1. A projector light so you can turn the weird off-white walls of your dorm into the twinkling skies of Iceland. This one is loved for its customization options; you can change everything from the brightness, spin speed, color pattern, and the appearance of the "stars.
" Oh, and it also doubles as a Bluetooth speaker, so you can play The Very Best of Enya while dozing off under the stars. Promising review: "My daughter and her roommate absolutely love all the features of this product. They use it as night-light and it helps them relax as well.
" — Reinski Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in five styles). 2.
And a mesmerizing color-changing moon lamp to really tie together the night sky vibes. Unlike other novelty lamps, this one comes with a rechargeable battery, so you can easily move it around the room without needing to be by an outlet. It's also easy to remove from the base, meaning you can even carry it to the bathroom when the hallway is feeling extra dim and creepy.
Promising review: "This lamp is going to look great in my dorm room! There are so many colors to switch to. Very excited and pleased with this purchase and highly recommend to my fellow galaxy lovers :)" — sisinmiami Get it from Amazon for $19.53+ (available in two base styles).
3. A cup holder that attaches to square bedposts, which is honestly so simple yet so genius. While it's obviously perfect for drinks, reviewers also say that it's great for storing everything from remotes to eyeglasses.
Everyone who steps foot in your dorm will ask where you bought it. Promising review: "I bought this for my son for his dorm room bed. He loved it so much he asked me to buy him another.
The first one is up by his head and holds his remote and glasses at night, and the second one is at the foot of his bed by his desk and holds his large water bottle or mug. He received both very quickly." — Jill M.
Grad Tech Solutions is a small business based in Riverside, Connecticut. Get it from Grad Tech Solutions on Etsy for $14.99 .
4. A retro-chic and surprisingly spacious Frigidaire mini fridge so you can hide your Diet Coke stash away from your roomie. It's the perfect size for a small desk, and it's not just for food — tons of reviewers use it to keep their skincare products cool as well.
Promising review: "Great little mini fridge for a dorm room which is what I bought it for. Holds six cans and some soda stream mix-ins easily." — Stephanie Get it from Amazon for $29.
98+ (available in seven colors). 5. A candle warmer because, let's be honest, most dorms smell a little musty.
It uses a 50-watt halogen warming bulb to melt the wax, so you can scent the room without breaking your school's "no open flames" policy. Plus, it includes a built-in timer, so you won't accidentally leave it on the entire time you're away for winter break. Just be sure to brush up on your school's policy on items with warming bulbs, and owning candles in general.
Promising review: "I live in a dorm, so I am not allowed to light candles; I love candles, so I thought this would be a good product. It was a great price! Works great, is so so so so so cute! The timer works accurately; I like being able to dim it. I’ve had it for over a month and it’s working great.
" — Z Get it from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in 13 styles). 6.
Or a reed diffuser for a continuous stream of scent — reviewers love that this one also doubles as cute decor thanks to the included preserved flowers. New to reed diffusers? They're so simple and low-maintenance: just unscrew the cap on the bottle of fragrance oil, insert the diffuser sticks and preserved flowers, then sit back as the oil seeps into the sticks and emits the scent! Promising review: "This is so beautiful and works well with the vibe of our dorm. And the fragrance is delivering.
We opened our door to invite some dormmates in, and the first thing they did was compliment the scent of our room. Our friends always wanna hang out in our room ‘cos of the vibe, and this product wraps everything up nicely." — Elizandrei Galzote Get it from Amazon for $19.
99 (available in 32 scents and a pack of two). 7. Or! A set of realistic flameless candles so you can still get that cozy glow without the risk of burning your dorm down.
Reviewers love that these have a super convenient remote control with different timer settings so you can make sure you aren't wasting any of that precious battery power. Pssst! You'll need three AA batteries in each, so go ahead and pick up a pack of 20 while you're at it. Promising review: "I loveeee these! I bought some last year for my dorm room, and always get compliments on how real they looked! They are very cozy that I decided to buy another for my room back at home :)" — Amyla Get a pack of three from Amazon for $35.
80 . 8. A strand of butterfly-shaped string lights that are majestic enough to make you feel like you've left your dorm and entered a secret garden.
.. well, at least until your roommate comes back and kills the serene vibes.
It's USB-powered, and many reviewers say it's the perfect brightness level to use as a night-light. Promising review: "I love the way these look hanging up in my dorm room. I looks so good that I bought another one.
The USB plug-in is so convenient, and it comes with its own USB extension for if it does not reach your outlet!" — Catriona S. Get it from Amazon for $18.99 (available in three colors).
9. Or a 17-foot strip of LED fairy string lights — a dorm-room must-have — with the added bonus of 50 photo clips so you can fill your wall with your favorite memories. These have racked up over 5,000 rave ratings, with many buyers noting that they are not too bright and very easy to hang (though some recommend picking up a pack of Command hooks !).
These require three AA batteries (not included), so be sure to pick up a pack while you're at it. Promising review: "I bought them for my dorm room. They are really nice and now my room is way more cozy than it was before.
I would always buy them again. To hang them up, I bought little sticky hooks. It works perfectly.
" — Tessa Get it from Amazon for $11.98 . 10.
Or!! A boho-chic macrame version that's so adorable you'll probably keep it for your first post-grad apartment. It includes spots for 30 photos and a 16-foot string of battery-powered LED lights with a built-in timer. Reviewers say it's super sturdy, easy to hang, and looks exactly like the photos on Amazon.
This requires two AA batteries (not included), so be sure to pick up a pack while you're at it. Promising review: "Love it! I used this in my dorm to display my Polaroids. I love how you can unravel the string for more room.
I used a small command hook, and it’s not too heavy." — AmaonUser9968 Get it from Amazon for $15.98 (available in three colors).
11. A flower pillow to add some vibrancy to the drab bedding set you had to buy because all the fun options were sold out by the time made it to Bed, Bath & Beyond. Reviewers say it's the perfect nap pillow since it's not too thick but not too thin, while others use it as a seat cushion for uncomfortable chairs — and all dorm room chairs are uncomfy.
Promising review: "I’ve had it for months now, and it’s maintained its fluffiness. The color is the exact same as the picture. It’s very comfortable, and it made for cute dorm decoration.
" — Jazmyn L Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in three sizes and 16 colors). 12.
A celestially serene moon phases wall hanging reviewers say looks much more expensive than it actually is. It's also super versatile: hang it on the wall, or make like Sailor Moon and drape it from the ceiling for a dangling touch of moon prism power. Promising review: "I bought this for my dorm room and I love it.
Very easy to hang up...
I used push pins since you cannot nail anything into the wall since it is a dorm room. Looks so cute and it is the perfect size." — Natalie S.
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in two sizes and three colors). 13.
A tool-free adhesive shelf from the makers of the trusty Command Hooks so you'll have a place to put your artwork, knick-knacks, and random Funko Pops. It's perfect if you're looking to add a bit of personality to your walls but aren't really a tapestry person. Reviewers note that this is easily removable and doesn't damage the paint, so you can rest assured you won't get a surprise bill when you move out.
Promising review: "These shelves are just what my daughter needed for her dorm room. They fit perfectly above her bed. Easy to put up and I assume they will be easy to take down.
No need for holes in the wall. Love it!!!" — Holly B. Get it from Amazon for $16.
85+ (available in two colors). 14. An eye-catching floral clock to bring some spring vibes to the dreary fall back-to-school season — and analog clocks are just way more cute than digital.
Reviewers note this one is super quiet, which your roommate will be eternally grateful for. Promising review: "Just got my whimsical clock! It’s adorable and the pop of orange was just what I wanted. Also, as others have said, it is very quiet.
" — Jacquelyn H. Blu Skyz Ahead is a small business based in Kīhei, Hawaii that specializes in giftable items. Get it from Blu Skyz Ahead on Etsy for $43.
36 (available in two base colors). 15. An adorable toaster light that'll make you squeal with delight every time it catches your eye — and gets surprisingly bright for its tiny footprint.
It's also easily adjustable; one short press on the toggle will turn it on, while a long press will slowly dim the brightness until it's low enough to not disturb your roommate during your late-night study session. Promising review: "I gave it as a gift to my daughter (college-age), and she loved it. It's adorable and lights up — not too bright, but great as a novelty night-light for dorm.
" — Jennifer P. Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in three colors).
16. A super vibrant desk mat to cover the boring, worn-down wood finish of your dorm's desk. This one has rave reviews for looking even more cheery and vibrant in person, and many also say the material feels high-quality.
Promising review: "This mat is sooooo nice!! It's huge and the colors are super bright. It looks exactly like the picture" — Amelia G. Eska and the Alpenglow is a small business Lampasas, Texas offering unique items with hand-drawn artwork.
Get it from Eska and the Alpenglow on Etsy for $32.25+ (available in two sizes). 17.
A window cling that'll add a bit of extra privacy to your side of the room and, more importantly, fill it with colorful rainbows! Thousands of reviewers love it, saying that it lets just enough light in while still providing similar privacy to blinds or curtains. Best of all, it's easily removable so you won't risk damaging school property. Read more about this dazzling rainbow window film .
Promising review: "This was great for privacy! I purchased it because I live on the bottom floor of a dorm next to a high-traffic walkway. It works great at letting light in during the day while keeping my space private day and night."— Erica J.
Get it from Amazon for $5.99+ (available in 11 sizes and three colors). 18.
A set of fake but totally convincing vines , which is really the easiest and quickest way to transform your dorm from boring to nature-chic. Hang these up anywhere, and BOOM, you suddenly live in the jungle. While there are plenty of options on Amazon, these have garnered more than 30,000 5-star ratings for looking surprisingly realistic and easy to spread out.
Note: Several reviewers noted a chemical smell upon opening the package, but many say it dissipates once the leaves are aired out. Promising review: "Looks great. I have gotten a lot of compliments on it.
I put it up in my dorm room as a headboard. Attached it to the top of the wall w the command decorating hooks." — paackerm Get 12 strands from Amazon for $8.
99 . 19. Or a set of string-of-pearl wall decals you can easily stick anywhere in your dorm — from right above your bed to that awkward empty space behind your tiny closet.
It's perfect if you want the look of fake vines without the hassle of draping them perfectly. Promising review: "We used these to decorate a dorm room since we can’t use nails for hanging pictures. They came out lovely, and we are so happy with how cheerful they make the room look.
"— Michelle H. Get it from Amazon for $11.99 .
20. An upgrade to the boring, flimsy picture frames that are simply not doing your fabulous photos any justice. These have adorable (and customizable!) flower decorations and text options to add a sentimental touch to your nightside table or desk.
Check it out on TikTok here ! Promising review: "I am lost for words when it comes to describing how amazing these frames truly are! I have purchased four frames in total from this business, and every time, I am more and more amazed by her work! These frames are truly incredible and make for the perfect gift for any occasion or even for a keepsake of your favorite memory!! I highly recommend this business!" — Rosemary C. Empyrean The Collective is a small business based in Australia that specializes in personalized picture frames. Get it from Empyrean The Collective for $27 (available in two sizes and various customization options).
21. An adorable cherry blossom tabletop lamp to add a bit of whimsy to your drab dorm. The branches are bendable, so you can customize the shape, and the LED lights are designed to stay cool to the touch.
One reviewer noted that it "gives that 'twinkly light' vibe without the hassle of setting them up," so it's especially perfect for all my fellow lazy decorators out there. Promising review: "Beautiful for a college dorm room. I loved everything about it.
Absolutely beautiful!!!" — Amazon Customer Promising review: "This is a wonderful piece; everything we wanted for subtle light in the corner of our dining room without getting yet another lamp. And what a conversation starter! It looks exactly the way it appears in the online photos, is easy to bend and shape and the black stand is perfect. We have it sitting on a black side table which gives the appearance of a little tree growing right out of the top.
I love it! If you are looking for a touch of classy whimsy in your home, this fills the bill." — Dedicated Shopper Get it from Amazon for $23+ (available in two lighting colors). 22.
An adorable cloud-shaped magnetic key holder that'll stop you from having the dreaded "oh no, I forgot my keys!" moment when you're running late for class in the morning. Reviewers note that there's enough space for two sets of keys, so you can easily share this helpful little cloud with your roomie! Check it out in action on TikTok here ! Promising review: "I bought this after only the third time of getting locked out my room from rushing or morning brain fog. I live in a shared space/dorm so I always keep my door locked up.
The paint on the walls is super fragile and rips off with sticky stuff so I just chose to stick it onto my glass calendar thats mounted to my wall. It’s right by my room door and I haven’t forgotten my keys since!" — Tashanna J. Get it from Amazon for $7.
68 . 23. A set of desk organizers in a stunning shade of gold to keep your desk looking tidy and Instagram-ready at all times.
It comes with a mail sorter, sticky note holder, pen cup, magazine file holder, and hanging file folder organizer. Prepare to take these with you to your first post-grad office! Promising review: "This desk set is beautiful! It exceeded my expectations. It’s understated and elegant.
If you’re considering this as I did for a few weeks, just get it — you’ll be happy that you did." — Sconsetgirl Blu Monaco is an Etsy shop that specializes in organization and decor. Get the set of five from Blu Monaco on Etsy for $45 .
24. A set of owl-shaped plant pots that perch upon their very own bamboo stand to offer wisdom and study guidance while keeping your succulents looking their best. It comes with everything you need to easily assemble it yourself (because who has a full tool kit in their dorm?), and it even includes drainage holes for easy maintenance.
Need some succulents? Reviewers love this five-pack that comes fully rooted in soil. Promising review: "This is so cute! I love the size as I bought it to put in my dorm room. Doesn’t take up a lot of space, but still big enough to hold my succulents! The wood stand is very sturdy, and the pots are ceramic and durable.
I would buy again!" — unknown Get a set of three from Amazon for $16.99 . 25.
A TikTok-famous microwavable popcorn popper, in case you need something to snack on when you abandon your homework for a late-night Netflix session. Satisfied customers say it makes theater-worthy popcorn and is so simple to use. Start by adding kernels to the lid, then pour them in the popper, microwave for up to three minutes, and snack away while making your roomie super jealous.
Oh, and don't forget to add a slab of butter to the lid while microwaving for the true move theater experience! Promising review: "This popcorn maker was perfect for the dorm! I prefer making popcorn than microwave popcorn, and something about this just makes it so much better!" — Lauren S. Get it from Amazon for $10.49+ (available in six colors and two sizes).
26. And a folding tabletop mirror with some impressively bright lights that will have you saying, "Hey guys, welcome back to my channel!" like the glamorous beauty influencer you were meant to be. Also, those overhead fluorescent dorm lights are downright terrible for making sure your concealer is perfectly blended.
Reviewers say the lights are the perfect brightness and that it feels surprisingly sturdy. The 21 LED lights can be easily dimmed with the touch sensor button and can be powered with either batteries or a USB cord — so you can leave it permanently plugged in or take it around with you. It also has an adjustable swivel base with a nifty storage tray and two magnified mirrors on the right side.
Promising review: "Got this three years ago for my dorm room and it’s still in great condition. The LED lights are awesome and dim as well. It can lean back suuuuuper far, though I always have it upright.
" — B Get it from Amazon for $23.98+ (available in seven colors). You and the roomie vibing in your not-boring dorm: Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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