Dorm Room Tour: Before and After
Our daughter has officially set up her dorm room, and it turned out adorable! While she’s still unpacking and organizing, I couldn’t wait to share a before-and-after look at her space.
In this post, you’ll see how we transformed her blank dorm room into a cozy, functional retreat, plus a few clever storage solutions she used to make the space work for her. Once her roommate arrives, she may rearrange a few things, but for now—it’s already feeling like home!
Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
I’ve also linked our YouTube dorm room haul video at the end of this post, so you can check out everything we bought and how we styled the space.
I’ve created a customized dorm idea list on Amazon. I love it because it’s easy to see all the items I’ve picked out along with images
Dorm Room Tour: Before and After – Bed Area
Before: Bed Setup
When we first arrived, the bed was set at loft height, meaning a ladder (built into the end bed rails) was required to get in and out of bed. The desk and dresser fit neatly underneath, allowing for plenty of study and storage space.
However, my daughter and her roommate had already decided they wanted their beds at captain height—which sits about 37 inches above the floor. This adjustment provides:
- More accessible sleeping space (easy to hop into bed!)
- Less of a claustrophobic feel compared to loft height
- Additional wall space for décor and personalization
Lowering the bed to captain height also helped the entire room feel more open and spacious. If you’re unsure how to modify your dorm bed height, check out our how-to video for step-by-step instructions!
Lowered bed shown below
After: Bed Area Transformation
Her bed setup turned out adorable, though I hope to replace the current picture soon—it was taken in a hurry before everything was fully styled!
Pro Tip: We used Command Strips (available here from Amazon) to secure a power cord (the one we used is linked here) right by the head of the bed for easy charging access.
Here are some of the key items in her bed area from Amazon:
- Twin Waterproof Mattress Cover
- Twin XL Mattress Topper
- Twin duvet insert
- Similar gray comforter set
- Microfiber Sheet Set
- 3-Drawer Wide storage tower
- Similar pink pillows
- Pillows
- Metal Gooseneck Clip Lamp
- White Clip Fan for the bed
- Faux Fur Pink Stool
- Be Happy Sign – This is different than my daughters, but very cute.
- Bedside Storage Caddy
- Bedside Wall Caddy
- Round Power Outlet Strip
- Command Strips (used for wall décor, extension cords, and lights) – 16lb
- Command Clips
Command Clips Tip: We loved using tiny clear Command Clips to tuck cords neatly along the wall—especially for globe lights, extension cords, and decorative signs. They blend in seamlessly and keep everything organized.
Before: Desk Setup
The desk area started as a blank space with plenty of room for functionality. My daughter wanted it to be both practical and stylish, creating a space where she could comfortably study while keeping decorative elements that make it feel like home.
One of the key additions was a shelving unit above the desk—this provided extra storage space for books, decorative accents, and functional items. While the setup may evolve over time, for now, it’s the perfect mix of organization and personality!
AFTER: Desk Transformation
Here’s how we elevated the desk area to be both functional and visually appealing:
- Gray contact paper – Added to the desktop for a sleek, polished look.
- Desk bookshelf – Essential for storing textbooks, notebooks, and decorative accents.
- Sand hourglass decor – A simple, stylish addition to the workspace.
- 3-tier utility cart on wheels – Ideal for extra storage and easy mobility.
- Desk Lamp – Provides bright, adjustable lighting for study sessions.
- Lighted Mirror – One Touch, 3 light setting – Features one-touch settings with three lighting options.
- Similar trash can – A small but necessary item to keep the space tidy.
- Magazine Holder – Keeps papers and notebooks organized.
- Similar hanging triangle planter – Adds a touch of greenery to the setup.
- Similar Elephant planter – A fun decorative piece with personality.
- Small fluffy rug – A cozy addition that enhances comfort while sitting at the desk.
This transformation made the desk space feel personalized, organized, and inviting—perfect for both studying and relaxing.
BEFORE: Sink Area
Like most dorm sinks, this space started as plain and functional, but my daughter wanted to make it more organized and visually appealing. The sink area serves multiple purposes—from daily routines to extra storage—so creating a setup that’s both efficient and stylish was key.
One of our first additions was an IKEA pegboard, which instantly provided a way to hang and organize essentials without needing nails or screws.
AFTER: Sink Area
Here’s how we upgraded the space for better functionality and style:
- IKEA pegboard – Installed using Command Strips (since dorm rules prohibit nails/screws). See my blog post for details on how we accomplished this.
- Mini shelf unit – Used for stacking the microwave and refrigerator neatly.
- Revolving snack tray – A fun, convenient way to store grab-and-go treats.
- Cotton ball & swab storage jars – DIY containers from Dollar Tree (linked in another post).
- Surge protectors – Essential for powering multiple items safely.
- Mod Podge-covered snack tray – A creative touch using scrapbook paper to match the dorm aesthetic. See my post about how I used scrap paper and Mod Podge to make it match our dorm room decor.
- Microwave
We haven’t set up the mini fridge yet, since we needed extra surge protectors, but once everything is in place, this area will be fully functional and easy to maintain.
And – if you like my containers (from the Dollar Tree) for the cotton balls, cotton swabs, and cotton pads (shown on the shelf in the pegboard), see my post about how to make these cute organization jars.
BEFORE: Bathroom
Like most dorm bathrooms, this space was plain and functional, but we wanted to maximize storage, organization, and style to make it more efficient. With limited space, every storage solution had to be both practical and easy to access.
AFTER: Bathroom Transformation
Here’s how we upgraded the bathroom to be both functional and visually appealing:
- Similar over-the-toilet shelving unit – Provides extra storage for toiletries and decor.
- Gray ruffle shower curtain – Adds texture and an elevated touch.
- Shower liner & rings – Simple essentials for a polished look.
- Similar shower caddy – Keeps all shower items organized and easy to carry.
- Dark gray bath towels (similar) – Neutral and stylish, perfect for dorm use.
- Toilet paper stand – Keeps supplies within easy reach.
- Clorox Toilet Wand kit – A must-have for quick and easy cleaning.
These small but impactful additions helped create a functional, organized, and aesthetically pleasing bathroom space!
BEFORE: Closet
The dorm closet started as a basic open space, but we wanted to maximize storage and organization to make it more functional. Since dorms typically have limited closet space, finding creative solutions was essential for keeping everything tidy and easily accessible.
After: Closet Transformation
Here’s how we upgraded the closet area to make it organized, efficient, and visually appealing:
- Gray velvet hangers – Slim and space-saving while keeping clothes from slipping.
- Pant hangers – Ideal for storing jeans, leggings, and skirts neatly.
- Expandable shoe rack (similar) – Placed at the bottom of the closet for extra storage.
- Large drop-front shoe boxes – Perfect for keeping shoes dust-free while allowing easy access.
- Laundry bin – A simple, functional solution for keeping dirty clothes contained.
- Tension rod for the closet – Used to hang curtain panels for a cleaner, more polished look.
- Closet curtains (84″ long) – Helps cover the top shelf and gives the closet a streamlined appearance.
- Dollar Tree contact paper – Used to line parts of the closet for a decorative touch.
The Dollar Tree contact paper was a game-changer—it added a sleek, personalized touch while being affordable and easy to apply. We ordered extra rolls online but returned the unused ones.
With these simple yet effective updates, the closet is now organized, stylish, and fully functional!
Dorm Room Tour: Before and After – Windows
Before: Window Setup
The dorm room windows were large and bright, but they needed a little extra personality to make the space feel cozy and complete. My daughter wanted to add some decorative elements while ensuring the room still got plenty of natural light.
After: Windows Transformation
Here’s how we elevated the window space:
- Paper Orb String Lights (similar) – We used two boxes for the main window and a third for an additional window, creating a warm and inviting glow.
- Message Board (similar)– A fun way to display inspirational quotes or reminders.
- IKEA plants – Added a touch of greenery to bring some life into the space.
These simple additions helped the windows feel stylish, cozy, and personalized, making them a great focal point in the room!
Final Thoughts: Dorm Room Transformation
From blank walls to a cozy, personalized space, this dorm room transformation proves that even a small space can feel like home with the right touches. Whether you’re decorating a college dorm for yourself or helping someone else set up their new space, I hope this tour has provided inspiration and practical ideas to make the process easier.
Want to see more? Check out my YouTube dorm haul video below for a closer look at the items we used to style the room! And don’t forget to browse my other college living posts for even more tips.
