15 Must-Have Items for Your Dorm Room
Memory foam lap desk
$44.99
Get some serious work done in bed with this comfy lap desk that includes a lamp and an iPhone charger. It supports a tablet or a 15-inch laptop.
Amazon.com
Headboard caddy
$11.94
Perfect for storing small items like books, pens or an iPad, this caddy fits over a bed's headboard or mattress rail. It’s strong enough to hold textbooks or a laptop.
dormco.com
Wall mural decal
$59.99
Whether it’s faux exposed brick or a beach scene, it’s never been easier to cover up those cinderblock walls. Removable vinyl wall murals do the job quickly and won’t leave any residue when you take them off at the end of the year.
Amazon.com
3-in-1 mini breakfast stand
$39.99
Fuel up before class or satisfy that late-night craving for a warm sandwich without heading to the dining hall. This appliance features a toaster oven, a four-cup coffee maker and a six-inch griddle.
wayfair.com
Bed tent
$119
Your roommate’s late-night studying session won’t ruin your sleep ever again with a Privacy Pop bed tent, which fits around your existing mattress and bed frame.
privacypop.com
Shoe-storing ottoman
$194
Over-the-door shoe racks are so 2010. Instead, hide your footwear in this stylish piece that can double as a seat or footrest.
Overstock.com
USB bed risers
$29.99
Solve two of the biggest dorm-room challenges with this one device that gives you additional under-bed storage and easier access to outlets and USB ports to charge your devices.
Bed Bath and Beyond
Photo-clip string lights
$18
Strung over your bed or behind your desk, these lights with clips to display photos add a bright, personalized touch to your room.
dormify.com
Fabric pinboard
$24
You might have trouble hanging that bulletin board on a cement wall, but these pinboards mount with double-sided tape. Plus, they come in eye-catching patterns.
pbteen.com
Unicorn light
$17.99
That old desk lamp from your parent’s basement just can’t compare to this adorable little light that will add a warm glow to your room.
Modcloth.com
Avari air purifier
$155
Dorm rooms can get pretty dirty, but you can breathe easier with an air purifier in your room. This air cleaner removes pollen and dust without making a lot of noise.
avariair.com
Velvet floor pillows
$49 each
Seating space is at a premium in most dorm rooms. These floor pillows provide a stylish and flexible option for studying or lounging with friends.
Dry-erase lamp
$45.98
Sure, you could hang a dry-erase board on your dorm door like everyone else. But taking messages (or notes) on this lamp shade seems like more fun.
dormsmart.com
Remote-control LED candles
$30.99 for three
Most colleges have banned open flames for safety reasons, but you can still have the ambiance of candle light in your room with these LED candles. Bonus: You can control them via remote control without even leaving your bed.
Target.com
Smartphone vase
$32
Charge your phone and add a pop of personality with a charger that doubles as a flower vase. If fresh-cut flowers are too much trouble, a dried arrangement will do the trick.
Uncommongoods.com