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

1. A Bevy of Butterflies

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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...

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

3. Easily Update a Mirror Frame

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

4. Fake an Anthropologie Favorite

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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

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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.

6. Fill Your Picture Frames with Something else

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

7. Hang Your Shelves

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

8. Copper Tape is a Thing and You Should Use It

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

9. Hang Your Plants

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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

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

11. Go Retro with Colorblocking

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Bright geometric pieces are perfect in clean, modern spaces.

12. Frame Your Old Scarves

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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

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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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.