Trend Report: The 4 Biggest Trends in Dorm Room Decor in 2022

I still can't believe my eldest child is off to college in a matter of weeks! Sheez. Are you headed to college yourself or have a young college student in your family moving into dorm life? Showing up to a tiny dorm room and figuring out how to make this foreign place feel like home really depends on the vibe created. This is where dorm room decor comes into play.

With so many products to weed through and no way to know what looks good with what, this helpful trend report of the biggest trends in dorm decor will help you choose a theme for your dorm room that complements your style and feels like HOME SWEET HOME. My wish is that you find a dorm room trend and the products you adore so that studying, resting, and socializing in your new place is certain to be a dream come true!

Let's get started!

1. Cottagecore:

According to Good Housekeeping, Cottage Core is all about embracing “the ease of rural life” through things like fresh florals, botanical accents, and vintage-inspired decor.” It's giving Grandma Chic. Bring on the plants, the crocheted blankets and throws, and old-fashioned furniture but make it all very cozy and uncluttered.

Colors: Muted Earth Tones, White

Examples:

(Images via Pinterest)

Shopping: Cottagecore Dorm Room Essentials

Sun Catcher (via Etsy)

https://shopstyle.it/l/bJQpn

Mushroom String Lights (via Amazon)

https://shopstyle.it/l/bJQqT

The Little Book of Cottagecore (via Target)

https://shopstyle.it/l/bJQsE

Floral Quilt (via Target)

https://shopstyle.it/l/bJQsZ

2. Dark Academia

Lush textures, dark color palette, maximalism, vintage-looking furniture and accessories. “The key focus of this aesthetic is literature,” says Rolland. “Think of the Hogwarts library. Visit old books shops, antique shops..." according to The Spruce.com.

Keep the vibe dark and moody and a bit extravagant.

Colors: Moss green, Grey, Burgundy, Black, and Deep Browns from Mocha to Mahogany

Examples:

(Images via Pinterest)

Shopping: Dark Academia Dorm Room Essentials

Removable Wallpaper (via Amazon)

https://shopstyle.it/l/bJQAN

Ruched Grey Bedding (via Target)

https://shopstyle.it/l/bJX3r

Secretary Desk (via Target)

https://shopstyle.it/l/bJX5x

Set of 4 Botanical Art (via Ashley Furniture)

https://shopstyle.it/l/bJX8z

80s Retro Futurism

If you have a new college student headed to university like I do, chances are you lived through the 80s and can remember the movies that forecasted what life would be like in the future. That's the core of this decor trend: remembering the depictions of a future anticipated from the 1980s perspective. Great for guys, girls or unisex/non-binary college dorm rooms!

Colors: Think neon signs, bold, iridescent colors, and playful experimentation with brights and pastels.

Examples:

(Images via Pinterest)

Shopping: 80s Retro Futurism Dorm Room Essentials

Retro Wall Clock (via Society 6)

https://shopstyle.it/l/bJYcf

Back to the 80s Acrylic Neon Sign (via Etsy)

https://shopstyle.it/l/bJ0ya

Duvet Cover Set (via Wayfair)

https://shopstyle.it/l/bJ0wt

Rug (via Amazon)

https://shopstyle.it/l/bJ0yS

Danish Pastel

Minimal, light & happy colors full of joy are what define Danish Pastel decor. It radiate happiness and serenity according to Carbon Magazine. Lots of seashell motifs and rainbows.

Colors: Pale pink, baby blue, lilac, cream, peach all in soft pastel tones.

Examples:

(Images via Pinterest)

Shopping: Danish Pastel Dorm Room Essentials

Sage Bean Bag Chair (via Etsy)

https://shopstyle.it/l/bJ0IE

2 Prints: Wall Art (via Etsy)

https://shopstyle.it/l/bJ0I0

Candles (via Etsy)

https://shopstyle.it/l/bJ0KC

Pastel Bedding (via Target)

https://shopstyle.it/l/bJ0LJ

Conclusion

Creating a space that suits your personality and preferences is key to enjoying your new college dorm room. So which of these dorm decor trends speak to your soul? Are you shopping for Cottagecore or 80s Retro Futurism?? Tag me on IG @theterinanicole once your room is all hooked up! I can't wait to see your dorm room decor! Or feel free to leave a comment below to let me know which decor style suits you or your student best!

And if you'd like to see more creative inspiration, scroll down to join my mailing list.

{This post contains affiliate links that pay me a commission but costs you nothing additional when making a purchase.}