Decorations to make your dorm room your own

Now that the rush of move-in is over, you have time to decorate your dorm room beyond selecting the color of your bed sheets. Staff writer Madeline Rael created a list of the best and most affordable dorm decorations to meet your DIY and decorative needs.

Painted canvases

Even if you don't have a scintilla of artistic talent, it’s totally OK because these are supposed to look a bit elementary (and you can still make them look super cute!). All you need to do is grab a small, blank canvas and some paint (both are available at CVS or Walgreens on Franklin Street or Walmart on U.S. 15-501). 

If you don’t have the skills for something intricate, you can go for basic symbols like stars, flowers, a sun, etc. (or best and possibly easiest of all, a tar heel!) or you can use a quote that’s near and dear to you!

My personal favorite.

Polka dot mural

So easy. Literally just buy fabric swatches, cut into circles, use command strips — voila! A lovely polka dot mural for when wallpaper is seriously not worth it (or, you know, allowed). At Michael’s in Durham, there are plenty of different colors and patterns to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that matches your style!

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If you're like me and you're too lazy (or too swamped) to bother with craft making, these inexpensive items are sure to liven up your living space:

To immortalize that sweet spot during the semester when you practically live at Davis:

Or any time during the semester, really.

Get it for $15 at Target.

For when you want to add some personalization without breaking the bank:

Cute Washi Tape Designs for only $5 at Michaels (either Michaels.com or the Michaels in Durham). Stick ‘em on your desk, your chargers, your storage boxes, your door or your walls for quick, cute and easy customization! These also come off without leaving any gross residue, so there’ll be no de-sticking hassle once move-out rolls around.

Handwoven pillow covers for the hipster you know is lurking in you somewhere:

The colors are neutral enough that they’ll go with pretty much anything, and they’ll add the perfect touch to the evening coffee shop vibe you’ve been striving for since you finished binge-watching "Friends" for the seventh time.

Just embrace it.

Get it for $14.75 at this Etsy shop.

When you’re holding out for a hero to lift some of your extra books:

If only he'd offer to lift the cost.

Get it for $35 on Amazon.

For the nature lover wanting to bring some green into their room:

Kind of like succulents, but not.

Get it for $20 at ThinkGeek.com.

And if you think your desk and sleeping areas are good to go but would love something to add a little pizzazz to another beloved room in your suite, urine luck

No, I’m not apologizing.

Get it for $11.30 at Amazon.

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