Looking to transform your dorm room into a boho haven?
Whether you love neutral tones or crave vibrant pops of color, I’ve gathered all the essentials to help you create cozy, aesthetic designs in boho that feel just like home without breaking the bank.
Boho Dorm Room Essentials
1. Furniture Pieces
Still unsure about what to get for your boho dorm room? Let’s explore some must-have pieces!
From macramé wall hangings to textured rugs, these essentials will help create that cozy, carefree bohemian vibe, even in smaller spaces.
You can also add throw blankets, colorful pillows (or neutral ones if that’s more your style), and wooden storage boxes to bring both style and functionality to your space.
2. Small Boho Dorm Room
To decorate a small space in a boho style without feeling cluttered, focus on keeping the space airy while still full of personality.
Start by choosing multi-functional furniture, like wooden ottomans that can act as storage boxes when needed to keep your essentials neatly tucked away.
This way, you maximize space without adding unnecessary bulk.
3. Budget-Friendly Decor Pieces
When I was in college, I understood the challenge of decorating on a budget, but it’s definitely possible to achieve a boho look without spending much.
Start with DIY projects like crafting your macramé mirror or creating paintings for a personal touch.
Thrift stores are also gold mines for boho decor—look for vintage rugs to add a unique and personal flair to your room.
A vintage dorm room can easily become a cozy, relaxing haven.
4. Wicker Baskets
In a small dorm room, storage is key, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring.
Wicker baskets are the perfect way to keep things organized without losing that boho vibe.
They’re great for storing everything from extra blankets and pillows to books, snacks, or even shoes.
Plus, the woven texture of the baskets fits right in with the boho aesthetic, adding a natural, earthy feel to your space.
And there you have it – an aesthetic and functional boho room.
5. Indoor Plants
No matter how small your room is, I’m sure there’s always room for a plant.
Just adding one pot can truly transform the space into a boho-style haven.
If you’re after the exact plant shown in the picture, it’s a Boston Fern, but be prepared to mist it daily.
Don’t want that? Opt for easy-to-care-for plants like succulents or snake plants, which are perfect for college students.
6. Relaxing Study Space
I might sound a bit nerdy saying this, but the study corner is one of the most important elements when creating a boho dorm room.
So, how do you design a peaceful study corner with a boho twist?
Start with soft lighting, and take advantage of natural light by positioning your desk near a window.
Add cozy cushions and place a patterned rug under a small desk to create a space that feels both inspiring and tranquil for your college work.
7. Decorative Pillows
Would adding decorative pillows make your bedroom feel more lively? Absolutely!
While you can certainly sleep without them, I know you’d like your dorm room to feel like more than just a place to crash.
I recommend mixing various styles, patterns, textures, and colors—like a geometric throw pillow or a faux fur one.
If bold colors aren’t your thing, don’t forget to explore muted shades, like pink, orange, and blue for a more subtle yet stylish touch.
8. Eclectic Gallery Wall
To achieve this look, mix various elements like prints, and personal photos, for a relaxed, artistic vibe.
Start by combining different frame styles and sizes to add dimension, and include a variety of artwork—anything from abstract prints to nature-inspired designs.
You can also incorporate personal touches like Polaroids or DIY artwork to make the space uniquely yours.
To keep it affordable, check out thrift stores for vintage frames, print your favorite artwork online, or make your designs for a cost-effective yet stylish boho gallery wall.
9. Day Bed
What I like most about a daybed is that it’s a great spot to have a friend stay over for the night.
It doesn’t take up as much space as a regular bed, yet you can still use it for lounging and relaxing throughout the day.
10. Persian Rug
A Persian rug makes the perfect centerpiece for your boho room.
Its rich colors and patterns bring warmth and character to any space.
I’d go for a larger rug, big enough to add an ottoman, pouf, or even a coffee table.
But if you’re short on space, that’s okay too—keeping it simple still lets the rug shine as a stunning statement piece for your room.
Color Palettes and Themes
11. Sage Green
Green is known for its calming effect, making it a great choice for a relaxing bedroom.
Some people like to paint their room sage green, but if you’re in a dorm, check with your college to see if painting your space is allowed.
If you’re looking to add a pop of color, I’d recommend incorporating yellow throw pillows or throw blankets as accents to bring more character to the room.
12. Burnt Orange
While bright orange shades might not be the best choice for a bedroom, burnt orange brings a different vibe.
It can transform a dorm room into a warm, inviting boho space.
I’d recommend burnt orange bedding since it’s easy to shop for, but you can also consider tapestries or accent pieces.
If you’re going with a burnt orange theme, try incorporating natural textures like wicker or wood to create a cohesive and harmonious look.
13. Soft Blue Hues
Calming blues are a perfect choice if you want to bring a serene and relaxed vibe to your space.
For example, soft blue bedding can serve as a peaceful foundation, which you can pair with natural textures like wicker baskets or wooden furniture to enhance the laid-back boho feel.
To add more character, you can add some patterns that you like, a floral and butterfly theme might be suitable if you are looking for an elegant, more feminine look.
14. Beige and White Dorm Room
If you’re aiming for a clean and serene boho look, consider a beige and white color scheme.
My personal preference is for off-white or beige shades with an earthy tone, but feel free to choose more dynamic options such as floral patterns, and colorful shades to fit your style.
15. Clean Aesthetic
While some love to fill their boho bedroom with vibrant shades, others prefer more subtle tones.
If you’re the latter, you’re just like me.
I love keeping my bedroom tidy and clean with white bedding, accented by textured throw blankets.
A small pop of color, like a vibrant decorative pillow, adds just the right touch, and that’s exactly how I imagine the perfect place to relax and unwind.
16. Dark Hues
Blend the boho carefree vibes with edgy, stylish elements to create a “baddie” dorm room look.
You can go for leopard prints, but I’ll keep it subtle with dark hues like moody blacks or soft gray, and plush textures like faux fur.
And hang some statement pieces, like a striking artwork, or a neon sign alongside classic boho elements like macramé or woven baskets.
17. Green and Brown
If you’re aiming for a natural and timeless vibe, green and brown tones are a great choice.
Use earthy greens on your walls or through small details like pillows or wall art, and complement them with warm brown hues in your furniture or flooring.
Adding a leather ottoman can bring a hint of Western style to your room, giving it a unique and cozy feel.
18. Boho Beachy Bedroom
Sometimes the holiday blues hit so hard that you feel like bringing a beach scene indoors.
If you want to bring a touch of nature into your dorm room, you may start by using soft beachy tones like light blues, sandy beiges, and whites.
To add a boho touch, incorporate a macramé wall hanging along with some textured blankets or pillows.
This combination creates a relaxed, natural vibe that makes it a refreshing and cozy bedroom.
19. Gender-neutral Design
If you’re looking for a space that avoids leaning too feminine or masculine, I’d suggest focusing on balanced color palettes, neutral materials, and subtle boho patterns.
Incorporating shades like warm beiges, beige, or gray paired with natural textures such as wood, and linen helps create a room that feels both stylish and welcoming to anyone.
The key is keeping the design simple yet inviting, with just enough boho accents to add personality without overwhelming the space.
20. Elegant Touch
For a more refined Boho style, the key is to mix rich fabrics, metallic accents, and clean lines to create a dorm room that feels both boho and polished.
To balance between casual boho and sophisticated design, you could incorporate materials like linen for bedding, paired with sleek metallic accents in gold or brass for lighting or decor.
Keep the overall lines of furniture simple and modern, and add just enough boho elements, say a textured throw blanket to maintain that laid-back charm without sacrificing elegance.
