Cheap and Cool Dorm Decoration Ideas

On a shoestring budget but want to add some decoration and flair to your dorm? Here's some ways to add pizzazz to your dorm room for cheap or free:

Use found or used items. For one-of-a-kind and offbeat flair, scour thrift shops, garage sales, or even the curb for cheap decorations you can add to your walls. If you're female, you can gather a couple wildflowers and stick the in a cup to instantly brighten the room. Postcards and magazine pages also make cheap, fun decorations. Stones, wood and other items can make interesting sculptural arrangements. Use interestingly shaped stones as paper weights, bookends or doorstops. If you're a music fan, get some old records and album covers (often cheap at used bookstores and thrift stores) for your walls. Also check out Craigslist or Freecycle for cheap decorations. Most of all, use your imagination! Decoration should be fun.

Make a color statement. Strong colors make an instant impression in your room, so consider what items will be prominent in your room (i.e. bedspread, sheets, refrigerator, laundry basket, etc.). Next, decide what color scheme(s) you want. Both similar and contrasting hues work. Also consider the color of your dorm walls. At some dorms, you can repaint the walls at the beginning of the year, as long as you choose one of the approved colors. This may be cheap or free if the university will provide the paint. Check if this is an option at your dorm and if your roommate would be up for this idea. If you want a very coordinated room, you should also discuss with your roommate beforehand what you're planning to bring and what color scheme you'd like.

Use a t-shirt pillowcase. For a dash of whimsy, slip your pillow into a favorite t-shirt. It seems that most t-shirts are the perfect size to fit a pillow, and they are easy to remove and wash. This will show off your personality with a useful decoration and you'll be sleeping on something comfy, too!

Get your feet cozy. Area rugs add warmth and color to even prison-like dorm cells. If your dorm room has plain tile floor, you may want to add some decoration with some colorful area rugs. These can span a big range as far as pricing, but you can check ahead online to compare prices. Also, if you're feeling crafty, try making your own rug with old strips of fabric.

Lastly, dorm decorations should reflect your personality, so go with whatever you love. There are lots of ways to express your style with cheap decorations or handmade items. Have fun!