Your Go-To Guide to Dorm Decor

Here's to a new beginning! The start of the academic year brings with it fresh possibilities for what you'll learn in the classroom, who you'll meet around campus, and how you'll set up your living space.

Whether you’re a freshman figuring out up your first-ever dorm room or a practiced parent helping your senior setting up their college quarters one last time, think of a dorm as your (or your kiddo's) sanctuary: a place to study, socialize, and, of course, get some much needed rest. By selecting a few choice pieces of art, storage solutions, and cozy bedding, you can brighten that standard-issue slate of dormitory furnishings and create a space that truly feels like you.

To get started, explore these essentials steps for decorating your dorm with stylish, budget-friendly finds from small shops, all under $50. Plus, shop Drew Barrymore’s must-have, back-to-school picks!

Add some artwork

Statement dorm art is one of Etsy’s top back-to-college trends for 2024, so don’t be afraid to go big, bold, and bright! Adorn your walls with eye-catching visuals that reflect your style—like colorful screenprints, art that reminds you of home, or posters with inspiring quotes or affirmations—to create a vibrant personal art gallery. Plus, with a huge array of budget-friendly printable art, you can download, print, and hang up art from Etsy artists in minutes.

SHOP: Clockwise, from top left: Begonia in a yellow flower pot giclée print art print from Żaneta Antosik, from $15; striped abstract art print from Jorey Hurley, from $46; mustard yellow geometric digital art from Apricot and Birch, $9; custom pet portrait (digital download) from Boho Bloom Digital Art, $14; light blue bows digital art art from Thirty Three Co., $7; cosmos flower digital illustration from MILAprintableart, $10. Center: YAY digital art from PrintPunkStudio, $11

Decorate your desk

Life is just so much easier when everything has a place and you’ve got study essentials that make you feel happy and motivated within arm’s reach. So, it’s worth investing in practical pieces and cute desk accessories—like desk planners and calendars, desk organizers and storage, and maybe a leafy plant (real or faux) in a pretty planter—that’ll help you keep your workspace tidy and set you up to focus, think creatively, and do your best work. Don't forget a beautiful coaster and a handmade mug of your favorite pick-me-up!

SHOP: Clockwise, from top left: Three-legged cat planter from Beardbangs, $39; orange modern textile vase from Cherry and Mint, $34; miniature felted cactus from Once Again Sam, $22; pool-shaped ceramic catch-all from Studio Arugula, $38; ceramic grid coasters from Tramake, $36; wavy ceramic planter with drip plate from Castoe Pots, $30; daily planner desk pad from Martha Brook, from $8

Stay organized

When the pace of the semester picks up and your days feel like a whirlwind of activity, you’ll be glad to have some stylish storage and organization systems already in place, so your dorm room doesn’t descend into total chaos. So, pick up these things now and you’ll thank your past self later: a laundry bag or hamper, shelving and boxes and bins for your belongings, and hooks for hanging up jackets, towels, and bags.

SHOP: Clockwise, from top left: Wooden shoe rack from Dakota Designs Market, from $30; Mason jar wall-mounted shelf from Bold MFG & Supply, $32; concrete toothbrush holder from Casting Theory, $9; colorful towel holder from misshandled, $41; color-blocked wall hook from June Child Ceramics, from $26; recycled wood pencil pots from ESOXIA, $29; hanging linen laundry bag from LinenCloud, from $48

Upgrade your bedding

After a day of buzzing around campus, having a cozy spot to rest your head and get some quality sleep can make all the difference. To turn your dorm bed into a dreamy sleep sanctuary, stock up on a comfy combo of whatever type of bedding you like best. Pick mix-and-match sheets and pillows or a matching bedding set, and a quilt, duvet, or comforter. Top it all off with a fun throw blanket and a statement pillow or two, grab an eye mask, and get ready to drift off in style.

SHOP: Clockwise, from top left: Gingham linen pillowcase from MagicLinen, from $31; lavender linen pillow case from GrannetHome, from $26; ruffled heart pillow from BettyHomeDecor, from $16; burnt orange grid pillow from Lumi Living Co., from $29; ombré hand-dyed silk eye mask from tk, $39; custom embroidered pillow from PettyPaste, from $20; linen cloud pillow from Sunny Kitchen Boutique, $27

Bring it all together

Once you've picked out the pieces that will give your dorm room a pop of personality and make it feel like home sweet home, it's time to get everything set up. For real-life inspiration, see how college student and lifestyle creator Camille Penick put together her college living space, with playful and purposeful picks she found from small shops on Etsy.

Press play for Camille's tips for styling your space:

Shop the video: Camille Penick's college apartment picks

SHOP: Clockwise from top left: Wood pegboard wall organizer from hyperair, from $45; personalized notepad from JOSILPaperie, $15; monstera coaster plant from CraftedByTheForge3D, from $6; organic shapes notebook from Worthwhile Paper, $16 each

Bonus: Pick a thoughtful roommate gift with Drew Barrymore

When meeting a new roommate and starting the process of turning your shared living space into a cozy and inviting home base, a heartfelt present can help start things off a bright note. Known as a roommate gift, this genre of getting-to-know-you college gift is one of this year’s back-to-campus trends. Whether you’re looking for personalized wall art or colorful school supplies to enhance study time, Etsy’s Chief Gift Officer Drew Barrymore curated a collection of dorm-ready gift ideas your new roomie is sure to love.

SHOP: Clockwise from top left: Custom smiley face notepad from Joy Creative Shop, from $24; crocheted flower coasters from 11 Novembre, $12; personalized leather coffee sleeve from Illo Leather, $23; personalized leatherette journal from VestaDesignsPencils, $28; set of 12 custom pencils from The Carbon Crusader, $15; solid walnut desk tray from Design Craft Workshop, from $24. Center: Custom mini felt pennant from Uptown Heritage, $20