Guest Picks: 20 Decor Pieces for That First Home Away From Home
Gather ideas now for a comfy and stylish dorm room in the fall — or try these finds in a new grad's first solo digs
When I saw my niece a couple of days ago, she was all excited about her upcoming high school graduation and the wonderment of going away to college. As I looked at the joy on her face, the face of a smart young lady with the whole world ahead of her, I thought back to how I felt when I was in that same place in my life. At her age, I too was all about the thrill of going off to be on my own. But now that I'm a mother that will (too soon) be sending her own sweet child off into the world, I feel so sympathetic to how my parents must have felt back when my sister and I left for college. As I looked at the proud but somewhat melancholy faces of my sister and brother-in-law, I could see the joy they shared with their amazing daughter, as well as the natural inclination to wish that, just for a little bit, she were a little girl again.
Because my niece and thousands more young people will head off to live in college dorms in a couple of months (or sooner), I want to share a few ideas I have for making those spaces both special and functional. After all, these will be their first homes away from home! — Robyn from Add a Pinch
Because my niece and thousands more young people will head off to live in college dorms in a couple of months (or sooner), I want to share a few ideas I have for making those spaces both special and functional. After all, these will be their first homes away from home! — Robyn from Add a Pinch
Limited Edition Amira Purple Tweed Pillowsac Package
I'm not sure if all dorms have space for one of these Lovesacs, but I have coveted one for my niece for a few years now. They change into several different shapes for however you want to sit while you nap, study or watch TV. Very cool.
Roku 3
I think one of these will be perfect for the dorm room, especially because college students like to catch up on their favorite shows by the season. This way they can avoid cable charges and watch what they want when they want. I think this would be an awesome high school graduation gift.
Damask Sheet Set
I love these damask sheets that can be personalized. This pattern has such a decorator feel and can be mix and matched with other bedding and dorm room accessories for a high-style room.
Pivot Power Surge Protector
This will be great for the dorm. Think about all of those electronics the typical young person has these days. I could really use one (or ten) of these myself.
Like-it Stack & Carry Caddy
This shower caddy is helpful because it's transparent, stackable and portable. Get a few so that your college student can use them as portable storage for towels, shower items, makeup or toiletries.
3-Way Over-the-Door Mirror
If I know my niece like I'm sure I do, this glass and metal three-way mirror will be used many times as outfits are changed over and over to find just the right one for those special nights out. But she will probably use the dry-erase board (on the opposite side of the mirrors) more in the mornings when she's just throwing on her running shorts to go to class. This genius over-the-door beauty serves double-duty in a small space.
Household Essentials White Hinge-It Clutterbuster, White
I thought I'd seen it all, but color me very impressed with this. These hanging bars fit in door hinges and are the ultimate in small-space hanging options. They aren't called Clutterbusters for nothing!
Odda Storage Box With Casters, White/Black
This under-bed storage box on casters will be so helpful for storing a multitude of things every student will need. A couple should fit under the bed, and the wheels make it easy to pull out many times a day if needed.
Vintage Frame Dry-Erase Calendar Decal
This is such a stylish way for my niece (or any young college student) to keep up with important dates in that busy social schedule.
Monogram Pillow by Ivy Halls
This cute monogrammed pillow give a dorm a personalized and decorator feel.
Starbucks Verismo 580 Brewer, Satin Black
Some colleges allow students to have a small coffeemaker in their dorms. This Starbucks Verismo brewer (or a similar single-serve maker) will be perfect for those late nights spent studying for exams.
Colorful Clip Lamp, Nickel
Extra reading light is a must in a dorm. I love that this lamp clips onto a window ledge, bookcase edge or headboard so that valuable floor real estate is saved.
Sheridan Storage Ottoman Collection
I think if I were going to be living in a dorm, I would be so excited to have one or two of these storage ottomans. They can be used for both seating and storage, which is a huge bonus in such a small space.
Max Chrome 4-Drawer Cart With White Top
Organized storage is at such a premium for all of us, but especially for students living in a dorm. This rolling cart has a top for multipurpose use, and the drawers make it perfect for use as a portable vanity. It would even be a great place for a coffee machine or microwave.
Laundry Bag With Detachable Coin Purse by Etheldora
I love the idea of a really cute laundry bag in a stylish print. Hopefully it will encourage those college students to do their own laundry!
My Little Steamer Go Mini Hand Steamer
There is definitely not a lot of extra room in a dorm for an ironing board, so I think this handy steamer would be just great for dorm use.
Framed Side Table
This little side table will be perfect in the dorm and can move into an apartment. It is just the right size for eating a snack or working on a laptop. Then it can be tucked away at the foot of the bed or under another piece of furniture.
8 Shelf Organizer With 2 Drawers
Since floor space is at such a minimum in most dorms, these hanging closet shelves with drawers will be so valuable for clothes and other important personal items.
DownDeals Twin XL Dorm Bamboo Plush-Top Mattress Pad
I know my niece will want a plush mattress topper for her dorm bed. I think one of these will make your favorite college student have some sweet dreams — that is when they find time to sleep.
3-3/10-Cubic-Foot Compact 2-Door Refrigerator/Freezer
Imagine those late-night study sessions with a pint of ice cream! Many college dorms come with their own mini fridges or have regulations about the type you should buy, but if you can, one of these with a small freezer would be amazing.
Next: My Houzz: Eclectic Dorm Living in Illinois
Next: My Houzz: Eclectic Dorm Living in Illinois