And to add, I really am disappointed (as others have pointed out) at the way some people are reacting. The comments are for people who appreciate this, and have other tips. There is no need to leave a rude comment.

I’ve never had a dorm, choosing to rent rooms and later my own apartment (both cheaper and more convenient than living on campus, in my case), but all through school I’ve found book-lined walls to be both attractive and functional. And the brick-and-board shelves are cheap to construct, and they look good, too.

also, i would like to mention that putting up old CDs that no longer play is a great way to play up the walls. they can be put up with the command strips. this way they can be easily removed and applied! woot! also in the past i have put up post cards i have gotten from around the world (my friends travel) and i have found that that, along with a couple paper parasols from cost plus of chinatown, adds a certain eclectic nature that is quite pleasing to all those “indie kids”.

all in all, great advice:)

btw, the art of decorating your dorm is trial and error. you win some you lose some. it just takes guts to be bold and try something. and, depending on your roomie, you may not be able to do everything you want to do. no one can tell you specifically what to do for your dorm. what fun would that be? just be grateful for the advice that is present, and let the things that annoy you go.

oh! one more tip: to cover up minor nicks in the walls, put some colgate toothpaste over the small holes nails or thumb tacs make. this only works on white walls, so be warned.

good luck! and do try to be excellent to each other…