What are some suggestions for a college student decorating an apartment on a budget?

Question

I want some suggestions for a simple, girly, apartment, Mainly in the living room.

Answer 1

I saw one of those decorating shows that addressed that very problem. What they did sound weird but was actually kind of cute.

First pick your color scheme. Oce you've decided that, you can use simple things to have a modern look.

Go to Target (or where ever) and pick a couple of simple wrapping papers in your color(s) that coordinate together. (That's about $5) Pick up a couple of sheets of tack/poster board. (The thick boards, 1/4 inch, are best) Take the tack board and cut it either square or rectangle to a size that you like and "wrap" one side of it, using tape on the back. OR buy those plastic box frames and frame the paper. the larger the better. Arrange on the wall like you would photos or other art work.

If you need side table, next to a couch or chair, check out thrift shops for folding TV tray tables. If you don't like the look, buy a spray paint that will compliment your "art" furniture. On one table, buy a cheap charger (they are decorative plates that go under the dinner plate for fancy dinners). On the charger, place 3 pillar candles of varying heights.

A couple of things I did in my first apt was the following:

If your furniture is mis-matched or you don't care for the color/pattern, don't buy a slipcover,go to a fabric store and look for the sale rack of remanants or larger bolts of fabric that are on sale. Make sure you've measured your couch or chair (height/width/depth of front, back and side - make a sketch of the piece) and then ask the ladies at the store to help you figure out how much fabric you'll need. If there are seperate seat or back cusions, you can get a coordinating material to just wrap them as opposed to drapping the whole piece. You won't be sewing any of it. Intead, buy a couple of pkgs of large safety pins that you will use to secure the material to the existing piece.

For a larger art piece over a couch or daybed, get some small white Christmas lights, a very large poster frame and a couple of different colors of spray paint that coordinate with the theme and I'd suggest making one of them black. Take the frame, glass and all, and randomly spray paint on the outside of the glass. Once that is dried, take the lights and arrange them on the inside of the frame in whatever pattern is pleasing to you (i.e.: swirlies, straight lines, zigzags) tape them to the backing of the frame, just make sure that the plug hangs out. You're probably going to need an extension cord, so get a white one.

I don't know if any of these ideas strike your fancy but maybe they can jump start some ideas of your own.

Answer 2

Shop thrift stores, clearance centers, previously-rented furntiure sales, and even office furniture liquidation stores. You can get the basics cheap.

Wood can be painted. Black always looks nice; so does white. Just depends upon the look you want.

Invest in a slipcover for your sofa and/or chair. They will totally change the look and give you a new lease on its life. And hide the fact that you may have had to put some plywood under the cushions so you dont' sink in.... :-)

Frame posters and art from calendars for a unique look on a shoestring.

Answer 3

A few suggestions from a professional interior designer...

For furniture on a budget, try IKEA or Target.

Paint is cheap and can make a big impact, if your landlord will let you change wall colors.

Shop thrift stores, and make your own window treatments.

Hit high-end furniture shops for ideas. They don't charge a dime for window shopping.

Answer 4

First start with paint. Go to a local home center or paint store and check out their mistints. You might find colors you like and pay half price or less for them. Fabrics from a giant conglomerate with the initials W..M... , can be used to cover throw pillows etc. Inexpensive posters, or reproductions of classic art for the walls. If the floors are not carpeted throw rugs in colors you like should be easy to find. Shop discount centers, Goodwill etc.

Answer 5

Stores like Target, Ikea is awesome for college students on limited budgets. They have awesome accessories, such as lamps, comforter sets, simple furniture like futons, bookshelves, storage bins, etc.

Answer 6

It depends on what you want. Paint is the easiest solution. You can make your own stencils from wax paper or bendable plastic cutting boards from the dollar store. Check out furniture at second hand stores, You can always paint them or reupholster them using bedsheets for fabric.

Answer 7

get a catus plant . very low maintenance,doesn't need much sun, and water once a week