Guys dorm ideas were few and far between when I went to college. While my college room looked the bomb, their "decor" stretched as far as alcohol bottles, protein shake tubs, and event stubs... sheesh.
I don't blame 'em though. A lot of college decor is geared towards girls, and having done my research, there's not much for the male-identifying population when it comes to interior inspo. There are disproportionately more girls' dorm room ideas out there, but given that I hung out with the guys and like motorsport and soccer — I've taken a "shot" at putting together some cool ideas for you.
This isn't just about plain decor, neutral niceties, and "un-pinking" everything, if you're a bold bro who likes a bit of color or pattern — I've got some selections to make your scheme stand out.
Spoiler alert: If you *did* happen to like Ken's aesthetic in the Barbie movie, I've got a li'l surprise for you, but you'll need to scroll to the bottom for bougie western homewares.
7 dorm room ideas for guys to create the coolest college scheme
The prices below were correct at the time of publishing this article.
1. Go down the artsy route with a wall tapestry
Why you can trust Real Homes
When I was in high school, boys steered clear of home economics class, but that didn't mean that they weren't partial to a wall hanging. Tapestries are a super simple way to add interest and there are loads of different shapes and styles to choose from. As well as the retailers below, I'd like to give a special mention to Urban Outfitters' wall tapestries, as it always delivers.
For art lovers
Price: Was $32 Now $28.80 (save $2.20)
Dimensions (in.): L30 x W34
Small business
Price: From $46.20
Dimensions (in.): L43 x W51
Vitruvian Man
Price: From $15.99
Dimensions (in.): 23 x 28
2. Go for a moody mid-century modern aesthetic
@lisarosentv ♬ Phoebe Cates - Fenix TX
Midcentury modern schemes are generally quite gender-neutral, making it an easy trend to follow and find decor for. Steer toward browns, mustards, and green tones to create a warm aesthetic. As well as the aforementioned tapestries, a bold print is a great dorm wall decorating idea. Go full color, or if you want a bit of drama, a black and white or sepia print might suit your space.
For motorsport fans
Price: Was $14.95 Now $8.97 (save $5.98)
Size (in.): L12 x W8
Lightweight
Price: $44.99
Dimensions: L60 x W50
Water resistant
Price: $99.99
Size (in.): 1.5 x 4 x 4
3. Go all out with the A/V
@peter.yl ♬ TO THE MOON - JNR CHOI & Sam Tompkins
While string lights and LED hearts might seem a li'l much for you (or not, that's cool too), there are other ways to turn up the brightness in your room. Dormitories don't have a rep for being the most well-lit spaces, so these affordable dorm room lighting ideas are ingenious if you ask me. Make a projector work hard by using it for movie night and special effects. It's much less bulky than bringing a TV (and beats watching films on your laptop).
Easy Installation
Price: $4.88
Dimensions: 6.5 ft
Use under your desk
Price: From $9.99
Size: H0.59 x W12 x D0.59
Built-in Android OS
Price: $169.99
Dimensions (in.): L4 x W6 x D4
4. Sneakerhead? Put your best foot(wear) forward
@earthtokarisa ♬ Nikes on My Feet - Mac Miller
If you're a fan of sneaks, show it with a footwear-heavy scheme. There are loads of dope ways to store shoes (including acrylic boxes on Amazon) and of course, the Lack Wall shelf unit from IKEA.
Hand illustrated
Price: $13.27
Size: A4
Hang with command strips
Price: $69
Dimensions (in.): H0.6 x W9 x L14
Handmade
Price: From $71.28
Size (in.): 7 x 20
5. Rep your college with merch
Proud of the college you've enrolled at? Then show me. It's all good bringing all the university chants at varsity games, but you can also support your school behind closed doors too. Flags, pennants, blankets, candles — you name it, there are lots of ways to back your brotherhood.
BTW — you might want to check about the candle thing, as most RAs will say it's one of the things that isn't allowed in a dorm.
16 colleges available
Price: $16.95
Size (in.): L12 x W30
Choose your school
Price: $40
Dimensions (in.): L60 x W50
More colleges available
Price: Was $80, now $64 (save $16 at Homesick)
Dimensions: One size
6. Create an industrial chic look for less
@emilyrayna ♬ Yacht Club - MusicBox
Lived in a city before starting school? If you're feeling homesick at college, decorating your dorm might help. Although I lived on campus (in the sticks), my mom and dad brought me up in London... so it was a li'l bit of a culture shock.
However, you can create an urban aesthetic in no time with a good peel-and-stick wallpaper for an edgy feel. Don't forget to add a small coffee maker to your dorm packing list to give your coop that coffee shop feel.
Peel and stick
Price: From $10.99
Size (in.): 15.75 x 118.11
Dimmable
Price: $23.99
Size: 25 ft
Great for mini fridges
Price: $79.99
Size (in.): H20.7 x W20 x L20
7. Go wild with a Western-inspired scheme
@cmfgraphics ♬ Heartbroken - Diplo & Jessie Murph & Polo G
Why should coastal cowgirls have all the fun? If you want a stylish Mojo Dojo Casa House, then it's possible to pay homage to Ken's style while keeping it chic. Add a cowhide rug (like this faux one from Wayfair) to max out on those rodeo vibes. And, remember: "I am K(enough)."
Low maintenance
Price: $8.92
Size (in.): H7.25 x W1.25 x L3.5
Made from pressed cotton
Price: $24.99
Size (in.): 8 x 10
Coastal cowboy
Price: $39.99
Size: One size
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Hi, I'm the former acting head ecommerce editor at Real Homes. Prior to working for the Future plc family, I've worked on a number of consumer events including the Ideal Home Show, Grand Designs Live, and Good Homes Magazine. With a first class degree from Keele University, and a plethora of experience in digital marketing, editorial, and social media, I have an eye for what should be in your shopping basket and have gone through the internal customer advisor accreditation process.