As we move into the month of August, college kids everywhere are preparing to move back into dorm life. Even though dorm rooms aren't often the chicest living spaces, it is possible to make your dorm room feel both comfortable and stylish. When you first see your new bedroom space, it can be a bit underwhelming as the walls are oftentimes unembellished and the room plain and outdated. However, with the right decor, your space can be transformed into your dream Pinterest dorm room space with a minimal budget and just a couple of hours.

Read on to discover how to create a cozy and functional dorm room with updates from a boxed mattress to accent pillows and multi-functional floor poufs.

Boxed Bed Mattress

While many dorm rooms come with mattresses, this is one item some people choose to upgrade. And if you’ve opted to live in off-campus housing, you are likely responsible for providing your own mattress. You spend a lot of time on your mattress, so choosing which to buy is a crucial decision. With the emergence of boxed bed mattresses, retailers have transformed the way we shop for such a major purchase, making shipping and transport easier than ever. These boxed beds also deliver on performance, providing the right mix of support and body-conforming comfort. Many are made of layers of memory foam, which provides maximum support and disperses body heat, resulting in a cooler sleeping surface.

Bedding

The bedding in your space is the best way to bring in a pop of color and truly show off your personality. Bedding encourages comfort in addition to bringing a splash of style to your space. Many quality comforters and bedding sets are made of soft microfiber, which is designed to provide the right amount of warmth and easy maintenance as well. When choosing a bedding style and color, consider the other decor pieces that will be used in your space. If your room is mostly neutral decor, consider bedding that brings in a pop of color or pattern.

Pillows/Throw Pillows

How many pillows is too much? Well, that’s a loaded question. As stated earlier, your bed is your space to relax, and when you are lounging in bed, a few more pillows to support you is definitely better. Accent pillows are available in a variety of colors, sizes and patterns, so you're likely to find one that complements your decor and complements your bedroom aesthetic. Throw cushions can be used as a variable seating choice for your friends when you host a movie night in the dorm, in addition to being used for decor.

Floor Poufs

If using your extra throw pillows for floor seating isn’t for you, consider purchasing a few floor poufs. Coming in several colors and designs, there is one to fit every aesthetic! These poufs are both functional and versatile, as they can be used for additional seating for guests or even can act as an ottoman as you lounge on the couch. They can be easily stored in a corner or closet or even kept in your living space for added visual interest.

Throw Blankets

Similarly to throw pillows, throw blankets work effortlessly to change the ambiance of your space. Coming in a variety of colors, patterns and styles, there is sure to be one to play well with your bedroom décor vibe. Effortlessly drape your throw over the side of your futon or bed to add contrast. You can even store your extra blankets in a rattan basket or storage ottoman for when you have extra guests over.

Wall Decor

Because dorm rooms are often basic with white or other neutral walls, you may want to add some style to the walls. Peel and stick temporary wallpaper or a piece of wall art can add a lot of visual interest. Peel and stick wallpaper has become popular in college decor, as it allows you to instantly transform a space in a matter of minutes and it’s also easy to remove at the end of the school year or the end of your lease! A framed canvas or piece of artwork will also do the trick! However, most universities will not allow you to drill holes in the walls, so make sure to check and purchase some Command strips on your next errand run, so you'll be ready to hang your artwork without worry.

Faux or Fresh Foliage

A little faux greenery is the perfect finishing touch for your dorm room space. A potted plant can be nestled in the corner of your space to add a much-needed touch of color and bring in a little fresh feel of the outdoors. Faux or real succulents are the perfect houseplant for a college dorm, as they require little to no maintenance and, of course, look cute on your desk or bedside table!

Area Rug

You may not have considered adding an area rug to your dorm space, but it’s a great option for bringing in some major softness, warmth and style; and there are a lot of affordable options. Many dorm rooms have linoleum floors, which can be hard and cold on your feet as you are walking around, hosting or getting ready for class. A plush area rug will make your space feel homier and more comfortable.

With these easy décor ideas, you can transform your basic dorm room into a stylish and cozy place where all your friends will want to gather. Make sure to plan early, so you can truly create a Pinterest-esque dorm room space as soon as you move in!