It is difficult to create a comfortable space while maintaining a budget as a college student. Luckily, as students, we have the ability to get creative, even with less than $20. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Votives and candles
Candles are universally known to relax a stiff environment. Although most of us cannot afford an abundance of large scented candles, we can still have the luxury of decorating our space with them. At arts and crafts stores, you can purchase small candle votives for about $3. If you buy a few votives and a ribbon of choice in any design or color, you can tie the ribbon around the votives to add a little color. Next, buy a bag of tea lights (a pack of 50 costs as little as $5). Place the tea lights in the votives and light them up; this adds mood, color, and looks more expensive than it is.
Add a throw to your furniture
Have an old couch or a stain on one that is unflattering? An easy fix, as opposed to purchasing a cover, is a small throw or blanket. It can be a print, which can make a plain couch or sofa look a little more fun. It will leave a good first impression for new visitors and give you something to wrap up in when the weather is chilly.
Bed canopy
Privacy is especially appreciated for college students. One easy way to add a little decoration and privacy to a bedroom is a bed canopy. Canopies are available for less than $20. All it takes to hang a canopy is a thumbtack and a ceiling. This is an easy and dramatic addition to any bedroom.
Personal picture frames
Picture frames are another inexpensive, easy piece of decor for a bedroom or living room. A basic home-ribbed picture frame ranges from $2 to $4. If you really want to get creative, you could buy several frames and decorate them to fit your living space. For example, you could glue beads or ribbon on the outside of the frame to add some color.
Artificial flowers
Flowers are not for everyone, but they have a certain feng shui effect that makes any room a little better to be in. Unfortunately, we cannot all afford fresh flowers, but that is what fake flowers are for. Stores such as Wal-Mart or even the Dollar Tree have bouquets of artificial flowers that cost about $2. A vase can be purchased for about $3 to $5. You can fill the vase with colored pebbles or even tie a ribbon around the outside. Separate the flowers, put them in the vase, and there is an inexpensive addition to a living room, dining room table or bedroom. And the best part is, they will last forever.
Floating wall shelves
“Invisible” or “floating” shelves are an inexpensive way to add texture and storage space to a room. The shelves are easily to attach to the wall and provide a great space to place books, candles, picture frames and other small items. On smartfurniture.com, shelves range from $15 to $20.
Decorative pillows
Decorative pillows are a quick fix for a drab bed, couch or sofa. They can add accent colors to a white room or even create a theme of their own. On Web sites such as Overstock.com, a set of two decorative pillows cost less than $15.
Add a lamp
Lamps can be found for a good price at stores such as Target or Ikea. If you want to get creative, you could even find one at a resale store and put a new lamp shade on it, which is fairly inexpensive. Not only will this provide more lighting to a dull space, but the lamp can also add color.
Use a corkboard
Place a corkboard on your wall. The great thing about corkboards is they are inexpensive, great for memorabilia and come in a variety of sizes and designs. You can even place cards or other paper products over them to add a more organized and expressive look to the brown boards.
Bring in some color with a curtain
Buy a decorative shower curtain for your bathroom. If you are too low on cash to decorate an entire bathroom, adding a shower curtain that has a pattern or design is enough to bring a little life into the space. In a bedroom, sheer curtains can have a similar effect. Placing the inexpensive covering over windows gives more privacy and creates a more intimate space.
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