This post contains 22 dreamy ways to decorate your dorm using string lights.
Whether you call them fairy lights, holiday lights, string lights or any other name, they’re a fun and inexpensive way to make any dorm room cozy, homey and downright dreamy.
Honestly, it’s amazing what a single strand (or two) of lights can do to transform the typically boring and dull dorm room. Not only can they set the mood and help you de-stress and relax, they offer just enough subtle lighting so you won’t bother your sleeping roommate if you’re studying or getting ready to dash out the door to class. Plus, they’re as cute as can be!
From dramatic and dreamy lighting to cozy and subtle touches of light, you’ll find a ton of great inspiration here to turn your ordinary, bland dorm room into a cozy and glowing retreat you can call home.
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Cozy Mood Lighting Under a Lofted Bed
Finding the perfect spot in your dorm to hang lights starts with a little inspiration. The sheer fabric and cascading lights under this lofted bed create a perfect, relaxing and homey space for studying or hanging out with friends.
Source: Front Decor
A Sparkling Fairy Wall of Lights
For a wall of sparkles next to your bed or at the head of your bed, use Command Hooks (colleges typically don’t allow any holes in the wall), to dangle “window curtain” string lights down the wall. For another fabulous fairy wall idea, watch this video: CLICK HERE!
Source: gfswhotravel via Instagram
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Romantic Photo Wall with All Your Favorite Pictures
We love this idea! A simple strand of lights with clips to hang your favorite quotes and pictures transforms any dull wall space into a glowing photo wall collage.
Source: Pinterest
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Icicle Lights for a Stunning Dressed-Out Wall
The fun thing about lights is that they come in a variety of different styles and colors. For a totally different look that adds more light and sparkle to your dorm, think about adding icicle lights and frame one of the walls in your dorm.
Source: My Baby Doo
Cool & Dramatic Ceiling Lights
Sometimes simple is best! Just tape a strand of lights along the edge of your ceiling for a cool and dramatic look that really stands out.
Source: Pinterest
A Relaxing Sanctuary Beneath a Lofted Bed
Here’s a cool and unexpected use of lights you may not have thought of. These fun bulb lights strung under a lofted bed gives plenty of light for studying, reading or just relaxing in bed. (Always make sure you purchase lights that are suitable for indoor use with low voltage and temperature.)
Source: Her Campus
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Framed Lights with Favorite Pictures
If hanging lights on your wall isn’t your thing, think about taking a simple frame filled with all your favorite pics and draping a strand of lights around it. Lean the frame against the wall, place it on your desk, on a shelf or hang it on the wall!
Source: Smarty Cents
An Accent to Your Wall Art
Frame your wall decor for a look that’s both adorable and eye-catching.
Source: Pinterest
A Glowing Tapestry Takes on a Whole New Look
A cool thing about lights is that they tend to take on the color of the object they’re framing. The lights in this dorm take on a golden glow picking up the golden yellow color of the tapestry. How cool is that?
Source: Homiku
Dreamy Canopy Over Your Bed
This boho chic dorm is so dreamy and fun. You can imagine how gorgeous it looks at night! And, it’s actually easy to recreate! Simply hang two pieces of sturdy string to the walls or ceiling of your dorm using Command hooks and drape two long pieces of sheer fabric over the string; cinch the fabric at each of the four corners. Then, simply drape lights over the top. So easy! For another dreamy canopy bed idea, check out this video: CLICK HERE!
Source: Realivin
Different Types of Lights Just for Fun
No one says you have to stick with one type of lights. Mix ’em up a bit – icicle lights, single strands, colored lights or big bulbs – for a fun eclectic look that’s all your own.
Source: Akkrab
Intertwine with Greenery for a Gorgeous Garden Look
For the girl who loves gardens and greenery, you can’t beat this easy look! Simply purchase long strands of artificial greenery and intertwine lights with the greenery for a fun, dreamy look that will make you feel like you’re sleeping in a treehouse.
Source: Pinterest
Cascade Sheer Fabric and Lights to Frame Your Bed
For an easy way to frame your bed and add gorgeous mood lighting, simply take two pieces of short string (or a short rod) and secure it to the ceiling using Command hooks and then drape sheer fabric and lights over the string. (Remember, colleges won’t allow holes in the wall, so always use Command hooks.)
Source: Naphozz
DIY Fairy Light Chandelier
Imagine how adorable this lighted chandelier would look hanging over your dorm bed! And, don’t be fooled… it’s actually a lot easier to make than you might think! Check out this easy how-to video (plus a few other cool ideas): CLICK HERE!
Source: Hairs Out of Place
A “Starry Night” Vibe
For a romantic “starry night” look, drape lights across your entire dorm ceiling. It’s easy to do with Command hooks and creates a dreamy look any girl would love!
Source: Society19
Mix n’ Match Colored & White Lights
Colored lights give a dorm a totally different feel and vibe. Mix n’ max white with colored lights to create a fun and frivolous look.
Source: Silverline Blog
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Star Lights in a Window
Lights come in all different shapes, too! These dangling star lights look absolutely adorable hanging from a window!
Source: Pinterest
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The Dressed Out Desk
An easy way to add light to your dorm is by framing your desk with lights. Simply use tape to attach the string lights and plug it in for a cute, glowing desk that makes a statement.
Source: Preppy As Always
The Subtle Fairy Lamp
If you’re not a big fan of fairy lights, but you want to add a hint of light to your room, create this easy night light simply by placing battery-operated lights in a mason jar. To give the lights a cool “fairy” look, just glue a couple of paper doilies to the jar. To create (super cool) glow-in-the-dark jars, check out this video: CLICK HERE!
Source: Buzzfeed
Large Lantern Lights for a Cool & Different Look
Lantern lights like these are so fun and they create a softer, more subtle light than typical string lights. Plus, they add a ton of personality to any dorm.
Source: Trendecora
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Outline Your Favorite Wall Decor with Lights
Transform your wall decor by outlining the decor in lights. Simple words, a moon shape like this, or any other piece of wall art you fancy will take on an entirely new look simply by adding a string of lights. Now that’s easy!
Source: Glaminati
A Fabulous Glowing Headboard
Who needs a headboard when you can create one with lights? Add a few of your favorite pictures for a super cute look like this dorm. For a great video on how to create a headboard using icicle lights, what this video: CLICK HERE!
Source: @home_byhhr
2 comments
I’m redecorating my daughter’s room and as a single father, it has proven to be a hard task. I don’t know much about designing a young girl’s room so it was really great that I came across your article. I like your idea about the fairy light chandelier. I think it would be a unique addition to my daughter’s bedroom, and can even serve as a night light. On my next shopping trip, I’ll make sure to buy some fairy lights. Thank you!
You’re welcome! So happy to hear you found a few ideas you liked! Good luck redecorating your daughter’s bedroom!