Everything You Need for a Dorm Room
You did it! High school is over and the great adventure of college is just around the corner. This is a momentous occasion that deserves to be celebrated. We just happen to think the best way to celebrate is with fantastic design. With iconic pieces you can not only create the dorm room of your dreams, but start your iconic design collection that will serve you well into adulthood and far beyond your college years. The longevity of these modern lights, desk accessories, and other dorm essentials means you’re curating a future bright with possibilities and some of the best home décor you’ll ever love! Find everything you need for a dorm room right here at HORNE. Let’s break down the dorm room essentials.
Why Dorm Rooms are Hard to Decorate
Whether you’re sharing a two-room ensuite, carving out your own space in a double room, or skipping right ahead to that off-campus apartment, you’ll need a few things and experience a few design challenges. Specifically, space! Most college students share space which means you have little room to make your own. But it’s not impossible to bring your personality in and make a comfortable living arrangement.
Another challenge is sharing. Your space is not your own and there will be another person who is vying for room. As a result, you want everything you pack into your shared space to be highly functional, compact, and easy to move. No heavy furniture here!
Finally, you’ll be looking for adaptability. If the lamp no longer works on the desk space, it needs to be able to transfer to the bedside table or shelf effortlessly. If storage basket don’t work on the shelves, they need to be useful under the bed or in the bathroom.
Don’t let these challenges trip you up and steal your joy. It’s just a matter of finding the perfect piece.
Everything You Need for a Dorm Room
Let’s break this down by area and need. The usefulness of some of these options will vary depending on the space you’re working with, but we hope, no matter what you choose, that it will follow you into your future homes.
Dorm Bathroom Supplies
In most cases your bathroom is not attached to your room, so you’ll need a neat collection of essentials that can easily be transported. If you do have a private bathroom, it won’t be big, so you’ll need to keep it compact and contained.
Simple Waffle Towels
The Simple Waffle Towels are so soft and made from 100% cotton. They are woven and stonewashed in Portugal and are incredibly absorbent to add that bit of luxury to the rougher side of living in dorms.
Grib Toolbox
It might have been made for the garden, but it’s perfect for toiletries as a shower caddy. The Grib Toolbox has a lot of space for soap bottles, scrubbies, and extra washcloths and features a handle and a perforated bottom so the water doesn’t get trapped.
Fio Laundry Basket
You’ll definitely need a laundry solution, and we love the Fio Laundry Basket. It has a lightweight frame and linen bag that snaps into place so you’re not constantly fixing it. When you’re ready to do laundry, unsnap it and cinch it shut to easily carry your laundry home or to the laundry room.
Mist Cotton Pad Holder
Cotton pads are mostly used for makeup, but can be part of any bathroom routine. The Mist Cotton Pad Holder stores them away to keep them clean but accessible. It fits well on small counters, and looks beautiful with its swirled resin design that emulates the natural patterns of marble.
Aino Mirror
Mirror space will probably be a rare commodity at times, so having your very own Aino Mirror is a fantastic solution. This tabletop vanity mirror can be kept on your desk or stored in a basket. The oak wood makes this a classy mirror that will easily fit into your future home well after college.
College Room Desk Accessories
Your desk is really a space just for you. It’s one of the places you don’t have to share with anyone else, so we encourage you to make it your own! However, there are a few essentials you’ll need to get your maximize your study game.
Nomad Pen Holder
Utilizing a two-in-one concept, Skagerak by Fritz Hansen has crafted the perfect, compact pen holder for college dorm desks. Oak is carved into the angular and modern Nomad Pen Holder that features a shallow lid which keeps pens contained or separates to become a paperclip try.
Arrange Desktop Series
Two configurations of trays make up the Arrange Desktop Series from Muuto. Sleek and highly functional, this desktop paper tray is paired with a series of other trays and boxes that keep homework, notes, and more organized and within reach.
Story Pinboard
Keep track of appointments, pin inspiration, and store some favorite pends with the Story Pinboard. Crafted from cork and shaped to slip into any small space, this piece will definitely find a home on your desk for every job you get once college is behind you.
Dorm Room Lighting
Dorm rooms are often equipped with cold overhead lighting that just isn’t ideal for long nights studying. For your desk and bedside, we highly recommend finding some task lighting that sets a good, comfortable ambiance you can live, read, and party by.
Type 75 Mini Table Lamp
This charming Anglepoise table lamp is one of our favorites for all desks. Its sized-down mini adaptation of the larger lamp is absolutely perfect for dorm desks, side tables, and even a shelf if you have the space. The Type 75 Mini Table Lamp is also available in three colors, so you can personalize it your dorm room theme.
Q Lamp
A single bulb and ceramic stand are sometimes all you need to create the perfect cozy atmosphere that feels like home. The Q Lamp is perfect for fitting into tight spaces, moving where it’s needed most, and being a warm signal to anyone looking for a relaxing place to hang out.
Alumina Lamp
We love the Alumina Lamp for all types of environments. It looks great in a kid’s room, but is perfect as a bedside table light for bedrooms of all kinds—even those far from home and filled with roommates. Bright, simple, and available in five color options, the Alumina Lamp can also be wall-mounted once you’re finally in a place in life where you can hammer nails into the wall.
90 Mini Mini Desk Lamp
As classic looking as you can get when it comes to a desk lamp, the 90 Mini Mini Desk Lamp emphasizes its compact size, boasting a adroit functionality paired with the ability to fit even the tightest of spaces. Use this light on the desk or bedside table and take it with you for your home library or kitchen counter when college is all said and done.
Bedroom Essentials for Dorms
When it comes to your bedding, you’ll need a specific size sheet, but the rest of it is up to you! Grab a rug to add some warmth, some throw for a pop of color, and a comfy blanket to keep you cozy. These are our favorites.
- Kelim Rug – Squares. A modern, fun rug with fringed ends that make it the perfect addition to bedrooms and adaptable for shared spaces, too.
- Simple Linen Throws. This Hawkins New York blanket is one of our all around favorites for homes. Light enough for warmer months and still great to snuggle up with in the winter, it’s the perfect addition to your bedding.
- Mirage Cushion. Made from 100% cotton and featuring nature-inspired motifs, this throw cushion adds a little color and comfort and art.
College Dorm Storage
Storage is incredibly important in any living space, but especially dorm rooms. You’ll want to make the most of every inch of space you have, so don’t underestimate the power of baskets and boxes!
Cala Stackable Baskets - Set of 2
The Cala Stackable Baskets were meant for dorm room storage. Simple wire baskets feature handles and a tightly woven mesh design that easily holds everything from snack to books to clothes. When you’re moving out, they stack together for easy transportation and storage.
Punctual Modular Shelving System
The Punctual Modular Shelving System is so adaptable and modular that we find it hard to believe it wasn’t designed specifically for dorm-room life. Choose you size, shelving options, and more to create a shelf that slips in perfectly to bedrooms, bathrooms, and other shared spaces.
The Shorty Locker
Maybe it’s the nostalgia of the locker design, but we think you’ll love having The Shorty Locker in your room. Not only does it make a great bedside table, but it features three shelves so you can keep some more personal things hidden away. It also truly locks, so nosy roommates aren’t a problem.
The Best Dishes for Dorm Living
Finally, we have some dish recommendations. The problem with dorm life is that you don’t have great access to a kitchen. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t need a few dishes for tea, snacks, and just feeling a little more at home.
- Koyo Tea Mug with Infuser Set. The Koyo Tea Mug with Infuser is a great two-in-one that packs away easily, doubles as a drinking glass, and is ideal for tea lovers.
- Hammershøi Bowl. You’ll need at least one good bowl to use for microwaved noodles, cereal, and other foodstuffs. The Hammershøi Bowl is clean and simple in its design and deep enough for any sort of meal.
- Modern Short Cup in Stainless Steel. Not only is the Modern Short Cup great for drinking out of, it’s durable enough to withstand the multiple moves and possibly being used by roommates. It’s easy to clean, too, which is always a bonus.
- Flow Plate – Small. You probably won’t need a ton of plates, but one good one can make you feel a little more civilized. The Flow Plate is small, pretty, durable, and a great addition to your kitchen when you’re no longer on campus.
Find Everything You Need for College Life at HORNE
You're taking a big step and we are honored to be a part of it. With modern, minimalist, and cleverly innovative furnishings, lighting, and décor, we know you’ll be successful in college and beyond. Browse our collection of modern home accessories, bedding, and more to find everything you need for college life.
Explore related collections, including Planters + Pots and Planters, and visit our design guides for a broader point of view.
