As it’s nearly back-to-school time, I started thinking about my own college digs. My dorm room was ugly — as in, burgundy and hunter green ugly. Obviously, those were the days before design websites for inspiration. I thought it would be fun to shop around for what I might use if I were to receive a dorm room do-over. Here’s a roundup of 20 trendy and colorful products which would make any dorm room a little more fun. — Emily from Emily A. Clarke
Garnet Hill
Round Wire Baskets – $128
These wire baskets are great for storage. I’d fill them with towels, linens or publications. They could even create a fashionable trash can beside the desk.
Garnet Hill
Chevron Flat-Weave Wool Rug – $68
You can not paint your sub walls, so I’d opt for a big, colorful pattern on the ground with those modern chevron rugs.
Garnet Hill
French Stripe Jersey-Knit Bedding – $28
Striped sheets add a graphic punch to your mattress, even if you keep the remainder of your bedding easy.
Home Decorators Collection
Martha Stewart Living Fabric Drawer – $7
All these storage cubes are perfect for hiding clutter or storing papers and books. They come in many different colors and fit perfectly on a cubby-style bookcase.
Etsy
Dowloadable Typography Art Print, Dream Big by Typographics – $5
This colorful poster is an enjoyable daily reminder that the world is your oyster!
Etsy
Decorative Bulletin Board, Big by Only Lally
Bring in a little color and pattern when displaying your favourite pictures and notes on this fabric-covered memo board.
Etsy
Button Push Pins by When It Rains – $4
Why use routine thumbtacks when you can add color with these fun button ones? They are the perfect complement to the fabric memo board.
PBteen
While You Were Out Message Board Decal – $59
There’s no explanation for the roommate not to give you a telephone message with this oversized decal.
Etsy
Shower Curtain, Zig Zag, Ash Gray by Elisabeth Michael – $199
If you’re fortunate enough to not need to share a community bathroom, use one of those adorable chevron shower curtains. The bows make them additional fun.
BeddingStyle
Perry Ellis Fire Island 2-Piece Bath Mat Set – $19.99
Your bath mats can bring vivid colors into a drab space. I’d mix these up in plenty of shades.
Colors of Light
Bedside Clamp Lamp – $149
Since dorm rooms are often tight, this clamp lamp is perfect for providing job light whilst not taking up valuable desk space. Plus, the metallic end adds a nice industrial texture.
Shop Ten 25
Kiss The Sky Art Print – $280
These birds will add a fun, modern punch to any drab dorm wall.
Etsy
Decal Headboard, Overlapping Squares by Decals Murals – $34.99
Forget ugly dorm furniture! I’d use this graphic headboard decal to provide my bed design without taking up one square inch of valuable space.
Grandin Road
Antiqued Metal Letters and Symbols – $29
Typography art adds a daring texture to any wall. I’d use these colorful letters to create my initials or perhaps a reminder to S-T-U-D-Y.
Anthropologie
Counting Stitches Pillow – $98
I love this easy pillow. Even if you don’t have space for many accessories, then this provides just the ideal amount of color to a double bed or accent chair.
Anthropologie
Plunged Pencil Cup, Yellow – $12
This little pencil cup is a great desktop accessory, and it can double as a vase.
Coastal Living Cottage Table Desk, Beach Cruiser
I would have felt much better about researching if I had had a brightly colored desk similar to this one. I love the bamboo-style legs.
Etsy
Big Pouf Floor Pillow, DwellStudio Dotscape, Charcoal by Aletafae
This massive pouf ottoman is comfy and graphic. I’d use it as an extra chair, foot stool or possibly just a little coffee table with a tray.
Belle Chaise
Bristol Chair With DwellStudio Gate Fabric – $349
Cute (and comfortable) desk seats are tough to find. I like the way the bright, modern fabric gives this normal office chair a fresh appearance.
Bellacor
Bai Design Cyber Orange Designer Pick-Me-Up Alarm Clock – $36.95
If you hate to hear the sound of your alarm in the morning, hopefully this adorable orange clock will make it a little simpler to rise and shine.
More: Produce a Chic First Apartment to a Dorm Room Budget