Even though vacations, barbecues, and pool days are in full swing, back-to-school season is already upon us (sigh). But if you’re moving into a dorm this fall, there’s a lot to look forward to, including decorating your space. And what better place to look for inspiration than Pinterest?
The pinning platform unveiled search terms covering the most popular dorm room trends for 2024, as well as the staple items you’ll need to start creating the perfect dorm room aesthetic. From coquette to “bad boy,” here’s what you need to know about all the trending styles.
Patrick Villar
Granddaughter of the Coast
You’ve probably already heard of the coastal grandma aesthetic, which centers around a beachy, bright and clean take on decor with a very classic or slightly vintage flair. The closest thing to the coastal grandma aesthetic is, of course, the coastal grandma aesthetic, which is usually more modern and trendy (and sometimes more casual) than the coastal grandma aesthetic.
The color palette in the coastal granddaughter aesthetic typically includes pastel blues and whites, but some beach themes incorporate soft pinks and blushes in some statement pieces. Also listed under this aesthetic is a Pinterest search for jute rope mirrors that add a touch of nautical style.
Luxury
The “old money” trend has become a popular staple on social media, so it’s no wonder it’s one of the top dorm room aesthetics for students on Pinterest this year. “Luxury dorm rooms,” “luxury hotel aesthetic,” and “old money decor” are some of the most commonly searched keywords.
According to Pinterest, black and gold accessories are common in luxury settings. Try to keep the vibe relatively minimalist with a few essential statement pieces (usually focused on the bed or a small seating area), and of course, warm, indirect lighting. If your back-to-school goal is to make your dorm completely indistinguishable from the traditional, bland shoebox look, go lavish.
artistic
Will artsy dorm decor ever go away? Of course not! If you’re a fan of the artsy aesthetic, you probably already know that you’ll need a ton of posters, prints, and artwork to decorate your walls and give your space a sense of life and personality.
Pinterest also notes that miniature photo frames and mosaic art are trending styles for dorm makeovers. Artistic dorm rooms typically feature bright, colorful colors, funky decor, curated artwork, and a collection of records, CDs, and books. Pinterest has long been a favorite in college students’ Pinterest feeds, so you’ll likely find even more inspiration on the app.
Coquette
Gen Z is obsessed with all things coquette (if you’ve been to Michaels recently, you may already know this), so we’ll soon be seeing the perfect pink college dorm room look on campus. According to Pinterest, searches for coquette often include a search for a pink palette, vintage decor, and floral elements.
Whether you’re looking to incorporate floral posters and comfy ruffled bedding, or you’re just going for an aesthetic that screams “cute,” Coquette will be the inspiration you need.
Earthy
These days, who doesn’t want to bring nature indoors? Whether you’re a plant lover or want to calm your space with soothing neutrals, earthy style is like a cozy blanket that you can drape over everything in your home.
You’ll want plants (ideally ones that will last through the holidays), plant posters, indirect lighting, simple bedding, layered rugs, and rustic décor. Incorporate natural wood grains and earthy textures into your largest furniture pieces whenever possible. According to Pinterest, the two most popular colors that fit this aesthetic are, of course, green and brown.
villain
If your goal for your dorm is to be as trendy and influencer-inspired as possible, go for the “Buddy” style. This is definitely not a minimalist design style, but it comes in a variety of colors and styles. There are usually lots of LED strip lights attached to the top and bottom of each wall, under the bed, and around the bed headboard. Fluffy textures, Y2K décor, and pink/hot pink are also staples.
Neon signs are also being recommended on Pinterest, with searches for the term increasing by 160%. String lights, mirrored walls, and the infamous high-heel chair are other popular terms that fall into this aesthetic.
Gothic
As the name suggests, gothic dorms are dominated by muted colors and dark décor. They often have a bold, feminine vibe — according to Pinterest, this aesthetic also includes luxury candles and gothic floral arrangements — and are usually most characterized by the color of the room itself.
To incorporate that into your dorm design, choose a consistent dark, vampiric color scheme for all your dorm essentials. Dark, warm lighting and elaborate décor will also add to the aesthetic. If you’re into astrology, you can add vintage, witchy items like moon posters and second-hand statues.
Ready to get pinning? If you’re not sure where to start, know that Pinterest and Urban Outfitters are running a Back to College contest, offering college students a chance to win a $5,000 gift card to Urban Outfitters to redecorate their dorm or apartment. To enter, create a board on Pinterest titled “Back to College Contest” and save at least five Urban Outfitters pins.
Whatever aesthetic you choose, hopefully your roommate will approve.
