15 Dorm Lighting Ideas To Glow Up Your Dorm Room
This post is all about dorm lighting ideas.
Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. See our full disclaimer here.
Lighting is a go-to remedy for a cramped, uninspired dorm room. The right dorm lighting can completely transform your space, no matter how small. Lighting has the ability to add dimension, change the mood, and even make your room feel larger. There are so many dorm room lighting ideas that will do all of the above while still being safe and functional.
Here are 15 dorm lighting ideas that will give your dorm room a major glow-up.
DORM ROOM LIGHTING IDEAS:
1. LED FAIRY STRING LIGHTS
Fairy string lights will add a delicate, magical glow to your space. These LED wall lights are also super versatile. They can be hung and arranged in many different ways, so you can get creative with it.
The most common way to style fairy lights is to simply drape them along the perimeter of your ceiling. You can use clear adhesive wall hooks to keep the lights in place and avoid damage to your dorm walls. You can also hang them in vertical rows, drape them around your bed frame, or use them to frame a wall tapestry. No matter how you style them, your college dorm will twinkle with warmth.
Recreate it!
2. NEON SIGN/LAMP
If you want to add a vibrant pop to your college dorm, a neon sign is the way to go. Neon signs are the best dorm lights for an edgy, urban feel. There are so many neon sign options to choose from–you’ll definitely be able to find a phrase or image that reflects your personality and style.
You can hang a neon sign on the wall above your bed, or go for a neon table light to bring some color and life to your desk.
Recreate it!
3. MOON NIGHT LIGHT
Night lights are very functional and beneficial in a college dorm room, but they can also be decorative. This realistic Mydethun Moon Night Light will bring a relaxing ambiance and warmth to your dorm room. Its subtle lunar glow will be super helpful on nights when you need to stay up late to study, but your roommate has already gone to sleep.
Recreate it!
4. MINIMALIST LED FLOOR LAMP
If simplicity and function are a priority in your college dorm, try this super minimalistic LED floor lamp. Dorm rooms do not provide much space for big light fixtures, but this one is very space-conscious. This dorm lighting will completely illuminate your room and provide a sleek, contemporary style.
If you’re going for a modern and minimalistic look, this is a super functional choice.
Recreate it!
5. FUNCTIONAL DESK LAMP WITH STORAGE
Most college dorm rooms are pretty cramped, which means you have to get creative with your storage space. A multi-functional desk lamp will not only light up your workspace, but help organize it.
This desk lamp has two pen holders and a spot to prop up your phone.
Recreate it!
6. PINK HIMALAYAN SALT LAMP
When I moved into my first college dorm room, the first decor piece I bought was a Himalayan pink salt lamp. I’m obsessed with these lamps because they not only have a beautiful amber glow, but can benefit your health and the air quality of your room. The pink salt the lamp emits can remove negative pathogens from the air, which helps to improve your breathing, allergies, sleep conditions, and mood. My first dorm room was very humid, so this lamp helped a ton.
Recreate it!
7. IVY VINE STRING LIGHTS
Ivy vine string lights will bring greenery and natural elements into your college dorm. This dorm lighting will breathe some life into your space, especially if you’re going for an earthy, bohemian look.
You can style these lights by hanging them in vertical rows on the wall behind your bed–you’ll definitely feel at one with nature.
Recreate it!
8. TWO-LIGHT FLOOR LAMP
If you are sharing your college dorm with a roommate, you can find dorm lighting that will benefit both of you. This modern gold sphere lamp has two lights for double-duty illumination. You can place this fixture between your twin beds so you can both have light, but also save some space.
9. CUTE PETAL DESK LAMP
These flower petal desk lamps are so adorable and unique. This dorm lighting option will add a quirky pop of color to your desk space. It comes in four pastel shades: blue, green, yellow, and baby pink.
This lamp is also foldable, uses LED light bulbs, and has a built-in USB charging port.
10. HANGING LIGHT SPHERES
You can totally hang lighting from your dorm room ceiling without damaging it. These hanging light-up spheres can be hung from any ceiling with adhesive hooks or Command strips–no nails or screws required!
This mini chandelier will brighten up your room and add a soft, fairy-like glow.
Recreate it!
11. MOD CLIP STRING LIGHTS
College is all about making new friends and new memories. Why not show off those memories with some super cool dorm lighting? These Mod Clip String Lights come with clips that will hold and display your favorite photos. You can drape these lights around your room to get a bright, warm glow and decorate your room with a personalized flair.
Recreate it!
Recreate it!
13. PORTABLE LANTERN TABLE LAMP
Light fixtures aren’t always easy to transport to your college dorm, but this one won’t be a problem. A folding lantern table lamp can quickly be compressed and tossed in the car on move-in day. You can also move it around to different spots in your dorm when you need it. This one is dimmable and super affordable.
I love the natural wood detail and cute, campy look.
14. SUNSET LAMP PROJECTOR
If you really want to create a cozy, romantic atmosphere in your college dorm, try out a sunset lamp projector. Dorm rooms usually don’t have a lot of natural light, so this lamp will create that for you. This dorm lighting option isn’t as functional, but it will transform the mood and energy in your room.
Why not watch a sunset with your roommate while doing homework together?
Recreate it!
15. STARRY NIGHT GLOBE NIGHT LIGHT
This is another super cool way to totally change up the atmosphere in your dorm room. This Starry Night Globe Light projects glowing star-shaped lights all over your room. If you’re hanging out with your friends in your dorm, this will definitely set the mood. It can also be really comforting while you’re falling asleep at night.
College dorm rooms are notorious for unflattering, fluorescent lighting. These 15 dorm lighting ideas will not only combat that, but provide some unique style and function.
