subject: Decorating a Dorm Room on a Budget [print this page] Decorating a Dorm Room on a Budget Decorating a Dorm Room on a Budget
If you only have a small decorating budget for your dorm room, don't despair. There are plenty of ways to maximize space, add decorative touches, and transform a plain dorm room into your "home sweet home" away from home, without breaking the bank. Here are some tips that will have your room in tip-top shape, while spending very little money.
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Understand the Rules and Restrictions
Every dorm will have certain rules that restrict what you are allowed to do. For example, while most dorms prohibit painting the walls, some even restrict using tape, staples, nails or tacks. Reading the rules before you decorate will avoid problems later. Unlike your first house, where you'll be able to hang kitchen metal wall decor or metal bike wall art wherever you please, in a dorm room, you should stick to posters, photos and other lightweight wall decor that can be hung with approved removable adhesives.
You'll also need to find a way to decorate your part of the dorm room without offending your roommate. It's often a good idea to try to work together to find coordinating decorating styles. If this is impossible, be sure to divide the room into clearly designated areas for each of you. Then, confine your decorating to only your half of the room.
Save Money with Second-Hand Items
When decorating a dorm room, thrift shops, second-hand stores, garage sales and flea markets can be great places to shop. For example, you can save a lot of money by purchasing a chest of drawers at a yard sale, compared to buying a new one at a department store. You'll also be able to find items with a lot of charm and personality, which can help add a personalized touch to your dorm room space. Even furniture items that have seen better days can look new again, simply by giving them a fresh coat of paint. Try using old furniture pieces in surprising new ways, such as utilizing an old telephone stand as your bedside table. This can add an eclectic and funky look to your decorating style. Your family may also have furniture items you can use for free, such as an old chair or small loveseat. Spruce it up with an inexpensive slipcover if necessary.
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Shop at Discount Stores
Most discount department stores have sections devoted to dorm room decorating. You'll be able to find coordinating decorating items, small furniture pieces, bedding, and other items that can make decorating your dorm room an easy and inexpensive task. Most department stores even have sales on dorm room items right before school starts. Think creatively when shopping for dorm room items. For example, two inexpensive metal filing cabinets can be combined with an old wooden door or a piece of painted plywood to create budget-friendly desk space.
Add the Finishing Touch with Accessories
Inexpensive accessories can be used to add a stylish look to a dorm room without the need to spend a lot of money. Throw pillows, area rugs, lamps, and other decorating items can all add a splash of color and style. Choosing a really great comforter for the bed can also be a great way to set the decorating theme for a room. Plastic milk crates, wicker baskets, and decorative boxes can add stylish storage space. Inexpensive posters are light and easy to hang using approved wall adhesives, adding style and color to boring dorm room walls.
