When it comes to decorating your dorm room, you won’t settle for basic elements that make your living space look like every other dorm in your building. Instead, use these seven dorm room essentials to set the right vibe for the school year ahead. As you get ready to move into your dorm, don’t forget the most important element in curating your new living space: a personal fragrance that claims your space and makes a positive first impression. 

The Key to Transforming Small Spaces into Luxe Retreats

The key to making a small space luxurious is paying attention to the small details, like the color palette, textures, storage, and statement pieces. Think about individual elements and how they contribute to your overall vibe. The best part about it all is that you can switch it up whenever you want to refresh your space. 

Choosing a Cohesive Color Palette

Establishing a luxe vibe in your dorm room begins with selecting a color palette that suits your personality. Go with your favorite colors or curate items based on design theory. Whether you choose a single color or multiple complementary ones is up to you.

Layering Textures

Any interior designer worth their salt knows that multiple textures can bring a space to life. In such a small space, striving for depth and warmth can make your dorm room feel more cohesive. Go for that luxe, dynamic look by layering textures throughout your dorm room. 

Creating Zones for Sleep, Study, and Lounging

Yes, it’s still possible to create sleeping, studying, and lounging zones in your dorm room—they’re just slightly smaller than you might be used to. Incorporating design elements based on these zones can help you achieve a cohesive, luxe feel that expresses your personality. 

Maximizing Vertical Space

Get creative by maximizing vertical space using shelves and hooks for storage. Use the front or back of your closet doors to store your shoes, coats, or handbags, and maximize unused wall space with a bookcase or set of shelves. You might be surprised at how organized you can be with the right mindset. 

Featuring Statement Pieces

Even though almost every dorm room looks the same before it’s occupied, not everyone is working from the same list of dorm room essentials. Claim your space with a statement piece or two that expresses who you are, what you’re interested in, and how you approach life. Examples include a personalized small space fragrance, a picture or piece of artwork, or a stuffed animal to help you get through the tough times.

7 Dorm Room Essentials That Add Instant Luxury

Turn a basic dorm setup into a space worth returning to after a long day of classes and study groups. Enhance your new living space with the following dorm room essentials. Hint: number three is a must-have. 

1. Plush Bedding

Dorm room beds consist of a basic frame and mattress, but with some plush bedding, throw pillows, and blankets, you can create a luxury vibe that echoes throughout the rest of your college dorm decor. Extra pillows and blankets are great for pulling an all-nighter or just surrounding yourself with comfort after a hard day. 

2. High-Pile Rugs

Warm up your dorm room floor—literally and figuratively—with high-pile rugs that you can sink your toes into. Choose from luxury materials like wool, cotton, or silk in colors that complement your college dorm decor. 

3. Small Space Fragrance

As tiny as a dorm room might be, the possibilities for filling it with a small space fragrance are practically endless—even more so with Drift scented home products. Drift’s Home Scent Diffuser represents your go-to, especially if you’re looking for a set-it-and-forget-it scent solution. Select your favorite scent, plug it into the wall, and enjoy your next two semesters. 

If your college dorm allows it, our premium Scented Candles can make your small living space feel more cozy, even when unlit. For a flameless scent solution, choose Drift’s Room Spray or Reed Diffuser. The Reed Diffuser emits passive scent for up to 60 days, and the Room Spray instantly elevates any space. 

4. Decorative Yet Functional Storage

The boxes you used to move your personal things into your dorm room might be useful, but they’re not necessarily the most stylish solution to storing your items until you find a place to put them. Investing in functional storage that also expresses your personality can help you make more of your living space. For example, you can complement your allotted desk with a bookcase that holds your favorite novels or shelves that display your accomplishments. 

5. Accent Lighting

Establish your desired ambiance and mood with accent lighting that helps make your dorm room feel more like your room at home. Lava lamps may be too old-school for some, but you can also use lighting to bring your favorite memories to life. For instance, stringing Christmas lights throughout your dorm can help you look forward to the holidays, when you’ll see your family again. 

6. Personalized Desk Accessories

Aim for desk accessories that are functional yet stylish for the ultimate luxe vibe as you write papers, plan presentations, and prepare for exams. Brightly colored or stylized pen and pencil caddies can make the hours you spend at your desk feel like only a few minutes. Add a little flair to your to-dos with fun sticky notes. 

7. Smart Speakers

Luxe sound is a must for any college dorm decor. Round out your list of dorm room essentials with smart speakers that blast out your favorite tunes. Just be sure to be respectful, especially if you have a roommate. 

Carry Luxe Vibes Into Every Semester

Making your dorm room feel like home can be challenging at first, but with any of Drift’s scented home products, you can claim your space and contribute to your college dorm decor. Take our Home Scent Quiz to find out which scent best suits your tastes, and subscribe to our Home Scent of the Month Club to put your favorite fragrances on repeat. After all, getting something in the mail every month gives you something to look forward to as you navigate college life.