It’s not cheap to furnish and decorate an off-campus apartment. So, as generally broke college students, how can we turn a dull and dreary apartment into our own personal paradise? Here are just a few tips:
1. Furniture: Furniture is more than just a decoration—it’s a necessity. However, furniture can be expensive. So throw away your shame and get your furniture at local Good Will stores, weekend yard sales, or as hand-me-downs from other homeowners. (Or, if you’re squeamish, buy from budget-friendly places like IKEA, Target and Amazon.com)
2. Wall art: Wall art can bring any apartment to life and cover up bland and boring walls. You can find low-cost artwork at yard sales or you can simply make your own. There are tons of Do It Yourself (DIY) tutorials online, but if you’re feeling lazy, just hang up posters, pictures or tapestries you already own.
Side note: Many landlords won’t allow you to use nails, tacks, etc. Use tacky, tape, or Command hooks with removable adhesive.
3. DIY: Speaking of making wall art, there are tons of other decorations you can make inexpensively. Make pillows from old t-shirts or curtains from excess fabric you have laying around. Repaint weathered furniture or use old tablecloths to reupholster boring chairs. Pinterest.com has hundreds of easy tutorials like these on how to make awesome decorations from simple, inexpensive materials.
4. Holiday lights: Literally brighten up your apartment with strands of holiday lights. They’re fun, cheap, and don’t require a lot of energy.
5. Bring things from home: Instead of selling old household belongings at an annual yard sale, use them to add depth to your apartment. These can be vases, picture frames, lamps or really anything. The best part about this? It’s free.
6. Some other decorations: Rugs, blankets, bathroom décor, and mirrors are also useful decorations. You can find these items at inexpensive outlets, low-cost websites, or at community yard sales.
There are thousands of ways to make your apartment feel like “home.” For more ideas on how to personalize your apartment, check out websites like Apartment Therapy and Nifty Thrifty Girl.