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how can i make my dorm room brighter

by Toni Heidenreich Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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4 Ways to Brighten Up Your Dorm Room with Extra Lighting.

  • 1. Add a whimsical touch with some fairy lights. Hoping to bring the vibes of a warm summer night to your dorm room this year? Fairy lights are ...
  • 2. Combine some string lights with your photographs.
  • 3. Carry a flameless solar candle with you to your favorite corners of your dorm room.
  • 4. Add a feminine touch to your room with a vanity light.

So, one of the simplest ways to make your dorm room look bigger is to add more light. Natural light is best, of course. We assume your college won't let you bulldoze a wall to make an extra window for you, but if you have a window, take full advantage of it.

Full Answer

How do you light up a dorm room?

Our go-to way to remedy a classic case of dorm room dreariness is to add warmth via lamps, pendants and string lights and more. Flip the switch and bring some much-needed cheer (and style!) into your dorm with these lighting ideas.

How can I brighten up a dark room?

Brightening up a dark space is a common challenge when designing a room. While a major renovation can certainly correct the issue, knocking down walls or adding windows are thankfully not the only options. In fact, there are foolproof tricks that the pros use to add light through design details.

How can I bring more light into my home?

One of the best ways to bring more light into a room is with a high-gloss paint color, and a ceiling is the perfect spot to experiment with this design choice. A glossy ceiling finish reflects light well, and it adds an unexpected element to a room. 7 Consider Light Wood Flooring

How to brighten up a room with light wood flooring?

Colors of the sun like reds, yellows and oranges brighten the environment. For additional light in the room, light wood flooring is the best to brighten up the space. This can be supplemented with a colorful rug to inject personality into a room and show off aesthetics.

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Can you put up LED lights in a dorm room?

LED strip lights are a safe and affordable way to add personality to your dorm room. Still, you might not be allowed to install them. It's best to check with whoever's in charge of making the rules for your dorms. If you do install strip lights, make sure they won't leave any permanent damage.

How can I make my dorms look better?

Cool Dorm Rooms: 12 Tips for An Awesome Dorm Room!Maximize the space you have. ... Avoid the basic poster sale posters. ... Cover those walls with tapestries. ... Mirrors make a space feel bigger. ... Rugs to cover gross floors. ... Lots of lighting. ... Use your accessories as art. ... Loft your bed (srsly)More items...•

Can you have a lighter in a dorm room?

Butane and propane style torches, table-top torches, micro torches and extended reach lighters are prohibited in all residential buildings. Students are permitted to carry personal “Bic” and “Zippo” style lighters and matches on campus and may use them in areas where smoking is permitted on campus.

What do I need in my dorm room that is not obvious?

21 NOT-SO-OBVIOUS THINGS TO REMEMBER FOR COLLEGE DORM ROOMSLots of 3M Command adhesive hooks, various sizes and types. ... Printer paper. ... HDMI cable or monitor cable. ... Loooonnng ethernet cable. ... Extension cords. ... Power strips/surge protectors. ... Accordion file. ... Light bulbs.More items...•

How do I make my dorm less depressing?

9 Ways to Make Your Dorm Feel Like HomeCome up with your comfort words. Define what you want out of your space. ... Prioritize your bed. ... Use a light timer. ... Warm up your floor. ... Decorate your walls. ... Use photos to remind you of home. ... Get a comfy chair. ... Play some background music.More items...

How can I make my dorm room look expensive?

1:4310:03HOW TO DECORATE YOUR DORM ROOM - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNumber three it would be to keep in mind that lighter colors will make your room feel a lot bigger aMoreNumber three it would be to keep in mind that lighter colors will make your room feel a lot bigger a lot of dorm rooms are super small and they cram two or three people in them.

Why are candles not allowed in dorms?

Most dorms won't allow candles at the risk of being a fire hazard.

What should you not bring to college?

What Not to Bring to College: 12 Things You Don't NeedUnnecessary Debt. While debt isn't something students technically “pack,” it's something they may be carrying with them. ... Furniture. ... Certain Kitchen Appliances. ... Space Heaters and Electric Blankets. ... Candles and Incense. ... Printers. ... Too Much Clothing. ... Knick-Knacks or Tchotchkes.More items...•

Are candles allowed in dorm rooms?

Since candles, incense and hookah are firmly forbidden from most dorms, reserve those favorite scented candles for a bedroom at home. Instead, keep the room smelling fresh with plug-in air fresheners and flameless candles.

What do college students buy the most?

In a different survey of over 500 college students, students reported spending their money in the following non-essential categories:Restaurants – 99%Beauty – 76%Fashion – 70%Electronics – 60%Live music – 59%Media – 57%Gyms and fitness – 38%

What do you regret going to college?

26 Life Changing Things I Regret Not Bringing To CollegeExtension Cords. BUY ON AMAZON. ... Basic Medicines. One of the most essential things that some people don't pay attention to and end up regretting is getting a small medicine cabinet. ... Scissors. BUY ON AMAZON. ... Get A Fan. ... Earplugs. ... Get a Brita. ... Mattress Topper. ... A Desk Fan.More items...

What girls should bring to college?

Here's what will get you there.Mattress topper (memory foam is always a good choice)Mattress pad.Throw blanket.Bedside lamp.Salt rock lamp.Comfy robe and slippers.Eye mask.

How do I make my dorm room look like an apartment?

How to Turn a Humble Dorm Room Into a Small and Stylish HomeTurn Your Bed Into a Couch. ... Decorate the Dresser. ... Cover the Dorm Floor. ... Pack a Pouf. ... Elevate Your Coffee Routine. ... Make Wall Hangings Functional. ... Have a Proper Table Setting. ... Bring a Tablecloth.More items...•

What to do when you're bored in your dorm?

Many are also activities that you can do with your roommates and friends!Movie night. This might be a classic suggestion, but nevertheless a fun one! ... Cook or bake. If you're looking for something to do solo, this might be a great one for you. ... Paint night. ... Play a board game. ... Read a book. ... Exercise. ... Spa night. ... Clothing swap.More items...•

How do I make my college apartment feel like home?

So, here are 5 tips to make your off-campus apartment feel more like home.Decorate With Pictures. Add as many pictures as you want of your family, friends, favorite bands, puppies or whatever else brings a smile to your face. ... Stock Up on Home Supplies. ... Make a Cozy Study Spot. ... Add Plants for Color. ... Accessorize Your Bed.

1. Add a whimsical touch with some fairy lights

Hoping to bring the vibes of a warm summer night to your dorm room this year? Fairy lights are reminiscent of fireflies, and hanging them from your ceiling will bring a warm glow to any space you choose to string them up in.

2. Combine some string lights with your photographs

String lights will function just fine on their own, but sometimes the best way to set them up as a part of your dorm room decor is to combine them with something else that you’re using to decorate your room with a taste of home.

3. Carry a flameless solar candle with you to your favorite corners of your dorm room

Love the soft, warm glow that candles bring to any space? Unfortunately, there are major restrictions against keeping an open flame in your college dorm room - but that doesn’t mean that you have to give up on candles completely.

4. Add a feminine touch to your room with a vanity light

Fairy lights are plenty feminine and soft, but if you’re a fan of all things pretty, you can take the lights in your dorm room a step further. Getting ready for class in the wee hours of the morning (okay, not the wee hours, but 9AM is still super early!!) can be difficult, especially when it's dark or cloudy outside.

1. Give your door a makeover

Use Washi tape to create bold patterns that will make anyone smile when they walk through your door. If you’re not the artsy type (and creating a design sounds a little too intimidating), just use different colored Washi tape in stripes or zigzags! I guarantee this will grant you a few more visitors coming through your doorway.

2. Add secret pops of color!

Because you’re likely to be the only one who notices these details, this is one of those dorm DIY ideas that probably only you will appreciate; but that doesn’t make it any less worthy! Using scrapbook paper to line the insides of your desk drawers and organizers.

3. Recycle!

Any dorm DIY ideas that involve recycling are okay in my book! Use soda pop tabs on the neck of clothes hangers to hang multiple items of clothing from just one hook. This will save you tons of space – and what does extra space give you? A much lighter and brighter feel to the room!

4. Get creative with paint swatches

Don’t spend $15 for a boring wall calendar – make your own that doubles as an organizer for important papers AND a vibrant decoration. With a simple cork board, a variety of paint swatches (in the colors of your choice) and a bunch of push pins – you can create a colorful DIY calendar that can be altered every month.

6. A little paint can do wonders

Find an old frame at a thrift store (or maybe you have one lying around at home) and repaint it in a cheery, bright color. Remove the glass and attach wire between each side. Then, with clothespins, attach your favorite pictures.

7. Put your makeup on display

Maybe the “most difficult” project on this dorm DIY ideas list, the little extra effort to create this makeup display is definitely worth it! Again, find an old frame and paint it any color you’d like. Cut a piece of metal (make sure it’s magnetic) to fit in the center of the frame, and then cover with fabric.

8. Upgrade your mirror

Wall mirrors are ugly, plain and simple. BUT, you can give them a nice little touch of detail and use that same Washi tape you used on your door to line the frame (or create your own frame if there isn’t one) of the mirror. Just like that, you’ve taken your mirror from mehhh to ah-mayyyy-zing.

1. Minimal Wall Decor

This speaks to the mantra of “less is more”. Ever see a room full of posters and pictures and think, was there even a wall? Or decoration so loud and crowded that it was hard to focus on just one thing? The answer is simple. Just that: simplicity!

2. White Walls

As plain as it may sound, white walls give freedom to decorate your heart out. White goes with everything and adds class and peace to your space. They give off nice relaxing energy and create a spacious feel.

3. Multi-Purpose Furniture

Who knew the greatest joy would be multi-use furniture? Using multi-use items can bring on many ideas and save so much space. Ottomans can be used as chairs, footrests, storage or even a little table! The beauty of having your own space means you can get creative on how you use it and what goes into it!

4. Mirrors

Tricking the mind and eyes can work in positive ways. Illusions are one of those ways. Having a mirror on the wall gives the illusion that the room is bigger. Like in a mirror maze you’re left wondering if it is a reflection or just a wall? It’s an illusion! Use this in your favor so you can get the room you want.

5. Natural Light

Ever notice how dull a room can be when windows are drawn? Open up and let in some natural light! When the sun comes in, it creates the illusion of space. No matter how small the window, as long as there is light coming in, the room will expand!

What's Your Sign?

Create modern art that doubles as ambient lighting from plywood, trim and twinkle lights.

String 'Em Along

Ah, string lights. I consider these bad boys to be the cornerstone of every successfully-decorated dorm room. There are endless ways to use them and they work for each and every design style imaginable. Forego the boring strand and string up your Edison-style bulbs in a fun, layered pattern like designer Claire Esparros did here.

Dorm Sweet Dorm

Usher in the warm and cozy vibes from home with a classic table lamp. I find that traditional lamps evoke a more settled feeling in spaces that tend to feel transient and temporary. We all know that feeling settled = feeling relaxed. And relaxation, my friends, is of upmost importance during a stressful school year.

Flameless FTW

Candles make spaces smell like all things good and pure in this world and they give off the most calming, transcendent glow. Problem: College freshmen are forced into a sad, sad reality — a reality in which they are banned from burning candles. No need to forgo their glorious glow, though. Solution: flameless candles.

Spell It Out

Who doesn’t want to read a positive affirmation that quite literally illuminates their room? Stick a light-up board on your desk and switch out the message throughout the year. Add uplifting quotes, remind yourself of deadlines or even add a bit of school spirit during football season. (Mine would read: “Go Vols, Y’all!”)

Neon Nightlight

Add neon signage and saturate your space with an urban, eclectic and colorful glow. This prickly, neon green nightlight adds effortless design-savvy and up-for-anything vibes to a dorm. I believe that kids these days refer to the look achieved here as “#goals” – and I can see why. #Goals, indeed.

Oh So Boho

You can go the simple route with a pendant light, sure. But, sometimes you’ve got to kick it up a notch, am I right? Do just that and make an over-the-top statement with a beautiful, beaded chandelier.

Enhance the Look of Your Room with Artwork

Select the Right Paintings and Portraits Adding vibrant artwork and designs elevate the look and the mood of the space.

Go for a Minimalist Approach

Choose minimalistic accessories to brighten your room A minimalist approach involves selecting bright and radiating paintings for living rooms and bedrooms. A modern approach towards designing a room is to create a theme of choice. It could be inspired from the mountains, beaches, oceans or forests.

Use Classy Colors

Choose the right color which suits you and gives an energetic look to the room Some of the wall color combinations that are ideal to make your room look spacious are orange, blue, lime, orange, sea green, pink yellows, royal blue sheen, citrus and rose, tropical oasis, classical blue and white, preppy pink and aqua, etc.

Focus on Decor

Add shiny accessories or lamps and chandeliers for added brightness Dazzle with a crystal chandelier that will reflect other light sources such as the sun and lamps. Colors of the sun like reds, yellows and oranges brighten the environment. For additional light in the room, light wood flooring is the best to brighten up the space.

Bedding & Accessories

Choose a bright bedding Bright bedding including a duvet cover or comforter in colorful patterns brightens the room. Bohemian rhapsody is a popular choice made by people with a gypsy soul having an expressive personality. With natural light entering the room, bohemian-style decor makes the space look brighter.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall..

Mirrors can be a good choice to enhance the look of the room and the brightness quotient Mirrors can be placed near light sources, which is actually also an age-old advice. They should be strategically placed in areas where light can be utilized to its full potential.

Use Different Lights for the Room

Add modern light additions to enhance the beauty of the room and to shed extra light Adding lights to a ceiling closer to the walls can highlight beautiful details such as traditional brick. It could be done using LED strips or even battery operated tap lights.

Make Your Bed a Little Slice of Heaven

Dorm shopping can get expensive and, thankfully, there’s plenty of areas where you can cut costs. However, the one place in your dorm where you really don’t want to skimp is on your bed. College dorm rooms aren’t known for their comfy beds.

Pile on the Pillows

There’s nothing like a pile of soft, comfortable pillows to make your dorm room feel like home. Anyway, is there such a thing as too many pillows? Nah…I think not! Use them as a backrest, as a “table” to prop your laptop or a bowl of Ramen Noodles, as a comfy footstool, or toss a few on the floor for lounging when friends drop by.

Decorate Your Walls with Everything (and Everyone) You Love

College dorm walls are typically terribly drab and uninviting. Spruce up your walls with everything and everyone you love to give you that same feeling of being back home.

Add Comfy Seating

Whether it’s a comfortable futon, a fluffy saucer chair, a bean bag chair or other seating you happen to fancy, be sure to add comfy seating into your dorm room layout. Not only will it offer another area to hang out in your dorm or put your feet up, it will also give your dorm a homey, relaxed feeling.

Keep Things Organized

Living in a small space can be challenging… if you’re not organized, that is. Keep your life and your dorm room clutter-free by using wicker baskets, under-bed storage containers, and rolling storage bins to keep everything off the floor and easy to find when you’re rushing out the door for class.

Invest in a Fluffy Rug

There’s nothing like a cozy, fluffy rug to give a dorm room more warmth and style. And, considering the fact that most dorm rooms have cold, tile floors or crummy carpeting that’s been through the ringer, an awesome rug is a great way to cover up the center floor space and add a ton of personality and coziness to the room.

Create a Workspace that Makes Studying a Breeze

Brace yourself. You’ll be doing a lot of studying in college. And, having everything you need (and want) right at your fingertips is essential to stress-free studying. Create a workspace that’s not only comfortable but also makes studying a breeze by keeping your desk area organized and balancing it out with a few things that remind you of home.

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Url:https://squaredmile.com/13-cheap-easy-ways-brighten-up-your-dorm-room

10 hours ago Posters that have lighter colors and are simpler tend to make a room seem bigger and brighter. When decorating your wall, less can sometimes be more.. The more cluttered your walls are, the smaller and darker your room might appear. Try to avoid covering your entire wall with posters and pictures if you are going for a brighter look. It is important that your dorm room reflects …

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15 hours ago  · When it comes to decorating your dorm room, less is definitely more. Try sticking to minimalist designs and using calming colors to create a relaxing and serene space. White is an excellent color for creating a bright and airy atmosphere. At the same time, natural wood tones and greenery can help warm up the space.

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