For many students, heading off to college marks the first time they have complete control over their own living space. Dorm rooms, often small and plain when students first arrive, quickly become reflections of their interests and lifestyles. A visually appealing dorm room has become an increasingly important part of the college experience, as students create spaces that feel both personal and on-trend.
In recent years, social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have transformed dorm decorating into a trend. As the demand for stylish dorm room designs has grown, a new industry has emerged to meet it. Dorm decorating companies such as Dormie, Dormify and Bellhop offer services ranging from curated decor packages to complete room installations before students even move in. These businesses aim to simplify the move-in process while also creating a personalized space for students.
Lara Becker, founder of Dormie, has a unique approach to helping students create their dorm rooms. For $25, customers can purchase curated mood boards that include decorating tips and clickable shopping lists, making it easy to recreate a professionally designed dorm space. While the design kits themselves are inexpensive, the total cost of furnishing a room can range from $650 to several thousand dollars according to the New York Times.
Former Dormify Ambassador and Hi’s Eye Alum Abby Jarecki worked with the company in 2021 while she was in college. As part of a nationwide ambassador program, she was gifted products and expected to promote the brand on social media. “I was able to curate my room in a fun, aesthetic and true-to-myself way,” said Jarecki. The brand, after being acquired by Williams-Sonoma in May 2025, now features a completely revamped website, new dorm essentials and 3D bed visualizers.
The rise of “Dorm Room Mamas” — parents who take charge of designing their children’s spaces and document the process online — has also modernized the trend. These accounts contribute to a culture that normalizes spending thousands on move-in day. In 2022, the Wall Street Journal reported that some families were spending up to $10,000 just decorating freshman dorms — a trend that may deepen financial divides between wealthy and lower-income college students.
In today’s world, however, many are questioning whether these dorm-decorating sites are necessary. Platforms like Pinterest and Canva have become much more popular among incoming freshmen who are decorating their dorms. These apps provide access to endless inspiration and allow users to organize ideas and design dorm layouts in a few clicks — often at no cost.
Senior Joyce Park has taken dorm decorating into her own hands. “I’m going to use what I already have to decorate, because I love my room at home and I think a good way to decorate my dorm is to make it a familiar space,” she said. “I know some people really care about coordinating with their roommates, but I really don’t care how they decorate their room if they are respectful.”
Jarecki echoes this sentiment, saying that students shouldn’t have to completely match their side of their dorm with their roommate. “You should keep your room personal to yourself,” she said. “With a combination of memorabilia and new decor to represent this new chapter of your life.”
As move-in season approaches for our seniors, students face more choices than ever in designing their living spaces. The Class of 2026 may find that the most meaningful spaces are the ones that reflect who they are, beyond the Instagram aesthetic.