Style & Shopping

Where to Find Good Dorm Wall Art on a Budget

published Oct 27, 2023
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
forward shot of bedroom with books on the bed, a desk with items on it and a wall filled with photos, jewelry organizer and a wall shelf
Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Prop Styling: Thomas Hoerup & Vicky Wasik

One of the best ways to fill your space with personality and style is by covering your walls with art. College students in particular often find themselves in small and relatively bland dorm rooms or apartments, making it extra important to add some pizazz to their homes. 

Although good art is typically seen as expensive and out of reach for the average college student, there are actually plenty of online resources offering wide arrays of options, catering to different tastes, and that don’t cost a ton. So, whether it’s vibrant posters, sophisticated prints, or modern wall hangings you’re looking for, these online shops offer some of the best bang for your buck in the realm of wall decor.

Credit: Desenio
Checkered Vase Poster, Desenio x Lone Fox, at Desenio

Desenio

Desenio offers tons of pieces of wall art in different aesthetics, sizes, and price points. Whether you’re looking for photography, illustrations, or graphics displayed on posters, prints, or canvas, it’s got you covered. With prices ranging from $3-$100 and free shipping on orders over $45, Desenio is a great site to shop on a college-student budget. For an additional cost, you can get your prints framed, and you can even buy premade gallery wall bundles.

Credit: Drool
The Persistence of Pink, Paulina Almira, at Drool

Drool

If you’re looking to fill your space with unique contemporary art prints, Drool is for you. The site offers various types of art including illustrations, graphics, photography, and paintings in styles ranging from bold to muted, typography to abstract. Drool’s “shop by room” option helps you quickly find art, and there’s even a fun quiz you can take to determine which art is best for you. Prices range from $24-$100+, with shipping costs ranging from $5-$16 within the U.S. Drool also offers framing services.

Credit: Terra Cotta Prints
Link, Edan Strachan, at Terra Cotta Prints

Terra Cotta Prints

Terra Cotta Prints is an online resource for finding exclusive and environmentally-conscious products. The art sold via Terra Cotta Prints can’t be found on any other site; plus, the company plants one tree for every purchase. Prices vary based on the size of your order and whether you want your pieces framed, but you can find most prints for under $100; shipping within the U.S. is about $9.

Credit: PSTR Studio
Aperol Spritz, Elin PK, at PSTR Studio

PSTR Studio

When I came across PSTR Studio, I fell in love with not only the site’s prints and prices, but also the free framing service you get when you buy a poster and corresponding frame. With print prices ranging from $39-$50, you’ll be sure to find an exciting new piece without breaking the bank.

Credit: Whats Upton
MIDDEN - Sage, Michael Upton, at Upton

Upton

Upton provides a variety of different types of art, including woven tapestries and prints on canvas and paper. For those looking for budget-friendly options, the prints on paper section has a ton of choices ranging from $39-$85. Upton offers free shipping and returns on all U.S. orders.

Credit: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Study for "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte," Georges Seurat, at The Met

Open Access at The Met

If you’ve ever spent a day at Manhattan’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, you were sure to have come across art you adored but couldn’t afford. Now, with The Met’s online collection, you can proudly display it in your own home. Browse thousands of images of public domain artworks, available to print for free. When searching the collection, all you have to do is look below the image for the Open Access icon, which indicates it’s available as a free download, then hit the download button. After you’ve done that, you’re free to print your images and have your very own art gallery in your college space.

Credit: Society6
Tiger Beach Wall Tapestry, Vincent Is Vintage, at Society6

Society6

Probably one of the best-known websites on this list, Society6 is popular for a reason. The retailer puts original artwork on a variety of decor products including posters, prints, metal, tapestries, wood, clocks, and much more. Prices vary based on the design, size, and medium, but there are plenty of options for pretty much every price point.

Credit: Etsy courtesy of 4everlight

Etsy

On Etsy, the possibilities for inexpensive wall art feel infinite. With seemingly endless different artists and mediums to choose from, you’re bound to find work that resonates with you. The marketplace has so many online shops to choose from; some of my favorites include OKpaintingShop for oil paintings, Shrig Shop for quirky prints, and Weareoutofoffice for colorful pieces. You can also find tapestries, signage, and more. Prices and shipping costs range based on your seller and product of choice.

Benedetto Rebecca

Architecture

Benedetto is a designer and photographer born and raised in Queens, New York. He is currently studying architecture at the University of Miami. When Benedetto is not designing, he loves to explore new places with his camera in hand, go on long bike rides, and cook lots of delicious meals. His main goal as a multi-hyphenate is to inspire people through his work and show them how beautiful the power of design truly is.

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SchoolUniversity of Miami '24
MajorArchitecture
FavesArchitecture, design, photography, painting, cooking
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