For new college students, dorm rooms are a home away from home — a space where they can study, socialize and recharge — so it’s important that it’s a much-needed escape (and decorated accordingly). The only problem? Most run-of-the-mill dorm decor you may find at stores tends to be more drab than fab. If you’re looking for something more unique, shopping on Etsy is the perfect way to turn a bland dorm room into a personality-packed oasis, with hundreds of custom, handmade and original goods that will amp up any dorm on any budget.
“College students are increasingly turning to unique, affordable and standout dorm decor options that lean into their sense of self-expression,” says Etsy’s trend expert Dayna Isom Johnson. “Etsy is the perfect place to find original and even personalized, one-of-a-kind items to make your dorm feel like home, from wall art that doesn’t break the notorious “no holes” policy to more functional finds like closet organizers and faux headboards.”
You may already have your dorm essentials, textbooks and school supplies figured out, but we tapped Isom Johnson for some of her favorite, on-trend Etsy items to shop ahead of move-in day and added some of our eye-catching favorites as well.
Etsy dorm bedding essentials
“Think about what you want from your space that will help you settle in, feel comfortable and speak to you as an individual,”?Isom Johnson says.?“Whether it’s a cohesive theme or a flurry of items and aesthetics, there are countless ways to make a standard-issue dorm your own.” If you don’t want to commit to a fully western theme, this pink cowboy boot pillow will help you add a funky, playful pop to your bed without going overboard.
“Adding a statement throw or pillow gives the perfect pop of color and personality to a bedspread or chair,”?Isom Johnson says. With a rich blue background and earth-toned mushrooms, this throw looks great on neutral bedding or draped on the back of your desk chair.
“To bring the time-honored-textiles trend to your dorm, I love quilted bedding and one-of-a-kind crochet pillows as accent pieces,” Isom Johnson says. This cotton quilt is a great way to add some subtle pattern to your dorm without overpowering the rest of the room.
“Cozy crochet, quilted and embroidered details are having a moment, creating the perfect blend of vintage and modern styles,” Isom Johnson says.?“In most dorm rooms, the bed is the focal point, so consider knitted throw blankets or decorative pillows as a way to create eye-catching, detailed accent pieces.”?This knitting pattern download is perfect for the student who loves a dorm room DIY, but those less inclined can also shop a range of premade throw pillows on Etsy.
Etsy is also full of bedding options from linen sheets to duvet covers and more. These gingham pillowcases will help you nail that airy cottagecore vibe in your dorm.
Whether your student is toting a Stanley, Yeti, HydroFlask or other water bottle around campus, this bedside cup holder will make sure they never go thirsty during the night.
Etsy dorm floor decor
This Moroccan pouf can help give students a boost if their bed is lofted, functions as a footrest while they work at their desk or serves as an extra seat when friends come by.
Rugs are a great way to make a space feel cozier and prevent your feet from hitting cold floors first thing in the morning. This circle-shaped sunburst rug makes a great addition to a dorm desk space.
For covering large areas, like the floor next to your bed, this solid pink rug with tassel edging can help add warmth to your dorm.
In a dorm, having extra storage options is always a good thing. This rope basket can store blankets, towels, sweatshirts or other dorm essentials like laundry and bath supplies, plus it’s cute enough to leave peeking out from under your bed or on display in your room.
Etsy dorm lighting
“Decorative lamps also bring a cozy vibe to dorm rooms that can make even the latest of all-nighters more bearable,” Isom Johnson says. This modern desk lamp from Terra Labs Design is one of her favorites, with a soft glow that won’t keep roommates stirring late at night.
Isom Johnson also loves this smiley neon sign, which is part wall art and part functional light. It’s available in 10 colors so you’ll be able to pick one that doesn’t clash with the rest of your dorm decor.
“The right lighting is so important in creating a relaxed environment, whether it be to focus and study or wind down and get some sleep,” Isom Johnson says. These fairy lights are perfect for adding a subtle glow to any room, whether you wind them around a piece of artwork, a bedpost or along the wall.
Etsy dorm wall decor
Isom Johnson says one of this year’s biggest trends for dorm decor is travel-inspired artwork, with increased searches for prints inspired by Mykonos, the Amalfi coast and Athens on Etsy. “With pieces like these, students can be transported to their favorite places and bring vibrancy and character to typically dull spaces,” she says.?The vivid colors in these Amalfi coast prints will help bring some brightness to any plain dorm wall.
At a loss for wall art? “Pick your favorite place or your dream vacation spot as your wall art this year,” Isom Johnson says. These simple posters are inspired by well-known beach destinations and are delivered instantly via a digital file, so you can print them to exactly the size you want.
Command hooks are vital for hanging towels, accessories and even art in a college dorm, but we know they’re not the most aesthetic. For something a bit more fun, this curly wall hook is a chicer alternative that holds lightweight items like hats, keys and lanyards. Just be sure to secure it with strong, wall-safe adhesive strips.
For a boho dorm vibe, this macramé shelf can display small sentimental trinkets and add more dimension to a wall covered with flat posters and photos.
Whether you're going to school just a few miles away, states away or countries away, it’s always nice to have a bit of home with you. In addition to all your favorite photos, grab this custom map featuring your hometown and let everyone know just where you come from.
“If you’re feeling homesick or nostalgic, dynamic picture frames that double as wall art can be a great way to keep friends and family close by while elevating your space,” Isom Johnson says. We love that this macramé photo holder looks good whether it’s packed with nostalgic photos or hanging empty waiting to be filled by new prints.
Easily hangable in any room, you can also set this dry-erase board up on your desk. It’s great for jotting down important due dates or reminders and is small enough to take on the go when you want to use it as a study aid too.?
Etsy desk decor
This desk organizer won’t take up too much space on your dorm’s desk, but it's still roomy enough to hold notebooks, planners, pens, tools and more.
A nook for your phone, this 3D-printed phone holder will help keep device distractions minimized during study time.
Bookworms and green thumbs alike will love these planter pots, which can hold small desk-side succulents or adorn your dorm’s windowsill to help bring a bit of nature indoors.
This desk mat is not only a functional item that keeps your workspace protected but it adds a fun pop of color and print to a boring desk.
This trinket tray will help students keep track of sentimental items on their desk or dresser. Use it for anything from rings and necklaces to daily must-haves like their dorm room keys and student ID.
