One thing every college student can agree on is that dorm rooms are pretty drab and boring. The cement block walls and tile floors are anything but cozy. That’s why it’s up to you to turn your dorm room into a comfortable space where you can enjoy spending time. However, your dream dorm might be far more expensive than you can afford. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to decorate your dorm room without breaking the bank. Here are some great tips for saving money on your dorm decor without sacrificing style.

Start with a Plan

Decorating your room can seem costly at first, but a little planning, research, and creativity can go a long way to help you achieve your dream look for less. Without a plan in place you will likely end up buying things you don’t use and going way over budget. Therefore, you will want to set a budget, consider your layout options, and decide on a theme or overall look before buying anything. Once you have a plan, it’s time to start shopping and comparing prices to find the most affordable options.

Shop Secondhand

One of the best ways to save money on your dorm decor is by shopping for secondhand items. This is a great way to find unique pieces that you can repurpose to fit your style. You can shop secondhand at thrift stores, garage sales, and online resale sites. Keep an eye out for furniture, art, and decorative items that match your style. You also want to keep an open mind and consider that some items may need a little paint or repairs but with a little elbow grease you can turn them into a unique and stylish piece.

DIY

There are plenty of quick and easy DIY projects that can help you achieve that desired dorm look for less. Some cheap dorm room ideas that you can make yourself include wall frames, corkboards, curtains, and even bedding. You can also use a can of paint to refurbish an old piece of furniture and make it look brand new. You can also easily cover chairs or ottomans with fabric and a staple gun. All it takes is a little bit of time and creativity to reduce costs and create amazing decor for your room.

Make the Most of Basic Items

You can really transform the look of your dorm by adding pops of color to basic items.  For example, choose a basic white bedspread and white pillowcases and then make it pop by adding colorful throw pillows and a colorful blanket at the end of your bed. You can do the same thing by adding decorative pillows to your chairs or colorful curtains to accent a basic rug. You don’t have to spend a fortune to make your room look chic, cozy, and inviting.