Dorm Room Design – Must-Have Essentials + Decor Ideas

August 9, 2016

DORM ROOM Design Ideas And Must-Have Essentials

Inspiration via Target

It’s getting close to that magical time of year. The time of year when students anxiously start thinking about the start of a new school year.

With many college students starting to head out to stock up on dorm room supplies, we thought we’d share some inspiration and ideas for creating a stylish room that feels comfortable and cozy.


THE ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR DORM ROOM

While dorms typically provide you with the barest of bare minimums (bed, desk, chair and wardrobe) there are some things that you will not want to forget.

Storage

You’ll want storage for your storage. That’s how much storage you’ll want. For example, you’ll need desk storage for chargers, pens, pencils, highlighters, erasers, notebooks, binders, and papers.

You’re also going to need closet storage solutions, under the bed storage for all the things you’ll need but have no space for, and over the door storage for your towels, hoodies, or backpack.

DORM ROOM Design Ideas And Must-Have Essentials // Make use of your closet space with organizers.

Closet storage by PBteen

DORM ROOM Design Ideas And Must-Have Essentials // Use bins and hooks as storage options.

Left photo – SKUBB by IKEA. Right photo – BRELLA Hook by Jordan Murphy for Umbra.

Lighting

Lighting in dorm rooms is always horrible. The overhead lighting is usually pretty harsh and you won’t want to use it late at night because it’ll give you a headache or you’ll wake up your roommate. Lights can pull all sorts of double duty now so it’s wise to invest in a light that will give you more than just light, like the ones with wireless charging from IKEA.

DORM ROOM Design Ideas And Must-Have Essentials // Wireless charging lamps are idea for dorm rooms.

Lighting from IKEA

Mini Fridge

A mini fridge is a must-have for all that beer…..I mean….vegetables, water bottles, and milk you’ll want to keep cool 😉

DORM ROOM Design Ideas And Must-Have Essentials // A mini fridge is a must for all those veggies, water bottles and milk you'll want to keep cool...especially if cereal is a must-have.

Mini fridge and retro cooler from PBTeen.

Bathroom Storage

A shower caddy is extremely necessary if you use more than just shampoo. Carrying your shampoo, conditioner, soap, razor, face wash, and whatever else you use in the bathroom is so much easier in a basket than in your arms.

DORM ROOM Design Ideas And Must-Have Essentials // Shower caddys are great for keeping bathroom products organized.

Flexible Shower Tote by Casabella for The Container Store

Comfort

While studying at a desk or in the library is great when you really need to focus, there’s nothing quite like reading and studying in bed. Pillows with arm rests help prop you up and have more structure than regular pillows, making them great study buddies.

DORM ROOM Design Ideas And Must-Have Essentials // Comfortable study pillows are great for all night study sessions.

Shearling Boo Pillow by Urban Outfitters

Floor Covering

Dorm room floors can feel cold and unwelcoming – especially in the mornings when you already don’t want to get out of bed. Throw down a cozy rug and make your mornings a little more comfortable.

DORM ROOM Design Ideas and Must-Have Essentials // Dorm room floors can feel cold and unwelcoming - especially in the mornings when you already don't want to get out of bed. Throw down a cozy rug and make your mornings a little more comfortable.

BAGGU & UO Static Printed Rug from Urban Outfitters

And Now For Some Quick Decor Ideas

With very little space to add pieces of furniture and table top space at a high premium, wall decor will be your best friend. Here are some ideas for easy ways to decorate your walls to make your tiny space feel more like home.

Washi tape is a fabulous way to add personality and color to your walls without having to worry about holes or peeling paint. With washi tape you can create frames around favorite photos or inspirational quotes or create custom wall decals that can be changed whenever you feel like it!


Photo displays do more than add life to your walls – they act as little reminders of happy moments and memories that provide extra comfort on days when school feels overwhelming or the homesick feeling is hitting hard.


Inspirational banners can give you that little boost when your twelve page paper or midterm worth fifty percent of your mark just seem like impossible feats. Plus they add texture and warmth to your space. Win win


DORM ROOM Design Ideas And Must-Have Essentials