It’s time to buy both essentials and decor items for the new school year, and if your teen wants a unique look, Society6 is a great place to start. It’s an open, global community of 450,000+ independent artists from 170+ countries, and every purchase pays an artist. Your teen will find an incredibly wide selection of furnishings, apparel, or gifts for their dorm or apartment that reflects their style.
- Refer to the Campus Life guide, where students can shop by item, theme, color, and more. Then take a look at the Society6 Collections for trends, room design, and decor styles.
- As a bonus, students get a 25% discount at Society6.
Before purchasing any dorm furnishings, especially things to hang on the walls, check with the residence life section on the college website to ensure your student knows what’s allowed and prohibited in their dorm.
Note: We are a reader-supported site and may make some compensation from purchases made through some of these links.
Bedding
1. Bedding by Style
If your teen wants a certain theme for their living space, Society6 has a range of options, including Earthy Neutrals, Retro Dreams, Florals, Calming Colors, Black & White, Bright & Cheerful, and Stargazer. They can find comforters, pillow cases, and shams, throw blankets, and more.
2. Comforters
if your teen is just shopping for a comforter, floral, plaid, western, and abstract comforters are just some of the themes available this year. Once your teen has found the design they love, they can choose from either synthetic microfiber or natural fiber cotton in sizes from Twin XL to King size.
3. Throw Pillows
A few throw pillows can create a cozy feeling and soften furniture. These are available in square and rectangular sizes. Sitting in a dorm bed is much more comfortable if your student uses a larger pillow to lean up against when studying.
Decor
4. Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Dorm walls are typically pretty dingy, and using a peel and stick wallpaper is an inventive way to dress things up — loads of styles and colors available.
5. Wall Art: Prints and Posters
Another instant way to dress up a blank wall is with prints and/or posters. There are seemingly infinite designs, shapes, and sizes to match the size of the wall, your teen’s style, and budget.
6. Rugs
Placing a throw rug between two dorm beds can add some brightness to the room and feels nicer than stepping onto a linoleum floor. These are available in 4 sizes and are made out of a woven polyester chenille fabric. You will want to get a nonslip rug pad to go underneath to prevent slipping.
Bath
7. Shower Curtain
If your teen is in an apartment or a suite-style bathroom and needs a shower curtain, there are plenty to choose from in every color and so many cute designs. They’re moisture repellent and machine washable.
8. Bath Mat
A bath mat is essential if your teen has a bathroom, and these feature a layer of memory foam for extra cushioning. They are available in two sizes and have so many design options!
Other Essentials
9. School Essentials
Society6 has lots of other things your teen might want to take a look at, including cute backpacks, phone cases, laptop sleeves, and apparel.
10. Duffel Bags
Your student can be ready for weekend adventures with a duffle bag that folds flat to store, which is much more practical in a dorm than a hard-sided suitcase. They can find whimsical designs, like animal and bird prints, or something more neutral.
Look for construction with premium details like an adjustable shoulder strap and brushed nickel zippers. Available in multiple sizes.
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