Skip to main content
To revisit this article, select My Account, thenView saved stories
Sign In
Find anything you save across the site in your account
Find anything you save across the site in your account
GQ Recommends
Sleek lighting, organizers, and accessories that'll make your tiny room feel a little less sad.
By Daniel Varghese and Tyler Chin
Researching “dorm room decor ideas” online doesn't always surface the most promising results. Between string lights and Polaroid photo walls, there's a lot that can designate you as a college student with a small budget, but not much to telegraph your personality or tastes. Striking a balance between a bare and uninviting college dorm room and a space that's extremely loud and incredibly gauche really just requires finding a few excellent design pieces that you can pepper throughout.
These pieces can be bold, like swishy pants, or elegant, like Common Projects, but there shouldn't be too many of them. Luckily, thanks to the internet (and us), these kinds of items don't have to be terrible expensive or hard to acquire. Not all of these are dorm room essentials, per se, but more like splashy upgrades that'll make your room feel less barren and more like a cozy spot to crash after class. Here, some of our favorite dorm decor ideas that will inject a bit of personality into your small space without making it look like a Pinterest fever dream.
All products featured on GQ are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
1/31
Umbra magnetic bulletboard
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.
2/31
MyFormDesign desk storage
Extra storage for books and files that easily tacks onto surfaces without cluttering up your desk space.
Most Popular
- The Longest Living People In the World All Abide by the ‘Power 9’ Rule
By Emily Abbate
- Larry David Seems Pretty, Pretty, Pretty Close to Ending 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' With a Re-Do of the 'Seinfeld' Finale
By Frazier Tharpe
- The Real Life Diet of Longevity Doctor Mark Hyman, Who Developed a Six-Pack in His 60s
By Abbey Stone
5/31
Fluance RT81 turntable
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).
6/31
Wovenbyrd large round storage ottoman
Get you some furniture that pulls triple duty as a storage container, spare chair, and foot rest.
Most Popular
- The Longest Living People In the World All Abide by the ‘Power 9’ Rule
By Emily Abbate
- Larry David Seems Pretty, Pretty, Pretty Close to Ending 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' With a Re-Do of the 'Seinfeld' Finale
By Frazier Tharpe
- The Real Life Diet of Longevity Doctor Mark Hyman, Who Developed a Six-Pack in His 60s
By Abbey Stone
7/31
Avenie warped removable wallpaper
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.
8/31
Frigidaire 3.2 cu. ft. retro mini fridge
One way to get a leg up on making friends freshman year: a conversation starter of a dorm room fridge.
Most Popular
- The Longest Living People In the World All Abide by the ‘Power 9’ Rule
By Emily Abbate
- Larry David Seems Pretty, Pretty, Pretty Close to Ending 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' With a Re-Do of the 'Seinfeld' Finale
By Frazier Tharpe
- The Real Life Diet of Longevity Doctor Mark Hyman, Who Developed a Six-Pack in His 60s
By Abbey Stone
9/31
Open Spaces x Tortuga bookends
Minimalist bookends that will prop up your weighty tomes when you're not poring over them.
10/31
Pothos Plant
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.
Most Popular
- The Longest Living People In the World All Abide by the ‘Power 9’ Rule
By Emily Abbate
- Larry David Seems Pretty, Pretty, Pretty Close to Ending 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' With a Re-Do of the 'Seinfeld' Finale
By Frazier Tharpe
- The Real Life Diet of Longevity Doctor Mark Hyman, Who Developed a Six-Pack in His 60s
By Abbey Stone
12/31
Round paper lantern
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!
Most Popular
- The Longest Living People In the World All Abide by the ‘Power 9’ Rule
By Emily Abbate
- Larry David Seems Pretty, Pretty, Pretty Close to Ending 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' With a Re-Do of the 'Seinfeld' Finale
By Frazier Tharpe
- The Real Life Diet of Longevity Doctor Mark Hyman, Who Developed a Six-Pack in His 60s
By Abbey Stone
13/31
Article Matze throw pillow set
Liven up the drab new futon you bought or add a pop of color to your twin XL dorm bed.
14/31
Outdoor Fellow No. 8 sandalwood + pine needle candle
Light it up anytime you're anticipating company to clear up the lingering pizza box smell.
Most Popular
- The Longest Living People In the World All Abide by the ‘Power 9’ Rule
By Emily Abbate
- Larry David Seems Pretty, Pretty, Pretty Close to Ending 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' With a Re-Do of the 'Seinfeld' Finale
By Frazier Tharpe
- The Real Life Diet of Longevity Doctor Mark Hyman, Who Developed a Six-Pack in His 60s
By Abbey Stone
16/31
Wrangler washable area rug
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.
Most Popular
- The Longest Living People In the World All Abide by the ‘Power 9’ Rule
By Emily Abbate
- Larry David Seems Pretty, Pretty, Pretty Close to Ending 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' With a Re-Do of the 'Seinfeld' Finale
By Frazier Tharpe
- The Real Life Diet of Longevity Doctor Mark Hyman, Who Developed a Six-Pack in His 60s
By Abbey Stone
17/31
Peakeep travel alarm clock
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.
18/31
Gantri Maskor table light
Gantri's 3-D-printed lamps are basically functional art for your workspace.
.jpg "31 Stylish Dorm Room Decor Ideas to Spruce Up Your Spartan Space (21)")
Most Popular
- The Longest Living People In the World All Abide by the ‘Power 9’ Rule
By Emily Abbate
- Larry David Seems Pretty, Pretty, Pretty Close to Ending 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' With a Re-Do of the 'Seinfeld' Finale
By Frazier Tharpe
- The Real Life Diet of Longevity Doctor Mark Hyman, Who Developed a Six-Pack in His 60s
By Abbey Stone
19/31
Branch Daily chair
A comfy and ergonomic spot to park your tush when you're burning the midnight oil.
20/31
Craighill Little Cloud tray
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.
Most Popular
- The Longest Living People In the World All Abide by the ‘Power 9’ Rule
By Emily Abbate
- Larry David Seems Pretty, Pretty, Pretty Close to Ending 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' With a Re-Do of the 'Seinfeld' Finale
By Frazier Tharpe
- The Real Life Diet of Longevity Doctor Mark Hyman, Who Developed a Six-Pack in His 60s
By Abbey Stone
21/31
Pendleton Fairfax robe throw blanket
Hang this like decor on your dorm room wall or use it for its intended purpose (swaddling yourself in during Netflix marathons).
22/31
Bouroullec drawing 14 wall art
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.
Most Popular
- The Longest Living People In the World All Abide by the ‘Power 9’ Rule
By Emily Abbate
- Larry David Seems Pretty, Pretty, Pretty Close to Ending 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' With a Re-Do of the 'Seinfeld' Finale
By Frazier Tharpe
- The Real Life Diet of Longevity Doctor Mark Hyman, Who Developed a Six-Pack in His 60s
By Abbey Stone
23/31
Coway Electric Over-braided 4-Outlet Extension Cord
The only extension cord with a design worth tripping over.
Most Popular
- The Longest Living People In the World All Abide by the ‘Power 9’ Rule
By Emily Abbate
- Larry David Seems Pretty, Pretty, Pretty Close to Ending 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' With a Re-Do of the 'Seinfeld' Finale
By Frazier Tharpe
- The Real Life Diet of Longevity Doctor Mark Hyman, Who Developed a Six-Pack in His 60s
By Abbey Stone
25/31
Nanoleaf Lines starter kit
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?
26/31
Schoolhouse white ash basket
It'll make any cluttered small room feel more put-together.
Most Popular
- The Longest Living People In the World All Abide by the ‘Power 9’ Rule
By Emily Abbate
- Larry David Seems Pretty, Pretty, Pretty Close to Ending 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' With a Re-Do of the 'Seinfeld' Finale
By Frazier Tharpe
- The Real Life Diet of Longevity Doctor Mark Hyman, Who Developed a Six-Pack in His 60s
By Abbey Stone
27/31
Ikea Lanespelare accessory stand
When it's not propping up your headphones or being used by your roommate to make rude gestures, it's a solid conversation starter.
28/31
Sangean WR-15WL Table Top Radio
This vintage-looking radio is perfect for studying with the dulcet tones of Terry Gross as background noise.
Most Popular
- The Longest Living People In the World All Abide by the ‘Power 9’ Rule
By Emily Abbate
- Larry David Seems Pretty, Pretty, Pretty Close to Ending 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' With a Re-Do of the 'Seinfeld' Finale
By Frazier Tharpe
- The Real Life Diet of Longevity Doctor Mark Hyman, Who Developed a Six-Pack in His 60s
By Abbey Stone
29/31
Chemex Classic 8-Cup Pour-over coffee maker
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.
30/31
OrganiHaus Rope Laundry Basket
A laundry basket that you won't want to just shove into the back of your closet.
Most Popular
- The Longest Living People In the World All Abide by the ‘Power 9’ Rule
By Emily Abbate
- Larry David Seems Pretty, Pretty, Pretty Close to Ending 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' With a Re-Do of the 'Seinfeld' Finale
By Frazier Tharpe
- The Real Life Diet of Longevity Doctor Mark Hyman, Who Developed a Six-Pack in His 60s
By Abbey Stone
31/31
Pottery Barn woven natural fiber doormat
Make a great first impression on your hallmates.
Related Stories for GQCollegeHomeGQ Recommends
