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18 Best Photo Displays for Your College Dorm Room
Perk up those stark white walls with these charming corkboards, photo grids, string light garlands and more.
Now that you've finalized your class schedule and contacted your future roommate, it's time to think about how you'll decorate your new dorm room. One thing that your college packing list probably doesn't mention (but that you'll absolutely want to include) is a stack of photos and special keepsakes from home. Here are 18 display ideas that will help dress up those walls and keep all of your favorite people close while you're away at college.
Every surface counts in a tiny dorm room! Personalize your mini fridge, rolling cart or filing cabinet with these magnetic photo sleeves. Each set includes 10 sleeves, and each sleeve can hold one Instax Mini photo. You can arrange them in a neat grid like this or spread them across multiple areas.
Show off your favorite people and your bold sense of style with this hexagon-shaped photo grid. The unit is crafted from heavy-duty metal with crisscrossing lines for extra visual appeal. And although the piece includes mounting hardware, you can just as easily secure it to the wall with dorm-friendly adhesive hooks. See more of our favorite photo grids, below.
If you're proud of your other grid, then bring it to life by converting those photos into a custom gallery wall. You can upload your images to Artifact Uprising in batches of 10, 25 or even 50, then add a border and select the 4x4-inch size. Once the photos come in, use double-sided tape to hang the squares in crisp rows over your bed or desk.
You can make your "home away from home" feel even cozier with these charming string lights. The battery-powered strand is about 17 feet long — so you can arrange it directly over your bed or run it along the length of the wall — and it includes 50 clear plastic clips for photos. In turn, you can bask in the lights' glow while being reminded of your loved ones.
What better way to add some familiar faces and a dreamy touch to your dorm than with a moon phase photo garland? Although it looks delicate, this piece is actually crafted from iron and includes 25 clips (so you can hang as many or as few photos as you wish). The garland will look right at home over your twin XL bed.
Nothing will perk up those stark white walls like this preppy pinboard. The striped accent is perfect for a collegiate setting and will quite literally soften your space with its recycled polyester fabric. We can just picture it covered with photos, pennants and other school memorabilia. The board is also available in eight colors and comes with 20 pins.
A photo display that doubles as cool wall art? Yes, please. Highlight all of the amazing places you've been (or where you want to go next) with this boho-chic accent. A wooden dowel holds everything in place, while thick cotton cords outfitted with clips make room for your photos.
Sometimes less really is more. Keep your favorite people close without cluttering your desk by opting for these simple Instax Mini photo frames. Each block is made from quality acrylic with pastel edges, so they'll look beautiful together or stationed on their own around the room. See more of our favorite photo stands down below.
If you like to rotate your photos on a regular basis, then this is the display for you. The wooden block is crafted from reclaimed pine and can hold 12 images at a time. (So it will keep your desk clutter-free, but still allow you to enjoy a variety of smiling faces.) Best of all? You can always print more photos through Artifact Uprising.
If you're a romantic at heart, then you'll love these pressed flower photo displays. The gilded, double-glass frames allow you to pair special photos (like, say, from prom or graduation) with dried flowers from your corsage or bouquet. You can hang the set with adhesive hooks or lean them up against your desk.
You can never be too organized in college. Keep your favorite photos right next to important dates and messages for your roommate with this stylish combination board. The multifunctional accent includes 10 thumbtacks, one dry-erase marker and some mounting hardware, although you can always install it with adhesive strips.
