12 Dorm Christmas Decor Ideas for a Tiny Room and a Tiny Budget

String Light Tree on the Wall Above the Bed

Save

Warm white string lights zigzag up a blank wall in the shape of a five foot tree. Clear adhesive clips hold each turn. A gold paper star sits at the top, and the twin bed below glows.

No floor space is lost, which matters in a room the size of a closet. Lights on a wall feel like a real tree after dark. Mark the tree shape with small bits of painter's tape first, then follow the dots.

Copy it: Count your clips tonight, since a five foot tree needs about eleven. (about 30 minutes, cost $)

Paper Snowflake Blizzard on the Window

Save

Thirty white paper snowflakes cover a dorm window from top to sill. Sizes range from a quarter to a dinner plate. Gray winter light shines through the cut shapes.

Printer paper and scissors are the whole supply list. Everyone on the floor will want to cut one, so it turns into a study break. Stick each flake up with a tiny loop of clear tape, which peels off clean before you leave.

Copy it: Fold and cut five snowflakes during your next study break. (about 45 minutes, cost $)

Mini Tree in a Sweater Sleeve Pot

Save

A two foot faux tree stands on the dresser in a pot covered by a cream cable knit sleeve. Battery lights and twelve small red balls dress the branches. One loop of wood beads circles the middle.

Sleeves from a thrifted sweater hide an ugly plastic base for almost nothing. Small trees look fuller with one color of ornament. Fluff every branch tip outward before you add anything, because that step makes a cheap tree look twice the price.

Copy it: Dig out a sweater you no longer wear and cut one sleeve off at the elbow. (about 20 minutes, cost $$)

Red Buffalo Check Throw and One Pine Green Pillow

Save

Plain gray bedding gets a red and black buffalo check throw folded across the foot. One pine green velvet pillow leans against the regular ones. The twin bed now looks dressed for December.

Two pieces change the biggest thing in the room. Both go home in a tote bag at break. Fold the throw in thirds the long way, since a neat band looks planned and a loose pile looks like laundry.

Copy it: Check what throw you already own, and add only the pillow if red is covered. (about 5 minutes, cost $$)

Green Paper Tree Garland in Five Shades

Save

Twenty small paper triangles hang on white string above the desk. Five shades of green run from pale mint to deep forest. Tiny wood clothespins hold each tree in place.

One pack of cardstock makes enough for you and a roommate. Shades of a single color look calm, even in a messy room. Cut every triangle the same size using the first as a stencil, and the whole strand looks store bought.

Copy it: Trace one triangle on scrap paper to use as your stencil. (about 30 minutes, cost $)

Silver Tinsel Along the Loft Bed Rail

Save

Thick silver tinsel wraps the metal rail of a lofted bed from end to end. Blue and silver balls hang from it every foot or so. Under the loft, the desk nook sparkles.

Loft rails are ugly, and tinsel hides them in five minutes. Shiny strands bounce light from one small lamp around the whole room. Twist ties from bread bags hold the garland tight without leaving a mark.

Copy it: Measure the rail with your arm span and buy tinsel a few feet longer. (about 10 minutes, cost $)

Paper Star Lantern Above the Bean Bag Chair

Save

A white paper star lantern about 18 inches wide hangs in the corner above a bean bag chair. Cut out dots let warm light spill onto the walls. Its glow comes from a small battery bulb inside.

Soft light beats the harsh ceiling tube every time. With a battery bulb, there is no flame and no cord to trip on. Hang it from an adhesive ceiling hook rated for a pound, and check your hall rules first.

Copy it: Look up for a spot where a hook can go, then order a folding star lantern. (about 10 minutes, cost $)

Cocoa Station on Top of the Mini Fridge

Save

A small tray sits on the mini fridge with two white mugs. Marshmallows fill one jar, and cocoa packets stand in another. Six candy canes lean in a short glass.

Friends drop by more when there is cocoa. Everything on the tray is something you will eat, so no money goes to pure decor. Hook the candy canes on the mug rims right before people come over.

Copy it: Clear the top of your fridge tonight and find a tray, a plate, or a cutting board. (about 10 minutes, cost $)

Snowy Jar Lanterns on the Bookshelf

Save

Three glass jars hold an inch of white salt that looks like fresh snow. Each has a flameless tea light and a small pinecone inside. Together they glow on the shelf between textbooks.

Pasta sauce jars cost nothing once dinner is done. Flameless lights keep you inside dorm rules. Soak the labels off in hot soapy water for ten minutes, then rub the glue away with a drop of cooking oil.

Copy it: Save the next three jars you empty and wash them tonight. (about 15 minutes, cost $)

Corkboard Wrapped Like a Gift

Save

The bulletin board above the desk hides under red and white striped wrapping paper. Green ribbon crosses it like a present, with a flat bow at the center. Photos and notes still pin on top.

Big flat color makes a strong statement in a tiny room. You keep the board working, so nothing practical is lost. Wrap the paper around the back and tape it there, which leaves the front smooth.

Copy it: Take your board down and measure it before you buy one roll of paper. (about 15 minutes, cost $)

Tree Lot Clippings in a Tall Glass Jar

Save

Fresh fir branches stand in a tall jar of water on the desk. Three small silver balls hang from the tips. Green needles stretch about a foot above the rim.

Some tree lots hand out trimmed branches for free if you ask nicely. Real fir makes the room smell like a forest for a week or two. Snip the stem ends at an angle, change the water every few days, and keep the jar away from the heater.

Copy it: Stop by a tree lot this weekend and ask for the cut offs. (about 10 minutes, cost $)

Ornaments on Ribbons Under the Desk Shelf

Save

Seven ornaments hang in a row under the shelf above the desk. Red, white, and gold balls drop on ribbons of different lengths. Small adhesive hooks stuck to the underside hold them up.

Dead air under a shelf turns into a little show. Your desk stays clear for the laptop and the coffee. Pick shatterproof balls, because a swinging backpack will find them.

Copy it: Stick seven small hooks under your shelf tonight and let them set for an hour. (about 10 minutes, cost $)

Save This for Later

Save