The door opens to an empty, colorless dorm room. This new abode is bleak. Painting, nailing and gluing decorations on the walls are prohibited, so how can a sterile cube become a student's personal space for the upcoming year? With a little creativity, enthusiasm and patience, it can be much more than a place to work and sleep. It can become a home.
When it comes to dorm decorating, there are many choices, and whether to loft a bed is one of them. Raising the bed above the ground provides more room for storage. Depending on the height of the bed, a futon, chair, dresser or desk may fit beneath. An unlofted bed has its perks. It is easier to climb into and it allows you to easily make your bed.
"Bunk beds worked out for me, and it shields the reading lights when one person wants to go to sleep," said sophomore Taylor Bolding.
But there is much more to a room than a bed.
Although every room has a ceiling lamp, small lamps are a necessity. If you choose to raise your bed, having a lamp that can clip onto the bed is ideal.
If your bed is unlofted, you can keep a lamp on top of a bedside table or dresser. String lights are also an attractive way to add light to your room and can be held up along the walls with Sticky Tack.
Curtains, besides keeping the early morning light from shining in, can also make a room brighter and more inviting. Walmart, Target and Pier 1 Imports all have excellent color selections for both genders.
Now that most of the necessities are positioned, it's time to get to the fun part. What else can you add to spice up the room?
- Ottomans: Target has some that are sturdy, portable and double as a seat and foot rest, which further accents the room.
- Poster Sale: "The Elon poster sale decorated half of my Danieley apartment freshman year," said sophomore Matt Mandile.
- Throw pillows for comfort: Just don't have too many because they may become obstacles when you're trying to get to your actual pillow.
- Wall art: Available many retailers, including the school bookstore, these stick-on accents have attractive illustrations for both male and female students and are allowed on the walls.
- Stick-on hooks: "They're great for hanging up everything, whether it is towels or decorations," said sophomore Gloria So.
- Beanbag chair: It's comfortable, mobile and can be found almost anywhere for a low price.
- Plant: Whether it's a flowering plant or a Venus Flytrap, having foliage can add more life to a dorm room.
- Black lights: These are perfect for a casual rave with friends when you need a break from studying — just be sure it's not during quiet hours.
- Pets: You are allowed to have fish in a 10 gallon or less tank. Fish of all species come at a variety of attractive colors. Plants and sculptures can be bought to enhance the tank and are available at the local pet stores.
- Organizational and storage boxes: Cheap, easy to move and a life-saver when you wake up at 7:58 a.m. for that 8 a.m. class
- Elon decor: The campus bookstore sells banners, foam fingers, flags and much more.