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Home Finds
8 Must-have College Dorm Room Essentials for 2025
Whether you're starting your college journey or heading back for another semester, a well-designed dorm room makes all the difference. With the perfect balance of comfort and function, even the smallest space can become a cozy, stylish retreat that works for both study and downtime. This checklist has everything you need to make it yours.
Home Finds
8 Must-have College Dorm Room Essentials for 2025
Whether you're starting your college journey or heading back for another semester, a well-designed dorm room makes all the difference. With the perfect balance of comfort and function, even the smallest space can become a cozy, stylish retreat that works for both study and downtime. This checklist has everything you need to make it yours.
For students living on campus, dorm rooms typically come with the basics: a standard bed frame, some storage, a desk, and a chair. But there's plenty of room to make it your own. A great place to start is with a rug—it’s a simple upgrade that adds personality while helping to define key areas, like your study zone or sleeping space. (It can even subtly separate your side of the room from your roommate’s!)
Dorm room overhead lighting doesn’t do anyone any favors, especially when you’re burning the midnight oil. Add a desk lamp that will provide focused, adjustable light for late-night study sessions without flooding the whole room. It’s a simple addition that reduces eye strain and gives off a softer ambiance than those harsh ceiling lights.
Blank dorm walls can feel cold and impersonal, but think of them as a blank canvas! Add wall art that brings personality, color, and a sense of identity to your space. Decorate your walls with photos from home and prints that inspire you, to make your dorm feel truly yours.
Dorm beds aren’t exactly stylish, but adding pillows can change that fast. Use them to bring in pops of color, fun patterns, or rich textures that elevate your space. Whether bold or neutral, they'll add visual interest and make your bed look more put-together. Plus, they double as extra support for studying, lounging, or hosting friends.
If you’re living off campus and furnishing your own space, you now have the freedom to pick your own pieces. First off, a reliable desk. Look for one with enough surface area for your laptop, books, and a few essentials, plus built-in storage if space is tight.
A comfortable desk chair is key to making study time more productive. Long hours at your desk are easier when you have proper support, especially for your back and posture. Pick a chair that’s adjustable and cushioned, so it has your back for marathon assignments and quick catch-up sessions.
A dresser is a game-changer for keeping your space organized and clutter-free. When shopping for dressers, keep dimensions in mind, so it fits your space, has enough drawers for your clothes and essentials, and could double as extra surface for lamps, books, and decor. Opt for simple, durable materials that can handle frequent moves.
When choosing a bookshelf as a college student, think beyond just books. A good bookshelf should offer a mix of open storage and display space for textbooks, notebooks, decor, and even small storage bins. Bonus points if it’s easy to assemble and matches your room’s style without overwhelming it!
Published July 09, 2025
Charlotte Weld
Director of Digital Content
I’m Charlotte, the Director of Digital Content at Furniture.com, where I lead the creative direction for our Inspiration blog and the marketing layer of our website.
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