31 Stylish Dorm Room Decor Ideas to Spruce Up Your Spartan Space (2024)

Bulletin boards: Not just for RAs, and not just available in cork. Use one to post up reminders and photos in a tasteful, no-nails-required way.

Extra storage for books and files that easily tacks onto surfaces without cluttering up your desk space.

Just one buck gets you a set of hooks that look infinitely better than command strips.

You'd be surprised what a bouquet of flowers in a nice vase will do for your mental well-being.

With the sound quality to match its looks, this turntable will let everyone in your dorm know what an audiophile you are (at a reasonable volume).

Get you some furniture that pulls triple duty as a storage container, spare chair, and foot rest.

You're not going to paint your dorm room walls (even if that were allowed) but you can still give them a facelift with some peel-and-stick designs.

One way to get a leg up on making friends freshman year: a conversation starter of a dorm room fridge.

Minimalist bookends that will prop up your weighty tomes when you're not poring over them.

Pothos plants are known as Golden Devil's Ivy for a reason, they're basically impossible to kill. Move your greenery with you each year. Name it Steve.

You got the plant. May as well find a home for it.

A lighting solution that would make Noguchi proud. Just make sure you get a lantern cord, and for the full effect, add a smart bulb!

Liven up the drab new futon you bought or add a pop of color to your twin XL dorm bed.

Light it up anytime you're anticipating company to clear up the lingering pizza box smell.

One sip from the right mug is all it takes to brighten your day.

A color scheme that’s dark enough to conceal all the dust and grit you'll trek in, plus washable when it inevitably needs a refresh.

Considering that you've probably already bought a great wristwatch and, uh, own a smartphone, you're probably never going to look at your desk clock for the time. Might as well get one that'll add a lovely splash of color to your set up.

Gantri's 3-D-printed lamps are basically functional art for your workspace.

A comfy and ergonomic spot to park your tush when you're burning the midnight oil.

Something to unload your pockets into, and keep everything essential (keys, chapstick, and your ID cards—both government-issued and, uh, manufactured) close at hand.

Hang this like decor on your dorm room wall or use it for its intended purpose (swaddling yourself in during Netflix marathons).

Something artful for your living space that's not a black-and-white Einstein photo or a cheesy band poster. It'll make your space feel that much brighter.

The only extension cord with a design worth tripping over.

Every desk needs one.

Step it up from string lights with a panel of smart wall lights that bring mood lighting to a whole new level by syncing up to whatever music or show you're streaming. Is it a late-night study session or is it a rave?

It'll make any cluttered small room feel more put-together.

When it's not propping up your headphones or being used by your roommate to make rude gestures, it's a solid conversation starter.

This vintage-looking radio is perfect for studying with the dulcet tones of Terry Gross as background noise.

A coffee tool so beautiful, it's listed in the MoMA collection. With just some filters and a cheap electric kettle, you'll probably be able to make better coffee than any student-run cafe.

A laundry basket that you won't want to just shove into the back of your closet.

Make a great first impression on your hallmates.