Today I want to shout from the rooftops that I know how to make your dorm cozy and inviting and it all has to do with adding what I consider to be the BEST dorm room accessories. These accessories will comfort, calm, and connect. Affordable accessories are the key to a well designed dorm room that feels cozy and inviting, not a sterile small prison. Your mom will be happy to hear you’re not living in a dungeon, so send her this post too (and maybe she’ll pay for some of it!). Wink wink.
Back when I was living in a dorm at NYU, I had no idea the impact good design would have on my lifestyle. I remember being *so excited* for my TJ Maxx magenta comforter and pink striped sheets because I thought those were the only items I could pick out for the already finished space. That was the extent of my decor, and as a result, the space never really felt like home. It just felt like a temporary space that was optional to care about.
Well designed spaces foster connection and support your lifestyle. Even temporary living spaces can be made your own.
Nowadays, a credit to social media, young people have more exposure to good design and more importantly: good guidance and information. Today, I want to gift you with my picks of what I consider to be the best dorm accessories that’ll make your temporary stay so much better.
PS: last week I released a FREE dorm design as my back to school gift to you!
The BEST Dorm Room Accessories
What we’re aiming for here is to use dorm room accessories to completely elevate our space and allow us and our friends to thrive in it. Bring on the warmth, charm, and functionality. And as always, all these picks are affordable and easy to buy.
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Ambient Lighting
It’s widely known that overhead lighting is the worst. It actually can cause stress and anxiety in sensitive folks–including myself!. Best to opt for ambient lighting to warm things up and don’t rely on the overhead light.
Beautiful ambient table lamps under $40:
Affordable Rugs
You don’t get a lot of design choices in your dorm, and a rug is the single greatest way to add personality and a huge design element. It takes up so much space and grounds the room. I cannot underestimate the importance of adding this design element.
Fun sheets
Textiles, textiles, textiles!! Are you seeing a theme here? To cozy up your dorm, you need soft, plush textiles. I love adding fun sheets as a cool surprise for your bedding. Your sheets can tell a story of your personality and let it shine shine shine.
Air Purifying Plants
A client recently told me that she relies on plants to make a space truly feel like home, and I couldn’t agree more! Most dorms don’t allow you to open the windows, so purifying your air is essential. Plants are both beautiful and functional in cleaning the air in your space!
Candle lamps + warmers
I mentioned this in my last post, but my NYU roommate set off our smoke alarm causing a full evacuation of our huge dorm and about 10 fire trucks to arrive. All because she lit incense. Dorm smoke alarms are extra sensitive, so skip the match and go electric instead with candle lamps!
Bedding
This is a bonus pick: I love the combo of the sage green bedding with the light blue grid blanket. So so fun and cozy and a great way to bring life to your dorm
Bedding under $40
I hope you enjoyed my picks of the best dorm room accessories and that these choices make your dorm stay even sweeter. I hope you have the best year!
More dorm inspo: