College is probably the first time you’ll ever move away from home. Which means your dorm room is probably the first place you’re decorating all on your own. But before you go crazy with the string lights and personalized decor, make sure you’ve got all the basics! Read on for dorm room essentials that won’t hurt your wallet.
It’s easy to overlook the basics when you’re moving into a dorm room. On top of all the old stuff you’re bringing, the preparations, the college orientations, and requirements, remember to make time to get serious about your dorm shopping. After all, you’ll be calling this room your home for the next few years.
15 Dorm Room Essentials Under $25
Budget-Friendly Picks For The Perfect Dorm Room
While decorating a dorm room is similar to decorating a small space, it’s also like decorating an entire house. Or at least, a living space. Imagine combining living, sleeping, and study spaces. This can make shopping for dorm room essentials a bit pricey. Not to worry, I’ve put together budget-friendly picks to help you get everything you need for the big move!
1. Folding Ottoman, $19.99
image via Bed, Bath and Beyond
Multi-purpose furniture are dorm room essentials you should never forget. Pieces like this folding storage ottoman are perfect for making the most of your small space.
2. Round Table, $13.99
image via Bed, Bath And Beyond
Hold off on the huge living room end tables, and go for more compact tables. They don’t have to be bedside tables either since dorm room essentials are multi-function pieces.
3. Convertible Shower Organizer, $12.49
image via Kohl’s
This shower organizer is your best friend. It’s a shower caddy you can bring out if you have communal showers, but it can also serve as part of your vanity in your dorm room!
4. Desk Organizers, $24.99
image via Cotton On
Your desk is one of the most important places in a dorm room. So organizers are definitely dorm room essentials! Get stylish ones like this gold grid organizer, so you won’t mind hosting study groups in your room.
5. Linens, $19.99
image via Ikea
Bring a few different sets of linens so you’ll never have to sleep on half-dried sheets. Ikea has a great selection of cheap but pretty linens!
6. Storage Bins, $14.99
image via Kohl’s
There are many kinds of storage bins you can get. But if your dorm room is extra small, consider these multi-function ones with dividers and front mesh pockets.
7. More Storage Bins, $5.99 – $14.99
image via Kohl’s
I cannot stress the importance of storage bins enough. Use these dorm room essentials under your bed, in your closet, on your desk, on shelves, everywhere!
8. Curtains, $24.99
image via Ikea
Even if your windows already have curtains or blinds, an extra set of curtains can give you privacy in your dorm room. Especially if you share a room with 1 or 2 other people.
9. A Warm Throw, $12.99
image via Ikea
Be prepared for the colder months. A warm throw is one of those dorm room essentials you shouldn’t miss out on. This one from Ikea is in soft fleece, and is machine washable!
10. A Functional Desk Lamp, $24.99
image via Kohl’s
Lamps and lighting are dorm room essentials you should choose wisely. Multi-function ones like this one from Kohl’s even have desk organizers and a USB charging port for your phone.
11. Wooden Letters, 5 for $10
image via Cotton on
In terms of decor, wooden letters in your initials have become dorm room essentials. In a sense, it’s a way to mark your territory.
12. Lights, $10
image via Cotton On
String lights are great, but why not set a new trend in dorm room essentials? These neon lights from Typo are flexible and bendable, and you can make different shapes and letters with them.
13. Hamper with wheels, $19.99
image via Ikea
Believe me, a hamper with wheels is a simple luxury you’ll be thankful you splurged on. Especially when you have to wheel your dirty laundry all the way across your dorm.
14. A Rug, $9.99
image via Ikea
Make your dorm room cozier by adding a cute rug. Pick your favorite pattern and let your personality show!
15. Pillows, $9.99
image via Ikea
You can never have too many pillows, especially if you’re away from home for the first time. Stock up on different shapes, sizes, and colors. Or maybe even make your own!
Watch this video from The Sorry Girls for more dorm room essentials:
Dorm room essentials don’t have to be expensive, you just need to know where to look. There are a lot of great bargains, especially now school’s almost starting. Happy decorating!
Want more inspiration like these dorm room essentials? Check these out!
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Featured Image via Ikea
Originally posted on August 8, 2016 @ 2:39 PM
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