Dorm wall decor ideas that are actually about you

Check the rules first

Every school's housing rules are different. Some allow thumbtacks and removable hooks, some don't allow anything that goes into the wall. Check yours before move-in, so nothing costs you at move-out.

7 dorm wall ideas

1. A tier list of your year

Hang a tier list and fill it as the year goes. Game day tickets, the dining hall's best and worst nights, photos from the first week. By May it's the whole year on one wall, ranked. That's what The Tier Board is for.

2. A roommate board

Share one wall and rank things together: the dining hall, the floor's group chat, the worst 8am. Arguing over what makes S tier is half the fun.

3. An instant photo wall

Small photos in a grid or a loose cluster. Works best when it grows, so leave space.

4. Something from home

A pennant, a map of your hometown, a photo of your dog. One piece that's clearly yours.

5. A big piece over the bed

The wall over a twin bed is the biggest blank space in most rooms. A 36 x 26 in piece sits nicely over it without crowding the room.

6. A desk wall that works

Calendar, schedule, and the stuff that keeps you going. Keep it to one zone so the room doesn't feel busy.

7. Lights

Warm string lights make any wall look better at night. Check your housing rules on these too, some schools limit them.

How to hang things without damage

• Removable hooks or strips in each corner work for light fabric pieces. Follow the weight limit on the package.
• Thumbtacks, where they're allowed, leave the smallest holes.
• Can't put holes in the wall? Hang the piece over a foam board or a pinboard, and pin into that instead.

Which size fits a dorm

Size	Best for
36 x 26 in	Over a twin bed or a desk. About as wide as a twin bed.
XL 60 x 50 in	A big shared wall or a bigger room. About as wide as a queen bed.

See both sizes, photos and prices on The Tier Board. Shipping is free in the US.