skip to main content

Home Decorating Furniture Bedroom

How could I make my dorm room have better feng shui?

4 years ago

What could I do to give my dorm room better feng shui?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

Renee
4 years ago
Hi Austin!

I definitely agree with you - the flow of your room could use some tweaking! If you move the beds to either side of the window and move the armoires to the spots the beds are in now, you should feel like you’ve freed up some visual space and created some calming symmetry. Google or search on Houzz for “college dorm room design” and most rooms are set up with this furniture layout, because it really does make a lot of sense! You could also look at adding a small sofa and coffee table under the window or something with a counter for cooking, coffee, etc. Whatever you do, look for free, free, free! because there are lots of goodies to be had out there on Craigslist or Nextdoor or Facebook. A large poster above the headboards on both beds will continue the symmetry and help add some character and make the room feel more like you. I’m including a picture I found on Pinterest for some great inspiration (BMW poster pic) - it doesn’t even look like a dorm room! It looks like home with a throw blanket, some great posters on the wall, throw pillows, a nice lamp. Look for these things, minus textiles (blankets, pillows) at your local thrift store or for free on Craigslist to help make your dorm room feel a tiny bit more like home!
Austin
Original Author
4 years ago
Wow! I really appreciate your feedback. Also, I love the design of the room with the BMW pic. Do you know where you can get that poster at?

So positioning the beds against the window for sure makes a difference vs them both being against the wall?

What color curtains would you recommend getting for the window? And how would you recommend setting up my headboard? These are some of the items I've purchased so far for it, based on feedback.
Related Discussions
Feng Shui kitchen
Q
Comments (24)
very interesting points brought up again :) There are various forms of Feng Shui. Some that are more literal then others. Kate, I agree with you, coming in and knocking down homes as they have...I personally do not agree with that. Feng Shui is about respecting the land, not disturbing it, as it seems they have. Many of the changes that would be suggested to those who hire a "expert Feng Shui consultant" will come from that consultants perspective. So, if they see extreme changes need to happen, that is what they will suggest. If your consultant says we can work around this situation...then that is how they will approach the issue. The red envelope, that has a lot to do with your intention of why your addressing it. Traditionally it is to increase wealth. To help increase your finances means you have to act on your intention as well. Many times people think I just have to place this object over here and that will solve everything :) Remember, Feng Shui is 80% intention, why you are making changes and what it is your looking to achieve from those changes. 20% is taking action to make those changes happen. The red envelope cure says to place 3 like coins inside and put the envelope in your "wealth" section according to the Bagua Theory of Feng Shui. The location will be in the furthest back left hand corner of your entire home from your front entrance, looking inward into your home. As you place it there, think to yourself, why do I want to increase my wealth, is it to simply have enough money to pay my bills, maybe go on a trip...it can be anything. xc60, I like the way you think :) yes having a four is not recommended by the Chinese culture, but utilizing your numerology skills and seeing that everything adds up to 8, very lucky, as well as 9 :) Feng Shui is based on your own personal belief, if you feel it does not work for you, that is fine :) If it is not Feng Shui, perhaps you have another cultural belief system you choose to follow. It is recommended to find something that you belief in and that helps keep you grounded and happy :) Here is a link that might be useful: Feng Shui Manhattan New York
...See More
Not into feng shui, but....
Q
Comments (25)
That's a good observation on the single bed. The photo is so distorted. The stool is turned the other way to fit. You can see the curve of the stretchers is reversed (side). I'm not sure those bed posts are really that spikey and tall. I wonder if fabric canopies would help. It's a builder, so I think this is just a quick room furnishing but I agree that there's an underlying problem with poor interior design of the house. Oddly shaped room and difficult openings. That's probably all they could fit between the beds. I would think it would have been easier to use one bed. Maybe that was worse! This post was edited by snookums2 on Mon, Dec 31, 12 at 15:16
...See More
Feng Shui @ 50 Why Not?
Q
Comments (19)
Oh my goodness! I never expected such thoughtful and varied replies! But thank you, thank you, thank you, all of you. You have all given me much food for thought. I am in the only remaining rural section of the Garden State -- Northwest New Jersey -- directly across from Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania. Yes, there ARE woods in New Jersey and NO, most of us aren't anything like what you've seen on "Jersey Shore" or "Jersey Housewives." LOL Sorry if I sound unnecessarily defensive, but OMG -- perceptions have NJ have gotten so bad that half the time I lie and say I live in PA!!! ; ) Just to clarify: I was using the term Feng Shui tongue-in-cheek as I had read somewhere that red and yellow were recommended in kitchens designed under that paradigm. Also bought a book about it when we were searching for a new home. I found many of the ideas made sense, as in common sense -- like de-cluttering and making conscious decisions about placement of our objects. I did, however, stop reading after about the fifth chapter because it got too darn complicated, even superstitious. A funny side note: just recently my husband and I moved our bedroom furniture because I wanted to wake up in the morning to see the view outside (windows on south facing wall). I told him I had read that the head of the bed should be on the north wall for marital harmony and feet should be facing south. So basically I convinced him to help me move the furniture by promising he'd get lucky more often if he only helped me change the direction of the bed. Well, that effect was indeed achieved and an additional unforeseen benefit is that we got a better traffic pattern bc we don't have to navigate around the bed to get to the closet anymore. So while apparently I had that "rule" backwards -- it worked for us! LOL I am reminded of a line from Hamlet (I think): "Nothing is neither here nor there, but thinking makes it so." ; ) That said, thanks again for all of your feedback. There was not one person whose posting didn't warm heart. This is a GREAT forum and I'll post pics just as soon as I get one of those round tuits. Warm Regards -- Mamiam
...See More
How could I make my closet look better?
Q
Comments (7)
Try to focus on coordinating materials and colors. Right now you have plastic storage in different colors, some black fabric storage, brown hanging fabric storage, etc. I would consider moving the hanging “shelves” to a different area or using the built-in cubes for sweater storage, or whatever you have there now. I would get all the same color fabric cube storage or baskets if you want to invest in that, and put your cleaners and other small things in those along the top shelf. I would also consider adding more shelves to the cubes, either diy or with some type of insert since I don’t see those being very useful without that, it seems like too much vertical space. I’m not a fan of the look of the hanging shoe bags but they’re useful so I wouldn’t get rid of it. Hanging from shelves will look neater than using hooks for colorful clothes, and also just in general for such a small space. It’s a great size for a closet, hopefully some of those suggestions help.
...See More
Renee
4 years ago
Hi Austin!

Sorry for the radio silence but good news! You can buy that poster on amazon for $12! Here’s the link - Blue BMW Antique Car Germany German Automobile Vintage Poster Repro 12" X 16" Image Size. We Have Other https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MBIJ8NO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_spdAEbVR8H6ZM

If you want to frame it you could look into the IKEA Ribba and see if the largest one is the right size.

I’m glad you like the inspiration photo - I love it too!

Yes, I think the beds on either side of the window will open up the space and the symmetry calms the eye - symmetry is pleasing to our brains!

I’ve compiled a handful of things here - a lot of its from IKEA, some from Target, Lowe’s for the plant and Hobby Lobby for one of the pillow covers. If you like any of it let me know and I’ll post the links. And if you’re not close to IKEA or you prefer other stores let me know and we can rework it.

The basket is for the headboard shelves - I think the light and fan you already have are great. You can stow the Kleenex and that white bin(?) in the basket. It’s from target. It will also help hide cords behind it.

I put a bigger plant in my picture - not necessary. And actually none of this stuff is necessary but some larger objects on the shelves will help them look full without looking cluttered.

Hope that sparks some inspiration! And I can post the links if you like anything!
Austin
Original Author
4 years ago
I'm sorry for my late reply, things have been a little crazy lately with work/school and the virus thats going around! I appreciate you giving me the link for that, I just bought it!

I really like the picture of the curtains you attached. Do you think it would make the window area look better? Here's a picture of what it currently looks like.
sushipup1
3 years ago
More spam from "Ho Lee Schiet". Please flag.
Austin thanked sushipup1

Related Stories

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: If I Could Have a Dorm Room Do-Over

By Emily A. Clark

One interior decorator reimagines the drab dorm room into a stylish, fun space to study and sleep

MOST POPULAR 12 Key Decorating Tips to Make Any Room Better

By Judith Taylor Designs

Get a great result even without an experienced touch by following these basic design guidelines

DECORATING GUIDES 9 Dorm Room Classics Schooled in Grown-Up Style

By Lisa Frederick

Furniture, shelves and lighting from college years past make for high-grade interiors with a bright future

DECORATING GUIDES 9 Feng Shui Design Moves for Your Bedroom

By Becky Harris

A practitioner offers her tips to help get a better night’s sleep and invite in romance for Valentine’s Day

SMALL SPACES Decorating Tips From Real Dorm Rooms

By Victoria Villeneuve

4 students tell how they set up their campus digs to make them homey — and then won school design contests

DECORATING GUIDES 10 Essentials for a Cozy and Stylish College Dorm Room

By Bryan Anthony

Make a student’s dorm room feel more like home with these items

Circular Reasoning: Add Feng Shui Unity and Harmony to Your Space

By Becky Harris

Back to Campus: Dorm Room Essentials

Dorm room bedding, furniture and design ideas

DECORATING GUIDES Houzz Tour: A Historic House Gets a Feng Shui Adjustment

By Becky Harris

In a Massachusetts seaside town, a traditional home is redecorated in a playful style and with attention to flow and balance

MORE ROOMS Dorm Life: Cool Stuff for a Music Lover's Room

By Vanessa Brunner

Outfit Your Tiny College Home for the Best 9-Month Tour Ever

Sponsored

Dream Baths by Kitchen Kraft

12 Reviews

Your Custom Bath Designers & Remodelers in Columbus I 10X Best Houzz

More Discussions

Powder room renovation

5

I’m helplessly lost. Please help me pick an area rug for living room

14

How to salvage too many shades of neutral in lounge and dining room?

18

Which of these neutrals do I need to get rid of to fix my bedroom?

13

From screen porch to 4 season room

2