So you're moving into your first college apartment. The boxes have been unpacked, your bed is made, the kitchen cupboards are stocked, and the major furniture has been positioned just so. Now that you’ve got the basics established in your college apartment, it’s time for the fun part: decorating. Unless you’re a true minimalist, you want to add some decorative details to make the space your own. However, buying additional furniture and décor for the floors, walls, and tabletops can be tough if you’re working on a student budget. Before you get started, check out these five tips on how to decorate your college apartment without breaking the bank.
1. Throw down some rugs
When you’re living in an apartment that houses different college students every semester, there’s a good chance you’re going to find a few scuffs on the floor. Don’t waste your time, energy, or money trying to scrub set-in stains with pricey cleaning products. The easiest way to tackle a stained floor is to roll out a throw rug. Throw rugs come in almost every shape, size, color, and pattern imaginable—it should be easy to find one that suits your personal style.
As with most household items, throw rugs range in price from very affordable to very expensive. Do some comparative shopping and look for online discount codes and free shipping options before ordering. The money you save on a rug can be extra money to spend on textbooks or food. Also, keep in mind that small throw rugs are great for high-traffic areas such as entryways and near kitchen and bathroom sinks. Larger throw rugs are ideal for placing beside a bed or underneath a dining table or coffee table. They add energy to a room and a bit of comfort underfoot, so you’re sure to get a lot of bang for your buck.
Related: 5 Tips for Decorating Your Dorm to Help You Settle in at College
2. Make use of multipurpose furniture
If there was ever a multipurpose piece of furniture created with the college student in mind, it’s the futon. Serving as a couch and a bed, a futon makes a great place to sit during the day and can be easily converted into a bed at night for the one friend who never seems to make it home after hanging out. Another helpful piece is the storage ottoman. It’s a place to sit, a place to rest your feet, and a place to store small household items. No one has to know that your favorite footrest contains magazines, textbooks, or other junk you refuse to get rid of.
3. Make your own wall art
Rather than spend your hard-earned cash on someone else’s photo, painting, or print, get creative and make your art to hang on your walls yourself. Buy a tube of paint and a cheap canvas board from your local craft store and create a one-of-a-kind painting. Pick a few favorite photos from your recent travels, add cool filters, and print them out to display your own photography. Get crafty with clay or other fun materials for unique creations. There are a lot of easy and affordable ways to create your own art so you don’t have to spend money on expensive designs and pricey frames.
Is art not really your thing? Instead of hanging a painting or a frame, hang a few wall shelves and decorate them with small trinkets, framed photos, and personal items. Fairy lights and string lights are also a great way to add interest to a wall without spending a ton.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to Decorating Dorm Room Walls
4. Look smart and sophisticated with a multi-level bookshelf
Nothing says “I’m studious” like a bookshelf. In a small apartment, opt for a corner shelf and display your favorite books or vinyl records to give your place a sophisticated vibe. Mix up your display by placing books, framed photos, and decorative items side by side or on different shelves to create depth and interest. In a bedroom, a bigger bookshelf can offer a variety of useful storage options for things other than books. A three- or four-tier bookshelf can hold folded clothing, shoes, handbags, and hats. And they’re usually much less expensive than a dresser or a chest of drawers.
5. Save big with Ikea
When you’re decorating on a budget, always check out Ikea. Sure, you’ll have to assemble the furniture yourself, but where else can you find chairs, tables, and duvet covers for cheap? You’ll find an endless assortment of furniture, decorative items, and textiles, making it easy to express your style and save cash for other things.
When shopping at Ikea, keep an eye out for multipurpose pieces like the ones mentioned above. Coffee tables with underneath storage shelves help maximize space. Ottomans with hidden storage compartments serve multiple purposes and are ideal for use in any small apartment or dorm.
Related: Smart Ideas to Decorate and Save Space in Your College Dorm or Apartment
If you want to decorate on a budget, keep these tips in mind. With a bit of creativity and DIY skills, you can turn your college apartment into the space you’ve always dreamed it would be.
Having a great college apartment is all about setting the right vibe! Use these tips on 7 Ways to Boost the Mood of Your College Apartment to create the ultimate space.
