The Dorm Room Edition: The Little Things I Added to My Cart for My Daughter's Freshman Year (and Why)

There are tons of dorm room shopping lists floating around the internet right now.

You don’t need another one telling you to buy extra-long twin sheets.

Instead, I thought I’d share a few of the things that might not make every list, but that can make a tiny dorm room feel a little more functional, a little more personal, and a lot more like home.

One of my favorite dorm hacks is using inexpensive cafe curtains to hide the storage underneath the bed. If you've read our post on why we obsess over space planning, you already know we believe every square inch should earn its keep.

Most dorm beds are lofted, or at least high enough to fit bins, suitcases, and all the inevitable “I’ll deal with this later” stuff underneath. Instead of staring at plastic storage bins for the next nine months, hang a simple cafe curtain around the bed for an instant cleaner look.

They also work beautifully if your dorm room has one of those old-school sinks or washstands. You can use them to conceal everything stored underneath while adding a little softness to the room.

It’s one of those small details that makes the whole space feel more intentional.

I’m normally the first person to advocate for the real thing. Seriously.

But dorm rooms have a pretty short lifespan.

Peel-and-stick wallpaper lets you add personality without committing to a weekend-long installation (or worrying about getting your security deposit back). Whether you line the back of a bookshelf, create an accent wall, or frame a desk area, it adds so much character with very little effort.

One thing I’m especially excited about is the rug. Ruggable generously gifted us one for her dorm room, and honestly, I would have had a washable rug on my list regardless.

Dorm rooms see everything - Starbucks spills, muddy shoes, late-night snacks, who knows what else… Being able to throw the rug in the wash instead of living with stains for the rest of the school year feels like a no-brainer.

Beyond the practicality, a rug is what helps transform a room that feels institutional into one that actually feels warm and lived in. It’s one of the biggest design changes you can make in a dorm, and it instantly makes the space feel more finished.

Window treatments make almost every room feel finished, but most dorms aren’t exactly designed with decorating in mind.

That’s why I love no-drill curtain hardware. It installs quickly, doesn’t require making holes in the walls, and instantly makes even institutional dorm windows feel softer and more homey.

It’s one of those upgrades that has an outsized impact.

This one isn’t really about decorating - it’s about surviving communal laundry.

Skip the plain white towels.

Choose towels with a pattern, colored trim, or even a monogram. Inevitably, someone will pull your laundry out of the dryer or things will get mixed together. When your towels are distinctive, they’re much easier to spot and find their way back to you.

Practical? Yes.

Pretty? Also yes.

Every dorm room deserves better lighting than the overhead fluorescent fixture.

Wireless sconces are one of my favorite ways to instantly create ambience without hiring an electrician (or violating dorm rules). Add a pair above the bed or beside a desk, and suddenly the room feels cozy enough to study, read, or just unwind after a long day.

Good lighting changes everything.

My daughter’s vision for her freshman dorm room is decidedly neutral - a tiny bit painful for me since I love color. She really just wanted to copy and paste her bedroom at home, but we were able to agree upon this re-interpretation.

As a designer I have spent my entire career creating homes for other people. It’s a funny feeling helping your own child create her first one.

It’s only a dorm room. But it’s also the first place she’ll make entirely her own.

I have a feeling that’s why this one feels a little different.

Xx, Virginia