When it comes to men’s dorm room ideas, it’s hard to go wrong. A good room isn’t just one that makes you feel at home. It’s one that also tells you everything you need to know about a person. You can learn a lot about how a person lives their life by what they keep in their room. If you’re keen on learning how to make your man cave feel like home, then read on!
10 Cool Things for Your Room to Show Off Your Hobbies
1. Leave Funny and Decorative Coffee Mugs on Your Desk
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If you’re living in a dorm, it’s likely you’re a college student. In that case, having a coffee mug handy is absolutely essential. There’s no doubt about it — you’re going to endure a lot of sleepless nights. It’s all part of the experience, so treat yourself to a snazzy mug to make your stay more bearable!
There’s a lot of fun to be had with coffee mugs. Some have funny jokes written on them. Others can contain references to things you love such as movies or video games. Leaving these mugs in plain view can spark up conversations from guests who recognize the quotes and patterns printed on them.
2. Proudly Display Fun Memorabilia from Media You Love
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Personalizing your living space is paramount when it comes to dorm room decoration. In order to make a room really feel like your own, you’ll have to deck it out with things you love. If you happen to own things like signed photographs, props from movies, or other memorabilia, then don’t hesitate to leave them out on display! Just be careful nobody steals it. Keep them somewhere secure but in plain view.
Having memorabilia around your dorm could spark up a lot of interesting conversations. People who share your interests will notice, and as a result, it’ll be much easier to deepen friendships.
3. Line Up Your Favorite Books, Comics and Manga
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Are you an avid reader of books, comics, and manga? It wouldn’t hurt to decorate your shelf with your collection to make yourself feel at home. If you’re surrounded by familiar things that you love, it’ll help you cozy yourself in tremendously. People who visit will also have an easier time gauging the things you appreciate — works of fiction or otherwise.
However, having your books and manga readily available at your dorm comes with other benefits. They’re more than just decorative conversation pieces — you can actually read them when you’re bored. In fact, if you’re feeling generous, you could even lend them out to friends who seem interested. Because of this, they make for excellent men’s dorm room ideas.
4. Put Up Some Posters of Your Favorite Movies and Bands
One of the best and most reliable men’s dorm room ideas is decorating your wall with posters. You could put up posters of your favorite movies and television series. Posters from concerts and your favorite bands could also help liven up the place. It’s hard to think of a feeling that’s more satisfying than personalizing a room to make it your own.
Posters are very effective room decorations because they immediately tell visitors the sort of media you’re into. If you have posters indicative of the sports you watch, the series you follow, or the music you listen to, people will be able to talk to you about them.
5. String Up Some Dorm Flags Over Your Wall
Typically made of fabric, dorm flags can really help you personalize your living space. One of the biggest advantages of dorm flags is how flexible they are. You could get a flag of a motivational quote, or a flag of your favorite sports team. As a result, flags are among the more noticeable men’s dorm room ideas.
If you’re feeling particularly brave, you could even get a flag of your sexual orientation. For those of you who have no problem making your home feel a little sillier, you could get a flag of a funny tweet or a dumb joke.
6. Frame Old Photographs of You and Your Friends
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Immortalizing fond memories with photographs is essential as you’ll have something that you can look back on years from now. One decoration that’s bound to make your place feel more like home is a photograph of you with your friends.
The best part? Whenever your friends are over, they’ll know exactly how much you love them. It’s also good to carry a physical copy around the dorm. You’ll never know when nostalgia might hit.
7. Show Off Your Instruments
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If you’re a musician, then one of the best dorm decor that’s bound to spark up some conversations is your instrument of choice. Though some dorms might not allow specific instruments due to the sheer volume, it wouldn’t hurt to ask.
Being able to jam or practice whenever you want to in your own dorm is a huge benefit. It’s difficult to feel at home if you find yourself in a place where you can’t indulge yourself with your hobbies.
8. Decorate Your Dorm With Collectibles
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Livening up your dorm room has never been easier by showing off a collection of things you love. If you’re a hobbyist who works with his hands to make things, you could put some of your projects on display.
Curios like model kits, trading cards, and toys can add a lot of personality to your living space. The best part? Other collectors or people familiar with your respective hobby will be able to marvel at your collection. The bottom line is people will be able to know what you’re passionate about right from the get-go.
9. Hang up Some Prints and Artwork
Some people might argue that keeping conventional art around your dorm is a bit overkill, but this isn’t true. While having gigantic framed paintings might be a little too high-brow for a dorm room, you could always opt for smaller artwork. If you’re an artist, you could put up your own pieces. If you’ve bought art in the past, whether it’s a sculpture or a small hanging painting, then why not show it off?
If you’re the sort of person who frequently attends conventions or purchases art online, then having it posted around your dorm room is a great idea. You could have a wall dedicated to the art you’ve collected, all arranged in a neat and visually satisfying way. Prints are generally much cheaper and easier to decorate your room with compared to conventional art.
10. Using Records and Album Covers as Wall Decor
If you collect vinyl, then it’s not a bad idea to consider investing in them as a form of men’s dorm room ideas. You can decorate your walls with the records themselves, or with the album covers. In fact, you could even go with both.
Records and their album art make for excellent decor as they rock eye-catching designs. Simultaneously, people will immediately know just how into music you are — as well as what sort of music you prefer.
10 Simple Room Decorations and Devices to Liven Up the Place
11. Leave Some Throw Pillows Within Arm’s Reach
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For those of you keen on sprucing up your dorm room, consider investing in throw pillows. Their casual looks make for good room decor. What makes throw pillows unique is how they perform both practical and decorative purposes.
However, what makes them really fun to work with is how they come in many patterns. Their unique, eye-catching appearances make them stand out. You could opt for pillows with humorous covers, or perhaps find one that references pop culture.
12. Use Decorative Trunks and Storage Containers
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When it comes to living alone in a small space like a dorm room, having as much space as possible is paramount. In order to make the most out of your living space, you’ll need to invest in storage. However, you don’t have to settle for simple things like cabinets and closets. If you feel like giving your room a little more personality, then decorative trunks and storage containers are perfect men’s dorm room ideas.
If you want to take your decoration game a step further, then you could slap stickers onto these containers. Thinking of creative ways to stack boxes, trunks, and chests could also give your dorm a certain aesthetic. Haphazardly stacking them makes for a messy, punk-like atmosphere. On the other hand, having containers stacked in an efficient and neat manner makes you look sophisticated and organized.
13. Brighten Up Your Workspace With a Desk Lamp
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If you’re living in a dorm, it’s likely you’ve got a desk or some form of workspace. For people who find themselves working until late, getting a desk lamp should be one of your top priorities. After all, it’s difficult to work on your projects and assignments in the dark. Using a laptop in a room with no light is a surefire way to damage your eyesight.
Desk lamps aren’t just practical, however. They’re stylish as well, serving as an excellent decoration for your workspace. If you live with other people, the fact that they only illuminate a small, concentrated area makes it better for your roommates. You’re less likely to disturb them. In most cases, you’ll also be able to adjust the intensity of the desk lamp’s light.
14. Set Up a Coat Rack For You and Your Guests
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Coat racks aren’t just pretty. As decorative as they are, they also have a lot of practical uses. You can use coat racks to hang clothing like hats, bags, and jackets whenever you’re not using them. More often than not, coat racks are best placed near where you leave your shoes. Take note that as far as men’s dorm room ideas go, coat racks require a lot of space.
Even if you set it up for yourself, your visitors will definitely appreciate having a coat rack to use. Practical uses aside, coat racks are a very uncommon piece of furniture. You don’t see them very often, but once you do, it’s clear just how much they can liven up the entrance to someone’s house. The sheer novelty of being able to hang your coat should be enough to make you smile.
15. Put Up a Whiteboard to Help You Stay Organized
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If you’re the sort of person who likes to write down notes to help you stay organized, then a whiteboard is perfect for you. You could hang it on your wall close to your workspace or by the entrance. For the artists out there, you could even have a little fun by making small doodles to accompany notices and reminders. Friends could even mess around a little and make additions of their own.
Other places you could place your whiteboard include the kitchen or the fridge. This way, you can write out recipes or grocery lists to remind you of what you need to get. Daily tasks and reminders for specific events can also help out tremendously. Whiteboards take up a lot of room. How you use that room will determine how effective they are as dorm decor.
16. Get a Proper Desk Setup Going for Your Computer
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One of the best simple room decoration ideas, and one of the most overlooked, is the desk. A well-made desk goes a long way. Desks have to give you ample room for practical reasons and for personalization. For instance, you’re going to want enough space for your computer — whether it’s a desktop and monitor, or a laptop. You’ll also want enough room for your arms and books for when it’s time to write.
As for personalizing your workspace, the best desks are the ones that give you room to throw in some small decorations. You could squeeze in some of your favorite collectibles, or possibly a small model or statuette to liven up the place in which you work.
17. Catch the Latest Series with a Television
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Though a little pricey, having a television in your dorm room is bound to improve your overall quality of life. All you need to do is set one up in front of someplace cozy, like a sofa. Afterward, you’re free to enjoy your favorite television series and movies on the big screen. Depending on what kind of television you get, you can even use video hosting websites like Youtube or streaming services like Netflix.
Televisions can also fill out empty space, making your dorm look more packed and complete. Visitors will also appreciate being able to watch media with you, so why not make the most of your dorm with a television? It could come in handy when you find someone you’re interested in. In that case, watching your favorite series sounds like an excellent indoor date idea.
18. Roll Around with an Office Chair
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Who said office chairs only belonged in professional environments? If you’ve ever sat on an office chair before, it’s very likely you’ve rolled around in one. The call to goof around is irresistible, and being able to adjust the height of your seat is a bonus. The fact that you can move around the room with ease is the cherry on the top. Why not get something like that for the dorm?
Practical benefits aside, office chairs are comfortable and good for your back. They also give your dorm room a lot more personality, and they’re pleasing to look at. Knowing that there’s a cozy chair waiting for you at home should bring you a great deal of comfort. If an office chair is too simple for you, then you could always settle for something bigger and comfier — like a recliner.
19. Set Up Some Color-Coordinated Speakers
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Though speakers perform a practical purpose, that doesn’t mean they can’t make your dorm room look better. They’re full of personality, and their unique appearance can make your desk look more complete. Speakers that match the color of your room make for excellent dorm room decor. This is especially true if your speakers match your desktop or laptop as well, making for an organized and coordinated look.
They’re also essential for anyone who’s a fan of music or high-quality audio. If you’re an audiophile, you’d want to invest in a powerful set of speakers. This is so that you can improve the general experience of listening to your songs. When it comes to movies, you’ll also have a much better time hearing the sound effects and dialogue. After all, speakers aren’t just for show.
20. Let Loose With a Gaming Console
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If you’ve already got a television, it’s time to take things one step further and grab yourself a gaming console. Though machines like the Playstation 5 or the Nintendo Switch hardly count as decorations, simply owning one shows that you know how to have fun.
Gaming can also greatly improve your experience living in your dorm. Playing games can keep you occupied. The best part? Whenever you have friends over, you can all play together.
10 Essential Men’s Bedroom Decor to Make it Feel Like Home
21. Liven Up Your Dorm Room with Plants and Succulents
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For those of you who think your dorm lacks color, you can liven the place up with some potted plants and succulents. What makes plants such effective decor is how diverse they are. There are many kinds of pots and containers you can use. You also have the choice of having plants that grow in either soil or water. Even then, there are many different types of plants you can grow. Just make sure they’re in a place where they can get plenty of sunlight.
Plants and succulents can do a lot more for your room than make it look pretty. Because they’re alive, they help clear the air in your room. They take in carbon dioxide and convert it into breathable oxygen. Simultaneously, any dangerous chemicals in the air of your room can get filtered out and cleaned. The added humidity offers a lot of health benefits too, relieving dry skin and preventing colds and sore throats.
22. Decorate Your Dorm with Wall Art and Murals
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When it comes to personalizing your room, it’s difficult to go wrong with artwork. Sure, you could set up boy’s room decor like prints, posters, and framed paintings on the walls. However, anyone can do that. If you want something truly unique, you’ll have to kick it up a notch. What if you were to take it a step further and make the wall your canvas instead? If you’re an artist with a lot of paint and free time, then try your hand at making a mural.
However, knowing what to paint to personalize your room is where it gets tricky. There are many different ways to decorate your wall. The pattern or mural you choose to paint will speak volumes of your style. Unlike prints and posters, murals can’t be taken down so easily. You’ll really need to commit and get something that you know you’ll love.
23. Pin Up Post-Its and Notices with a Corkboard
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Corkboards, much like whiteboards, can be used to help you keep track of daily tasks. What makes them unique, however, is how you can use them to pin up schedules, notices, and photographs.
Some boards have built-in whiteboards, whereas others are shaped like hexagons so you can connect them and make patterns. Their real strength lies in how flexible they are as dorm decor. It isn’t difficult to think of ways you can use them, so why not experiment and try them out for yourself?
24. Lull Yourself to Sleep with a Comforter Set
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Do you find your bed too dull? If so, try covering it with a fancy new comforter set to give it a little more color and volume. These blankets aren’t just designed to keep you warm — they also make decorating significantly easier. Their simple look makes them flexible to work with when it comes to livening up your dorm.
25. Make the Most of Your Space with an Area Rug
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Area rugs are a simple yet highly effective way of giving a room a lot of character. Walking along the cold floor can get tiring, after all. Mixing it up by giving yourself new textures to tread on does wonders for your overall comfort. Because of this, rugs are one of the most effective men’s dorm room ideas. Rugs add both color and texture to your dorm. They can really tie the room together, bringing out the best of all your other decor.
26. Brighten Up the Room with LED Lights and Neon Signs
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Two more examples of cool room decor and men’s dorm room ideas include LED lights and neon signs. They can drastically change the atmosphere with the flick of a switch — especially if you keep the lights off.
If you’re interested in giving your dorm room a little more color, then you can’t go wrong with LED lights. You can install them under or behind your bed, or along the ceiling. You can even install them behind televisions and computer monitors.
27. Maximize Comfort and Ease-of-access with a Night Stand
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If you really want to make your dorm room feel like home, then furniture and decor that improve comfort and convenience are essential. Nightstands are extra useful to the men out there who wear glasses.
Simply having a safe place to keep your phone, books, and eyewear before going to bed makes nightstands worth owning. You can also place decorations on them like framed photographs, lamps, or collectibles.
28. Throw Down Some Bean Bags
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Every dorm needs a chair. While some people are content with settling for simple plastic chairs, it wouldn’t hurt to go for something a little more unconventional. Cool room ideas include bean bags.
They can create a casual, comfortable vibe no matter where you find them. At the same time, they help you with your posture tremendously, contouring to match your body. Bean bags come in many different colors, so find one that matches the scheme of your dorm.
29. Treat Yourself with a Mini Fridge for All Your Solo-Living Needs
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Having a refrigerator is bound to come in handy sooner or later. In the event that you and your friends decide to have an indoor bachelor party, you’re going to need an easily-accessible place to store your drinks.
Even outside of parties, having a refrigerator readily available in your dorm comes with a lot of benefits. Even if your dorm might have a communal refrigerator, a personal one is a lot more sanitary. You also won’t have to worry about people stealing your food.
30. Check Yourself Out with a Full-length Mirror
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Everyone needs a mirror. It’s customary to give yourself a good look before heading out for the day. It’s a lot easier to do that with a full-length mirror so you can check out your complete outfit. If you’re big on fashion or experimenting with looks, then large mirrors are essential. As dorm room decor, the way a mirror is framed and shaped can also affect the overall aesthetic and feel of your space.
Cool Men’s Dorm Room Ideas: What Happens Next?
If you’re living in a dorm, you’re likely a college student. In that case, you’ll need to prepare for many wild nights — some of which might even take place in your dorm room. Now that you know how to decorate your room, you’re going to want to show it off to your friends. Here’s a list of some of the worst things you can do if you’re hungover so you can prepare and adjust accordingly.
