declutter/take inventory first because it gives me more time to order what I need, and the decluttering naturally helps with my next step: resetting. I like to focus on the spaces we use most to make them more functional for the school year.

In the summer, for example, our mudroom is packed with things like swim goggles, life preservers, and fishing gear. Once school starts, it'll need to house not just backpacks, but fall sports equipment too. The kids' desks, which are generally covered in Legos and art projects by August, need to become homework stations again.

So, right before school starts, I pack away everything from one season and get it ready for the new one.

Reset the Kitchen

In the kitchen, a few small changes make a big difference once the school-year routine kicks in.

First, I do a pantry sweep. I throw out anything that's expired, consolidate half-empty bags and boxes, and take stock of what we can actually fit in there before I start bulk-buying snacks. I then stock a shelf that my kids can reach with things like crackers, nut butter, fruit pouches, and pretzels so they can grab their school snack and help themselves when they get home.

Another thing that helps: making a list of each child's favorite lunch snacks, which I hang on the inside of the pantry door. Preferred snacks change from child to child and year to year, and a list helps me remember the details so I don't end up with a pantry full of snacks that only one of my kids will eat.

Lastly, I reorganize our 'lunch-making station', which is where we keep the lunchboxes and containers that go in them. I wipe it out and make sure all the containers and water bottles have tops, and I put name labels on any bottles or containers that need it.

Create a System

The final step in my back-to-school reset is to try to systematize the way we flow through our house and where my kids put important items. I don't go overboard with this because I find that if a system is too complicated, no one uses or remembers it.

What I do do is this:

• Put a label with each kid's name over a hook in our coat closet, so they know where they should hang their backpack at the end of the day.
• Put a basket under the bench in our entryway for the kids to put their school shoes in whenever they get home, so they know where they are when they leave in the morning.
• Put a tray on the kitchen counter, where they empty their school folder each day with homework, reminders and library books.

Those small steps help us get out the door in the morning because everyone (theoretically) knows where their things are.

My Back-to-School Favorites

Even if you only get to one or two of these things before the first day, it'll help. Back-to-school is hectic no matter what, but knowing where the backpacks go and having usable markers for homework means one less thing to trip you up as you're heading into the first weeks.

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When I am usually speaking with designer Marie Flanigan, we are debating the season's most popular colors, I am getting advice on what elevates a vignette on your entryway console, or how she styles her kitchen shelves. However, our most recent conversation moved away from design tips and trends to focus on how things run in her own home, especially around the hectic few weeks that see her three young children return to school.

As both a designer and a parent, Marie knows that in a family home, nothing can be purely aesthetic; spaces have to work hard to hide the mess and clutter that come with having lots of people under one roof. Marie built her own dream home for her family of five in Houston Heights, Texas, from scratch a few years ago, and while her home is filled with beautiful design ideas, it's the more practical parts of it that come into their own when her family goes back to school.

Here, Marie shares how things work in her house when the long summer vacation comes to an end and her family's routines return to normal.

Homes & Gardens: How does your home change at this time of year, getting your family ready for fall and back to school?

At the beginning of the school year, I always want to get my support spaces as organized as possible. With three kids in elementary school, I purposely built a sunroom that doubles as our catch-all space. The built-in cabinetry houses all of our school and art supplies, charging stations, backpacks, and other odds and ends.

This is also the first place that gets disorganized and a bit chaotic. I always try to give it a good clean out and make sure things are ready and accessible for the school year. I also try to clean out the pantry and mudroom as they’re also a big part of our back-to-school routine.

Homes & Gardens: What are your best tips for getting your home (and your family) ready for the transition from summer to back to school?

Kids and adults thrive on routine. That said, I try to start implementing more of a routine as we get closer to school starting. We also ensure that each child has a designated space for post-school activity – where backpacks live, where homework gets done, and how afternoons flow. For us, that means a clear spot for each child’s bag, an organized homework station, and a rhythm to our afternoons that the kids can count on. It keeps the chaos at bay and helps everyone get back in the school groove.

I would advise starting by editing what you don’t need and making space for what’s coming. Invest in good storage solutions that are easy for kids to use. Keep high-traffic areas functional and inviting, so they work hard but still feel beautiful. And finally, build in little moments of calm, whether that’s a vase of fresh flowers in the kitchen or a cozy throw by the sofa – those touches help make the busy days feel grounded

Homes & Gardens: Which room is the hardest working in the back-to-school routine?

Our sunroom takes the title! It doubles as our drop zone and has been thoughtfully organized so the kids know exactly where to put their things. I purposely made sure that the cabinetry would conceal any chaos that hides behind the doors.

Homes & Gardens: How does how you have designed and decorated your home make busy school mornings run more seamlessly?

My mornings start early – around 5 a.m. – so I can fit in a workout and a little quiet devotional time. Sometimes I’ll catch up on emails and look at my calendar for the day. Once the kids are up, everyone gets dressed, eats breakfast, and heads out the door. This is also where our routine and organization from the day before comes into play with all school necessities at the ready. Every design decision, from labeled bins to the charging station, supports that somewhat smooth transition to the busy rhythm of the day.

Homes & Gardens: Are there any back-to-school routines that you find affect how you decorate and organize your home?

Absolutely. School life has taught me that durability and accessibility are key. I purposely organized everything so that even our littlest can reach what she needs for homework or play. Our entryway sees a constant rotation of shoes, so we use attractive baskets for shoe storage that blend into the décor but keep things contained. It’s about striking that balance between beauty and function.

Family dinner is one thing that we never sacrifice. Each night, even if we’re just picking up food after a crazy day, we set the table complete with lit candles. Candles make the moment feel special, and the kids love them.

Homes & Gardens: How have you designed your children's bedrooms to make them multifunctional for work, play, and sleep?

Of course, each child has a comfortable bed, but also essential is a cozy chair and a floor lamp for reading. Since all of my children are in elementary school, they are required to spend reading time each day. Then, there’s plenty of floor space for play.

'There's always an excitement and level of anticipation that comes with the start of school,' Marie tells me. 'I also love how fresh and new the school supplies and uniforms are in August. That is definitely not the case by the following May! I also always look forward to fall when the Houston temperatures cool down.'

August is the time to reset routines, reset your home so it's ready to shift from long, carefree summer days to a season packed with all the activity a new school year brings. As Marie suggests, it's key to assess how your most-used spaces are working, review the storage and the flow of these spaces – are they ready for the back-to-school chaos?

As summer winds down, it’s the perfect moment to savor the last of the season’s fruits while letting thoughts turn to fall recipes. While August is ideal for baking with berries and apples – Martha Stewart's blackberry and apple cake is a favorite – there’s something irresistible about fall flavors creeping in.

Pumpkin, with its warm, comforting spice, always beckons this time of year. A homemade pumpkin spice latte is the perfect place to start, and before long, you’ll find yourself reaching for Martha Stewart’s iconic pumpkin bars.

Simple to make and full of seasonal flavor, they’re a delightful way to welcome fall into your kitchen.

Ingredients

• For the cake:
• 1 stick (or a half cup) unsalted butter (at room temperature), plus 1 teaspoon for the cake pan
• Half cup milk (at room temperature)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup pure pumpkin puree
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
• Half teaspoon baking powder
• Half teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Half teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
• Quarter teaspoon ground allspice
• Quarter teaspoon ground cloves
• Half teaspoon of coarse salt
• For the frosting (optional):
• 8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
• Half a stick (or a quarter cup) unsalted butter (at room temperature), cut into pieces
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted
• Half teaspoon coarse salt

Method

• Preheat your oven to 350°F and brush the bottom and sides of a 9” x 11” cake pan with butter. (I use these VINAUO sheet pans from Walmart). Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on 2 sides.
• Whisk together the flour, baking powder and baking soda, then mix in the cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves and salt.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree and milk.
• Beat the sugar and butter together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). A stand mixer will be easiest here, but a hand whisk also works.
• Crack the eggs into the butter and sugar mixture and beat until combined.
• While beating at low speed, add the flour mixture in three batches, alternating with the pumpkin mixture and beating until just combined.
• Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smooth the top with a spatula, and bake for about 35 minutes (or until a cake tester inserted into the middle comes out clean). Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
• To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese, butter and salt until light and creamy (around 2 minutes). Reduce your mixer speed to low and gradually add in the confectioners' sugar, beating until incorporated.
• Once the cake has cooled, spread the icing over the top and cut into 12 bars.

Shop everything you need to make Martha Stewart's pumpkin bars

Looking for more pre-Halloween treats? Pumpkin patch dirt cups are another winning dessert recipe – I've been using the summerween trend as an excuse to make plenty.

Every so often, a product strikes the perfect balance between practicality and style – and right now, that product is the Owala x Hearth & Hand with Magnolia FreeSip water bottle from Target. It’s sleek, smart, and selling out faster than you can say ‘refill’. As it stands, over 24,000 people have already purchased one.

If you're anything like me, you likely carry around your water bottle with you everywhere, so why not make it a good one?

The appeal is easy to see. This stainless steel, triple-insulated bottle keeps drinks icy cold for up to 24 hours. The signature FreeSip lid offers two ways to drink: sip through the built-in straw or tip it back to swig from the wide-mouth opening. A push-button mechanism makes it effortless to open, while a locking carry loop keeps it secure on the go.

The Hearth & Hand with Magnolia edition takes that beloved design and dresses it in colors that feel made for fall 2025. Warm butterscotch yellow, dark olive green, vintage gingham, and a deep red which nods to the season’s cozy, earthy palette while remaining perfectly on-trend for the year ahead.

These soft, nature-inspired tones are a true selling point for me. They are also the perfect dorm room essential for anyone heading to college this year. I've already been asked twice where mine are from.

It’s no wonder these bottles are becoming a lifestyle staple. Their slim base fits perfectly in car cup holders, the leakproof lid means you can toss them in a tote without worry, and they’re durable enough to withstand everyday use. Many fans are buying multiples to rotate between workouts, commutes, and weekend outings.

The truth is, they’re more than just a water bottle; they’re a daily luxury that makes staying hydrated feel like a small act of self-care. And judging by how quickly they vanish from store shelves every restock, it’s safe to say I am a little smitten.

Shop the collection

For faster delivery, the Owala FreeSip Insulated Bottles are also available on Amazon in 21 color options. It is currently the best-selling product in their home and garden range.

It's a tale as old as time – you send your kids off to university, they graduate, get a job, and move out to the big city. You're excited for them, who wouldn't be? But you can't help but miss their presence in your home, and walking past their old bedroom makes it worse. As it sits vacant, you wonder: what should I do with this empty room?

A guest bedroom? A home gym? A new office? 'Some call it empty nest syndrome, I call it an opportunity!' designer Cyndy Cantley muses. Rather than let your child's old room remain unoccupied collecting dust, take advantage of the space. After all, it is your home – you may as well utilize every room.

'When your kids head off to college, their now-unused room becomes a chance to reclaim space and create something that adds lasting value to your home,' designer Lauren Conners tells me. 'You might turn it into a home office with a cozy reading nook or go in a completely different direction and transform it into a yoga studio, craft space, or sewing room.'

The opportunities are endless, and coming from a former child whose room was redesigned after I left for college, I can promise you that your kids won't be too offended when they learn of the status of their old room. Since there are lots of ways to redesign this empty space, I asked designers to share the best empty nest room ideas. Here's what they recommend.

1. Make it a guest room

According to Lauren, the most obvious choice is to turn your child's room into a guest bedroom after they move out. After all, the bed is already there – all you need to do is revamp its design. Lauren recommends elevating the design 'with a welcoming, hotel vibe that your kids will want to come home to.'

Start by removing any tacked-up posters of your child's favorite musicians, athletes, or anything else they have on their walls. Then repaint, spruce up the furniture, get new bedding, and add any other guest room essentials for a comfortable night's sleep. 'Bonus points if it can also serve as the backdrop for future grandchildren to make happy memories,' Lauren adds.

This is just what designer Emily Flaxman accomplished in the room above – a room she transformed for a client whose child went off to college. 'It’s apparently now the most covetable room in the house when everyone comes home to visit,' Emily tells me. 'Nothing like coming home to a king bed after sleeping in an extra-long dorm room twin bed, ha!'

2. Create a home office

If you've been in need of a proper workspace, your child's old bedroom is the perfect opportunity to make that happen. After they move out, transform their room into the home office you never had. That's what designer Jess Bennett has done for her empty-nester clients. In the room above, Jess turned what once was a bedroom into an elegant workspace for a mom after her child moved out.

Now, don't just buy a desk and call it a day. Take advantage of the space you have to work with, and design it in a way that reflects your personal style. Jess designed the room above to look effortlessly sleek and stylish with a monolithic marble desk, fuzzy area rug, and textured ceiling light. You can do the same by redesigning the space based on interior design styles you like the most.

3. Use it as a multi-purpose room

When your child moves out of the house, their room becomes a bonus room of sorts. It presents an opportunity for you to use it in whatever way you want. Rather than limiting yourself to one purpose, create a multi-purpose room that has several functions and many uses.

That's what designer Maria Hogrefe accomplished in the room above. 'We took this limited space and transformed it into a functional area for guest quarters, a work-from-home setup, and a creative retreat,' she tells me. 'The intent was to craft a moody, intimate atmosphere using rich color palettes, timeless furnishings, and bespoke built-ins, including a custom Murphy bed, that maximize both style and utility.'

Despite working with a small space with tricky walls, Maria was able to create a stylish room with many purposes. 'Balancing form and function in a small space presented challenges, but each element was carefully considered to enhance livability without sacrificing aesthetic impact,' she says. 'The result is a layered, soulful interior that feels equally inspiring and restorative.'

4. Turn it into a quiet retreat

Now, I might not have kids of my own, but I can imagine that relaxation is hard to come by when living in a house full of children. But once they move out, their empty rooms present an opportunity to create a calm and quiet oasis – a retreat room, if you will.

Designer Kieu Nguyen Smith made that possible for her client in the room above. 'Previously a teenager's bedroom, the client wanted a space for herself after her last child had left the nest. It became a quiet retreat where she could close the door, cozy up with a book, and finally have a purposeful space for her heirlooms and collectibles,' Kieu tells me.

Kieu and her team kept only the beams in this room, then color drenched the space in a soothing, deep gray paint. The varying wood tones and soft fabrics complement the wall color, while the sisal rug adds texture and warmth to the space. Kieu also added lots of storage to make this space not only a stylish retreat, but a functional space, too.

5. Make your room bigger

If your room is positioned right next to your child's old bedroom, there's no shame in knocking down the wall to make your room bigger.

According to Cyndy Cantley, she didn't even wait for her son to graduate school to do so! 'The moment he left for his junior year of college, the measuring tape came out and so did the sledgehammer,' she says. 'We knocked through the wall between our bedroom and his, installed beautiful bespoke built-ins with mirrored doors, a skirted dressing table and glorious room for every shoe, scarf, blouse, skirt and purse.'

If the structure of your home allows for it, a renovation like this is a great idea to help make small bedrooms bigger. Plus, if you're the only one left living in the house, why not take advantage of the space? 'The kids may have flown the nest, but I finally have a place for everything tucked neatly behind doors,' Cyndy says.

6. Design a room for hobbies

As your children get older and eventually move out, you'll recognize how much time you have to engage in the hobbies you were too busy to do before. You might even consider turning an old child's bedroom into a room dedicated to those hobbies – whatever they might be.

That's what designer Autumn Pochiro did in her home. 'As a mom with two college-age daughters, the house felt a little off with three empty rooms,' Autumn tells me. After turning one into an office space and the other into a guest room, Autumn is working to make the third room a hobby room.

'The old playroom is being drafted for a new craft room equipped with a sewing station, wrapping wall, and fabric roll storage rack,' Autumn says. 'This will be my creative hub away from the office.'

7. Create a 'snug' room

While it's exciting to use an empty bedroom as an opportunity to create a new space, there's nothing wrong with simply tidying up the room and turning it into a cozy nook, or as designer Susan Petrie calls it, 'the snug'.

'While the obvious choice for many people in the current work-from-home climate is to turn a bedroom into a home office, I am turning my college aged child’s room into a what the Brits call 'the snug' – a place that I can curl up with a good book or binge watch a new show with a cup of tea and cozy throw,' Susan says.

'I am not a fan of changing up what is familiar if it has always worked, but I do like to update it by decluttering, adding a new rug and pillows, a comfy arm chair, great lighting and of course fun reading material,' Susan says. 'It’s my little escape from reality and the only place I can comfortably nap… plus it’s perfect for last minute guests as well.'

These empty nest room ideas vary in their difficulty – while some involve little effort, others require significant change. If you decide to make a drastic change to your child's old bedroom, be sure to read up on our tips on where to spend and save in a home renovation. This can help you get the look you desire without breaking the bank.

Nothing is as luxurious as new bed linen, especially if you're moving into a new space – and I've just discovered that this Mellanni twin sheet set is just $35 on Amazon right now.

It took me a while to feel at home in my dorm, and while decor and accessories helped bring the space to life, premium bed sheets like these, which claim hotel-style luxury (for that home-from-home feeling) were the key.

The Mellanni sheet set has claimed a spot in our guides to the best bed sheets and the best affordable bed sheets – it's one of Amazon's best-selling bedding bundles, with over 250,000 verified five-star reviews. Our tester noted the wrinkle-resistant fabric, emphasizing that these sheets can 'wash well and dry beautifully'. I don't know many students who are handy with an iron, so this is a big plus.

I'd certainly be adding this set to my cart if I were looking for dorm room bedding now. For busy college students, who are often burning the candles at both ends, a new set of high-quality sheets will contribute to the quality of that all-important sleep.

These soft, breathable bed sheets are moisture-wicking and lightweight – perfect for hot sleepers, especially since the weather is still likely to be warm when the fall semester begins. They're double-brushed microfiber material is also durable and stain-resistant, too. I know for a fact that this is a plus for dorm room bedding having spilt my fair share of coffee on mine when up studying in the early hours. Also, while I'll admit that I didn't wash my bedding in college as much as I did at home, I appreciated sheet sets that would stand up to washing in the industrial-sized machines in my dorm.

'These sheets wash beautifully without fading, fit the mattress perfectly, and actually stay in place throughout the night – no constant re-tucking needed,' says one reviewer. 'The fabric feels soft and smooth, and the color is rich and modern. Overall, great quality and comfort at a really reasonable price. I’d absolutely buy them again.'

The twin and twin XL sizes are perfect dorm room bedding options, but there are a variety of other sizes on offer too. Each one is available with an extra deep pocket – I usually go for this option to ensure my sheets can sit right under the mattress without slipping or bunching, and as you won't know how deep your mattress is until you arrive in your dorm, this will cover you.

It's worth noting that microfiber sheets aren't for everyone – they aren't considered an ideal choice if you're looking for a hypoallergenic material, and they can feel synthetic compared to traditional fabrics like cotton. Some reviewers noted that the Mellanni sheets felt thin, though many saw this as a positive feature, praising the material's airy feel and silky softness.

Overall, the Mellanni sheet set is a popular choice for a wide range of sleepers, and I love that there's an enormous selection of colorways: there are 45 in total, including elegant block shades, stripe prints, and even floral designs. So you can really put your personal stamp on your dorm room.

Complete your dorm room bed set-up

A good set of bed sheets claim the top spot on any dorm room checklist, and if your favorite dorm room ideas involve a luxurious, feel on a budget, this Mellanni sheet set is a good buy. If you want to upgrade your dorm room mattress, too (without breaking the bank), try one of our recommended mattress toppers for dorm rooms.

When I say I ate terribly in college, I mean it. I somehow managed to survive on a beige diet of bagels, ritz crackers, and curly fries. I couldn't work out why I felt so fatigued and sluggish.

Now, as a wellness chef who cooks for private clients and yoga retreats, I'm no stranger to how food impacts our energy, mood, and focus. If I could go back to school, there’s one appliance I’d pack without hesitation: the Ninja Blast Portable Blender.

Smoothies are a great way to get fruit, leafy greens, nut butters, and seeds into your diet, especially when you're busy or you don't have access to a full kitchen. The Ninja Blast is battery operated and it can tackle it all: green spinach smoothies, peanut protein shakes, even hummus and fresh salsa dips. Out of all the options I've tested over the years, it remains at the top of my guide to the best personal blenders. Even better, it's available in a rainbow of cute colors, too.

Why I love my Ninja Portable Blender

I love the Ninja Blast because it's versatile without taking up a huge amount of space. I've put it to the test on a wide range of tough ingredients and found the only thing it struggles to break down is large pumpkin seeds or enormous hunks of frozen fruit (chances of dorm room students having access to a freezer are slim so this probably isn't a concern). You'll need a small chopping board and a small knife to cut up ingredients like bananas, whole kale leaves, or mango down to size (this cheap knife set on Amazon will do just fine for students).

This is also the best personal blender I've tested for protein powder, whizzing it into a silky smoothie without lumps. Day to day, I use mine for smoothies, but one of the product testers at Homes & Gardens, Alex, uses his for protein shakes before working out. He says: 'The battery life is excellent and it has never leaked on my way to the gym.' So it's ideal for those pre- or post-lecture workouts or sports sessions.

The Ninja Blast is BPA-free and dishwasher-safe, too. For students who don't have access to a dishwasher though, it may be worth investing in a blender cleaning brush (I really like this bottle and straw brush from Amazon).

I think it's good value for money, but if you're looking for something cheaper, it's also worth looking at the BlendJet 2 Portable Blender. It's lighter, a bit quieter, and around $20 cheaper. The trade-off is that it feels much flimsier, and it's not as powerful as the Ninja.

My college essentials for a healthy lifestyle

If I were heading back to college, a Ninja Blast portable blender would be my go-to for getting my nutrition in – but I also rate these three appliances for streamlining a healthy routine: an air fryer, a Stanley cup, and an AeroPress.

Looking back, I wish I’d made fresh fruits and veggies a bigger part of my college routine – it’s all much easier than it seemed back then. With one simple appliance like a portable blender, you can very easily get your daily dose of nutrients. There's an endless list of things you can make in a blender; and smoothies are a vibrant and delicious way to start.

I remember my college move-in day like it was yesterday. I got my room assignment, marched up the stairs, opened the door, and was disappointingly greeted with four walls of uninviting cinder blocks. And I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there's a high chance your dorm room will be made from cinder blocks, too.

Although they might seem like a major roadblock for your dorm room decorating ideas, cinder blocks aren't as difficult to work with as they might seem. 'When you're up against raw cinder block, I get it: zero warmth, zero flexibility and zero charm! But I would argue it is actually the perfect blank canvas for some clever, high-impact moves that cost almost nothing but make the space feel like yours,' Danny Niemela tells me, a professional home remodeler and designer who knows a thing or two about working with cinder block.

From hanging wall art or curtains to even using wallpaper, there are lots of ways to reduce the cell-like feeling that cinder block walls seem to radiate. 'Forget trying to hide the cinder block, use it!' Danny advises. With that, here are five clever ideas to help you make the most of your cinder block dorm room walls.

1. Use peel and stick wallpaper

One of the easiest ways to decorate the cinder block walls in your dorm room is to apply peel-and-stick wallpaper. Adding wallpaper to any room can help transform the space, but in a cinder block dorm room, it can invite charm and softness onto the cold, unattractive, and uninviting walls. Plus, peel-and-stick wallpaper is easy to remove once the year is over.

Peel-and-stick wallpaper styles have the capability to invite color, pattern, and even texture into your dorm room. 'Use it to create a focal zone behind the bed or desk and layer your visuals in front,' Danny recommends with peel-and-stick wallpaper. Another idea? Apply it to your closet or desktop surface for an unexpected pop of color or pattern.

While peel-and-stick wallpaper will certainly be a nice addition to your dorm room walls, Danny advises against hanging things from it. This can cause the paper to rip, warp, or peel off the wall. Because of this, peel and stick is best as an accent wall idea in your dorm room.

2. Hang a tapestry

If mounting peel-and-stick wallpaper onto your cinder block dorm room walls seems like too much work, here's another idea – hang a tapestry. Often, tapestries are lightweight, meaning they can easily hang from Command hooks mounted to your walls. Plus, they can be quite large, meaning they'll hide many of the unattractive cinder blocks.

Because tapestries come in many different shapes and styles, you're bound to find something that matches your dorm room decor. A macrame wall tapestry can invite some softness and texture into your dorm room, while a banner tapestry can bring color and cover more surface area. Regardless of your choice, a tapestry is bound to help distract any attention from the cinder block walls of your room.

3. Mount what you can

Cinder block walls are tricky to work with because you can't drill into them as you could with drywall. Although frustrating, this encourages you to get creative with your design. Mounting boards or shelves can be done without drilling into the wall, and they can help make your space feel more complete.

Lightweight pinboards and shelves can be mounted easily with heavy duty double-sided tape. And as long as you don't decorate these features with anything too heavy, they'll stay mounted to your cinder block walls and add character to the space.

That said, if mounting simply won't work in your dorm room, Danny suggests leaning panels against the walls to decorate the space. 'Think 1-inch foam board cut to size and wrapped in fabric or printed vinyl. Prop it tight to the wall using furniture weight and friction. It adds texture, hides the grid, and gives you a visual break from the raw concrete vibe,' Danny advises

4. Incorporate curtains

Incorporating curtain ideas in your dorm room won't only hide unattractive cinder block walls. They can also help stylize your space. Depending on the types of curtains you choose, they can establish the mood in your room. A sheer linen curtain might make your space feel light and airy, while a dark, velvet curtain can create a cocooning atmosphere.

Plus, curtains can be used in several different ways. Of course, you can hang curtains in front of the windows in your dorm room. But they can also be hung from a tension rod to hide a closet (if your closet is open to the room). Not only that, but you can hang curtains across a blank wall in your dorm room to hide the wall's surface. Curtains create the illusion of movement and invite texture into the space.

For the windows, curtains are a must. But consider their other uses, too, and how they can benefit a dorm room confined by cinder block walls.

5. Create a gallery wall

Probably the simplest and most cost-effective way to decorate cinder block dorm room walls is to hang pictures. No frames required – simply apply double-sided tape to the back of some 4" x 6" prints, and you can create your very own makeshift gallery wall.

This is what I did in my first dorm room – I printed out 50 glossy photos, arranged them in the order I liked best, and taped them to my wall. Every now and then, a photo would fall off, but all I needed to do was tape it back up. This low-effort idea can easily enhance the overall look of your space, and depending on how many photos you print out, they can help hide those cinder block walls.

However, if you're looking for something a bit less arts and crafts-y, you can actually buy photo holders that can organize your images in a neat and orderly fashion. This way, you don't have to worry about the spacing between photos or the occasional photo falling off the wall.

Now that you know how to decorate cinder block walls, don't forget about the rest of your dorm room. Read our dorm room checklist to find all of your college necessities before you head off to your new home.

My obsession with home diffusers started in my student days, and I used mine regularly to keep my dorm room smelling fresh and to give off a calming scent when I was stressed out with my studies. But it was a basic model, without the bells and whistles.

If I'd seen this ASAKUKI oil diffuser from Amazon back then, it would definitely have piqued my interest. With 64,000 reviews and a long list of 5-star ratings, it's hard to believe it's just $21. It's no surprise then that a portable version of it (great if you want to move it around different rooms in a house, but not so important for a dorm room) features in our best essential oil diffusers guide.

Our tester said that unlike most water-based diffusers, which make a little noise, this one was 'completely silent', and was impressed with the fact that it 'was easy to adjust the strength setting and the run-time'. They also mentioned that water-based diffusers like this one are 'great for humidifying rooms that would otherwise feels cold and dry', while you may be tempted by a waterless option if there's no sink in the dorm room.

While the best candles and luxurious reed diffusers can be a splurge, I'm a firm believer that simple diffusers like this, is one of the best home fragrance options out there, and you can ring the changes with different oils to suit your preferences, too.

The ASAKUKI diffuser has a 500ml capacity, and it's quick to start dispensing fragrance (I'm partial to eucalyptus oil or patchouli). I love how it looks on a desk or shelf too, thanks to its minimal design. It's both a statement and something that blends in beautifully without taking up much space – especially as it doubles up as a stylish mood lamp thanks to 7 color-changing LED modes. The light can be controlled independently from the mist function, too – so even if you run out of essential oils, you've still got a chic and functional decor piece for a dorm room.

It also has an adjustable timer, which is great for when you're winding down before bed without having to worrying about getting up to switch it off. It will automatically shut off when the water is low, too, which brings peace of mind, particularly if you forgot to switch it off before running out to a lecture. Plus, it's BPA-free, meaning it's low-toxin – another tick from me.

While some reviewers had issues with the diffuser, warning that it stopped working properly after a few months, the majority of comments were positive, many describing it as a durable option that's lasted them for years.

'I'm absolutely thrilled with this,' reads one review. 'From the moment I unboxed it, I could tell it was a quality product. It works great – it quickly and effectively disperses essential oils, filling my living room with a lovely aroma. I've used several diffusers in the past, and this one truly stands out for its performance.'

Buyers were also impressed with the multiple setting options. 'I absolutely love these diffusers,' adds another customer. 'They’re well-made and super versatile, with multiple mist and light settings that let you adjust for whatever mood or situation you’re in.'

While starting or going back to school can take some getting used to, especially if you're sharing a dorm room. A few home comforts like a diffuser can make all the difference, and make the transition as stress-free as possible. Just be sure to check with any room mates about allergies or fragrance sensitivities before using as you don't want to get off on the wrong foot at the start.

Decorating a dorm room can be a really fun experience, too, and I'd say this Amazon diffuser is definitely worth a spot on your college dorm room checklist.

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As we enter the teenage years of parenting, empty nesting and college life loom on our parenting horizon. My own college years do not seem that far off, though the ache in my lower back and my gray hairs would indicate otherwise. While my roommates and I suffered through the lumpy, old mattresses provided by most colleges, today’s students have more options when it comes to the best mattress toppers for dorm beds, as technology and affordability has improved so much. These days, a few clicks and free shipping mean most students can guarantee a better night’s sleep at college than their parents had.

When my family was given the chance to test the Brooklyn Bedding Copperflex 301 mattress topper, I decided to put it through the paces with our adolescents to see how it stood up to testing. Would it provide an affordable way to elevate and freshen up a saggy, unsupportive dorm bed mattress? I can safely say that we found it to be a high-quality product that meets the claims made by the manufacturer. Read on to find out more about how I tested it and how it fared.

Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex 301 – Tried and Tested

We moved this topper to several spots in our house, spent afternoons reading on it and lounging, and I also slept on it during our 30-day review period.

I put this topper through its paces as my family enjoyed restful nights of sleep, afternoons spent reading, and mid-morning naps. I tested this mattress topper during both a cold snap and a heat wave as spring transitioned into summer in our city, which gave me a chance to review the thermoregulation properties as well. The copper-infused memory foam is purported to be hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, which is always a plus with kids and young adults – particularly with all those bugs going round in shared dorms.

While we don’t hang on to every product I test, we decided to continue to use this mattress topper for one of our 11-year-old twins after the review period. Her mattress – a hand-me-down from her grandparents – is in good shape but lacks frills. The extra layer of comfort provided by the CopperFlex 301 made it a perfect bed for a growing adolescent.

Who is the CopperFlex 301 topper best for?

Most sleep styles: The Brooklyn Bedding Copperflex 301 Mattress Topper is a solid choice for any sleeper. While the topper feels supportive in most sleep positions (front sleepers and heavier set individuals might prefer a little more support though), the overall feel is medium to soft. When placed on top of a firm innerspring mattress, the Brooklyn Bedding topper provided basic spine and body support without the firmness of an orthopedic topper. If you have any back pain or existing injuries, you'll likely find it a little lacking, too. A lumbar back injury means I require a higher degree of support, which the 301 just missed the mark on.

Hot sleepers: The 2-inch version of this topper, the 201, has a standard quilted top. For this review, I tested the 301, which has a GlacioTex cooling cover. I fell in love with GlacioTex when testing the Helix topper, and I found it to perform just as well on the Brooklyn Bedding topper. I slept at a comfortable temperature throughout the night, most nights. The hot flashes of middle age did cause me to wake up clammy once or twice, but this is less of an issue for most college students.

Athletes: While this topper is not designed for those with advanced ergonomic needs, the general overall support of the memory foam layer is ideal for sleepers who are active and need a great place to recover overnight. Brooklyn Bedding states that the high-density memory foam contours to a sleeper’s body to reduce pressure points. I found this largely to be true (while I prefer a greater level of support for my back usually), and my family members found this topper to provide enough support for their skeleton.

What's it like to sleep on the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex 301 Mattress Topper?

Pressure relief: Using a rating scale of 1 to 10, with 10 denoting the firmest bed, I would rate the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex 301 Mattress Topper around a 5. I alternate between sleeping on my back and side, and found it to be better on my back than on my side. When on my side, I at times felt the jab of my hip joint through the topper to the mattress below.

Thermoregulation: I have tried several mattresses and toppers that make claims of thermoregulation, but since I had already had a great experience with the Helix ErgoAlign with GlacioTex, I was confident this topper would also regulate temperature well. That proved to be true. Brooklyn Bedding also notes that the infused copper helps to draw heat away from the body into the foam. Since I turned 40, though, I have regularly woken up drenched in sweat and exhausted. Basic mattress toppers, which are comprised mostly of foam, trap body heat and leave me waking up feeling clammy. When looking at the best cooling mattress toppers on the market, I would say the CopperFlex 301 is a top contender in this category.

Motion isolation: Our loud, active family of six played and rolled around on this topper for weeks and found the motion isolation to be great. I do not move around in my sleep, but my kids do. Their tosses and turns did not wake me or my partner up. I also used a few simple tests to assess motion isolation. I used a wineglass and hand weights to ascertain if compressing one section of the mattress would transfer to another section. As the hand weight sank down, the glass stayed upright. This is a good indication that a mattress or mattress topper will stand up to tossing and turning. While this is not related to motion isolation, we did have some issues with the straps staying in place and the topper sliding around at times. This issue was minor, but it was more pronounced when my most active sleeper used the topper. A new deep-pocket fitted sheet that fully covered the mattress and topper helped considerably.

Edge support: This was my least favorite feature of the CopperFlex 301. While the center of the topper is adequately firm, the edges have a lot of give to them. This made it difficult to sit on the edge of the bed to put my shoes on or sleep too close to the edge of the bed. Since I do not move too much in my sleep, this is not a deal breaker for me – but it’s important to note.

Delivery: The Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex 301 Mattress Topper arrived in a vacuum-packed box that was heavy, but manageable for me to carry alone. I suggest opening any mattress topper in the room you intend to use it in, as they become hard to move around once unfurled. I was able to set this topper onto a bed by myself, attach the straps, and begin using it immediately. There was some off-gassing as the topper expanded once released from the vacuum seal, but I slept on it that same night without issue.

How does the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex 301 Mattress Topper rate online?

Users have had varied experiences with the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex 201 Mattress Topper, which is common with online reviews. On the Brooklyn Bedding website itself, there is just one review—but it is 5/5 stars. Brooklyn Bedding also shares video content from users who have the topper below the mattress specs on the product page, which is helpful to give a visual of what opening and using the topper is like. There are no reviews yet of the topper on Amazon, either, but this product is new for 2025. In general, reviews of Brooklyn Bedding’s other mattresses and products note the high quality and excellent customer service.

Should I buy the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex 301 Mattress Topper?

Overall, I do not have many critiques of the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex 301 Mattress Topper. It arrived quickly, was simple to set up, and is comfortable. The materials appear to be of high quality, and I expect it to hold up to the wear-and-tear a teenager or young adult will subject it to at college. This topper is a great way to make a dorm room bed feel more comfortable for a reasonable price. Typically, it makes more sense to replace a mattress that is in poor shape rather than buy a topper. When it comes to college students, though, most are stuck using the bed the school provides. This is a simple way for parents to send their students off with a bit of an upgrade.

If you are planning to buy a Brooklyn Bedding mattress topper for yourself or your student, don’t miss their student discount and dorm essentials hub.

How we test mattress toppers

When reviewing a new product, I aim to provide shoppers with the details and care I would expect when reading a review as a consumer. There’s nothing more frustrating than having to return an item that doesn’t meet our expectations, so my goal is to give readers as much info as possible before they click 'add to cart'.

As part of our process for testing sleep products we not only use the product as any consumer would, but also test various features during the review period. I slept on this mattress topper myself for 30 days, tested the performance of the topper via a set of simple experiments, and welcomed feedback from my whole family (including the cat, who loves to nap on anything cozy).

We use the same criteria to test each mattress topper at Homes & Gardens. We take note of the thermoregulation, pressure relief, motion isolation, and edge support through a variety of testing methods, as well as daily use for at least 30 days. We lay in a variety of positions to test pressure relief. How does the mattress topper feel when sleeping on our back, side, or stomach? I also kept track of how I felt each morning—sweaty and clammy or comfortably cool.

We assessed motion isolation by lying side-by-side and moving around. We also slept on this topper to gather real-time motion isolation data. In addition to that testing, I filled a wine glass with water and placed a hand weight next to it to assess how much compressing one part of the topper affects other areas—does the wine glass tip over?

We assessed edge support by sitting and lying on the edge of the bed to see how the edge handled pressure and weight. Does the topper compress so that you feel like you are sliding, or is it firm across the entire surface? I also set a hand weight on the edge of the topper to provide consumers with a visual of the topper’s edge support.

By scanning verified customer reviews on shopping platforms and independent review sites, I was able to see if there were frequent comments that came up repeatedly. Do consumers all take issue with one particular feature? I also took note of the delivery process, warranty, and length of sleep trial to provide consumers with all of the information they need to make an informed purchase. We also don’t shy away from talking about price. It’s important that shoppers have all the information before making a big purchase. If there are frequent discounts or loyalty programs, we note those too. To learn more about how we test mattress toppers, you can consult our expert guide.

If you or a member of your family are preparing to head off to college this summer, don't forget to include the pretty touches for your dorm room on the list of things to buy. Alongside the all important school supplies and essential furnishings, bring along some houseplants to add greenery to the blank canvas and often darker space a dorm room can be.

Houseplants for your dorm room aren't likely to be your top priority when getting things together for college, but I promise the best indoor plants will take your dorm room ideas up to the next level. Trailing indoor plants can totally transform concrete walls, while indoor trees can make your college living space feel a bit more cozy.

But, it isn't a case of grabbing any houseplant to bring to college. You need to take into account things like limited natural light in these spaces, as well as how much time you'll be able to dedicate to plant care in between your busy studies. To help you make the right choice, I've compiled a list of some of the best houseplants for your dorm room, with advice from houseplant experts on how to care for them so they make it graduation with you.

5 dorm room houseplants

There are so many reasons to add houseplants to your college dorm checklist. Having some greenery in your college bedroom will not only brighten up the place, but it can also support your health – especially houseplants that improve your microbiome and air-cleaning indoor plants.

1. Succulents

Succulents make the top of the list of houseplants for your dorm room because of their low-maintenance nature. They're ideal for students with busy schedules and won't mind being neglected when you return home for school breaks.

What's more, there are so many types of indoor succulents to choose from. Some have some really quirky shapes and colors, so you can pick and choose to suit your dorm room aesthetic and impress your friends and roommates with these fun houseplants. This pack of eight succulents from Walmart is a great deal to start off your collection.

The basics of how to care for succulents comes down to getting the lighting and watering right.

'Ensure that succulents have bright light for most of the day and avoid overwatering,' says Julie Bawden-Davis, indoor plant expert at Healthy Houseplants. 'If you don’t have sufficient light, use full-spectrum grow lights for houseplants (like this grow light from Amazon) placed within two to four inches from the top of the plant,' she continues. 'Water when the soil has dried, and when you do water, soak the soil well.'

I like to use a soil moisture meter (from Amazon) to test my succulent soil before watering. This helps me avoid succulent mistakes like overwatering, preventing my succulents turning yellow and dying.

2. Blue star fern

It's not uncommon for college dorms to only have one window and it may not let a whole lot of daylight in. This is where the best indoor low light plants come in.

Indoor ferns are a great option for rooms with limited light, as they natively grow in dense forests where shade is cast on them from tree canopies.

Blue star fern is a beautiful option for a houseplant for your dorm room, if you're looking for a plant to add some excitement. It has an unusual blue houseplant tint to its fronds and quite robust foliage that can turn your college home into an indoor jungle.

To care for Blue star fern, Gail Pabst of the National Garden Bureau recommends: 'Soil should be kept consistently moist, with only a slight reduction in watering from fall to late winter. The soil should be moist but not soggy. Soggy soil can cause the Blue star fern to die just as much as not enough water.'

Although they can tolerate lower light well, your Blue star fern will be its happiest in a brighter spot, so consider placing it on a windowsill in winter when daylight is even more limited.

You can find a Blue star fern at Walmart.

3. ZZ plant

Another houseplant for your dorm room that can tolerate lower light levels and neglect: a ZZ plant, or Zamioculcas zamiifolia. These are some of the most iconic houseplants with dark foliage, perfect for a dorm room with a moodier aesthetic.

While black-toned ZZ plants (from Walmart) is a popular variety, you can also opt for a green-toned ZZ plant (from Walmart), which is just as easy to care for.

As mentioned, these houseplants tolerate very low light, so they can be put in a darker corner of your bedroom. Although, don't be fooled into thinking this means they can grow in no light – this could cause your ZZ plant to droop.

'ZZ plant care requires allowing half of the plant's soil to dry out before watering,' says Gail. 'If the top of the soil feels damp, don't water,' she adds.

If your ZZ plant is turning yellow, it might just be that it's overwatered. Consider repotting your ZZ plant with fresh houseplant potting mix (from Amazon) in this case.

4. Spider plant

Whenever anyone asks me what's the easiest indoor plant to care for, I say a spider plant. These low-maintenance plants will just keep growing and growing, so long as they're happy.

What makes them a particularly good choice to take to college is the fact that they're also one of the easiest houseplants to grow from cuttings. Spider plants produce trendils of spiderettes (baby plants) that can be cut off and planted up to root and grow into a brand new plant.

You can either propagate spider plants to fill your dorm room with greenery quickly, or multiply your houseplant to share with the new friends you make at college.

And if you're a first-time houseplant parent, you really can't go too far wrong with spider plant care: 'Spider plant needs to be nearly dry before watering. Overwatering is a quick way to houseplant root rot for this plant,' says Julie. 'This houseplant also likes to be pot bound, so avoid potting in too big of a container,' she adds.

Find a spider plant at The Sill.

5. Calathea

If you're familiar with the tricky nature of calathea varieties, you may be wondering why it has made the list of houseplants for your dorm room. However, it makes for the perfect plant for those students looking to take on a challenge.

I personally find giving my calatheas attention therapeutic. Daily rituals of misting their leaves (using this plant mister from Amazon) to increase humidity levels is a mindful task.

Plus, their unique variegated foliage serves as décor in itself and it has an interesting characteristic of opening and closing with the daylight, sure to wow your college friends.

But, as mentioned, they aren't the easiest to care for. There are lots of calathea mistakes to be wary of in order to care for calatheas successfully. The most important being watering calatheas correctly:

'Distilled or rainwater is best for watering this plant since tap water contains fluoride and can cause the leaves to have brown edges and tips,' says Gail.

'Calatheas need to remain consistently moist but not soggy. Avoid allowing the plant to dry out, as this will lead to dieback,' Julie adds.

So, while this isn't a houseplant that suits every college student, it's one green-fingered individuals will enjoy caring for in between classes.

Calathea ornata (from Walmart) is a popular variety for its pink pin-stripes.

FAQs

Can I leave my houseplants at college during the holidays?

There are many houseplants that will survive while you're back home for the holidays, but others may need to be packed up to come with you. If you're going home for just a couple of weeks, use the same methods to water houseplants while on vacation and consider moving your plants to a windowsill to provide them with sufficient light. When deciding whether to take houseplant home with you or to leave it at college, the most important thing to research is their needs around watering.

If you're new to caring for plants and are keen to incorporate some in your dorm room this school year, I recommend reading up on common indoor plant mistakes to avoid. Don't forget to also get your plant care kit together with the essentials below:

The summer is nearing its end, and back-to-school season is rapidly approaching. Your kids have finished their summer homework, and their school supplies are ready for the first day of class. But there's one spot in your home that you might have overlooked during all of that back-to-school prep. That is, the mudroom.

Of course, the mudroom is subject to lots of traffic during the summertime, but nothing compares to the chaos of back-to-school season. From scrambling to grab backpacks and coats in the morning to kicking off shoes and tossing those same backpacks in the afternoon, the mudroom can feel like a zoo on school days.

That said, the right back-to-school mudroom upgrades can streamline your daily routine and alleviate any stress caused by clutter. 'A well-designed mudroom acts like the house’s backstage,' interior designer Caron Woolsey says. 'Everything needed for a graceful exit or reentry lives here. Labeled hooks, hidden drawers, and a proper bench keep backpacks from migrating to the breakfast table and shoes from scattering like confetti.'

But what can you do to get your mudroom ready for the upcoming season? How can you ensure your mudroom stays tidy, and works hard in this busy time? I asked designers to share the best back-to-school mudroom upgrades that can help organize the space and make your life just a little bit easier, while looking chic, too, of course.

1. Take advantage of the walls

Mudrooms, although typically small in size, serve a big purpose. They're the place to store all sorts of clothes, shoes, and bags, and during back-to-school season, they can end up looking overwhelmingly cluttered. Because of this, it's important to make every inch of the space useful – including the walls.

Rather than cramming the floor space with more benches, baskets, or containers that can make a mudroom feel even smaller, look up. The walls of a mudroom serve as a prime location for mudroom storage, hanging shelving units for cubbies or mounting hooks for coats.

It can also help to assign spots of the mudroom to family members. 'Designating a cubby or hook for each family member streamlines mornings by making it easy to grab coats, backpacks, or shoes,' interior designer Liz Williams tells me. By giving everyone a place to keep their things on the wall, the mudroom can stay organized, and the schooltime rush can feel slightly less chaotic.

2. Use a storage bench

If there is one thing that every mudroom needs, it has to be a bench. A bench with storage – that is. 'A bench with storage underneath is also a game-changer for putting on shoes quickly or stashing away less-used items,' Liz tells me. These types of benches are ideal for busy mornings, preparing for school.

Although I'm a firm believer that every mudroom should have a bench, not all benches are made for mudrooms. 'If you are planning to incorporate a bench, I would recommend avoiding a painted finish and instead opting for either a stained hardwood bench top that can be sanded and re-stained easily over the years, or a solid surface or stone top that will be able to withstand the usage,' interior designer Katherine Pierce of Copper Sky Design and Remodel advises. 'In cases where a painted bench top is necessary for the aesthetic, consider adding a cushion in a stain-resistant fabric on top for both practicality and aesthetic purposes.'

Whether built-in or freestanding, storage benches are an easy upgrade for your mudroom that'll drastically help you during back-to-school season, and they can also keep your mudroom clutter free all year long.

3. Incorporate a water bottle filling station

While not a necessity for the mudroom, a water bottle filling station can make back-to-school mornings significantly easier and help your kids remember to stay hydrated throughout the day.

'I love incorporating a water bottle filling station into a mudroom when space allows,' Katherine tells me. 'By including an ice maker, a small sink with filtered water or a wall-mounted water bottle filler, and a place to store water bottles within easy reach of children, you can easily create a space that both promotes autonomy and takes one more thing off your plate in the morning.'

By positioning the water station in the mudroom and next to the primary entryway, it's easily accessible for anyone entering and exiting the house, any time of day.

4. Try a hall tree or tall cabinet

While mudrooms are primarily used to store shoes, coats, and other out-the-door necessities, they end up becoming filled with all sorts of miscellaneous objects. Mudroom storage should reflect that. One solution to help get a mudroom ready for back-to-school season is to incorporate a hall tree or tall cabinet into its design – either built-in or freestanding.

'Think about all the things you are constantly running back through the house to retrieve before you head out the door, and then give them a home in your mudroom,' Katherine recommends. 'Shoe storage and hooks for coats and backpacks are a given, but what about socks, backup sports uniforms, and water bottles, or tablet and computer storage? If you have the space, a tall cabinet with outlets inside can go a long way in a mudroom.'

Just as assigned coat hooks are helpful, it's also helpful to designate a spot in that hall tree or tall cabinet for each person in the family. 'One wall with vertical storage per family member works wonders [in the mudroom],' Caron tells me. 'Closed storage above and drawers below keep clutter at bay.' When looking for hall trees or cabinets, consider how much storage they have and the ways in which they can streamline your back-to-school mornings.

5. Keep it closed

Sometimes, the best way to keep a mudroom clean is to choose furnishings that close. 'Closed storage is key,' Liz says. 'Lockers or tall cabinets keep the chaos contained and prevent visual clutter.' And above all else, closed storage simply looks good. It creates a sense of cohesion in a space that often looks and feels chaotic.

'Consider the unsightly but functional items stored in your mudroom and use this as an opportunity to incorporate those items into your design,' Katherine recommends. 'With just a few simple cabinetry modifications, you can create a built-in pet crate that blends seamlessly into your cabinetry, making your space functional without sacrificing aesthetics.'

If you have the ability to design the mudroom with built-in, closed storage solutions, consider doing so. This will greatly improve the look of your space, especially once school starts up again.

6. Don't forget about color

As you think about the practical and functional upgrades for your mudroom this back-to-school season, it's also important to consider the overall look of the space, and in particular, its color. According to Caron, a mudroom's goal is utilitarian, but that doesn't mean it has to be painted in sterile shades. 'A classic paint color hides scuffs but still looks refined,' she tells me.

'I love using painted cabinetry in a rich tone, like a navy blue or a rich green, to bring in personality,' Liz recommends for the mudroom. 'Incorporating natural wood elements on benches or doors can add some warmth, while a durable rug or striped runner softens the space. Keeping the color palette cohesive and the surfaces clean allows the room to feel less chaotic, even when it can be a heavily used space.'

'A mudroom may not be the showpiece, but when it’s thoughtfully designed, it quietly makes the whole house run better,' Caron says.

With these mudroom upgrades, you can ensure a smooth transition back-to-school this fall. But before the back-to-school rush really begins, consider cleaning the mudroom completely before incorporating these designer-recommended upgrades. This way, you can start the year on a clean slate with furnishings to help you get through each busy day.

Moving into a dorm is an exciting milestone, but with all that independence comes a less glamorous reality: Dorm room pest prevention.

Crumbs under the bed, exam-cram clutter, and overflowing bins can all invite unwanted pest-guests.

Whether you’re a freshman settling in or a returning student trying to keep things together, a few smart habits can make all the difference when avoiding indoor pests in shared dorm spaces.

Dorm room pest prevention

Although clean homes can get pests too, it is a lot less common than in a messy space. That’s why having a comprehensive dorm deep-cleaning guide is essential to maintaining a sanitary sleep-study space.

1. Take out trash regularly

One of the easiest ways to prevent pests in your dorm room is to tackle trash cans regularly, both in your bedroom and in shared spaces such as common rooms and kitchens.

Scot hodges, A.C.E. Certified Entomologist and VP of professional development and technical services at Arrow Exterminators, says, ‘ Take the trash out regularly. If you've been letting your trash can pile up or leaving food out (even something like a banana from the dining hall), that could contribute to a serious pest problem.’

A close lid touchless trash can, available at Walmart, is perfect for helping keep trash contained while masking trash can smells that could draw pests in – it’s one of the things people with nice-smelling dorm rooms always do.

2. Stay on top of laundry

Learning how to do laundry is one of the big learning curves of moving out for the first time – and it is essential to preventing pests in dorm rooms.

Sofia Martinez, cleaning expert and CEO of Sparkly Maid Austin, says, ‘In dorms, I’ve seen students throw damp towels or gym clothes on the floor or at the bottom of their hamper, thinking that's okay. But a couple of hours can create mold and smells, and provide a moist, warm, dark place for cockroaches and silverfish.’

To help prevent musty smells and mold, Sofia recommends, ‘Use breathable mesh laundry bags [available in packs of two at Walmart] instead of plastic ones, and certainly don't put dirty laundry in the corners or dark places in your closet. If you can't wash everything, just hang up your damp clothes to dry. It seems trivial, but that small habit can be very helpful to avoid a buildup of unwanted moisture.’

As a student, I relied upon a divided laundry hamper, such as this rolling laundry sorter with handles from Wayfair. It makes it easy to sort clothes for laundry, and it's more obvious when you have a full laundry load ready to go. The removable baskets with handles also make the trip to the laundry room less of a juggling act, too.

3. Keep snacks contained

One of the most important organizing lessons from a small dorm room is how to store snacks correctly. They are, arguably, your most important dorm room supply, after all.

Sofia continues, ‘One of the quickest ways to pull ants or roaches in is to leave snack bars, gum, instant ramen noodles, or anything loose anywhere – including a drawer or bin. Even if they are sealed, the scent stays around, mostly in warm rooms.

‘I like hard plastic or glass containers with latching lids for all food, such as the Rubbermaid Glass Containers from Walmart – even for dry things like snacks. Even when sharing a mini fridge, I like to put a paper towel on the bottom and cleaning with vinegar [such as the Great Value White Vinegar, from Walmart] or all-purpose spray [such as the non-toxic Attitude all-purpose spray, also available at Walmart] weekly to catch spills before they start to rot. These steps make it so flies and gnats don't even show up.’

Having some machine-washable cleaning cloths, such as the Mr. Siga Microfiber Cloths from Walmart, makes cleaning up quickly a breeze without creating unnecessary waste. Just remember to wash microfiber cloths correctly after use.

4. Keep clear of clutter

The power of decluttering methods against pests should not be underestimated, with clutter being one of the most surprising things attracting pests to your home.

Scott Schrader, cleaning expert at CottageCare, says, ‘Don't let things get cluttered up in those places you don't see. Under the bed, behind furniture – those places are perfect homes for pests. I always suggest using clear bins to store stuff off the floor and checking under the bed and behind furniture weekly as a habit.’

The stackable plastic bins, from the Container Store, have latching lids to keep pests out and clutter contained. Under-bed storage bags on wheels, from Walmart, can keep under-bed storage ideas neat and easy to navigate, too, while making packing to move out at the end of the academic year simple.

Keep piles of clothes or cardboard off the floor to avoid creating an ideal harborage spot for opportunistic pests.

5. Use traps as prevention

Non-toxic pest control essentials do more than whittle down infestations. Used correctly, they can also help to prevent them.

Sofia explains, ‘Many students consider sticky traps as an option only after they see bugs. I always recommend putting a couple of traps behind the trash can, under the bed, and next to the AC unit as a quiet early alert system.

‘Terro or Catchmaster traps [from Amazon] are inexpensive and non-toxic when you are ready to go above and beyond your normal cleaning routine. Obviously, no trap is going to solve the problem for you, but it would let you know if anything were crawling near your bed. Just those couple of habits are enough to put you ahead of 90 percent of dorm issues.’

Cedar blocks, also available at Amazon, are also a good option for dorm room pest prevention. Jade Piper, operations manager for BetterCleans, adds, ‘Beyond the nice scent, cedar repels pests. Drop some into your clothing drawers, stash a few inside your shoe rack, line a couple inside your under-bed storage bins, or even place them near your hamper if it tends to get humid. Refresh every few months with a bit of cedar oil if the scent fades.’ They are one of the best non-toxic alternatives to mothballs.

6. Monitor moisture

Humidity is another big draw for many dorm room pests, especially in dorm rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Be aware of the warning signs of high humidity to step in before a problem worsens.

Cleaning pro Scott urges, ‘Mind the moisture. Damp bathrooms or sinks, leaky faucets, or sweaty laundry bags are home to bugs. A little, inexpensive dehumidifier [such as the top-rated Tabyik 280 sq. ft. Dehumidifier from Amazon] can make a huge difference in your quality of life.’

Keeping an inexpensive hydrometer from Amazon in your dorm room can help you maintain the best humidity for your home year-round.

7. Work together

The only way to really prevent pests and stay on top of the hidden places home pests love to harbor their young is to work together with your dorm partner or housemates.

Pest expert Scot urges, ‘In a shared living environment like a dorm, it's important that everyone using the space maintains good housekeeping practices to deter pests. If a roommate isn't helping keep your space clean, reach out to a resident advisor for support in addressing the issue.’

What to shop

Meet the experts

Scot concludes, ‘If you think you are dealing with a rodent problem or a significant insect infestation, contact your R.A. immediately so they can call pest control professionals.’

When I was in college, I swore that having a well-designed, functional, and organized dorm room enhanced my overall productivity and success in school. My friends thought I was crazy, but I believed (and still do believe) that success starts from within – within the dorm room, that is.

Often, college dorms are dark, sterile, and not conducive to productivity. However, the right dorm room decor can spruce up the space and truly make it work for you. IKEA's latest dorm room collection has all the essentials to do just that. These pieces are practical in nature and stylish by design – products that'd my Type-A self would want in her dorm room if she were still in school.

From ambient desk lamps to help brighten your workspace to hanging closet organizers to create ease while picking outfits, the products from IKEA's dorm room collection can help you create a neat, organized, and stress-free room. And in my opinion, that's essential for you to be your best self at college.

Whether you're heading back as an upper-classman or starting as a freshman, set yourself up for a successful year with IKEA's dorm room collection. Shop my favorite picks below.

Living off-campus this year? We can help you design that space, too. Find our advice on how to decorate a small apartment to make your off-campus housing feel like a home.

You don’t realize how much you take basic comforts for granted until college: hot water, privacy, quiet, fresh food. That last one hit hard during my freshman year – the first and only year I lived in a dorm room.

I had a mini fridge-freezer combo. It got cool, but never cold, which in early-September Tucson felt like slow torture. Forget chilled sparkling water (I gave up on that fantasy by week one); my fruit would spoil. The frozen boxed meals I thought I’d cleverly stashed for late-night snacking? Mushy cardboard within days. And worst of all: it was ugly.

Correction – hideous. Easily the biggest eyesore in my otherwise meticulously decorated dorm room, which I’d spent weeks curating like my life depended on it. I’ve never forgotten that fridge. And if I could go back and change one thing, I wouldn’t have let my roommate bring in that off-white monstrosity. I would’ve added a chic retro fridge to my college dorm room checklist and bought my own.

Compact but capable, this 3.2 cu. ft. retro-inspired mini refrigerator sits flush against the wall and is just as pretty on the inside, featuring two glass shelves, a 2L bottle basket, and built-in can dispenser keep everything organized, even in tight quarters.

At 16.5” D x 19” W x 31” H and 43 lbs, it slides under most desks without breaking your back on move-in day. I love it in light coral, which sounds fanciful, but reads more like a warm neutral.

Still, the real clincher here is the freezer. The one dorm room essential I needed most – and the one my college fridge failed most spectacularly at. This one comes with a spacious chiller compartment and even an ice cube tray. And unlike the off-brand box I suffered through, this one actually works (per the 1,200+ people who gave it a glowing 4.3-star average).

Oh, and since this is college, I’ll also point out there’s a bottle opener built into the side. Do with that what you will.

My freshman-year fridge experience was scarring for fledgling Julia – a girl who would later become a design-obsessed style editor – but maybe I can finally begin to heal by helping others avoid the same fate. Aesthetics matter. So do cold snacks. Both can coexist.

Shop a few more of my favorite mini fridges below.

Looking for more inspiration for your college dorm? I've rounded up all of my other favorite buys for a dorm room kitchenette in my separate piece (spoiler: they're all affordable buys from Walmart.)

How does one prepare a real meal – or even some semblance of one – in a room with no kitchen? That was the question I asked myself when I tried to build my own dorm kitchenette back in college. The rules were bleak: no hot plates, probably no toasters, and definitely no stove in sight. So outside of dining hall swipes (if you’re lucky to have them), how does anyone cook?

Having done it myself, I can confirm: it takes some culinary creativity. You’d be amazed at what a microwave can do (I once baked a multi-tier birthday cake in one, frosting and all). And when it comes to space, whatever dorm ideas you think will fit – subtract 30%. Consolidation is everything, and stacking is your best friend.

So, with a mix of armchair wisdom, personal missteps (I may or may not have been written up for making potstickers on a hotplate on the floor), and current style editor know-how, here’s exactly what I’d buy from Walmart to build the perfect dorm kitchenette in 2025.

With the above, you – or your college-bound child – should be able to whip up more than just packaged ramen this year. And now that your ‘kitchen’ is sorted, don’t miss our favorite dorm room organizing essentials to streamline your pantry setup and maximize that tiny footprint.

LoveShackFancy has built a world of romance. The storefronts drip with flowers. In the Hamptons, there’s a custom pink vintage Bronco – back in the city, girls float by in sundresses just as ethereal. It’s cohesively whimsical – a vision that’s easy to love, hard to recreate. Which is why, if you’re heading to college this fall and have even a hint of LSF in your heart, you’ll want to run – possibly sprint – to its collaboration with Pottery Barn Teen.

It’s a gift – the gift of charming dorm room ideas in a space that might otherwise read as a cinderblock cell. Think scalloped bedding, removable damask wallpaper, patterned storage carts, ruched lampshades, and bows both supersized and small – all in the house’s signatures: dusty pinks, soft blues, and bright, easy whites.

Essentially, it’s LoveShack’s signature whimsical style reimagined for your home away from home. Whether you want a few sweet, standalone moments or plan to match your new bedroom to your existing LSF wardrobe, this dreamy, functional collection couldn’t be more essential. Shop our favorites below.

Shop LoveShackFancy x Pottery Barn

You’ve got the look – now make sure you’ve got the rest. Our college dorm room checklist has everything you need make your home away feel like home.

Hindsight is 20/20, and while I like to think I’ve always been at least somewhat style-forward, there are a few early design decisions (read: mistakes) I now side-eye with my seasoned editor brain. My dorm room, though, isn’t one of them. Not-so-humbly: it was a tour de force. Sure, my style has evolved, but I made my half of that tiny room feel like home.

I did the most. Stick-on molding. Vintage magazines from flea markets, carefully framed in even older antique brass. I sketched out my pillowscape, which I ultimately ended up upholstering myself. Partly because I’m a control freak – but mostly because, back then, chic dorm room ideas were hard to find in stores.

If only I’d had access to Target’s 2025 dorm decor lineup.

It hasn’t been that long since I graduated, but the dorm room buys you can get your hands on in 2025 are miles better. DIY is still the spirit of these youthful years – but if you can find curated, cleverly scaled pieces that actually fit and won’t damage the walls? Say less.

I still think about that dorm room, but if I could go back, these are the nine Target finds I’d include on my college dorm room checklist. I reckon they’d make starting school a little easier – and certainly, a whole lot chicer.

Even the most stylish dorm setup can fall flat if the space around it feels chaotic. To keep your room looking polished, here are the dorm room organizing mistakes experts say to avoid at all costs.

Deep cleaning dorm rooms regularly and upon moving in are a must. Between living alone for the first time and busy class schedules, it's easy for grime to pile up.

But cleaning your dorm room isn't just about appearances – it can improve your focus, your mood, and even your health. With our clear checklist, the process will be quicker and less overwhelming.

Our experts and professional cleaners have also shared their tips for sanitizing the space when you move in with your best mattress topper for dorm beds, right up to the last week of finals.

How to deep clean a dorm room

It might not be as exciting as planning out your dorm room ideas, but stocking up on essential cleaning supplies and cleaning tips is the practical reality of moving away from home.

Here's how to keep it manageable as you fly solo.

Cleaning supplies for dorm rooms

Of course, when you think of packing for college, you’re probably thinking of all the necessities, like a mini fridge, microwave, and plenty of spiral-bound notebooks. But Jill Koch of Jill Comes Clean points out that the same thought and care should go into packing your cleaning supplies.

For a comprehensive starter kit, we recommend stocking up on the following:

• Essential tools:
  • Microfiber cloths, available in packs of 25 from Walmart, that can be used for every task from dusting to cleaning the bathroom and are reusable.
  • Optional: A handheld vacuum cleaner from Best Buy, to make cleaning up crumbs and messes quicker.
  • Empty spray bottles, available at Walmart, to decant vinegar for easy application when killing mold or deodorizing naturally without harsh chemicals.
  • A cleaning caddy with a handle, available at Walmart, makes moving and organizing cleaning supplies easier.
• For dusting:
  • An electrostatic duster, such as the Swiffer extendable duster from Target, for high-up spots.
  • OR a Scrub Daddy Damp Duster, from Target, which is perfect for collecting dust, rather than spreading it around.
• For disinfecting:
  • A non-toxic disinfectant spray, such as Attitude All-Purpose Spray from Amazon, to tackle high-touch points.
• To clean bedding:
  • Baking soda, such as Arm & Hammer from Target.
  • Hydrogen peroxide from Walmart, to kill bacteria and remove stains.
  • A quality laundry detergent, such as Tide Free & Gentle Tiles, from Walmart, which comes in pre-portioned doses to avoid common laundry mistakes and is soft on skin and fabrics.
• To clean hard floors:
  • A Swiffer Sweep and Mop, from Walmart, for quick cleaning in between deep cleans.
  • A spin mop and bucket, such as the O-Cedar system, from Target, if one is not provided.
• To clean carpets:
  • A stain remover, such as Dr. Beckmann carpet stain remover and applicator, from Amazon.
  • If one is not provided, a cordless vacuum, such as the budget-friendly Ultenic U12 Vesla, from Ultenic.
• For bathrooms:
  • A non-toxic bathroom spray, such as Attitude's bathroom cleaner, from Walmart.
  • Rubber cleaning gloves, such as the O-Cedar gloves, from Target.
  • Toilet cleaner, such as The Pink Stuff Toilet Gel from Walmart.
  • A toilet brush. Silicone brushes, from Amazon, are easier to keep clean.
  • Disinfecting wipes, like the Seventh Generation wipes from Walmart, for quick cleaning.
  • A squeegee, from Walmart, to prevent marks on the shower glass. Use it after every shower to reduce limescale buildup.
  • Distilled white vinegar, from Walmart, to kill mold on grout, sealant, and shower curtains, and remove odors.
• For deodorizing:
  • Baking soda.
  • White vinegar.
  • A non-toxic room spray, such as Attitude Scented Room and Air Freshener from Amazon.

Dusting a dorm room

It might be tempting to run a cloth over all the surfaces and call it a day, but Jill Koch says that just like cleaning a bedroom at home, it’s worth it to do a more thorough clean on the places in your dorm room that you can’t see to remove dust properly, limiting odors and allergens.

‘People probably overlook cleaning shelves and the inside of drawers, but I would just get rid of any dirt and dust from the previous tenants,’ she says. ‘Also, if there is a mini fridge in the room, check that. Those can get pretty messy and may not have been thoroughly cleaned.’

After dusting, vacuum the entire room (avoid vacuuming first, as this is a common dusting mistake making your room dirtier). Don't forget to vacuum underneath furniture, including desks and beds, and use the crevice vacuum cleaner attachment to clean out drawers, closets, and storage nooks.

When deep cleaning a dorm room after moving in, use decluttering methods regularly to stay on top of the mess. This will make cleaning ten times easier while curating a space more conducive to relaxing and working.

How to clean a dorm mattress

If you’re a little skeeved out by the dorm mattress, we totally get it. Luckily, all isn’t lost, and there are a few ways you can clean the mattress before your first night away from home.

Jill shares, ‘I would bring a bottle of hydrogen peroxide [available at Amazon] and a vacuum. The best you're going to be able to do is vacuum it and spray the hydrogen peroxide all over... and especially on any yellow stains.’

Spray down the mattress, being careful not to oversaturate the material, before letting it sit to dry. Opening a window to improve air flow can encourage this process.

For added freshness, you can also sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the uncovered mattress and leave it for at least 20 minutes (or several hours if you have time) while unpacking and cleaning the rest of your room, says Jill. Vacuum it all up before putting your best mattress topper and best bed sheets on.

Laundry in a dorm room

A key part of deep cleaning a dorm room is knowing how often to wash bed sheets to keep your sleep space sanitary.

We suggest changing your sheets every one to two weeks at least, depending on whether you are a hot sleeper or not. When you first move in, you may also wish to clean curtains, if they are included in your room, to really freshen up the space. Be sure to check the laundry symbols on the care tag first to avoid damaging them.

When I was a student, I used a split lights and darks laundry hamper, available from Amazon, to make sorting clothes for laundry simple. When one of the baskets was approaching full, I knew that it was time to lug it down to the washing machines.

How to clean a dorm carpet

How you clean your dorm room floors will depend on the material.

• For hard floors: for example, cleaning laminate floors (or, rarely, cleaning hard wood floors), Steve Leasure, VP of operations for Rainbow Restoration says, 'For the regular cleaning and mild disinfection of sealed wood, tile, laminate, and linoleum, a solution of equal parts white vinegar and hot water swabbed on with a mop works well, and no rinsing is required.'
• For carpets and rugs: Assuming that, as a student, you will be cleaning a carpet without a machine, Will Cotter, cleaning expert and COO of FreshSpace, suggests, 'Sprinkle baking soda over the carpet, let it sit for a few hours or overnight, and then vacuum it up to absorb odors and refresh the fibers. It is effective in cleaning carpets due to its absorbent qualities and odor-neutralizing properties. Also, its mild abrasiveness allows it to gently scrub away grime without damaging the fibers, and its alkaline pH can help neutralize acidic stains.'
  If there is any staining, use a carpet stain remover such as Carbona Oxy-powered carpet Cleaner with a built-in brush from Walmart, directly on the stain (if you have spilled something, use the golden rules of stain removal and treat the stain ASAP).

How to clean a dorm bathroom

It’s possible you have a shared bathroom for your floor, so if that’s the case, you won't be required to clean a bathroom yourself. Hopefully, your college or university is on it!

But if you're lucky enough to have your own bathroom, the weekly cleaning comes down to you, especially if you want to avoid dorm room pests.

• For showers: To clean a shower, start at the top and work downwards, spraying the walls and flooring with a bathroom cleaning spray, such as the Method Eucalyptus Mint Spray, from Target and buffing with a cloth, such as a sponge cloth, also from Target. Rinse using the shower head, and finish with a squeegee to prevent water marks. If there is any black mold, spray the area thoroughly with plain white vinegar and allow to sit for an hour before rinsing and drying to kill spores.
• For sinks: Cleaning a bathroom sink is simple. As with the shower, spray the sink with your bathroom cleaning spray and wipe down with a damp cloth (use a different cloth from the shower to prevent cross-contamination). To clean a bathroom drain and banish bad bathroom smells, tip half a cup of baking soda in, followed by a cup of white vinegar, and leave to bubble away.
• For toilets: Having to clean a toilet is one of the worst parts of moving out. To make the process easier, start by pouring toilet cleaning solution, such as Molly Suds Bleach-free Toilet Bowl Cleaner from Amazon, around the bowl and let it sit as you wipe down the exterior of the toilet and the seat (not forgetting under the seat) with a disinfecting wipe. Throw the wipe in the trash, then use your toilet brush to scrub the inside of the bowl before flushing. You can leave the brush under the toilet seat to drip dry before putting it back in the holder.
• For grout: Cleaning grout takes some elbow work, but I recommend using the Pink Stuff Paste, from Walmart, with an old toothbrush. The paste is mildly abrasive, taking some of the effort out of scrubbing, while lightening grout and killing bacteria. It also works wonders to remove limescale from shower glass and faucets.
• Bath linens: When cleaning a dorm bathroom, don't forget to put towels and bath mats in the laundry each week to prevent musty odors and mold. The Arm & Hammer OxiClean Laundry Detergent, from Target, helps to beat musty odors on fabrics.

How to deodorize a dorm room

Many dorms ban candles to mitigate common fire risks.

In this instance, people with nice-smelling dorm rooms will use non-toxic ways to make a room smell nice, such as fresh flowers, linen sprays, or essential oil diffusers, available at Amazon, with natural essential oils (also from Amazon) to customize the fragrance.

Besides this, improving ventilation and regularly opening windows and doors can help to air out musty odors and prevent stale air in a dorm room.

FAQs

How often should I deep clean my dorm?

You should clean a dorm room just as often as you would a regular home. Dust and change sheets every two weeks or so, clean a bathroom every week, and disinfect high-touch points when needed (especially in the first few weeks when illness tends to spread easily).

Of course, a clean room is about more than just aesthetics. Decreased clutter can improve concentration, focus, and stress levels because there are fewer distractions.

Seeing as a dorm room serves multiple functions and is where you’ll spend a lot of your time in college, a tidy room most definitely means a tidy mind.

Can I use bleach in a dorm?

Although bleach is not typically banned in dorm rooms, it is best to avoid to be safe. Bleach is not an effective cleaning agent, and can stain, damage surfaces, and produce dangerous gases when used incorrectly.

As such, we recommend switching to bleach-free or non-toxic alternatives, such as the Method Lime & Sea Salt spray, from Target, or the Attitude all-purpose cleaner, from Walmart.

How do you clean dorm room air?

The quickest and most affordable way to clean and freshen up dorm room air is to open windows for half an hour and allow fresh air to circulate. Opening your dorm room door at the same time can aid this.

Otherwise, if it is within budget, consider one of the best air purifiers (or even the best air cleaning indoor plants) to help keep the air indoors clean. This small HEPA filter air purifier, from Amazon, comes in at under $40.

Meet the experts

Your cleaning tools and supplies are only part of your college dorm room checklist. Don't forget your favorite comfort items and top study essentials, too, for a great start to a new semester.

Dorm rooms aren’t exactly known for their ambiance. I learned this the moment I stepped into mine freshman year. Concrete-block walls. Questionably stained carpet. Interrogation-room lighting. And yet, somehow, those four walls sparked a whole new level of creativity. I was determined to make them feel like home.

Creating a comfortable dorm room starts with the essentials: the best mattress topper for dorm beds to soften the probably rock-hard mattress, a decent mini fridge, maybe even a coffee maker if morning classes are involved. But beyond the practical buys, there are plenty of seemingly small upgrades that make an outsized difference.

So I pulled together everything I wish I’d known back then – along with a few tricks I’ve picked up since becoming a full-time style editor – to create this edit of dorm room ideas. Every one has earned a place on this college dorm room checklist not just because it looks good (though it does), but because it makes the whole living–studying–existing–occasionally-eating-in-bed microcosm that much more enjoyable.

The Sleep Zone

1. Invest in Quality, Calming Bedding

It’s where a third of college life will happen, so even when you're eyeballs deep in dorm room shopping, bedding really isn’t the place to cut corners. Quality bed sheets, pillowcases, a comforter (Target makes a tried-and-true Twin XL), pillow inserts – perhaps even a weighted throw (the Lola blankets really are everything TikTok says they are) – can turn a dull space into somewhere nice to come home to.

Tick off your dorm room bedding checklist with sleep preferences in mind, whether that’s cooling fabrics for hot sleepers or cloud-like softness for a cozy dorm room touch.

2. Use Bedding as a Style Opportunity

Beyond its obvious purpose, the bed is the bona fide centerpiece of a dorm room, so everything layered on top of it earns a surprising amount of airtime. Think of it as an opportunity for pattern play, thoughtful layering, and a little personality. But if my own college experience taught me anything, it’s to err on the calming side.

My roommate went all in on bold patterns, which completely suited her at the time, but I do think she eventually craved something a little more restful. I took the opposite approach.

Knowing I’d already be piling on decorative pillows and throws, I kept my bedding foundation simple: a crisp white comforter, taupe pinstriped sheets, and plenty of texture. It felt like a clean, luxury dorm room – and, most importantly – somewhere I genuinely looked forward to coming home to after a long day of classes. (The studded bolster, of course, came later.)

3. Bring a Headboard

A headboard instantly makes a standard-issue twin bed feel intentional, like it belongs in a real bedroom.

Whether the vision is a preppy dorm room idea, a modern dorm room idea, or simply a more aesthetic dorm room idea, the right headboard sets the tone immediately. Tufted styles feel timeless, curved silhouettes bring a contemporary edge, while patterned upholstery ups the personality.

Target, Walmart, and Pottery Barn Teen all have genuinely chic styles in the $100–$300 range. Dollar for dollar, it’s arguably the most transformative purchase on this page.

4. Hang a Bedside Caddy for Nightly Essentials

College dorm rooms are famously short on storage, so the bed itself might as well pull double duty. A bedside caddy was one of those purchases I never thought much about until I had one – and then couldn’t imagine living without it.

It held an iPad, phone, book, hand lotion, lip balm, and whatever else I didn’t want to climb down from a lofted bed at 3 a.m. to retrieve. These days, there are even charging versions that neatly corral phones, AirPods, Kindles, and cords into one streamlined little hub.

5. Don’t Forget a Mattress Topper

Dorm mattresses aren’t exactly known for their cloud-like comfort, but a good mattress topper can make an astonishing difference. Having been through the entire dorm-room rite of passage myself, this was probably the single best sleep decision I ever made.

It doesn’t have to be an extravagant one, either. Here at Homes & Gardens, we’ve long recommended one Amazon favorite (so have nearly 15,000 reviewers). And while the topper itself matters, so does what goes on top of it. Breathable cotton, linen, or bamboo-viscose bedding feels infinitely cooler (and more luxurious) than the polyester default found in most dorm rooms.

The Study Zone

6. Carve Out a Designated Workspace

Even in a single room, it’s wise to create a space that exists solely for studying. Separating church and state, if you will, this dorm room layout move makes a remarkable difference. It’s hard to switch into work mode from the comfort of a bed, and just as hard to convince the brain it’s time to sleep when that same bed has spent all day doubling as an office.

Most schools already include a desk, making it the obvious place to establish that boundary (and if not, a compact writing desk is a must). Libraries will always have their place, but having a study-ready dorm room setup to retreat to between classes is something I appreciated far more than I expected.

7. Invest in Office Supplies That Double as Decor

Don’t let the already-there desk and chair dictate the vibe of the room. Bulletin boards, desk organizers, calendars, and notepads are obvious organizational staples, but they’re also part of the dorm room decor, sitting out in the open 24/7.

Think of them like accessories. If brass is the theme, let it carry through to the pens, scissors, and stapler. If the room is more expressive with color, let their scheme speak to that instead. The most aesthetic dorm rooms emerge from the tiniest details.

8. Buy a Lap Desk for Flexibility

A proper desk will probably handle the bulk of study sessions, but there are plenty of moments when a change of scenery is exactly what’s needed. A lap desk makes it easy to migrate to an armchair, the floor, or (even if only for a quick chapter or two) the bed, without sacrificing posture or a hard, stable surface to write.

Target’s, especially upholstered in corduroy (a great fabrication for a preppy dorm room) or velvet (better suited to a luxury one), are surprisingly stylish and look more like decor than school supplies when left out between study sessions.

9. Keep Cords Cute – Don’t Let Them Run Loose

Most students arrive with more devices than surfaces. Chargers for phones. Laptops. AirPods. TI-84 calculators. Keep that precious study surface sacred by corralling the cord chaos into a cable management box in a finish that blends into the room.

Follow this dorm room organization idea, and not only does the desk read a little calmer, but the right charger is also far easier to find before sprinting to an 8 a.m. lecture.

10. Lay Out a Desk Mat for Style and Separation

College desks tend to be… less than inspiring. A desk mat is a surprisingly effective way of saying, ‘Yes, this is a workspace,’ even if it’s only occupying one corner of a shared room. Many double as mouse pads, and after spending far too many late nights with my forearms pressed against rigid wooden desks, I have to say the extra cushioning is worth every penny.

You'll also notice that a desk pad softens the whole space. Faux leather is a fabulous luxury dorm room idea, while a thoughtful color or subtle pattern can tie a more spirited dorm room aesthetic together.

The Storage Zone

11. Create a Closet Storage Game Plan

Dorm closets clock serious overtime but aren’t exactly sprawling, so approach them with a game plan. Start with the basics: hangers. Rather than reaching for the standard plastic pack, opt for matching slim black velvet styles instead. They keep everything uniform, maximize hanging space, and stop silky pieces from slipping onto the floor.

From there, get crafty. Hanging closet organizers create multiple tiers of storage within a remarkably small footprint by taking advantage of otherwise wasted vertical space. Amazon makes stackable baskets that double existing storage. Meanwhile, a low rolling drawer unit tucked beneath shorter-hanging clothes unlocks yet another layer of dorm room storage.

‘You can use the additional drawer space for clothing items, toiletries, or school supplies, and the top becomes another surface for storage,’ notes Amanda Wiss, founder of New York-based organizing company Urban Clarity. Think of it as a hidden landing pad for sunglasses, jewelry, headphones, tomorrow’s outfit – anything that’s easier left out than rummaged for while racing out the door.

12. Conceal Closet Clutter With Curtains

Here’s one piece of dorm room closet inspiration I wish someone had told me: cover it up.

Open, beautifully organized closets look great in theory, but by week three, they’re often more trouble than they’re worth. It’s not always possible to Marie Kondo a wardrobe between classes, so add a closet curtain and call it a day.

Treat it as one more styling opportunity: a soft linen, a subtle stripe, or a playful pattern hides any unfolded clothes while making the room feel more finished.

13. Keep Bathroom Essentials Confined in a Stylish Shower Caddy

A shower caddy is absolutely non-negotiable. Unless the dorm comes with a private bathroom (a true luxury), toiletries will likely be making the daily commute to and from a shared one, so having everything neatly contained makes life infinitely easier.

The key is finding one that’s actually nice to look at. LoveShackFancy’s floral dorm room storage idea for Pottery Barn Teen is pretty, practical, and – of note, when everyone else will be toting around similar accessories – can be monogrammed.

Shampoo, skincare, razors, and everything else stay neatly corralled in one place, making those hallway trips feel more civilized.

14. Build a Mini Beauty Hub

Don’t be afraid to think beyond the bathroom. With so many students sharing the same space, skincare and makeup routines will often migrate into the bedroom.

That doesn’t necessarily mean squeezing in a full vanity (though I watched more than a few friends somehow make one fit); it can be as simple as a desktop organizer or a light-up mirror with hidden storage underneath. Both allow the dorm room desk setup to work double duty.

15. Choose a Chic Storage Ottoman That Doubles as Seating

Hidden storage is a smart idea for any aesthetic dorm room, especially when it doesn’t read like storage at all. A storage ottoman tucks away blankets, chargers, snacks, and the miscellaneous bits of clutter, while doubling as extra cozy dorm room seating when friends stop by.

Right now, I’m loving triangular designs, like House of Hampton’s fringed style from Wayfair, which take up less floor space than traditional square ottomans and tuck effortlessly into awkward gaps and corners.

16. Designate a Catchall

Curated chaos was my dorm room storage survival strategy. Life moved too quickly to micromanage every little thing, so I designated one chic spot – a tray, a bowl, whatever – to collect the bits and bobs I reached for every day: keys, lip balm, my student ID, hair ties, even the rogue trinket from a themed party I wasn’t quite ready to part with.

My catchall of choice ended up being a vintage ceramic dish I found at a flea market. Nothing fancy, but it looked great and did exactly what it needed to.

A plastic or wooden bin, a pretty ceramic bowl, a fluted tray, or even a lidded box all work just as well. You’ll find plenty of non-basic options at Anthropologie, H&M Home, or Crate & Barrel.

The Lighting

17. Layer Lighting, Don’t Rely on Overheads

If there was ever a time to retire the big light, it’s in a dorm room. A single overhead fixture can make even the prettiest, most aesthetic dorm room setup look a little sad.

Instead, approach small bedroom lighting with ambient layers. A desk lamp for late-night study sessions. A bedside lamp (portable if possible) for winding down. A clip-on reading light attached to the headboard.

Different light sources naturally create different corners of the room, which is especially helpful when everything else is happening in one shared space.

18. Hang String Lights for Whimsy

String lights aren’t essential, but if cute dorm room ideas are the goal, they’re one of the swiftest ways to add whimsy to a an otherwise stale room. Draped over a headboard, framing a desk, or tracing a blank wall, they offer a short cheerful twinkle, often for less than $15.

Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Urban Outfitters all have fantastic options, though I’d lean toward warmer LEDs over anything bright white.

The Personalization

19. Layer in Personal Mementos

This might seem obvious, but fill the room with things that actually mean something. Not just a pre-curated decor bundle from a big-box store, but objects that remind you where you’ve been, what you love, and who you happen to be at this particular moment.

Maybe it’s a tiny perfume bottle picked up on a trip to Paris, or a favorite vinyl record that just so happens to look great on a shelf. Maybe it’s something less precious and more of its time – like the Supreme skate decks I hung in my own dorm room, back when that felt like my entire personality.

Would I decorate that way today? Probably not. Was it exactly right at eighteen? Absolutely.

20. Lean Into Personal Style, Not Fleeting Trends

There’s a fine line between a trend that genuinely resonates with your style and one that simply took over TikTok for six months. Remember Brat green? A cute dorm room idea – until it wasn’t.

I learned this the hard way, watching my roommate decorate her half of the room in the aggressively bubblegum-pink hue du jour. I spent an entire year looking to the right.

Aesthetic dorm room ideas move fast, so when in doubt, anchor the room in ones that have stood the test of time.

Cottagecore is a perfect example. Romantic ruffles, vintage-inspired details, and delicate florals feel cool and current without screaming 2026. Coastal is another. Whether it goes by Coastal Grandmother, Nancy Meyers, or simply ‘beach house,’ a mix of crisp whites, sandy neutrals, shades of blue, woven textures, and breezy fabrics is a reliably fabulous dorm room decor formula.

Sticking to solid colors and clean design, you can never go wrong with minimalist dorm room ideas, either.

21. Add Travel-Inspired Decor to the Walls

Mykonos. Paris. Cairo. The Amalfi Coast. There’s a whole wide world beyond campus, so borrowing a little inspiration from a favorite destination is an easy way to make a sterile dorm room feel more storied.

Oversized travel prints make a dramatic statement on a blank wall, but don’t overlook the tiny art trend either. A cluster of postcard-sized pieces can feel every bit as impactful, especially when mixed with personal photographs or souvenirs.

If there’s room to splurge, House of Spoils’ cinematic archival prints are truly top-tier – very much move-into-a-first-apartment material. Etsy, meanwhile, is full of independent photographers selling beautiful framed work for under $50.

22. Layer Rugs to Marry Dissimilar Design Styles

Having different tastes from your roommate is inevitable. But clashing styles don’t have to mean a disjointed room.

One of the easiest ways to merge dorm room aesthetics without compromising either is by layering rugs. It creates a cohesive foundation while maintaining each side's unique personality.

23. Add the Illusion of Story With Temporary Molding

If there’s one thing dorm rooms are missing, it’s architectural character. Temporary molding is one of the least-lift ways to fake it.

Picture-frame molding instantly makes four blank walls feel more charming, while decorative appliqués – fleur-de-lis, cherubs, and the like – lend an old-world feel in a matter of minutes. An ideal luxury dorm room idea, they’re designed to come down just as easily before move-out.

Amazon and Etsy both carry surprisingly chic options, and temporary mounting adhesives, like Gorilla’s repositionable putty, will keep everything securely in place for the school year without damaging the walls.

24. Try Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper for the Ultimate Statement

You wouldn’t believe how good peel-and-stick wallpaper has gotten. Even as a style editor renting in Manhattan, I still use it – and I’ve never once been disappointed.

Brands like Tempaper & Co. come in just about every un-dorm-room-looking style imaginable, whether that’s a tapestry-inspired mural, a geometric mid-century print, a favorite color, or even a designer collaboration (Jeremiah Brent’s collection is fashion-forward as ever).

The Scents

25. Keep the Space Clean

Even the chicest dorm room can’t out-design the smell of day-old takeout or damp towels.

Start with the basics: wash bedding weekly (especially pillowcases), store snacks in sealed containers, and don’t let dishes linger longer than they have to. Then, once a month, carve out an hour for a proper dorm deep clean. These spaces are simply too small for grime to go unnoticed.

26. Set the Tone With a Great Scent

Once the room itself is clean, scent becomes the finishing touch. Diffusers and potpourri are ideal because they’re flame-free and always working, but if candles are permitted, a beautiful rose, sandalwood, or eucalyptus fragrance goes a long way.

Still, my favorite scent hack in school was, without a doubt, room spray. Some are just as beautiful to display as they are to use (DedCool’s home collection is both TikTok-famous and a personal favorite). It’s a small detail, but a wonderful welcome as guests walk through the door.

The Privacy

27. Add a Divider That Says Something

Dorm rooms are tight, both physically and mentally. A freestanding room divider makes the space feel like two bedrooms rather than one – while offering another chance to introduce another texture, material, or color.

This look has an old-school dressing-room elegance about it, while behaving as a wall in a room that doesn’t really have any.

28. Consider a Bed Canopy

You’d be amazed what a tension rod and a pair of curtains can accomplish. This dorm room setup sounds far more involved than it actually is, and there are plenty of no-drill options that install in minutes.

The curtains themselves become another creative canvas. Sheers feel light and romantic, faded florals go great with cottagecore, while crisp stripes or navy linen stand as classic preppy dorm room ideas

I tried this technique myself and relished the feeling of stepping into my own space, rather than simply climbing into a bed in the middle of a shared one.

The Small-Space Tricks

29. Raise or Loft the Bed

Just do it. Before I even stepped foot into my dorm freshman year, I heard rumblings about one life-altering trick: raise your bed. Apparently, it would triple your storage space and, oddly enough, help mentally distance you from the cinderblock walls and fluorescent lighting. They weren’t wrong.

I crammed half my life under that bed – snacks, clothes, shoes – all neatly corralled in underbed organizers, hidden behind a bedskirt that gave the illusion of dorm room organization while softening the space.

Better still is lofting the bed entirely, if the school allows it. This way, there’s enough room to slide a desk underneath, carving out a separate zone to study, unwind, or simply pretend the dorm is a tiny studio apartment. It’s one of the smartest small-space tricks on this list.

30. Don’t Ignore the Back of the Door

The back of the door is prime real estate, and often woefully overlooked. In college, mine became a catchall for handbags, jewelry, a mini photo gallery, and the random souvenirs that accumulated over the semester.

Of course, there’s only one front door, so loop your roommate in. A full-length hanging style is usually an easy sell (there’s rarely another logical place for one), so offer to bring that while they pick up another shared item from the dorm room checklist.

Once that’s sorted, layer in over-the-door hooks, a few small art prints (Command Strips are your friend), or, if everyone’s on board, even a panel of peel-and-stick wallpaper. It’s an efficacious way to squeeze a little more personality out of a space that’s otherwise easy to overlook.

31. Don’t Overcrowd Your Furniture

The fantasy of a dorm room lounge – complete with a reading nook and full-fledged seating area – is adorable. I’m, of course, being facetious: most dorms can barely handle the basics. Cramming in too much furniture doesn’t make things cozy; it makes things chaotic.

One trend I saw a lot during my freshman year was pushing both desks to one side of the room to ‘free up’ space for a hangout area. Sounds like a great thing to have in a dorm room in theory, but the desks were massive, and the setup created a clunky visual wall that made the room feel even more cramped.

Instead, prioritize flow. Keep the center of the room open, opt for low-profile storage, and resist the urge to over-furnish. Breathing room is underrated, and in a dorm, priceless.

32. Maximize the Walls

Surface space is limited, so don’t waste it. In a dorm room, your walls are your best friend. Wall-mounted solutions aren’t just practical, they’re often the only way to make everything fit.

‘Maximize those walls!’ says Jan Johnson Serafen, professional home organizer for The Ordered Home. ‘Wall-mounted solutions for keys, mail, jewelry, belts, and more are readily available and can tuck behind an entry door or in a closet.’

Marla Mock, President of Molly Maid, agrees. ‘Hang your bags or hats on the wall using a wooden peg rack,’ she suggests. ‘It creates a fashionable and easy place to store awkwardly shaped items.’

‘Command hooks, at Amazon, are great for added storage and to add a personal touch to the space,’ adds Mary Kathryn LaVallee, owner of OrderUp Design. ‘A lot of people think command hooks don’t work, but if you wait 24 hours before you hang anything on them, they work great!’

The Move-In Upgrades

33. Curate a Compact Kitchenette

Even if dining hall swipes are part of the plan, snacks are a must, and rushed meals will almost certainly be necessary. Having a compact kitchenette makes it much easier to throw together breakfast before an early lecture or keep healthier options within arm’s reach.

Skip anything oversized. A microwave, mini fridge, and single-serve coffee maker go surprisingly far, while bulky appliances tend to eat up precious counter space. And toaster oven enthusiasts: resist the urge. Many colleges still ban them, so check the rules before buying.

From there, treat the setup like a tiny kitchen rather than a collection of appliances. Stack mugs neatly (IKEA and Amazon both have surprisingly chic dinnerware), designate a spot on a rolling cart for dry goods and cutlery, and voilà: you have a fully functional, flexible ‘kitchen.’

34. Integrate Greenery, Real or Faux

Dorm room feeling dull? A splash of green works wonders, adding life, texture, and a little something joyful to the most lifeless of cinderblock spaces.

Try trailing vines in a ceramic pot, tiny succulents on your windowsill, or a hanging basket if desk space is precious. And don’t stress if you lack a green thumb. To that end, Target, Wayfair, and Afloral have ultra-realistic faux options that never wilt.

35. Invest in a Nice-Looking Laundry Bag

Laundry piles up fast in a shared space, and bulky baskets take up more room than you think. A hanging laundry bag is a much smarter dorm room decor solution – especially one that complements the room’s color palette or patterns.

Some are even monogrammable (LoveShackFancy’s Pottery Barn Teen collaboration has an especially darling damask version), and many convert into backpacks for the trek to the laundry room. Hang one from a removable Command Hook to keep it off the floor and out of the way.

Fun fact: I’ve used the same dorm room laundry bag from Amazon since freshman year of college, and I still get compliments on it walking to the wash-and-fold in New York. At $25, it might genuinely be one of my best dorm purchases – if not one of my best purchases, period.

36. Add Ease With an Accent Chair

If you’ve got the space, consider adding a chair to your dorm room checklist that isn’t a desk chair – something designed for unwinding, not working or sleeping. Creating a dedicated zone to lounge helps visually (and psychologically) compartmentalize a dorm room set up, which is key when an entire world must exist in one room.

Look for 'boneless' styles (they inflate like a boxed mattress upon arrival), which tend to be affordable, plush, and minimalist enough to keep the space feeling open.

37. Opt for a Washable Rug

A rug is an elegant way to define a dorm room while injecting some much-needed personality. If there’s one upgrade worth making, though, it’s choosing one that’s machine washable.

Speaking from experience – having hosted one too many visitors (and occasionally been the culprit myself) – spills, muddy shoes, and mystery stains are inevitable. A washable rug isn’t a nice-to-have; it’s a dorm room essential.

Ruggable remains my favorite for exactly this reason. They’re stain-resistant, machine washable, and come in just about every aesthetic imaginable, with collaborations spanning names like Jonathan Adler, Anthropologie, and even the Hiltons.

38. Touch Base With Roommates Before Move-In

Communication is one of the easiest dorm room upgrades there is. A quick conversation beforehand can prevent duplicate purchases, save money, and make the room feel more cohesive.

My freshman-year setup worked out through sheer dumb luck. Our styles couldn’t have been more different, but somehow they complemented each other, like two sides of the same coin. Across the hall? Not so much. Neon checkerboard met sage-green minimalism. It was a design identity crisis.

Most schools share roommate contact information before move-in, so take advantage. Figure out who’s bringing the microwave, mini fridge, or coffee maker, and whether everyone’s open to sharing. That’s money saved and square footage reclaimed.

If the aesthetics happen to align – even loosely – great. If not, that’s okay too. A little coordination goes a long way. Divide, conquer, and make it cute.

For more advice, explore our guide on how to deep clean a dorm room. Trust me: in a space this small, staying on top of the cleaning makes all the difference.

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With so much freedom to play with pattern, personality, and palette, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by kids' room paint ideas.

The good news is, kids' rooms are a great place to be a bit braver with color. It's not about following color trends, but about creating a space that sparks imagination and joy with a variety of paint ideas that reflect their personality, while also being functional and calming when needed. A tough brief.

But that doesn’t mean you should throw the whole swatch book at the wall. Whether you’re designing a nursery or updating a room for an older child, the key lies in a well-thought-out color strategy.

To help, we’ve gathered the most creative ways to use color in a kids' room – from paint to wallpaper to carefully chosen accents –along with expert tips to guide your design decisions and hopefully, please your little ones in the process.

13 kids' room paint ideas to add color and joy to their bedroom

'Designing for children is about so much more than color. It’s about creating a world,' says interior designer Nina Lichtenstein. 'A space that reflects who they are now, while leaving room for who they’re becoming. The best children’s rooms balance creativity with calm, whimsy with function, and most importantly, age-appropriate style with lasting appeal.'

'Color plays a central role in setting the tone. But forget the dated rules about pink bedroom ideas for girls and blue for boys. Today’s children’s rooms are palettes of possibility, built around emotion, imagination, and a modern understanding of how color impacts mood, focus, and sleep.'

When it comes to kids' room paint ideas, there are lots of different approaches. To find out how to choose the perfect paint shade, design, and style, and avoid cliché kids' bedroom mistakes, we have gathered our top tips from the experts below.

1. Start your scheme with a focal point

When designing a kid’s room, starting with a strong focal point can help anchor your entire color scheme.

'Stuck for inspiration and looking to introduce some color? The secret lies within the cherished pieces you already own,' says Joanna Landais, designer and founder of Eklektik Studio. 'Build your room's palette around one standout artwork, allowing it to shine as the focal point.'

'For a surefire win, choose shades directly from the artwork itself. Want to elevate the design even further? Add an unexpected pop of color to create a vibrant and playful atmosphere. This technique, often seen in adult spaces, is equally effective and exciting for children's interiors.'

2. Opt for a timeless, neutral base

'When I design a kid’s room, I like to create a space that will evolve with the child as they grow. Because of this, I tend to opt for a palette with warm neutral hues or softened versions of classic colors, like sage green and light blue,' advises designer Kathy Kuo. 'This creates a timeless base that can easily be layered with more playful elements like patterned textiles, whimsical artwork, and sculptural lighting,' she adds.

A favorite for designers and experts alike, decorating with neutrals is a versatile choice that can stand the test of time, effortlessly integrating into both classic and contemporary interiors.

'When designing kids’ rooms, I aim to blend playfulness with lasting charm. Vibrant colors create a cheerful, layered space full of personality,' adds Sandra Lucas at Lucas Eiliers Design, who designed the layered space above.

'Crisp white shiplap walls, structured roman shades, and classic black bedside tables ground the bright hues and create a space that feels warm, balanced, and thoughtfully put together. It is a room that inspires creativity and comfort.'

3. Use the 60-30-10 rule to add pops of color

Joanna Landais, who is a dedicated children's room designer, also encourages you to look to the 60-30-10 rule to help with your decorating formula.

'Aim for a dynamic balance: dedicate 60-70% of the room to a neutral background. This creates a calm environment where your child can relax,' she explains. 'Then, introduce 30% of a complementary second color and just 10% of your most daring hue. This careful distribution ensures a playful yet thoughtfully curated look that ignites imagination without overwhelming the space.'

'And remember, don’t feel confined to accessories for your pops of color! Think outside the box; you can make a bold statement by painting a small accent wall or even the ceiling in your favorite shade.'

4. Try a grounding blue hue

While often associated with bedroom ideas for boys, blue is far more versatile than its stereotypes suggest. From soft sky tones to deep inky navy, blue can act as a surprisingly grounding base color in any child’s room – bringing calm, warmth, and timeless appeal.

Sherrell Neal, founder of Sherrell Design Studio and designer of the serene space above, says: 'Blue has always been a universal choice that fits every age. Farrow & Ball’s No. 27 Parma Gray worked beautifully in a young girl’s room that’s sophisticated enough to grow with her.'

'We’ve also considered soft greens, warm blush tones, and even ochre for a playful but grounded palette that evolves over time. The key is choosing colors that reflect personality while allowing room to mature.'

5. Pink and brown makes a soft, nostalgic combo

Pink and brown might feel like an unexpected color combination for a kids’ room, but together they create a warm, nostalgic palette that feels both comforting and unexpectedly chic.

'Right now I’m loving a brown-and-pink palette,' suggests Kailee Blalock from House of Hive Design Co. 'It has a nostalgic early 2000s interior design vibe. Think soft mocha paired with blush or rich chocolate with light pink. It’s also a palette that can grow with the child: start with playful patterns when they’re young and transition to more neutral, textured accents as they age. Layering in natural materials like rattan or linen can balance the sweetness of the colors and give the room longevity.'

You can also achieve the same soft combo with blush and burnt umber, designer Nina Lichtenstein suggests. 'Blush brings softness and light while the burnt umber introduces a sense of structure and age. Imagine blush walls with dark wood furniture and terracotta accents.'

6. Get creative with the ceiling

Often dubbed the 'fifth wall', the ceiling is one of the most underused opportunities in kids' room design – and an accent ceiling can make a big impact when used thoughtfully.

As they drift off to sleep, the bedroom ceiling is likely the last thing your child will see before entering the land of nod, so give them something to dream about. A statement ceiling can come in all shapes and sizes, from a stencilled starry night to wallpapered maps of the world. But a simple wash of color will also work wonders, too.

In this room above, the bedroom becomes the big top, thanks to a simple but transportive design that uses small bedroom ideas for kids to turn a compact space into a circus.

7. Spark joy with soft yellow

Associated with optimism, yellow bedroom ideas are lovely for a kids' room, what's more, it is also a hugely versatile shade, making it a popular choice for gender neutral schemes.

'Yellow represents hope, happiness, and positivity, but it’s also a lively and vibrant pigment, which makes it perfect for a children’s bedroom,' says Dominic Myland, founder of Mylands Paints.

When selecting yellow paint shades, be sure to think about the light in the room, says Dominic. ‘As with any pigment, natural light will affect how your color choice looks in a room, so I’d always recommend painting a sample onto the different walls in a room so you can see how it will look in different lights throughout the day.'

8. Paint the trims in a contrasting hue

'Don’t forget to consider the base boards and woodwork in your scheme too, these can be harmonious, an all-over treatment or contrasting to suit the mood,' says Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene.

If you’re looking for a subtle but high-impact way to bring color into a kids’ room, painting the trims in a contrasting hue is a clever move. Woodwork like baseboards, window frames, doors, and moldings can become a playful design feature, especially when contrasted with softer wall tones.

Seen here in the above nursery, the design team at Creative Tonic Design chose to highlight the trims in this serene reading corner with a verdant green hue that complements the sky blue walls and picks out the tones of the leafy, pattern drenched chair and drapes pairing.

'When designing a nursery that will grow with the baby, it is important not to crowd the space to start,' advises Courtnay Tartt Elias of Creative Tonic. 'Limited doesn’t mean boring – keep things fun with colorful prints (especially on those blackout drapes!) and upholstery that is apt to be just as at home in a nursery as a school-age child’s room!'

9. Try out a two-tone look

Perfect for kids' rooms, color blocking and two-tone paint techniques can bring dimension and playfulness.

By dividing the wall horizontally, you can ground the space with a deeper shade on the bottom half and keep things airy above, or flip the contrast for something more unexpected. It’s a technique that works beautifully with paneling or molding, but it can also be achieved with just paint and painter’s tape.

Additionally, bedroom wallpaper can be added above panelling or moldings to make a statement, like in this children's bedroom designed by Beata Heuman.

10. Refine the rainbow with pastels

Rainbow color schemes are a natural go-to for kids’ rooms – but that doesn’t mean they have to be overly bright or chaotic. By softening the spectrum with a pastel color scheme, you can achieve a more refined, soothing version of the look that still feels joyful and full of personality.

'When it comes to creating a dreamy bedroom for your child, why not make the most of their wishes? But instead of resisting a rainbow theme, refine it,' suggests Joanna. 'Opt for calming pastels that echo the beauty of rainbows without overwhelming the senses. Think soft blues, gentle pinks, and delicate yellows; these colors will create a harmonious atmosphere while still honoring their request.'

‘If you’re decorating a child's room, paler colors tend to be more calming and soothing – both for the child and parents,’ adds Judy Smith, color consultant at Crown. ‘A background of pastel yellows, soft blues, aqua greens, and warm pinks can be a good basis from which to add more color. You can always add brighter tones on top of these colors in stripes, squares, or a whole painted bedroom accent wall to inject a bit more fun as your child grows.’

11. Add a mural wall for impact

If you're looking to create a real wow moment in a child’s room, a wall mural is a bold but effective way to do it.

Whether it’s hand-painted, wallpapered, or done using wall decals, a mural can instantly bring storybook charm, imagination, or a sense of adventure into the space – and serve as the inspiration for the rest of your color scheme.

As seen in this neutral nursery by Amy Courtney Design, the watercolor-style mural is the perfect way to add color to this nursery. The leafy design adds a strong visual anchor, so everything else in the space, from paint colors to decor, can be chosen to complement it.

12. Zone areas with color

When thinking about paint colors for a kids' room, consider what the different areas of the room will be used for and choose a paint to fit the mood. This will help bring identity to the different areas.

‘Paint is a fantastic tool too for zoning spaces, creating an area for play, a calming and sophisticated area for homework, or a gentle, relaxing space for sleep,’ explains Ruth Mottershead. ‘Vivid hues work well in more vibrant areas that see a lot of activity,' she adds.

This technique works particularly well with a recessed desk area or in playrooms for storage, like the custom design in this room. By painting this section of the room a more stimulating hue than the rest, you’ll make the area feel special and more exciting – and they might spend more time there than you expect.

13. Use soft furnishings to perfect the palette

Once your walls are painted and your key colors are chosen, soft furnishings are where your palette really comes to life. Bedding, rugs, curtains, cushions, and lighting choices offer the perfect opportunity to reinforce your chosen hues (or introduce subtle contrast) without committing to more permanent design elements, meaning you can switch them out as they grow.

'Remember, there's a vibrant world beyond just wallpaper and paint,' says Joanna. 'Soft furnishings play a crucial role in creating inviting and imaginative spaces. Think patterned headboards or whimsical curtains as your design foundation.'

'Start with a beloved fabric to set the stage, and let its colors inspire a cohesive palette throughout the room. Introduce those hues in playful accessories and paint, ensuring a harmonious flow from floor to ceiling.'