15 Under-$50 Dorm Room Decor and Essentials

Dorm rooms are a college student’s home away from home until the end of the semester, so it’s important to have decor and essentials that reflect their personality. Whether stylish lighting or versatile storage solutions, many dorm essentials offer a fresh and modern aesthetic that effortlessly complements your own home decor. 

Sending your student off to college is already expensive, so I found 15 amazing under-$50 dorm decor and essentials from popular retailers like Amazon, Target, and Pottery Barn Teen. From practical items like these heavy-duty Command hooks to metal desk shelves that are 60% off, these picks spruce up your student’s space and elevate your home decor.

Room Essentials 7.75-Inch Monstera Artificial Plant

Like most college students, I was busy during university, so caring for house plants was a low priority. However, this $5 faux monstera plant would have been a welcome addition to my dorm room decor. It’s just the right size for a desk or table and only needs occasional dusting. What could be easier than that?

Anker 20W USB Power Strip

This power strip has three options: two USB-A/B ports and a USB-C port to charge phones, laptops, and more devices. I’ve had this USB power strip for years, and it’s my go-to when I travel—even abroad—and it’s useful for when your student comes back home to visit. It has a built-in safety system to help prevent circuit overload and fires, keeping your college kid safe. 

“The sleek design means it’s not an eyesore, making it perfect for any setting, whether it’s a dorm room or a professional home office,” confirmed one shopper. 

Mulisoft 3-Drawer Storage

I remember from my university days that college-provided storage solutions were never enough (or maybe I just had too much stuff). This three-drawer storage gives college students more space to store their belongings without overwhelming small dorm rooms. The drop-down drawers provide easy access to items, and wheels allow students to move their stuff around the room. The three color options work for any dorm room decor theme. 

Threshold Desk Lamp With USB Ports

Bring a little style to that dorm room with this modern twist on an under-$40 lighting essential. The globe lamp features a gold-tone knob for adjustable settings and two USB ports to charge a phone or other devices overnight. The LED bulb creates a soft glow and warm ambiance.

Blue Ginkgo Multipurpose Caddy Organizer

A bath caddy is a dorm room essential if your student’s living quarters offer communal showers and bathrooms. Available in six different colors, this portable caddy features removable dividers so you can customize it to your needs. It fits soap bottles, face wash, and more bathroom essentials for college and is under $20.

“Looks nice and plenty of space to store things,” shared one reviewer.

Upstreman Mini Fridge With Freezer 

According to Amazon, this dorm room mini fridge has over 2,200 five-star ratings. Its compact size doesn’t take up too much real estate in your student’s new space. Plus, there’s plenty of room for drinks, food, and a few frozen items. “Perfect for my son’s dorm room,” noted one Amazon shopper. “He has enough room for his friends to store some stuff, and I don’t have to keep on bringing him stuff. A win-win!” 

Pottery Barn Teen Metal Desk Shelves

Elevating laptops and screens gives students more desk space. This two-piece shelf set is lightweight yet supports up to 20 pounds. The sleek white design will work in virtually any design setting. The best part? It’s 60% off right now.

Blendjet 2 Portable Blender

I love my Blendjet, and students will, too. It’s easy for them to enjoy shakes on the way to class or the gym because you prep inside the blender and then drink from it. The Blendjet cleans itself by adding a few drops of soap, pouring in water, and pressing the button—just be sure to close the cap first. 

Joyroom 6 Pack Magnetic Cable Clips 

A jumble of wires is never a good look. Keep things organized with this six-pack of magnetic cable clips, which easily attach to the side of a desk or wall and ensure that nothing gets tangled. 

“They keep my cords from slipping off my desk,” confirmed one shopper. Plus, there’s an additional 20% off coupon you can activate to save even more on this dorm room or office essential.

Pottery Barn Teen LoveShackFancy Essential Laundry Backpack

What would the college experience be without laundry day? The Pottery Barn Teen laundry backpack is stylish and wearable, so your student won’t have to cart a laundry basket down flights of stairs (or from room to room at home). Note that only the lavender colorway is on sale. 

Room Essentials Shelf Floor Lamp

I’m a huge fan of items that can do double duty, like this floor lamp from Target. It provides additional lighting in a dark dorm room and features three shelves for extra storage space. You don’t need to buy a lightbulb, either—it’s included.   

Yocice Wall Mounted Shoes Rack

If college dorm rooms are anything like I remember, space is at a premium, so inventive storage solutions are always welcome. A wall-mounted shoe rack increases shoe storage and lessens the chance of your student cluttering their room. “Space saving and money saving,” affirmed one shopper. The shoe rack includes stick mounts for various wall materials, including concrete. 

Pottery Barn Teen Elliot Leather Storage Box

This classic leather storage box keeps dorm room essentials organized. It features genuine leather and a soft faux suede interior to keep delicate items safe. You can add a name or monogram for an additional $15, but you’ll still be saving money with its nearly half-off discount. 

Room Essentials 16 x 20-Inch Beach Landscape Framed Art

A little wall art can bring life to even the most drab room, and Target has tons of great dorm room wall art at affordable prices. This one is ideal because it already comes framed—all you need are some Command strips to hang it safely in a dorm room or at home. 

Command Forever Classic Large Metal Wall Hooks

You most likely also use Command strips and hooks at home, so it makes sense to use them in a temporary space like a dorm room. These heavy-duty hooks can each hold up to five pounds, and parents and students are finding unique ways to use them. “Purchased a couple of packages for my daughter’s dorm room,” wrote one Amazon shopper. “Used one set to hold up a curtain rod (can’t use the brackets that normally come with a curtain rod). She’s using the other set as coat hooks to hold her winter coats. So far, so good!”

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