Dorm decor for the class of 2016

We put together a list of dorm necessities and accessories you might want to consider as you’re shopping. Take notes on what’s right for your room.

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You’ll want to have a place where someone can write a real message, not just text. These wall-mounted accent lamps have flat bubble shades that function as message boards. They are battery-operated. Accent lamp with text bubble shade and TV-shaped accent lamp. $14.99.

Dan Olson / Target

Bring some style to the table. “Don’t just get a lamp that’s beige and boring,” says Sabrina Soto, Target’s style expert for home. “Injecting some color with your lamp is important because your desk will be full of books and papers.” The stick lamp with patterned shade comes in several prints. $16.99.

Kirby Johnson / Target

Finding dorm lamps for guys can be a challenge. The bold <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.target.com/s/man+lamp#?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google&CPNG=lighting&adgroup=lighting&LNM=Man%20lamp&MT=broad&LID=32p191128&KID=0fe4e4b6-e798-5aa9-33f3-00006d9d2b21'>Walking Man Lamp</a> series, available in blue, yellow or red, features a base in the shape of a dude walking. $15.99.

Finding dorm lamps for guys can be a challenge. The bold Walking Man Lamp series, available in blue, yellow or red, features a base in the shape of a dude walking. $15.99.

Dan Olson / Target

With so many devices to keep track of and charged, it is wise to designate a multi-tasking home for them. In the <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=40273686'> iHome app-enhanced triple charge dual alarm stereo clock,</a> you can charge your iPhone and iPad at once and wake and sleep to either your own playlist or radio. $129.99.

With so many devices to keep track of and charged, it is wise to designate a multi-tasking home for them. In the iHome app-enhanced triple charge dual alarm stereo clock, you can charge your iPhone and iPad at once and wake and sleep to either your own playlist or radio. $129.99.

Bed, Bath & Beyond

An inexpensive accessory that adds personality: Melamine <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=203626'>Threadless wastebaskets</a> are available in five colorful designs. The Threadless global design community, originally known for its innovative T-shirts, now produces unique designs for many products. $9.99.

An inexpensive accessory that adds personality: Melamine Threadless wastebaskets are available in five colorful designs. The Threadless global design community, originally known for its innovative T-shirts, now produces unique designs for many products. $9.99.

Bed, Bath & Beyond

A waterproof carrier for all those hair and body products is a must for trips to the shower down the hall. The <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10028018&N=&Ntt=flexible'>flexible shower tote</a>, available in blue/aqua, orange/pink, pink/orange or aqua/blue, has drain holes and a divider inside. $9.99.

A waterproof carrier for all those hair and body products is a must for trips to the shower down the hall. The flexible shower tote, available in blue/aqua, orange/pink, pink/orange or aqua/blue, has drain holes and a divider inside. $9.99.

The Container Store

A comforter is usually one of the first dorm purchases. “Your bedding will define your style,” says Jessica Joyce, spokeswoman for Bed Bath & Beyond. “It’s where you study, eat, sleep and hang out, and it reflects your personality.” The Orla Kiely stem mini bed set is in one of the Irish designer’s signature prints and includes a comforter and sham. $149.99.

Bed, Bath & Beyond

Replacing the institutional desk chair makes good sense. “Most dorm rooms come with a standard desk chair, but it’s usually very plain and not the most comfortable,” says Olescia Hanson, spokeswoman for the Container Store. She suggests adding color and comfort with the bungee office chair. The straps are supportive and a pneumatic lift makes it easily adjustable. In green, blue, black, chocolate or pink berry. $139.

The Container Store

Add more space for stuff with these lightweight portable chests. They have fabric drawers and are equipped with swivel casters for easy transport. Two wheels are lockable. The Studio 3B Z drawer carts come in pink or black. $39.99 for 3-drawer; $49.99 for 4-drawer.

Bed Bath & Beyond

Your parents will miss you. The Call Your Mother pillow was created by New York designer Alexandra Ferguson so moms would get a little more love from their off-to-college offspring. It’s made of felt from recycled plastic containers. (There’s also a Don’t Tell Dad version.) Available in charcoal/fuchsia and five other color combinations. $89.

Dormify

Create a home for your purses or towels without nailing or screwing anything into the wall with these sleek <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.containerstore.com/shop/hooks/adhesive?productId=10030480&amp;N=69020'>Command adhesive nickel modern hooks</a>. The hooks adhere to almost any surface and won’t damage paint or wood. $8.99 to $13.99.

Create a home for your purses or towels without nailing or screwing anything into the wall with these sleek Command adhesive nickel modern hooks. The hooks adhere to almost any surface and won’t damage paint or wood. $8.99 to $13.99.

The Container Store

Stylish decals bring personality to a boring white dorm room. And they don’t take up any space. This removable accessory is best when it makes a bold statement, such as the chain chandelier decal, measuring 28-by-23 inches. It resembles a black crystal chandelier dripping with facets. “It’s a fashion statement and you don’t damage anything in the room,” says Karen Zuckerman, president and founder of Dormify, a source for dorm gear. Available in black and five other colors. $40.

Nicholas Monu / Dormify

Canvas totes have many uses in dorms, including laundry and clothing storage. The <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10024258&N=&Ntt=horizon'>horizon rectangular crunch cans</a> by Umbra crunch back down when not in use, $19.99.

Canvas totes have many uses in dorms, including laundry and clothing storage. The horizon rectangular crunch cans by Umbra crunch back down when not in use, $19.99.

The Container Store

This black metal club chair with zebra plush cushioning folds when not in use. <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/Product.asp?MC=1&SKU=40080444&'>The club chair with pocket </a>also provides storage for books or a remote, $39.99.

This black metal club chair with zebra plush cushioning folds when not in use. The club chair with pocket also provides storage for books or a remote, $39.99.

Bed, Bath & Beyond

Clocky, the alarm clock on wheels, will run away and hide if you don’t rouse yourself out of bed, $39.

Dormify

Wall decor that acts as a bulletin board, <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=18117410&RN=989&'>the paper clip collage</a> is cute and useful, $14.99.

Wall decor that acts as a bulletin board, the paper clip collage is cute and useful, $14.99.

Bed, Bath & Beyond

<a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10015612&N=&Ntt=dublet'>Dublet adjustable closet rod expander</a> by Umbra works with existing closet rods to provide more room for hanging clothes, $19.99.

Dublet adjustable closet rod expander by Umbra works with existing closet rods to provide more room for hanging clothes, $19.99.

The Container Store

No room for workout clothes or sweaters? Invest in a white Elfa mesh start-a-stack. Four drawers and a 21-inch depth make it possible to fit in many tight dorm closets for extra storage. While mesh allows you to see what’s inside, small items won’t fall through. $119.

Container Store

Navy bedding works well for boys’ dorm rooms. The <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=130067'>‘Knot’s Bay’ comforter set</a> by Nautica comes with a reversible comforter, sheets and pillowcase, starting at $149.99.

Navy bedding works well for boys’ dorm rooms. The ‘Knot’s Bay’ comforter set by Nautica comes with a reversible comforter, sheets and pillowcase, starting at $149.99.

Bed, Bath & Beyond

Polka dot storage boxes add fashion and function to a dorm room. The <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10032489&N=&Ntt=ruby+dot'>ruby dots fabric storage boxes</a>come in three sizes, $14.99 to $21.99.

Polka dot storage boxes add fashion and function to a dorm room. The ruby dots fabric storage boxescome in three sizes, $14.99 to $21.99.

The Container Store

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Dorm decor for the class of 2016

We put together a list of dorm necessities and accessories you might want to consider as you’re shopping. Take notes on what’s right for your room.

Featured Photo Galleries

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