How to Save Big When Decorating Your Dorm Room or Apartment
COLLEGE STUDENT - FIRST APARTMENT DECOR TIPS:
If you’re a new college student, you may not have a lot of room in your budget for decorations and furnishings for your dorm room or apartment. But creating a workspace that maximizes productivity will aid your studies and learning. After all, some of the greatest business ideas were launched from small spaces.
Thankfully, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to turn your tiny room into a comfortable place to sleep, study, and wind down after a long day at school. Here are some budget-friendly tips from New York School Talk to help you add visual appeal and functional convenience to your new home away from home.
Shop Around for Amazing Deals
From bedding to school supplies, you can save money on all of your dorm room essentials by shopping around for sales and special discounts. For example, buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deals are great for those items you need more than one of, like skincare products, bed sheet sets, and back-to-school clothing.
Need wall art? Shop affordable art and prints
If you find an item in a store that you want to buy for your dorm room or apartment, do some research before purchasing — you can almost always find a better price online! You can use the internet to buy electronics, books, exercise gear, and clothing basics to get the best deals on these items.
Online stores often offer discounts to first-time shoppers, and you may even be able to find coupon codes to stack those savings. Shopping around is one of the best ways to find amazing deals on anything you need.
Buy Second-Hand Items
Decorating your dorm room or apartment is the key to creating a homey, personal space that makes you happy. Since art and furniture can be expensive when purchased new, opt for used whenever possible. Thrift stores and yard sales are fantastic for finding deals on wall hangings, storage solutions, and functional furniture such as desks and chairs.
Remember, you can also search for gently used items online using websites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. You’ll come across many unique finds to help you add personality to your living space, and you can even negotiate on price to get a better deal!
Get Creative
If you really want to save money and customize your space, consider making your own decor. Decorate your walls with pictures of loved ones and pets, postcards from friends and family, or magazine cut-outs. You can even make your own frames for photo collages and posters by painting cheap canvas stretcher bars and stapling your art to the back.
You can also use your DIY skills to revamp cheap, used furniture you find. For example, try recovering an old desk chair with fun fabric to add some personality to your study space.
LEARN HOW TO PAINT WITH ACRYLICS - https://www.101artists.com
Or, paint your own artwork! You can learn online how to create original art at sites like https://www.101artists.com and courses at online shcools like Teachable.
Keep in mind that if you want to spice up your space with artwork on a budget, you can find plenty of amazing canvas pieces or buy an affordable art print and frame it yourself.
DIY ROOM DECOR - ART PRINTS
Keep in mind that some dorms and landlords limit just how creative you can get with the space you have. Before tackling any major projects, speak to those in charge and run your idea by them. Of course, if you’re unhappy with your apartment and want to find one that gives you a bit more freedom, start looking online; there are several options to explore.
Budget for Good Bedding
If there’s one thing that you spend a little more money on, make it your bedding. A comfortable bed will help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep so you can get the rejuvenating rest you need to thrive in school.or on the job. To make your mattress more comfortable, Hurculite recommends buying a mattress pad and investing in high-quality sheets. Mattress pads come in all kinds of materials and firmness levels, so do some research to find the solution that’s best for your sleep style and body type. If you’re living in a warmer climate, opt for breathable cotton sheets to keep you cool at night.
As you start shopping for supplies, you’ll be surprised at just how much stuff you need. A laundry basket, clothing hangers, shampoo, towels, shower shoes — the list goes on. Try to avoid spending money on unnecessary wants and keep your budget available for all of those little necessities that will make your college experience a positive one.
Article submitted by Sheila Olsen