8 Ways to Decorate Your Dorm on a Budget

 Adjusting to university life can be a struggle, especially when you’re stuck living in a room that feels a little like a cardboard box. Unfortunately, college students don’t always have a high decorating budget, so every day you come home to a frustratingly bland bedroom. However, there are some budget friendly ways to decorate your new home, or even just add a few personal touches.

1. Create a Photo Wall

A great way to add a bit of personal flair to a room without breaking the bank is to create a photo wall. Photo prints are surprisingly affordable, and one picture doesn’t cost more than a few cents. If you have a few nostalgic pictures that you would like to display in your room, the easiest and cheapest way to do so is to hang a photo wall. The best part about the photo wall is that it reflects you, your life and your experiences.

2. Build a Temporary Headboard

I know this sounds complicated, but it truly is incredibly simple. All you need is a piece of cardboard, some fabric, and some kind of padding. You can shape your headboard however you want, and the fabric can be whatever color or texture you desire. If you aren’t thoroughly convinced by this idea, check out this tutorial.

3. Add Potted Plants

While giant potted plants can be pretty expensive and won’t always fit into your dorm room, tiny potted plants can be as cheap as a dollar and will fit perfectly on your windowsill or desk. Tiny succulents are especially easy to take care of if you live a college lifestyle, and are available for purchase at stores like Walmart and Homedepot.

4. Make a Flower Wall

Flower walls are one of the latest trends in design and are just as simple as photo walls. Most of them involve hanging single flowers on a wall, and you can accomplish this with fake or real flowers.

5. Add String Lights or LED Strips

String lights and LED strips are a very easy and budget friendly addition to any room. While string lights are more obvious, LED strips can be very easily hidden and are also color changing. Both change the entire mood of an otherwise bland dorm room.

6. Make a Wastebasket Nightstand

Purchasing extra furniture can be pretty expensive, even a nightstand. However, there are some ways around paying the full price for any piece of furniture, including spray painting an ornate wastebasket and using it as a nightstand.

7. Add a Letter Board

Letter boards are a simple way to personalize your space and can be purchased at dollar stores like Five Below. Write yourself little messages on the board or use it to display a favorite quote.

8. Shop Budget Stores

There are a great deal of stores out there that sell budget home decor for those of use who aren’t very crafty. There are online shops like Shein and Room Haven, or if you prefer brick and mortar stores, Five Below or HomeGoods might be more your style.

Making your room feel like home can make all the difference in your education, and even if you can’t afford to completely redesign your dorm, you can still make it reflect you and your personality.

Written by Celeste Holmes