So, you are moving out of your dorm room or out of your parent’s house for the first time. There is a lot to be excited about, but it can also be an incredibly nerve-wracking experience.

Moving out is a step toward independence; you finally have your own space and the ability to decorate it any way you want. But with so many options it can be difficult to figure out where to start.

First, what is your style? Minimalistic, rustic, bright, dark, rainbow, monochrome? College apartment decor can be overwhelming, but once you get started the fun begins and it all falls into place.

In this article, I have provided 50 of the best college apartment decor ideas. If you pick from these ideas to get started, I am sure that your apartment is going to look amazing!

Inspirational Wall Art-Gallery Set of 6 Prints

1. Mail and Key organizer Wall Mount

Do you have multiple roommates? Do you have a tendency to misplace your keys? Are you not sure what to do with mail until you want to go through it?

Then this mail and key organizer wall mount is the perfect college apartment decor item. The mount has several keys for you, your roommates and even guests to hang up their keys upon walking inside.

That way you know exactly where your keys are when you need to leave again. It also has a slot for you to place any mail in.

You can put any mails that are not yours until your roommate gets home, your bills can stay there until you are ready to pay them, or even just a place for the coupons that are sent in the mail that you may or may not use.

This would be perfect right next to the front door, for easy access upon arriving home and leaving. We have a holder with slots for our mail and mail box key right next to our front door at my apartment and it has become very useful. I have no doubt, this wall mount would be just as useful.

2. Cocktail Mixology Art Print

Who does not love trying some new cocktail recipes. I know in our apartment, we love finding new drinks to make and try. This next decor idea will help provide you with some go to cocktail recipes.

This art print has recipes to several classic cocktails that you can make at home. This can be hung up in your kitchen for easy access whenever you are in the mood for a drink.

Not only is it decorative, but it is also helpful. You can even create a fun little alcohol section in your kitchen with the poster and any alcohol and cups you may have. It can be your own little cocktail bar in your apartment.

3. LED Color Changing Photo Clip Lights

One of the key features in my apartment bedroom is all of the photos I have put up on my walls. I love covering my walls in memories with my friends and family from over the years.

I think it gives a personal touch to the room. This is why these LED color-changing photo clip lights are a fantastic college apartment decor idea.

4. Alcohol Wooden Sign

5. Magnetic Dry Erase Calendar

Finally moving into your own place is exciting. However, it is important to keep yourself organized. Stay organized when bills are due, when you need to buy groceries and when you have classes.

Maybe you have people who want to visit, you need to know when they are coming. If you are living with roommates it is important to know when they may have visitors or if they will be gone etc.

This is why this magnetic dry erase calendar is a great addition to any college apartment. You can have one in your room for your own schedule and/or one in your kitchen for you and your roommates to use.

Each person can have a different color, and one for things that affect everyone. Mark when bills are due, when you want to get the cleaning done, if you are going out of town.

I have used something similar in the past and it can be helpful when you are living with multiple people. Plus, each month you just erase and write in new dates. Saves wasting a paper calendar and can be used year after year.

6. “Apartment Sweet Apartment” Pillow 

7. Engraved Glass Bathroom Jar

8. Corner Shower Caddy

9. Aesthetic Wall Collage Kit

These aesthetic wall collages are on the rise over the last few years. I will say, I love the idea and think it is a great way to decorate your room.

You can pick whatever color combination or vibe fits you the best. You can for black and white, yellow, rainbow, blue, whatever fits you.

All you need is a free space on your wall. It can be whatever size you want. You can put a small or large collage in whatever space is open.

Plus, the premade kits take away the time-consuming work of finding pictures that fit the aesthetic you want. All you need to do is put up the collage.

This is a simple and creative way of showing off your personality in your brand new room in your brand-new college apartment.

10. Hangovers Cure Sign

This next college apartment decor idea will go nicely next to the cocktail recipe poster and near the alcohol wooden sign. Many college students have experienced a hangover or two during their college years.

This is why this hangover cure sign will make a great addition to your apartment. This fun poster provides a list of several unique cures for the dreaded hangover.

These cures come from different countries around the world. Many of these cures, you most likely have not heard of before. So put this poster up and try the different cures listed over your time in your apartment. You can even mark the effectiveness.

RELATED: 50 Dorm Room Must-Haves for College Students in 2021

11. Tapestry

If you have been in or seen a picture of any college dorm room or bedroom in recent years, then you may have noticed that tapestries are a common decor item. They come in a variety of designs, colors, sizes, patterns, etc.

You can find one that fits your personality. You can find one in your favorite color, the color scheme of your apartment or bedroom, a fun pattern or a design like a sky or flowers.

This is an easy way to decorate several spaces in your apartment. You can put one in your living room, bedroom, hallway, etc. They can be hung up easily with a command strip as well.

They are also inexpensive. Making this an easy, and cost-saving decoration idea.

12. Succulents

So, you are moving into your new apartment and you want to get some plants to bring some life into the apartment. However, you have never owned a plant before and fear you may kill it quickly.

Well, then I have the perfect idea for you. Get some succulents. They do not require a lot of water. Just water them every once in a while. They are perfect for those who are not experienced in taking care of plants.

They are simple and low maintenance. They are also good to place around the apartment to bring some green into the place.

13. Welcome Mat

This is a must-have in any home or apartment. This mat not only sends a welcome message to whoever enters our apartment, but it also provides something for you and your guests to wipe off any dirt on their shoes before they walk into your place.

You can have some fun with this welcome mat. You can keep it simple with just welcome, you can personalize it with a fun message, you can have your name on there, make it a bright color, etc.

Whatever direction you choose to take, just make sure it fits your personality. It does not have to be extravagant if that is not what you want. At my apartment, we have a mat that says home with the outline of Ohio as the ‘o’ because we are from Ohio. Just make sure the mat reflects you.

14. Artificial Vines 

This next college apartment decor idea is versatile. These artificial vines can be used all over your apartment. You can use it as garland on railings, you can hang it on your walls, place around furniture, twist it together and create cool designs.

The possibilities are endless. This idea will let you use your creativity to do some interior decorating. You can use some of it, or all of it. It is also not expensive. You can get over two hundred feet of the vines for ten dollars.

Allowing for many options for decorations for a low price. It cannot get better than that.

15. CD Wall Poster

16. Floor Lamp with Shelves

17. Butterfly Motivational Wall Decor

18. Moon Phases Glass Metal Mirror Set

19. Desktop Organizer

20. Fluffy Rug

Who does not love something soft and fluffy? This is why this next item is perfect for any college apartment. It is a fluffy rug that will go perfectly in your bedroom. If your bedroom does not have carpet, this rug will be perfect.

You can keep it next to your bed so when you get out of bed in the morning you immediately step on something soft and fluffy. It will warm up your feet when the weather gets cold.

You can get whatever color matches the color scheme of your bedroom. You can also choose what size will work the best. This can also work well in your living room as well.

Wherever you choose to put this rug, it will add to the room and keep your feet warm and comfortable.

RELATED: 70 Best Dorm Gifts For College Students – The Complete 2021 Guide

21. Laundry Sorter Cart

22. Marquee Letter Lights

Have you ever wanted to see your name in lights? Then this next college apartment decor idea will help make this dream a reality. This is a marquee letter light that you can get your first initial, first and last initial, you can spell out your name or word.

The possibilities are endless. Maybe you and your roommates can pick a word and get all the letters to spell it out and have it in your living room or kitchen.

You could even get all your initials and use the lights as decorations. I think all of those ideas would be great decor ideas. It is something that is cute and fun.

Plus, each letter is ten dollars, so it is not super expensive, especially if you only want to get a letter or so.

23. Love Neon Sign

Keeping with the light sign theme, this next decor idea will add some colorful light to any apartment. This light is pink and spells out love in cursive.

It is not too large, meaning you can hang it up or place it in a variety of places. It is also less than fifteen dollars meaning it is another inexpensive decoration you can get for your apartment.

I think neon lights are very cool looking and add to any room that they are placed in. All you need are batteries or a USB adaptor in order to get the sign to work.

24. Floating Shelves

25. Fishnet Wall decoration

26. LED Desk Lamp with Wireless Charger

27. Scented Candles

Recently, I have been becoming obsessed with candles. I have accumulated several over the last year and they are covering my dresser. With that in mind, it is obvious that scented candles are a perfect college apartment decor item.

There are hundreds of different candle scents available for you to choose from. Ones that are more floral, fruity, woody, minty, some that are strong, some that are more subtle.

Whatever your preference is, there is a candle out there that fits it. You can get a large or small candle. You can get one or multiple. Whichever route you go, scented candles will be perfect for your apartment.

You can have one in your room, one for your living room. That way, whatever room you are in, your apartment will smell amazing.

28. Woven Wall Art Decor

29. LED Rose Flower String Lights

30. Dresser Tower

You are going to need a place to store all your clothes when you move into your new apartment. This is why this next decor item is going to come in handy. This is a dresser tower that has five different drawers.

Two large drawers and three smaller ones. You can organize your clothing items in the drawers however you would like. You can put pants, jeans in one, shorts in one, shirts in one, etc.

If you do not think you can fit everything in one set, you can get two of the sets, two of the same or maybe two different ones. Just get what fits your needs and fits your style.

If you also have a closet, then you may not need as much drawer space. However, this black/gray and gold dresser set is stylish, sleek and can fit in multiple spaces and can be moved as needed.

31. Ottoman

This next item doubles as a room decor item and storage item. This is a square ottoman that the lid opens up and you can store various items in. You can store extra blankets, books, sheets, etc. in the ottoman.

No one would know what you have stored there unless they open up the lid. Plus, you can get it black, grey, tan, white, whatever color works best for your apartment.

My roommate has one similar in black and she has used it for storage since our first year in the dorms. She has stored items like shoes, cards, games, etc. in there over the years. It comes in handy when you have items that you need to store, but also need easy access to.

32. Shoe Shelf Organizer

Trying to find the best way to organize your shoes can be a struggle. No matter how you organize it, they get messed up again shortly after you wear a pair and just throw them back in your closet or back where you keep them.

I have struggled to keep my shoes organized for years. This is why this shoe shelf organizer will come in extremely handy. This can be used in your closet to keep your shoes organized.

You can keep the shoes you wear every day on the top and the shoes you wear less on the bottom. Or maybe keep your everyday shoes separate from the ones you do not wear as often.

You can also keep a rack by your front door for you to place your shoes when you get home and for your guests to place their shoes. That way your shoes that you easily slip on and off stay organized as well.

33. Four Tier Shelf

34. Bean Bag Chair

You are going to want someone comfy to sit and relax in your new college apartment. This is why this next item will be a huge hit in your apartment.

It is a giant bean bag chair that you can use to sit in but could also be used to sleep in. This will be great for guests to use in case you do not have another space for them to sleep in or they want to sleep somewhere other than a couch to sleep on.

You could also use it for naps or just to sit back and watch tv or relax. This comes in a variety of colors, so you have many options to choose from. This is a more pricey item on the list, but it is worth it.

It has a variety of uses and can be used after moving out of that apartment. It can be used for years and provides comfort and relaxation.

35. Metal Mesh Wire Grid Panel

36. Computer Desk with Storage

37. Cozy Saucer Chair

38. Candy and Cookie Jar

In my apartment, we have a dish that we use to keep candy on a side table in our living room. It is pretty handy because we just put candy in and refill it as needed.

Then we can have candy when we want some and it is also there for guests if they would like some. Having a jar like that in your apartment is a great idea.

This clear jar can be easily placed on a counter or table and can be filled with whatever you would like. You could put candy, cookies or whatever you would like.

Then once it is empty, you could refill it with the same thing or something different. It is great not only for guests, but also a quick and easy snack for you whenever you need it.

39. Countertop Organizer

40. Three Tier Wood/Metal Cart

RELATED: 30 Best Dorm Room Ideas You Will Absolutely Need in College

41. Throw Blanket

There are some items that are just classic decor items that should be in any home or apartment. A throw blanket is one of those items. I have a gray throw blanket in my apartment that lays on a chair in the corner of our living room.

I often use this blanket as I am watching tv or doing work in our living room. It is not too heavy or light and is just right for relaxing. This is why a throw blanket would be great to have in your living room.

It can be draped over a couch or chair until it is needed. It does not have to be an expensive or fancy blanket. Just a simple blanket that goes with the colors of your apartment.

Then when you get cold or want to curl up on the couch with a good book or something, you can easily grab the blanket and snuggle up.

42. Throw Pillows

Another classic item that every home or apartment should have is some throw pillows. We have several on our couches in my apartment.

They stay tucked in the corners of our couches and they are used for us to lay on or move to the floor if we need more space. They are of various sizes and colors.

You can choose what kind would fit best in your apartment. You can have one or multiple. Maybe all the same color and size or maybe various colors and sizes.

Whatever vibe you are going for, there are the perfect throw pillows out there for you. They are a must-have in any college apartment.

43. Decorative Wine Bottles

In my apartment, we have four wine bottles that we painted to spell out the abbreviation for the name of our college. They are placed on top of our cabinets where we keep all of the alcohol bottles.

I think decorative wine bottles are a great decor item and can serve a variety of purposes. This is why these decorative wine bottles would be great in your apartment.

These matte black bottles can be used for flowers, as a centerpiece, you can write on them with chalk. They are also various sizes, which can help create a creative look wherever you decide to place them.

The matte black look is elegant and sleek, which creates a look of elegance in whatever room they are in.

44. Round Marble Table

45. Fun Curtains

Do you want a way to keep the sun out of your apartment, but also keep it stylish, then some fun curtains are the way to go. You can get long or short curtains. They can also be a solid color or a fun pattern.

You can put them up in your bedroom or other windows in your apartment. You can keep them all the same or have different ones in each room. Either way, this is a simple way to decorate and add some color and fun to a room.

You could even get black-out curtains if the sun tends to wake you up early in the morning. Whatever way you go, curtains are a great way to decorate your apartment.

46. Futon

47. Potted Plant

48. World Map Wall Art

I dream of traveling the world. This is why this next college apartment decor item would be something I would love to have in my apartment. It is wall art that is a giant map of the world.

You will need a good amount of wall space in order to hang this up. So this may be good for above your couch or bed. You could mark off places you have been or you could leave it be.

Either way, it is a good reminder of all the places you could go. I would look at the map as an inspiration to keep working hard and going after what I want. So, if you also want to travel the world, then this is the perfect wall art option for you.

49. Mason Jar Sconces 

50. Vases

Having a multifunction vase or vases is always something good to have on hand. These modern vases are perfect for that. They are different from the typical glass vases you will typically see.

Plus they are different sizes, so depending on what you need, then you will have one that fits that need. You can use them for flowers or just for decoration.

They are white and gray and give off a rustic and modern feel. They are essential for every apartment or home, but they are also modern and rustic looking. So you get both useful and stylish in one.

Final Thoughts on College Apartment Decor

I hope these college apartment decor ideas help steer you in the decoration for your own apartment. Trying to find the perfect decorations for your apartment can be a difficult and tedious task.

But once you find your direction, it can be fun, exciting and creative. Do not stress too much, just take a breath and it will all fall into place.

Maybe with one of these ideas, maybe with something completely different. However, as long as the decorations reflect your own personality and design ideas, that is all that matters.

Do you want more ideas? Watch the video below.

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