• Style Guides
    • All Style Guides & Tips
    • Boho Style Essentials
    • Classic Style Essentials
    • Edgy Style Essentials
    • College Wardrobe Essentials
  • College
    • All College Articles
    • Dorm Bedding 2020
    • College School Supplies Checklist
    • Dorm Color Scheme Guide
    • Dorm Organization Tips
  • Outfit Ideas
    • All Outfit Inspo
    • College Outfits
    • 21st Birthday Outfits
    • Cold Weather Outfits
  • Sorority
    • All Things Sorority
    • Sorority Rush Essentials
    • Sorority Rush Outfits
  • Shopping
    • All Shopping Guides
    • Best Budget Fashion Stores
    • Where to Buy Sweaters
    • Best Online Thrift Stores
    • Timeless Jewelry Guide
  • Beauty
    • All Things Beauty
    • Makeup Essentials Guide
  • Valentine’s
    • All Valentine’s Posts
    • Valentine’s Day Gifts 2021
    • Valentines Gifts for Boyfriend
    • Valentine’s Day Gifts for Girlfriend
    • Cute Valentines Outfits
    • Galentine’s Day 2021
College Fashion
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Write for us

College Dorm Room Shopping Part 2: Furnishings [Updated 2020]

Tips and tricks for buying furnishings for college, plus a shopping guide full of cute dorm room pieces.

Last Updated on June 26, 2020 by Zephyr - CF Editor
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.
Wild and free room styled by dormify.
Dormify

This is part two of College Fashion’s “College Dorm Room Shopping” series. For the first part of the series, I focused on Dorm Room Bedding. Today I’m going to focus on Dorm Room Furnishings.

Furnishing a dorm room is easy because most of what you need will come with your room (desk, closet, bed, dresser). At the same time, it can also be tricky because you will be working with a very small space. 

Here are my top tips for shopping for dorm room furnishings:

  1. Talk to your roommate. You will save yourself a lot of time and money if you talk to your roommate about who’s bringing what for your room. You don’t want to get to school on move in day with two of everything. Trust me, there won’t be room for it all.
  2. Check your college’s website. They will list what is going to come with your room as well as any items that are off-limits, so you will have a good picture of what’s missing and what you need to buy.
  3. Invest in storage bins. You won’t realize how much stuff you have until you try and pack it up. Buy some good quality plastic storage bins and moving will be easier – plus, you’ll have a place to put everything!
  4. Don’t get heavy furniture. It may seem obvious, but truly: the lighter the better. Don’t bring a huge hand-me-down wooden dresser that takes 3 people to lift. It’s much more of a hassle than you’re going to want to deal with.
  5. Get lamps. Dorm rooms usually come equipped with one big fluorescent light that is supposed to provide lighting for the entire room. First of all, it’s usually not bright enough. Also, when your roommate wants to sleep but you have a paper to write, you’ll be happy to have a small desk lamp on your side of the room.
  6. Buy a rug. There’s nothing cozy or homey about linoleum floors! I recommend investing in a good quality, durable rug for your floor to make your room more livable.

Cute Dorm Room Furnishings

Now that you know what to look for, here are some of my picks for some great dorm room furnishings you should consider.

Dorm room furniture - Simple bronze triangle nightstand from Urban Outfitters.
Triangle Side Table | Buy at Urban Outfitters
Click Here to Buy

Chances are, your dorm will need a little nightstand. This triangle one is made for unusual or tricky-to-furnish spaces. Plus, it’s super hip and will add some much-needed life to a basic space.

White fuzzy collapsible chair - best dorm furnishings for girls
Buy from Amazon.com

If you’ve got room for a chair, this well-designed, collapsable chair will do the trick. Trust me, you’re going to get very tired of sitting on your uncomfortable bed, so having a cozy alternative is great. 

Gold Desk Lamp | Buy at Target
Click Here to Buy

You’re going to need to buy some secondary lighting for your dorm, so why not make sure it adds style to your room? This pretty gold task lamp is everything you could ever want.

White shabby chic nightstand with top drawer and space for bins.
Wooden Night Stand with Storage Drawer | Buy at Amazon
Buy from Amazon.com

Utilizing your space in the most efficient way possible is so incredibly important in a dorm. This white nightstand has character and charm… and an abundance of storage!

College dorm room furnishings - Mosaic medallion rug in shades of navy, light blue, orange, and cream from Rugs USA.
Mosaic Rug | Buy at RugsUSA
Click Here to Buy

This busy, detailed rug is exactly what any dorm room needs; it’s colorful, funky, fun, and won’t show stains from spilled beverages and food!

Weathertight clear storage bins for closet organization.
Clear Storage Boxes | Buy at The Container Store
Click Here to Buy

Invest in quality storage bins. They may not be the most exciting things you’ll buy for your dorm adventure, but they will probably end up being your most cherished items. An organized life is a happy life.

College dorm room furnishings - Umbra over-the-door hook organizer for jackets, bags, scarves, and purses from PB Teen.
Wooden Over the Door Hanger | Buy at The Container Store
Click Here to Buy

Get creative with your space! Who knew using a door could be such a fantastic place to hang scarves, jackets, purses, and bags? An over-the-door hanger is a necessity.

College dorm room furniture - Cute storage ottoman in gray tweed
Foldable Storage Ottoman | Buy at Amazon
Buy from Amazon.com

This multi-purpose ottoman can act as shoe storage, a mini coffee table, and seating for your friends when they come visit. Basically, it’s perfect in every way.

Macrame and wood simple wall shelf from Urban Outfitters.
Macrame Hanging Shelf | Buy at Urban Outfitters
Click Here to Buy

This simple shelf will add a little flair to your space. Think of all the cute things you can put on it! Why not get two? Or three? 

Citron yellow and white woven flat weave rug from Target with fringe edges.
Bettina Rug | Buy at Target
Click Here to Buy

This woven rug from Target can take a beating. Plus, it will brighten up your entire space and make your dorm feel like home! 

Umbra skinny trash can in blue
Skinny Trash Can | Buy at Amazon
Buy from Amazon.com

When you’re working with a small space, you won’t want a big trash can taking up valuable real estate. This colorful little gem from Amazon will do the trick and it’s just over $5!

More Information

Check out the rest of the posts in the College Dorm Room Shopping series to get everything you need for a fabulous dorm:

  • College Dorm Room Shopping Part 1: Bedding
  • College Dorm Room Shopping Part 3: Storage
  • College Dorm Room Shopping Part 4: Decorations

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in 2007; it was completely updated and revamped in 2020 with new photos, products, and information.

Tags : Dorm life, Dorm Room Design, Furniture, shopping guide, Target, Urban Outfitters

Leave a Comment
Originally published on June 25, 2019
Previous Music Video Inspiration: Taylor Swift’s ‘You Need To Calm Down’
Next My Ride or Die Skincare Necessities

Related Posts

Doc Martens Outfits: How to Wear Dr. Martens Like a Pro...

3 Spring Trends that Work for Work

5 Steps to Update Your Wardrobe Without Breaking the Ba...

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • pinterest
  • bloglovin

SEARCH CF

Get the latest CF updates! (Delivered weekly, no spam ever, unsubscribe anytime.)

Best of 2020: Fashion, Beauty, College Essentials, and More!

All of my favorites from an unforgettable year, to say the least.

Here Are the Best Valentines Gifts for Boyfriend in 2021 (Unique & Thoughtful)

Need the perfect gift for your boyfriend? Here are some great gift ideas he definitely doesn’t have yet.

Vintage Posts

Copyright © 2007-2021 College Fashion LLC | Contact • Privacy Policy • Terms of Service • Disclosure • Write for Us