Transforming Your Dorm Room from Drab to Fab on a Budget!

It's not always easy to reside in a dormitory away from home, and the bedroom that you have grown accustomed to. For this very reason it's important to create a comfortable space for yourself within the dormitory. Consider the fact that most of your year is spent at college, with the exception of breaks between the semesters, and small breaks during the actual school year. At Shaw University, most rooms are furnished with the basics only, which include a bed, dresser, closet, and desk. Why not personalize your space, for as long as you choose to occupy it? Perhaps you don't view it as home. It is however your home away from home. When I made the decision to reside in on campus housing I knew that I wanted to decorate my room in a way that would reflect my personal style and taste. Like most full time students I also had limited funds. I had to figure out a way to create a cozy space, that I would be comfortable spending my time in. There are several affordable ways to accomplish this, and I will share some of them with you.

First, you can start by selecting a color scheme. If you have a roommate you might want to ask them if they would like to participate in selecting a color that will work well for both of you. Even if they choose not to you can still personalize your side of the room. Once you have decided on a color scheme you will want to start shopping for items to bring the room to life.

Discount stores like Wal-Mart offer almost anything, at a lower price, that you need including; toiletries, cosmetics, electronics, bedding, towels, rugs, trash cans, and food, among other things. Purchasing a bed in a bag is a great option, because it includes the sheet set, comforter, pillow cases, shams, and bed skirt.  You can also buy the items separately and still save money.  Don't forget your pillows, towels, wash cloths, and throw rugs. Products to clean the room are as important as the items to decorate the room, so don't forget those. If you really want to spice things up get an inexpensive folding chair in your preferred color.

Consider thrift stores and consignment shops as they offer unique one-of-a-kind items. Most items cost very little compared to new retail prices. You can find beautiful curtains and decorative pillows for your bed! Naturally, it's a good idea to clean them. Thrift stores also have pretty picture frames, which you can use to showcase photographs of friends and family. You can get interesting desk lamps, vases, baskets and an assortment of other trinkets. These things will set your room apart from the average plain dorm room. It will also allow you to feel a little more at home on campus.

Finally, remember that a warm nourishing Scent is an important part of coziness. However, most dorms prohibit the use of candles and incense because they create a fire hazard. Don't let that deter you from adding a nice scent to the room. Scented room and linen sprays, plug-ins, and reed diffusers can give your room a wonderful aroma. Electric oil burners are a much better alternative to regular oil burners that require tea light candles.

The all-useful electronics are a must-have. Thrift stores usually have affordable electronics that work such as televisions, radios, and telephones, irons, and ironing boards. Look out for slick-looking narrow items that match your narrow dorm space.

Now that you have completed your shopping you are ready to begin your interior decorating. Before you get started, sweep and mop the floor. Wipe down the surface of the furniture with an all purpose cleaner. Spray the mattress with an antibacterial disinfectant spray, and wipe the window blinds down if they are dusty. If you purchased curtains you can hang them in the window without damaging the wall, buy using an adjustable rod with rubber stoppers on the end. Make the bed, and add the decorative pillows. Arranging them in an interesting way will result in beautiful look. Put the throw rug on the floor next to your bed. A vase with or without flowers is a nice touch to a dresser. Strategically place your picture frames with the pictures in them. Add your color coordinated trashcan, telephone, lamp, chair, and you are almost done. Arrange your television, radio, computer and other electronic devices. Spray some air freshener, or plug in your scented fragrance and you are finished! Look at the wonderful space that you have created for yourself. Now look at your receipts and see how much money you saved.  Who says that you can't have a great dorm room on a budget?!