Boho Dorm Room: An Eclectic Mix Of Total Grooviness

We’re back in our sad dorm room and my first alma mater, Goucher College. While the education is excellent, the furnishings are not. Not fab at all. But we’re happy that we’re livin’ single. We can express our individual, artistic style without having to negotiate with our former roommate, Thumper and her boyfriend, Blair Noel Hunter Cochrane.

Let’s see what we can do with this room, shall we?

Le Floorplan

I like the bed tucked in the corner, since the bed is where most students hang out. I want it away from prying eyes walking down the hall. So Feng Shui, n’est ce pas? I tucked a couple of blue bookcases  behind the bed to create extra storage and a headboard of sorts. The height covers up a lot of sins and the blue adds a lot of color. A room screen is tucked behind the bed to create a cozy nook look. You can also hang things on it, such as scarves. Too Fab.

A nightstand sits next to the bed and a TV stand across from it. The existing desk and dresser enclose the window, which is hung with long curtains. A wash and wear rug covers part of the floor and, finally, a bean bag chair adds some extra seating for happenin’ guests. Oh, an I switched out the hideous and impractical desk chair with something more sensible.

Furnishings & Finishes Part I

Starting from the upper left, the bed is covered in a paisley Spice Route bedspread ($49.99) from Saffron Marigold. I like the beautiful edging (lower inset image). I suggest lots of pillows for lots of people to snuggle up to. It’s easy to find coordinating patterns with this orange and blue palette. I found the Ocean Breezes sham ($22.99 each) at Saffron Marigold and the Shadow Bird toss pillow ($38.00) at Urban Outfitters.

The nightstand is from Urban Outfitters($128). You could find something similar at a thrift shop. If the thrift shop version doesn’t suit the scheme, paint it to match or cover it with stickers. The bookcase is the famous Billy ($59.99 each) from IKEA. The fiber weave screen behind the bed is a three-panel style I found at Overstock.com ($93.99). One should be enough, but you might buy two  units for better coverage. It comes in several colors. I like the dark brown. Place S-hooks in the weaving to hang necklaces and scarves. String fairy lights across the top for a mood change.

Furnishings & Finishes Part II

Again, starting from the top left, I love this 4′ x 6′ Royal Outdoor area rug ($47.49) from Overstock.com. It’s made of polypropylene. When it gets dirty, take it outside and scrub it clean.

The windows in a dorm can be a problem. Most colleges don’t allow curtain rods, or they’re too difficult to install into cinder block. Fortunately, our windows are inset, so a tension rod is all we need. I found these floor-length, chenille curtains for an unbelievable price ($14.99 per panel) at Curtainworks (see below for a special discount from them).

Next up are these super-cute handmade letters from Etsy’s Little White Dog ($23.60 each). Stick them to the wall, or line them up on the shelves. I love these – wish they were a little less expensive.

The Smadal media unit ($69.99) is from IKEA. You can’t order it online, but we’re going eclectic. Try Goodwill and a can of paint.

Desk Chair! How can anyone study while sitting in that horrid thing? Throw a party and burn them (you didn’t hear that from me – no fires)! A good desk chair is really important, so this is where you want to spend your money. The Chelsea swivel chair ($269.99) is from PB Teen and comes in blue.

Last but not least, a bean bag chair ($128.00) from Urban Outfitters is an essential for our boho styling.

Final Thoughts & One Great Discount

A boho style needs to look like it wasn’t decorated. This dorm room may be too matchy-matchy for the true boho enthusiast. For the real thing, just visit your parent’s attic and basement and a few thrift shops. You may even find a great desk chair at a rock bottom price.

Speaking of low low prices, Curtainworks is offering Design Hole readers a special discount. Save 15% off your order by using the code DH15. The offer runs through the end of December. Curtainworks (unsolicited opinion) is a great find for students and anyone just starting out. As I said, their prices are fantastic.