Skip Menu. Navigate to content in this page
Accessibility Assistance, opens A D A page

Wall Art For Your Dorm

Find Inspiration inside for turning a generic dorm room into a cozy, inspiring space. There's no reason a dorm can't feel like home.

Welcome to your new home away from home. Moving into a college dorm room can be an exciting new chapter. But right now, it may not feel so homey. Those blank, bare walls are cold and uninviting. And guess what? Hanging personal and inspiring decor is the absolute best way to breathe life into your space.

Here's everything you need to know about wall art and how they can liven any space.

Choosing the Perfect Size and Style for Your Canvas Wall Art

When it comes to enhancing your space with wall art, finding the right size and style is key to creating a visually appealing and personalized display. We offer a diverse range of sizes, catering to different preferences and room dimensions. Whether you’re looking for a small accent piece or a statement artwork, our selection ensures there’s something for every space.

Sizes to Transform Your Dorm Space:


Small Sizes (12" - 20"): Perfect for personalizing your dorm room, these compact pieces can brighten up small desks or create a unique gallery wall above your bed. Tailor your space to reflect your individuality without overwhelming your limited living area, making it feel like a cozy retreat from the bustling campus life.
Medium Sizes (20" - 30"): This versatile size of artwork offer a balance of style and statement for the busy college student. Whether you're looking to add a splash of inspiration above your study area or a conversation piece for friends to admire during dorm hangouts, medium sizes blend seamlessly with your existing decor, elevating your dorm room's ambiance while fostering a creative and motivating environment.
Large Sizes (30" - 40"): Ideal for those aiming to make a bold impact, large sizes are perfect for movie posters, transforming your dorm into a dynamic and engaging space. These pieces serve as captivating centerpieces that reflect your passions or serve as daily inspirations, effortlessly turning a bland dorm wall into a personal showcase. Embrace the grandeur of large-scale art to bring character and sophistication to your college living space, making every moment in your dorm an experience to remember.

Products to Match Your Aesthetic:

Canvas Print: The classic choice, showcasing the vibrant colors and intricate details of the artwork.
Framed Print: Wall art with a stylish frame, adding sophistication and definition to the piece.
Metal Print: A modern and sleek option, perfect for a contemporary look that adds a touch of elegance.
Poster Print: Ideal for those who prefer to handle framing themselves or want to store the artwork safely until ready to display.

With our diverse selection of sizes and styles, you have the flexibility to curate a unique collection that reflects your taste and complements your living space. Explore the possibilities and bring your vision to life with Great Big Canvas Wall Art.

Exploring Different Themes for Your Dorm Room Wall Art

There's a theme for every mood and preference. Here are some exciting ones:

Stylish Minimalism

Minimalism is today's synonym for elegance. It strips back design to its fundamental features—the building blocks that make it profound. Think straightforward lines or basic shapes and colors. A whisper can be as impactful as a shout when it comes to style!

Consider:
●   Black-and-white photography
●   A stylish, yet minimalist abstract design
●   A word or phrase that holds a special meaning

Or, check out our favorite minimalistic work, curated aesthetic: Neo-Minimalism and art from Kubustika Art.

Minimalistic artwork printed on a canvas print hung around a college dorm room while students relax

Expressive Pop Culture

You most likely have favorite movie characters or music artists who motivate you or simply put a smile on your face whenever they cross your mind. Or perhaps quirky sayings that reflect your sense of humor or unique perspective on life.

These make for fantastic pop culture-themed dorm room wall art! They not only make your room more interesting and a conversation starter amongst friends but are also daily reminders of what you love and why.

Dorm room decorated with wall art of movie posters

Zen-like Nature Themes

Bring some peaceful vibes into your space with nature-inspired wall art. Choose from:

●  Dreamy landscape photography
●  Botanical illustrations
●  Graphic prints of leaves, flowers, and trees
●  Blissful colors like sky blue, sage green, and sunlight yellow

dorm room with sunlight filtering through an open window onto wall art decor
Multiple canvas from Zen, The Botanist, and Scenery by Landscape collections.

Vintage Eccentricity

For those who appreciate past eras—a retro look, if you will—vintage-inspired prints can add some unique charm to your space. Here are a few ideas:

  • Old movie posters from timeless classics
  • Iconic artists and bands.
  • Artworks reminiscent of centuries past
  • Anatomical drawings
  • Old machinery patent designs

These evoke nostalgia, which, when mixed with modern decor elements, can create a whole new level of interest in the room

For curated collections in Vintage Eccentricity, explore Vintage Art & Musicians.

Multiple canvas from our 'Vintage Art' and 'Musicians' collections in a college dorm room.
A showcase of multiple canvas from our Vintage Art & Musicians collections.

Choosing The Right Size & Placement For Your Dorm Room Wall Art

Having chosen the theme that resonates with your taste, we now pick out the perfect sizes for our wall art. Wall space should guide this decision. For instance, ample wall space gives you the flexibility to consider single large pieces or even galleries (a combination of smaller prints).

Placement also matters for visual balance in your room. An unwritten rule dictates that artwork should be hung at eye level. That’s approximately 60 inches from the floor. But don’t fret too much over exact measurements; remember, we want it cozy, not clinical!

One last tip on the layout. Symmetrical arrangements give off formal vibes, while asymmetrical groupings feel more laid-back. Choose wisely based on what effect you desire.

Care & Maintenance For Your Wall Art

Successfully decorating your dorm with wall art doesn’t end at the selection stage. You need to pay attention to the care and maintenance of these artworks, too. It may seem tedious, but it’s pretty straightforward, really.

Here are some tips

  • Use press-and-hook wire hangers if small holes are allowed in your dorm walls.
  • If not, command strips make for a great non-damaging alternative.
  • Keep canvas prints out of direct sunlight to prevent fading over time.
  • Gently dust with a lint roller instead of wet cleaning to avoid moisture damage.
  • Spot clean minor spills or dirt with a lightly damped soft cloth.

Thinking Creatively With Wall Art

College is about establishing yourself as an individual away from a family unit, your space is no different! Your chosen wall art reflects not only your style but also who you are as an individual. Whatever you're into, display it proudly on your walls.

Art is more than decoration—it is self-expression at its finest!

A cozy and decorated college dorm room with multiple colorful art works hung on wall
Paris Performance Wall Art by Clayton Rabo , Miami Wall Art , Prismatic Pout II Wall Art Annie Warren , and Fusion by Wall Art by Clayton Rabo.

Complete Your Dorm

Transform your dorm into a personalized sanctuary with curated wall art from Great Big Canvas. Our diverse collection offers everything from minimalist designs to vibrant pop culture prints, making it easy to find pieces that reflect your unique style. Explore Great Big Canvas for art that turns your dorm into an inspiring space, where every piece tells a story of your journey.


We believe art wields the power to inspire, energize, and transform people and places. Our team of curators and craftspeople are passionate about providing art that meets your unique vision and style.

Shop All Products

Back to Blog