Influencers often make content about dorm essentials every college student needs. These usually focus only on the necessities, and little attention is given to the little things that give the room personality, such as decorations for a desk or nightstand. Decoration is vital in making a dorm feel like a home away from home. Some of the most affordable places to shop for good decorations are discount stores like HomeGoods, DD’s Discounts, Burlington and Five Below.
HomeGoods offers a variety of photo frames in different shapes and sizes for cheap. The World Traveler Collection, featuring different countries every couple of months, covers a wide range of tastes. Although some items are on the more expensive end, the picture frames cost around $4.99 to $8.99, making it easy and affordable to display loved ones in a beautiful frame on a desk or nightstand to add comfort to study sessions.
Not all dorm decor has to be cute items, though. Functional items can be considered decor with the right color match. DD’s Discounts has various colored fans for around $16.99 and under, depending on size. These fans are good for a pop of color and cooling off after a grueling walk through campus in the Texas heat. DD’s Discounts also offers great quality twin, twin XL and full-size bedsheets. These sets come with a fitted sheet, flat sheet and two pillow cases. Although cheaper bedsheets may feel rough or damage easily in the wash, the sheets sold at DD’s Discounts, varying from about $7.99 to $14.99, offer a splendid product for about half the cost.
Burlington offers affordable bathroom essentials with full curtain sets priced around $8.99, bath mats ranging from $7.99 to $14.99 and soap dispensers at about $6.99. These accessories are stylish and can fit any dorm aesthetic without breaking the bank. For walls, the company sells weekly planner whiteboards and linen boards to bring personality to the home. Mid-sized boards are priced around $11.99, while larger whiteboards go for approximately $17.99.
The real victor of affordable decorations is Five Below. Even with the Five Beyond section within the store, these items rarely exceed $9.99, making it easy to line a windowsill with trinkets and artificial plants. There are a variety of affordable pop culture posters compared to the dismal section at Walmart, ensuring those bare walls can join in on the festivities. Although Five Below does not have the widest range of looks, there are still great items like small lamps, pen holders, string lights, funky throw blankets and even novelties like Hello Kitty rubber duck sets.
Of course, essentials are essential for a reason, so it is worth investing some money in those items. There are many stores with a variety of decorations at affordable prices, meaning students do not have to sacrifice practicality for personal style.
