21 Updated Wall Decor Ideas to Take You from Dorm to Dream Home ...

By Lyndsie

21 Updated Wall Decor Ideas to Take You from Dorm to Dream Home ...

The wall décor you have in your late teens and early twenties is, usually, a bit fun and fancy free. Moving into your first real place gives you the opportunity to update your aesthetic and really find your style. Bearing in mind that wall décor gets pricey, I've included a bunch of wall décor ideas you can make yourself, though many examples are available in stores, as well. Updating your décor style doesn't mean getting boring or conforming, whether you create or buy. You're basically taking what you like and giving it a more modern twist, that's all.

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1

A Bevy of Butterflies

A Bevy of Butterflies Source: worldinsidepictures.com

Butterflies often feature in dorm room décor because they're pretty and tend to be seen as feminine. I don't think there's anything so cliché about these dramatic, darling lepidopterae.

2

Or...

Or... Source: worldinsidepictures.com

I'll be honest, I love this because of the violin.

3

Easily Update a Mirror Frame

Easily Update a Mirror Frame Source: tealandlime.com

Use Washi tape, craft paper, patterned duct tape, wallpaper … endless options, endless varieties, endless possibilities.

4

Fake an Anthropologie Favorite

Fake an Anthropologie Favorite Source: liagriffith.com

Anthropologie is pricey whether you live in a dorm, your first apartment, or a house. It's so easy to make your popular garlands yourself for a sophisticated Boho chic vibe in your new, grownup place.

5

Hang a Shower Curtain Somewhere Other than Your Shower

Hang a Shower Curtain Somewhere Other than Your Shower Source: 6thstreetdesignschool.blogspot.com

This is actually quite brilliant, especially since there are some surprisingly snazzy shower curtains out there. Protip: technically, you can use shower curtains as window treatments, too.

Famous Quotes

If you would take, you must first give, this is the beginning of intelligence.

Laozi
6

Fill Your Picture Frames with Something else

Fill Your Picture Frames with Something else Source: shanty-2-chic.com

This is just one way to create updated wall décor using picture frames, but it's a particularly inventive twist.

7

Hang Your Shelves

Hang Your Shelves Source: burkatron.com

I guarantee all your guests will go mad for these shelves.

8

Copper Tape is a Thing and You Should Use It

Copper Tape is a Thing and You Should Use It Source: makerssociety.com.au

Well, if that's your aesthetic. I think this is great for a rustic or industrial décor style.

9

Hang Your Plants

Hang Your Plants Source: gatheredcheer.com

Hanging things you wouldn't normally hang is an excellent way to decorate your walls in a way that's both sophisticated and whimsical.

10

Try Scrapbooking Paper without the Scrapbook

Try Scrapbooking Paper without the Scrapbook Source: mixedmethod.wordpress.com

Looks even better on the wall, doesn't it?

11

Go Retro with Colorblocking

Go Retro with Colorblocking Source: curbly.com

Bright geometric pieces are perfect in clean, modern spaces.

12

Frame Your Old Scarves

Frame Your Old Scarves Source: honeysweethome.blogspot.ca

This would also work with old shirts, skirts, pants … you get the idea. Think about all those old clothes and accessories you love to death but simply never wear.

13

Show off Your Wanderlust

Show off Your Wanderlust Source: sugarandcloth.com

Travel-inspired wall décor is always on trend. An alternate idea is to frame maps of the states or countries you've visited or want to visit.

14

Decorate with Tulle

Decorate with Tulle Source: brit.co

Did you know that tulle looks like watercolor on canvas? Me either. Since I can't even paint a straight line, I might have to try this.

15

Create All Your Canvases with Fabric

Create All Your Canvases with Fabric Source: belladia.typepad.com

It's quite easy, especially if you're not really great at painting. I'd love to have a wall like this. It makes a stunning statement!

16

Update Your Inspirational Art

Update Your Inspirational Art Source: abeautifulmess.com

Instead of the posters featuring song lyrics, poems, and quotes that covered your dorm room walls, turn to eye-catching, updated art pieces.

17

Make Your Own Starburst Mirror

Make Your Own Starburst Mirror Source: tenjuneblog.com

Instead of glow-in-the-dark constellations on the ceiling, bring the cosmos to a mirror or even a clock, which you can easily make yourself.

18

Frame All Your Important Keys

Frame All Your Important Keys Source: younghouselove.com

This is a lovely idea, especially if you're moving out of your dorm or your first apartment. You can add to it forever, really – the key from your first car, the first key you exchanged with a lover … I mean, if you don't give it back. Which you should. Whatever, this is a really romantic idea if you don't scratch too far below the surface.

19

Put Your Ancient CD Cases to Use

Put Your Ancient CD Cases to Use Source: countryliving.com

You're essentially using them as picture frames to create something like this. This is stellar.

Moving into your first new place is so exciting, especially if you've been in a dorm room for several years. Decorating is half the fun, but remember, you don't have to give up your whimsy. You're just updating it a little.

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

Wow very nice n creative

Love the key idea :))

Love the butterflies!

Number 2 is actually a cello...

..cello

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