The uni room no-go decor list: What decor you should avoid to make sure your kid has an on-trend uni room

Has your child just received their UCAS results and is heading off to university this September?

If yes, perhaps the most thrilling aspect of moving to university is the independence that comes with moving out and having their own place for the first time. With this comes the notorious bedroom and kitchen shop where you get to buy them their first household items as they leave the nest.

However, new research from Wayfair has identified the biggest interior cringes by analysing certain interior items and who is most likely to make these poor choices.

Wayfair has surveyed the nation to find out how you can make the best impression on your kid and avoid getting them decor that could make their new friends cringe

The decor items to avoid in your kid’s soon-to-be uni room

Fairy Lights are a NO-GO ITEM in UK uni dorms

Bad news for those who want to kit out their room with elaborate and ambient lighting. Both fairy lights and LED lights made the top list of interior no-go’s.

11% said fairy lights were an uncool item and 13% of these were men, indicating fairy lights will be a rare find in a male dorm room this September. However, LED lights were also up there on the interior list, with 6% of all individuals researched agreeing the colourful strip lights been rather off-putting.

Over 15% think TikTok decor trends are off-trend

From the rise of jellycat families, ‘get naked’ bath mats and bow everything, many micro TikTok trends are expected to appear across uni rooms this September. Not to forget the vast array of fake plants and the infamous leafy vines to hang from your child’s door.

However, micro-trend TikTok decor was just shy of making the top 10. In 11th place, 16% agreed that micro-trend decor consumption from TikTok trends is uncool.

Sports bedding is the MOST UNCOOL decor item in the UK

When it comes to bed sheets, it comes as no surprise a certain few made the top list. Sports-themed bed sheets took the number one spot, with 29% of all surveyed in agreement and 39% of that percentage being women.

Also making the top 10 list are garish/excessively bright bedding in which 16% agreed.

The last bed sheet victims on the list are the infamous chequered bed sheets – 16% added this to their no-go list with an even split between men and women. An honourable mention also goes to those who choose uncoordinated sheets, 12% of respondents said these were cringe.

Having posters in your bedroom could be affecting your child’s dating life BADLY

Personal items are treasured by every uni student who wants a home comfort. But whilst beloved stuffed animals didn’t make the list, there are a few personal items which you should seriously consider keeping at home.

Students are bound to take an array of personal photographs, however, to avoid offending the eyes of their flatmates, these must be hung straight. Wonky picture frames made the top 10 with 17% agreeing these are a cringe.

Two wall decors have also resulted in the top list of off-putting decor items, posters received 14% of votes and tapestries with 12%. Lastly, those beloved childhood medals and trophies may be one to leave at home, with 10% of all surveyed agreeing these are one for the cringe list.

How to keep your child’s uni dorm embarrassment-free

Daniela Venturini, Art Director and Trend Forecaster from Wayfair shares three key tips to make sure your child’s uni bedroom stays on trend:

1. Choose personal decor wisely

“Choose photos that reflect their personality and interests instead of generic posters that any other student can have. Photos can also add a personal touch and warmth without overwhelming the space, and act as a home comfort for their first time away from home.”

“Greenery can also add a nice decorative element to the room – adding a few houseplants can add a sense of life to the room, but only if you keep them well-maintained. For students, I recommend fake plants for this reason!”

1. Keep your room clean and clutter-free

“Clutter and mess is no surprise when entering a uni room, but ensuring their space is clean and organised can be the key to a positive mindset and happy guests.”

“Reminding them to regularly dust and vacuum and use subtle room fragrances to keep the room fresh. This shows you they take pride in their space and eliminates any possible embaressment”

1. Create a comfortable atmosphere

“Carefully help choose specific decor throughout their space to create a comfortable atmosphere that makes them feel at home. Invest in comfortable bedding in neutral or calming colours, adding throws or cushions to create a cosy feel.”

“Use a mix of lighting features, such as bedside and floor lamps to invite a warm ambience into the space. For most students their room will be where they spend the majority of time at university so ensuring this space is clean, tidy and comfortable is very important.”