Dorm Therapy

The Very Best (and Best-Looking) Dorm Storage Solutions

updated Jul 29, 2021
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Credit: Credit: Target, Overstock, Dormify, PBTeen, Brandless

College dorms don’t exactly have a rep for being the most beautiful living spaces. But here’s a lesson to all the soon-to-be-freshmen out there in the world: Life is a whole lot more fun if you learn to think on the bright side. What dorm rooms might lack in style, they make up for in neutrality. Your white concrete cube is a blank canvas to get creative with some beautiful solutions — and the array of choices has never been better (or more stylish). We rounded up 21 of the best-looking dorm storage solutions that would be perfect for any dorm room and might even carry you into your first apartment if you treat them right.

1 / 21
Overstock
$27.99

Well, we did it: We found the perfect dorm sheets. This set from Intelligent Design is truly, well... smart. Soft and smooth microfiber make it naturally comfy and wrinkle-free while an antimicrobial treatment kills and prevents bacteria buildup. But the best part has to be the elastic pockets on either side that help you keep everything from your phone and tablet to your remote or keys within reach. You'll be sleeping soundly all semester long.

2 / 21
The Container Store
$103.96

If there's one place you think of when you hear the words "stylish storage," it's The Container Store. So when we saw this great college storage set, we had to tell you about it! Designed to keep the space under and around your bed organized, it comes with a set of bed risers, a large bedside pocket, and two large tint stacking drawers.

3 / 21
Urban Outfitters
$39.00

Terrazzo is everywhere — one look at this organizer and it's easy to see why. Uber-trendy and easy to incorporate into any space, this two-tiered storage organizer is perfect for showcasing everything from skincare and nail polish to your cooking essentials and more, all with a boho look you're sure to love for years to comes.

4 / 21
Bed Bath & Beyond
$8.00

One of the easiest ways to maximize space in a small dorm closet is with velvet hangers (we're fans of this white and black set). Velvet hangers are thinner than traditional plastic or wire hangers, which means you can fit more of them in your closet. Top that off with the fact that velvet is also non-slip (not even a silk cami can escape these bad boys), and you'll never go back to regular hangers again.

5 / 21
Dormify
$149.00

If there's one thing you need on this list, it's this charging storage unit. The ultimate bedside wonder, it features three fabric drawers, an open cubby, and a faux-wood top shelf to keep all your bedside essentials near to you and on display. The thing that makes it stand out, however, is the integrated plug and dual USB charging port so you can keep all your devices at 100 percent around the clock.

6 / 21
Amazon
$107.23

The mini-fridge. It's the appliance most beloved by college students everywhere, behind only the microwave (maybe). This fridge cart is designed to help you create the snack station of your dreams (while also keeping your fridge off the floor. A great way to maximize the space you have in your college dorm, it features a top shelf for your fridge and two fabric drawers for food, cooking supplies, and the rest of your kitchen must-haves.

7 / 21
Amazon
$17.99

While we're on the subject of mini-fridges, let's talk about the Fridge Caddy. This organizer (designed to hold plates, utensils, and other small kitchen items) easily slips over the top of your fridge and is secured with Velcro strips and two durable magnets, making it a quick storage solution you'll find comes in handy for a long time.

8 / 21
The Container Store
$39.99

Looking for a storage cart but tired of the plain black-and-white options you see everywhere? This cart from The Container Store comes in an eyecatching sage green and features three shelves for tons of storage. Trés chic!

9 / 21
Amazon
$16.87
was $19.99

Another way to double the space in your closet is with this adjustable hanging rod from SimpleHouseware. Simply hang and adjust to the width of your closet and you'll instantly have a second row to hang all of your clothes with ease.

10 / 21
Urban Outfitters
$39.00

We've all seen over-the-door shoe organizers, but this one's got a little more oomph to it, no? It's made from a durable canvas and features 24 pockets, bamboo detailing, and a trio of hooks in case you want to move it to your closet instead.

11 / 21
Bed Bath & Beyond
$115.17
was $135.49

Looking to keep your shoes a bit more hidden? Say no more. This storage ottoman from Overstock may look like any old ottoman, but it's actually designed with shoes in mind. Featuring 12 separate shoe compartments, this ottoman can hold six (or more!) pairs of shoes as well as serve as general extra storage. Best of all, the sturdy wood frame and durable fabric upholstery make this piece double as a comfortable footrest or extra seating.

12 / 21
The Container Store
$6.99

If you're all about convertible storage, let us introduce you to the Manhattan Modular line from The Container Store. These stackable, mixable, modular storage bins comes in all shapes and sizes making them great for any and every dorm. Not only is there a selection of bin styles (from open front to drop front), but you can even attach optional caster to turn these units into rolling storage. What a dream!

13 / 21
Urban Outfitters
$39.00

Keep your accessories handy and on display with a gorgeous jewelry stand, like this one from Urban Outfitters. This boho-chic stand features a catch-all base with a dancing wire figure center topped with an arching strand dotted with knobs for holding your earrings, necklaces, rings, and more.

14 / 21
Brandless
$36.00

Is there anything more essential to a living space than a good storage basket? This basket from Fern by Brandless comes in three sizes, but we're fans of this large one which can hold everything from extra bedding and blankets to winter sweaters and more.

15 / 21
PB Teen
$39.00
was $49.00

One of the cardinal rules of dorm life is no nails, but that doesn't mean you should neglect vertical space when it comes to storage. This wall-mounted desk organizer hangs easily on your wall, thanks to removable adhesive strips and has plenty of room for all your study essentials. 

16 / 21
Amazon
$23.99
was $29.99

Looking for an option you can place directly on your desktop surface? The Jerry & Maggie Desktop Organizer is a well-known and beloved pick. Made from natural wood, this lightweight piece makes organizing your books and paperwork a breeze while its sleek modern design makes it fun to look at (as well as a piece you'll want to keep post-grad).

17 / 21
Target
$70.00

Every dorm room needs a good mirror (outfit checks are a must), so why not get one that can also serve up some storage? This ladder mirror comes with a ladder-back easel stand that allows you to hang wardrobe essentials off the back of it, keeping things nice and tidy.

18 / 21
Amazon
$47.99

If your dorm room comes without a side table, we have the perfect solution: the BedShelfie. This device attaches to the side of your bed frame and instantly becomes a makeshift side table, holding everything from your phone and drink to your glasses and that book you were supposed to finish a week ago.

19 / 21
PB Teen
$19.99
was $29.00

For a stress-free trek to the dorm shower, keep your shower must-haves at the ready in this recycled shower caddy. Designed with slots to hold shampoos, lotion, soaps, and other get-ready essentials organized, you'll be hitting the shower in style with one of these in hand.

20 / 21
Amazon
$33.90

Nothing makes you feel more prepared to take on the world than a good hair day, but keeping your tools out can be a real eyesore. Enter the JackCubeDesign Hair Tool Organizer. This organizer comes with three cylindrical cubbies (perfect for hot tools and brushes) as well as an additional shelf to keep product within arms reach.

21 / 21
PB Teen
$54.99
was $79.50

Have you seen a hamper this chic before? This rolling hamper — designed exclusively for PBteen by celebrity stylists and fashion designers Emily Current and Merritt Elliott — serves both style and function with its fun design that makes it anything but an eyesore. It's also a dream to roll around on laundry days.

Sarah M. Vazquez also contributed to reporting.