We tested and researched the best essentials for any dorm room, keeping in mind factors like size, function, and budget. Our list includes the durable and affordable Simple Essentials towel set from Bed, Bath, and Beyond and the machine-washable Damali Overdye Rug from Ruggable that comes in an array of sizes and colors. Here are the best dorm room essentials.
Size and Flexibility
If you don’t know the dimensions of your dorm room, it can be hard to determine what you do and don’t have space for. To get around this, consider buying small, space-efficient items whenever you can. You may also want to favor flexible items like foldable bins, bags, and baskets. Since these can get bigger or smaller as needed, they can make it easier to adapt to any space.
Budget Buys vs. Investment Pieces
“Treat your dorm room like any other room in your house,” Brenna Morgan, owner and principal designer at Brenna Morgan Interiors, says. Morgan recommends starting with a mood board and establishing a budget. Then, invest in the functional must-haves you’ll carry with you from year to year—and save on some of those decorative items. “Keep decorative pieces affordable so you can switch them out without breaking the bank,” Morgan says. Remember, decorating your dorm room is one of the first opportunities you’ll have to explore your personal style—so your decor preferences may evolve a lot from year to year. “100% the most common mistake is trying to do it as cheaply as possible,” she says. “If your stuff keeps falling apart or breaking because it is cheap, is it really worth it?” She recommends investing in the staples you’ll need year after year, and saving on your more decorative items.
Why Trust The Spruce?
As a seasoned lifestyle writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands what a difference a great product recommendation can make. That’s why she makes sure to recommend products that are sleek, reliable, and well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them. She is a Nashville-based writer and editor who covers décor, health, food, and lifestyle. To create this list, she selected products for their practicality, functionality, and style. This roundup was updated by Patrice J. Williams who writes gift guides for The Spruce. “I would splurge on stylish storage and organization pieces that can keep you on track with studies and life in general,” Morgan says. She notes that baskets can be a helpful and stylish way to keep your stuff organized. But you may want to consider other storage essentials like bins, drawer dividers, and desk organizers, too.
