Dressing up your dorm room in fun retro décor can not only inject some personality into the standart student space but also transform your possibly boring room into a familiar comfort zone that will transport you back to your childhood home. Here’s how to tap into that vintage vibe with some quick and inexpensive tips.
1. Use Bright Colors and Bold Patterns
Let’s face it; juicy colors are a hallmark of retro-ness. Make sure you have at least one item bright or colorful enough to transport onlookers back to the 1970s, whether that’s a rug in dazzling technicolor or some cushions in striking geometric patterning. Not only will these furnishings imbue your living space with character, but their vibrancy will help to energize it and provide talking points for when friends come over.
2. Go for Colorful Wallpaper
If your dorm’s rules permit it, wallpaper can totally revamp your space. Retro-inspired prints can add sass to your space, so think large florals in mysterious dark tones or funky abstracts to emulate the excitement of the past 50 years. It’s really easy to apply peel-and-stick wallpaper, and its removal is just as simple, and there’s no damage done to the surface. Even though this project won’t require much effort, it will take some time, so make sure your essays are handled while you work on redecorating your study area. Order essay service by academized, and you will free your schedule for any dorm room revamp projects on your list. This will ensure your grades won’t suffer while you improve your living space.
3. Repurpose Old Furniture
If you add a period piece, like a vintage dresser or chair, you’ll easily elevate your retro game. Those old, often wooden items can serve as more than just a prop – a mid-century study desk, for instance, becomes an inherent part of the décor. You can paint any item that needs a refresh.
Here’s how you can easily repurpose old furniture:
- Choose Your Piece: Start with a piece of furniture that is sturdy but perhaps looks a bit dated or worn.
- Clean It Up: Thoroughly clean the piece to remove dirt and grime. Use mild soap and water, and for tougher spots, a gentle cleaner is helpful.
- Sand It Down: If the furniture has a finish, lightly sand it to remove the glossy surface and help the new paint or stain adhere better.
- Apply Primer: If you’re planning to paint the furniture, apply a primer first. This helps the paint stick and last longer.
- Paint or Stain: Choose a paint or stain color that fits your aesthetic. Apply with even strokes and allow it to dry completely. You might need several coats.
- Add New Hardware: Swapping out old knobs, handles, or legs with modern ones can dramatically change the look of your furniture.
4. Raid Flea Markets and Your Grandma’s Place for Retro Decor
Hit up a flea market or two, a vintage shop, or better yet, your grandma’s attic – retro decor staples are hidden everywhere. An oversized lamp from the 1950s, a vintage poster, or some quirky corner ceramics – these and other stuff of the olden days will help you spruce up your dorm room. Repurposed items often come with a history and will bring an extra level of authenticity to your space.
5. Get a Vinyl Record Player
A vinyl record player is the ultimate retro accessory, which doubles as a piece of interior design and a music machine. It’s a fantastic way to listen to music how it was intended to be listened to – and you get the added bonus of being your own DJ (which you will never get with digital music). And it really looks cool when people come over.
6. Display Retro Art and Iconography
Try hanging up some old movie posters, band prints, or paintings from decades past: not only do your walls become more interesting, but the culture and artistry of the past are worth appreciating. The choice of artwork is also a glimpse into who you are and makes your space truly yours.
Time Travel in Your Own Space
Putting together a retro dorm room isn’t simply about replicating the look or feel of devices long past their heyday; it’s about mixing parts of the past with the ease and functionality of modern-day items. The great thing about decorating your dorm with a vintage influence is that it allows you to craft a creative space that’s unique to you. Whether that’s through vibrant patterns, vintage tunes, or quirky antiques, each element has a story that begs to be told. So search and adorn, then let your dorm room serve as an ode to a time past that’s essentially right for you.