The Best Space-Saving Dorm Room Furniture
Updated: Jun. 27, 2022Turn cramped college housing into a cozy home-away-from-home with these space-saving solutions that make the most of tight quarters.
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Pottery Barn Organization System
Turn any corner of a dorm into a clever little study zone with this organization system by Pottery Barn. Whether it’s class schedules, shopping lists or exam dates, the modular unit keeps track of it all.
The attractive pine and metal suite components include a space-saving fold-down desk, a selection of shelves, a wall-mounted corkboard, whiteboard, chalkboard and tiered file organizer. Mounting hardware is included.
The Fridge Stand With Extras
Get that mini-refrigerator up off the floor and take advantage of the space beneath with this steel-framed Fridge Stand. The stand features two canvas drawers for utensils, plates, cups and other odds and ends. It’s mounted on four locking casters so it’s easy to move when your kid decides to switch things up. Choose from white, light gray or black.
“Just what she needed for her small dorm room!” writes one Dormco reviewer. “The drawers are roomy and with the rollers, you can move it where you want!”
LapGear Lap Desk
Pull up a chair, plop down on the couch or stretch out in bed with this highly rated lap desk. This handy “desk” eliminates the need for a bulky traditional one.
The compact workspace holds a laptop computer or tablet (up to 15-1/2 inches). It’s mounted on a dual-bolster cushion that rests comfortably on your thighs and knees. The tray features a built-in mouse pad with a slot to hold your phone vertically or horizontally — perfect for making Zoom calls back home.
Jewelry Storage Mirror Cabinet
If it’s against the rules to attach furniture to dorm room walls, this over-the-door jewelry storage mirror cabinet offers a brilliant solution. Not only is the armoire lined with plush velvet, but it has a ton of hooks, cubes, shelves and bars to organize and display all your favorite gems and trinkets.
Battery powered LED lights turn on automatically so you can accurately check your look in the mirror. The lock and key will discourage sticky-fingered roommates from borrowing your stuff without permission.
Elephant in a Box Working Sofa
If you’re looking for dorm furniture to get your kid off on the right foot, splurge a little and send them this Working Sofa. Delivered to campus in a compact box, the super-soft sofa sets up in minutes. There’s a desk hiding in the armrest; just flip it up when it’s time to buckle down and study.
Changing dorm rooms? No problem. The lightweight couch goes wherever life takes them.
Extra Height Mini Shelf
When living in cramped quarters, it’s often hard to find enough places to stash all your things. At 48 inches high, this Mini Shelf delivers a tower of compact storage. It’s only 24 inches wide so it won’t take up too much floor space.
Straddle the durable white epoxy rack over a microwave or mini fridge to create a quick stop-n-snack station. The four adjustable wood-veneered shelves prevent smaller items from falling through the cracks.
DIY Bench With Shoe Storage
For the do-it-yourself woodworker who wants to send their kid off to college with something practical and handmade, this bench with shoe storage is the answer.
It provides seating and a cubby for up to eight pairs of shoes. All you need is wood, some paint and few basic tools and supplies. Realistically, this shoe storage bench shouldn’t take you more than an hour or two to complete.
Urban Shop Faux Fur Saucer Chair
A space-age and space-saving design, the metal frame of this saucer chair folds down and tucks under the bed for easy, out-of-sight storage.
Set this circular lounger up anywhere — the legs lock firmly in place to provide sitting stability and safety. Plush and fuzzy, the faux fur-covered cushion comes in 10 shades to add a pop of color to any dorm room décor.
BedShelfie: The Original Bedside Shelf
Keep your phone and other essentials within arm’s reach with the BedShelfie, a space-saving alternative to a bulky bedside table. The lipped shelf attaches to the bed frame using a strong clamp that safely supports up to 15 pounds.
The “Original” comes with or without a cup holder. Choose round, plus-size or a slide-style tray with an extending board that slips between the mattress and foundation or box spring.
“We got this for my daughter’s dorm room,” writes one Amazon reviewer. “The kids lifted their beds for more floor space, which all but eliminated the possibility of a bedside table. BedShelfie is the perfect answer. It’s nicely constructed and sturdy; she had it attached to the bunk frame in less than five minutes.”
Over-the-Door Closet Valet
Dorm rooms are notoriously tiny. Increase your closet space with this cool over-the-door closet valet. Create an extra rack instantly by mounting it to the back of a door; it eliminates the need for an extra dresser or freestanding wardrobe.
The valet holds up to 35 pounds of clothes, and can be adjusted in three widths to fit almost any door. Although it’s not technically a piece of furniture, it’s an essential space-saving item for campus clothes horses everywhere.
“It was super easy to install, doesn’t take up any of the much-needed floor space in my son’s small college room and fits up to a week or more of laundry,” writes one Amazon reviewer. She says she would definitely recommend it, especially for the college-bound.
