25+ Fun and Easy Dorm Room DIY'S

Add Function and Coziness to the Dorm Room!

Need to create more storage, division or space in a tiny dorm room?  We've got you covered with the BEST DIY projects to upgrade your dorm room!  

These projects are all perfect for a dorm room because they are lightweight, easy to build and add function, without drilling holes in the wall!

All of these projects are WOOD so it is renewable and biodegradable, you can have a sustainable dorm room!


 

 


1. Leaning Hall Tree

diy hall tree leaning hall tree ladder hall tree

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Kreg Jig, Safety Glasses
Materials: 2x material, hooks

Does your entryway need systems to get stuff off the floor?  No where to hang back packs, purses, coats, keys, shoes and accessories?

In a rental or dorm, it's a great way to "add hooks to the wall", without actually having to screw into the walls!  It's a lightweight but sturdy project.


 


 

 


2. Laundry Basket Organizer

wood laundry basket organizer

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material, laundry baskets

In small living spaces such as a dorm room, keeping clothes off the floor in an organized way will keep a space neat and tidy. This laundry basket organizer is easy to build, inexpensive and lightweight so it can be moved around easily. Great for a family or roomates, for each person to have their own basket. The ease of use is great, on laundry day just pull your basket out and carry it to the laundry room and when you're done just slide it back in for the next load to collect! 

 

 


 


 

 


3. Rolling C Table

rolling c table couch table diy tabletop

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed:

Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Kreg Jig, Safety Glasses

Materials: 1x material, casters

Sometimes you just need a tabletop surface to set things on or to work from , this rolling c table design is great to add to any space with a sofa!

 

 


 


 

 


4. Lightweight Desk with Storage

lightweight desk

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Kreg Jig, Nailer, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material, 2x2s, hinges, handle, support wire

Perfect for a laptop station or a console table or vanity, this LIGHTWEIGHT, easy to build desk is easy to move into the dorm, and easy to move out!  SUPER SIMPLE BUILD so you can whip this out in a day!

 


 


 

 


5.UNDER BED Drawer Trundle

trundle drawer

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Kreg Jig, Nailer, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material, plywood, casters, handle

Add rolling storage just about anywhere. This plan is easy to modify for any dimension. Use under beds, benches, sofas, chairs coffee tables, or wherever you need a little extra storage that has enough clearance!

 

 


 


 

 


6. Desks that Convert to a Table

desk to table

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Kreg Jig, Nailer, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x and 2x material, plywood, handles, drawer slidess

Easily go from studying to eating dinner or playing card games. This design allows desk mode to table mode, making it flexible for a small living space. 

 

 


 


 

 


7. Cube Rolling Storage

cube rolling storage

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Kreg Jig, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material, plywood, casters, foam, velcro

Add seating and storage with these easy rolling storage stools. Flip the lid over and it becomes a lap desk. Perfect for dorm rooms, kids bedrooms or small spaces that need some extra storage and seating!

 

 


 


 

 


8. Stack and Flip Desks with Storage

storage desks that stack

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Jig Saw, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material

Desks that stack and store away. This design is great for storing books, then just flip over and use it as a floor desk or standing desk on top of a table. Great multi purpose desk for any age!

 

 


 


 

 


9. Adjustable Organizer

adjustable desktop organizer

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Nailer, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material

An ajustable organizer makes a great addition for a desktop, counter, or tabletop. This is a very easy build using just one board!

 

 


 


 

 


10. Desk Hutch

diy desk hutch

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Kreg Jig, Nailer, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material and plywood

Adding vertical storage to a desk is a must. Create more storage and organization easily. The best part is that it doesn't take up much of the tabletop to create more storage and function!

 

 


 


 

 


11. Folding Privacy Screen

diy privacy screen

Image Credit: H20 Bungalow

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Kreg Jig, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material, hinges, acrylic lighting panels

Shared spaces sometimes lack privacy. A room divider will allow you to partitian spaces in  small living quarters to give some much needed privacy!

 

 


 


 

 


12. Water Bottle Storage

diy water bottle storage

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Nailer, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material

Chances are you have multiple waters bottles in your living quarters. Sometimes they can get unorganized and take up valuable space in cabinets. Here's a solution to keep them neat and tidy. Works great for a countertop, cabinet or pantry!

 

 


 


 

 


13. Leaning Shoe Shelves

shoe ladder storage

Image Credit: Home Made by Carmona via Build Something

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Kreg Jig, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x and 2x material

This rustic shoe shelf is great for a small entryway. The vertical design works well for tight spaces for a little extra shoe storage!

 

 


 


 

 


14. Wood Risers

kitchen risers

Image Credit: The Sorry Girls

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill or Nailer, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material

One way to add more organization to a tabletop, desktop, cabinet or counter is to add shelf risers. This simple design helps to create better use of space and organization. These are easy to modify to be longer, taller or deeper and can be used just about anywhere for added storage and organization!

 

 


 


 

 


15. Bedside Caddy

diy bunk caddy

Image Credit: Jen Woodhouse

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Nailer, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material, plywood, bunk ladder brackets

Keep water, tissues, books and any nighttime items easily accessible without having to leave the bed. Great little organization project where there may be limited room for a nightstand, perfect for bunk beds as seen here and great for all ages!

 

 


 


 

 


16. Ladder Nightstand

ladder nightstand

Image Credit: The Merry Thought

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Nailer, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material

Keeping a small space simple is key. Don't overcrowd with clutter, just use essential pieces to furnish it. This ladder nightstand is the perfect example. It's simple clean lines look great and it also serves a pupose, fabulous!

 

 


 


 

 


17. Standing Storage Mirror

diy standing storage mirror

Image Credit: Francesca Stone via EHow

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 2x material, corner moulding, brackets, mirror

Adding mirror to a space can make it appear larger. This freestanding mirror with storage is a perfect addition for a small space that needs more storage built in, it's also great because it doesn't require attaching to a wall!

 

 


 


 

 


18. Toiletry Tower

bathroom toiletry tower

Image Credit: Dunn Lumber

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material

Keep all of your essential toiletries organized and in one place. This one doesn't take up a lot of floor space and if you're sharing a room or small space, this is a great addtion for mulitple people to have their own organizer!

 

 


 


 

 


19. Shower Caddy

diy bathroom caddy

Image Credit: Dunn Lumber

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner  
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material

In a living situation like a dorm room, most of the time showers are shared. This is a great way to transport the essential bathroom items during shower time! 

 

 


 


 

 


20. Leaning Wall Organizer

wall organizer

Image Credit: Alice and Lois via Hunker

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material, plywood, cork board, chalk paint

Stay organized with this modern wall organizer. Keep track of busy schedules or leave a note. This wall organizer adds function and a fun design element!

 

 


 


 

 


21. Charging Station

diy charging station and device storage

Image Credit: House Becoming Home via Jen Woodhouse

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Intermediate
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Kreg Jig, Router, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: plywood, edging

Keep multiple devices and all of those cords organized and tidy. Create a charging station that also stores devices for multiple users!

 

 


 


 

 


22. Low Profile Storage Rack

storage rack diy

Image Credit: Woodshop Diaries

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Kreg Jig, Nailer, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 2x material, plywood, wood dowel

This vertical rack isn't just for shoes, it can be used anywhere for some extra vertical storage. The design is nice and small and won't take up a ton of room, it looks fabulous too!

 

 


 


 

 


22. Bed Risers

 

feature image

Image Credit: Today's Creative Ideas

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner  Intermediate  Advanced
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 4x4s, 1x6, glue, brad nails or screws

 

Need to lift a bed for more height underneath for storage?  This easy DIY will help get that bed up off the floor, for more room underneath!

 


 


 

 


23. Leaning Vanity

feature image

Image Credit: Jaime Costeggio

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level:  Intermediate Advanced
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x2s, 1x pine boards, brad nails and glue or screws

Need an organized space for beauty and self care?  This leaning shelf is PERFECT for a dorm room!!  Easy to build with common lumber!

 

 


 


 

 


24. Freestanding Easy Build Closet

feature image

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level:  Intermediate Advanced
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x4 boards

Not enough closet space?  This FREE STANDING easy to build closet will add storage!  It's a SUPER EASY build too, and easy to take apart.

 

 


 


 

 


25. Lightweight Bookshelves

feature image

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level:  Intermediate
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses, Pocket Hole Jig
Materials: 2x2, 1x12, 1/4" plywood

Add storage or even use as a room divider!  These lightweight bookshelves are easy to pack into the dorm room and easy to pack out too!

 

 


 


 

 


26. Closet Tower

feature image

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level:  Intermediate Advanced
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses, Pocket Hole Jig
Materials: 2x2s, 1x material, screw, pocket hole screws, brad nails, wood glue

A narrow but tall, freestanding solution to not enough closet space!  Add a back to create a room divider too!