Dorm Therapy

20 Dorm Finds Under $20 That Are Stylish Enough for Regular Homes, Too

updated Aug 11, 2021
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
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Credit: Urban Outfitters, Bed Bath & Beyond, Amazon

Starting college and moving into a dorm room is potentially your first opportunity to make up a space just how you want it (or maybe half the space if you have a roommate). True, you can’t control the bed, desk, or dresser you get, but you can have fun picking out some of the extras that will make your room more comfortable and to your taste! From must-haves like bedding and blankets to chic accessories and stylish storage solutions, shopping for your dorm room’s little odds and ends is one of the most fun things about finally having a place you can call your own. And the best part? You don’t have to splurge. Here are 20 budget dorm finds under $20 (many under $10!) that’ll instantly add ambiance and utility to your living space — and might just find a place in your post-grad home, too.

1 / 20
Amazon
$17.99

There's nothing better than curling up in a great blanket after a long day. This chenille pick is lightweight, super soft, and comes in 11 colors that'll fit in with any decor.

2 / 20
Amazon
$12.98

Keeping your phone charged at all times is a must, but if you're looking to cut down on the number of wires strewn across your room, we've got the perfect solution: a wireless charger. Simply place your phone atop this chic charging disk, and it'll be (almost) instantly revived.

3 / 20
H&M
$9.99

Velvet is having a moment, and a great way to add a touch of the trendy fabric to your space is with a throw pillow. Available in an array of colors, this cotton velvet cushion cover let's you switch up your style at the drop of hat by slipping it over any insert. At such an affordable price, pick up a couple and switch off between seasons/semesters!

4 / 20
Amazon
$14.99

Dorm lighting often leaves something to be desired, so investing in quality lighting is a must. This adjustable desk lamp is a dream thanks to its multi-mode design (it features nine levels of brightness), eye protection function, and built-in pen and phone holders. Best of all, with a rechargeable design, it can easily work in different spots throughout the room.

5 / 20
H&M
$17.99

Keep your dirty laundry out of sight and out of mind (well, until laundry day) with this chic striped laundry bag from H&M. We love the drawstring closure that'll help ensure no socks go rogue on your walk to and from the laundry room.

6 / 20
Target
$7.20
was $12.00

Storage solutions are a must, and one of the most popular (and stylish) ways to stay organized is with a storage basket. This woven Target find measures 9.75" tall and 18" wide, and it comes in three neutral colors. Use it to store supplies, accessories, or even books.

7 / 20
Bed Bath & Beyond
$10.00

Made with super-soft and wrinkle-free microfiber, these sheets are a low-maintenance dream. This set is buttery soft to the touch and a steal at just $10. Choose from six soothing colorways, like lavender and light blue.

8 / 20
Urban Outfitters
$19.00
was $24.00

Rugs can be notoriously pricey purchases, but this Urban Outfitters pick is a budget- (and space-) conscious shopper's dream. Measuring in at 2' x 3', this boho rug features a subtle geometric pattern, trimmed fringe edges, and four colorways to choose from.

9 / 20
PB Teen
$22.99
was $29.50

For a fun desk organizer, go holographic with this acrylic pick from PBTeen. Coming in a trendy iridescent hue, it has two compartments (perfect for pens and pencils) and an additional slot for your phone.

10 / 20
The Container Store
$12.99

Whether your shower is in your room or shared by your floormates, keeping your toiletries organized is a must. With a fashionable, flexible, functional design, the Casabella shower basket features integrated dividers and drain holes that add style and purpose (no water collected at the bottom of your bag!) to this tote.

11 / 20
Bed Bath & Beyond
$9.99
was $12.99

Looking for a vanity mirror with storage? This dual-sided mirror (available in three colors) features an accessory tray complete with a phone holder that makes following your next beauty tutorial a breeze.

12 / 20
Urban Outfitters
$16.00

College can really test your time management skills, so stay on top of everything with this adorable dry erase calendar. Set in a gilded frame ('cause, style), it features a universal template that works for any month of any year. It comes with a dry erase marker and a set of coordinating magnets, too.

13 / 20
Urban Outfitters
$6.00

A catchall dish is a great way to stylishly display everything from everyday jewelry to crystals and more. We love this Urban Outfitters find that features lightly curved edges and a boho-inspired design etched into the surface.

14 / 20
Walmart
$11.37
was $16.27

Is your dorm closet small on space? Pick up this handy closet organizer. Attaching directly to your closet rod with two included steel hooks, it features six cubbies and bamboo detailing to make it more stylish than your average hanging organizer.

15 / 20
The Container Store
$17.99

Whether it's for laundry or to store extra clothes or bedding, a crunch hamper is perfect for dorm living. Made with an inner coating that adds structure to keep it standing, it quickly collapses for easy storage when not in use.

16 / 20
Urban Outfitters
$16.00

Trays are a design-friendly way to keep everything from jewelry to stationery organized. The Alexis Tray from Urban Outfitters is one of our favorites thanks to its bold, retro-inspired print. Each tray is custom-made to offer a unique look just for you.

17 / 20
Amazon
$10.12
was $17.08

Small spaces call for small solutions. This mini dustpan is a cute and kitschy way to make tiny dorm room messes a thing of the past.

18 / 20
PB Teen
$19.99
was $29.00

Looking for a shower caddy with tons of space and some extra flair? This recycled shower caddy is designed with slots to hold shampoos, lotions, soaps, and other get-ready essentials, so you'll be hitting the shower in organized style.

19 / 20
H&M
$17.99

Throw pillows make the perfect accent to any bedding setup. And is there a better way to stay motivated to keep chasing your dreams during the semester than by seeing this fun pillow every morning?

20 / 20
The Container Store
$9.99

When it comes to shoe storage, vertical picks are the way to go. This two-tier shoe rack from The Container Store is compact enough to fit in most rooms and closets and gives you three levels of storage: a top shelf, middle shelf, and the floor space below.

Sarah M. Vazquez also contributed to reporting.