Decorating on a college budget
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Decor tips that Make Your Piggy Bank Happy
Decorating your room can seem like a daunting task when your budget is tight and your space is limited. Accessories from discount and dollar shops can make your home away from home an expression of creativity.
Tips to revive a res hall room without breaking the bank
Pick a theme
This can be something you love, such as animal prints or sports teams (think purple), or just a favorite color scheme. Having a plan can help you find low-budget touches to your room while keeping it pulled together.
Use bright colors on the bedding
Don’t forget throw pillows and fun blankets. This isn't just a place where you sleep, it’s where you live, so let your personality show through.
Print out lots of pictures of friends and family
It’s cheap at places like Wal-Mart. You could randomly place them around the room, make a collage, or cover a wall.
Use sturdy cardboard boxes for end tables
Just cover them with batting or an old blanket, some fabric, and duct tape it to the bottom of the box. Instant place to put up your feet or serve pizza!
Pick up picture frames at the dollar shop and a can of bright spray paint
Paint all the picture frames fun colors that fit with your scheme. Then fill them with pictures of family and friends back home, shots of places you want to visit, or quotes to live by.
Cover your walls with paint swatches
Swing by your local home or paint store and pick up as many free color swatches as you can without getting yelled at. Use these to decorate–a whole wall or even a room covered in these looks great.
Store items in small baskets
These woven minis are easy and attractive organizers for your toiletries, makeup, or study aids, and they can be carried wherever you need them. Line them with fabric that matches your scheme.
Get some craft foam sheets
They cost just a few cents and look like thick foam construction paper. You can create shapes, initials, or words to add color and character to your room.
Create your own posters
On websites like The Rasterbator you can create posters from any picture you own. Snap some pics with friends in fun poses. Imagine plastering your wall with a six-foot poster of you and your best friends posing like Charlie’s Angels!
Pick up some cheap vases
Fill them with pebblesor glass beads to make great pencil holders. The best part? They can double as sturdy bookends to keep your shelves in order.
Remember, your room is a testing ground for decorating your future home, so spend time creating your room based on your likes and wants. You might be surprised how it turns out (good or bad).
Your room an expression of you, so tkae some times to make it a comfortable haven of your style.