Do-it-Yourself: Cheap Dorm Decorating

By Cori Russell on June 28, 2012

Living on a college budget can make it hard to afford decorating, but who really wants to stare at blank walls in their bedroom? Especially if you live in a dorm, it can be hard to personalize your space. If you are looking for a cheap way to stylize your room, or want to give a cute gift, you can frame almost anything.

I started taking walks behind my apartment building when I would talk on the phone. I’m just one of those people who can’t sit still while talking and it was a beautiful day out so I thought, might as well! I ventured on over to the side of the road by the highway, a bit less travelled. There were weeds growing there that most people might overlook or find a nuisance if they were in their yard. Being the forager that I am, I saw beauty in them and decided to take some home. I put them in a blue glass bottle I had and it made for a great decoration in my bathroom!

I used to get flowers from the grocery store, and they were lovely, but the cost added up after a few times. I love having something natural to look at, especially flowers. I wandered back over to the other side of the median and found some wildflowers. I put those in a glass jar. They lasted longer than the flowers from the store and had a more personal feel to them because I handpicked the bunch and I knew they were unique.

When I started writing poetry I carried a small notebook with me to jot down any images or thoughts I wanted to remember. The little book also became handy for pressing flowers I would find while out walking. I even found a cool flower on the sidewalk while roaming the streets of Boston, one of the least places I’d expect to find something natural! I took home the pressed flowers and put them in frames. You can get them pretty cheap from the dollar store, or if you want you can splurge and get a nice frame. You can also add colored or printed scrapbook paper behind the flower for a different effect.

You don’t have to stop at framing flowers either. Remember those ticket stubs from your first date you hang onto because you’re so sentimental? Add a frame and you’ve got a nice anniversary gift for your girl friend! How about your great great grandmother’s handwritten chocolate chip cookie recipe? Frame it so you never forget how to bake that delicious treat. I find it’s better to get creative and personal when decorating. Placing reminders of what makes you happy can make your home feel more peaceful and spark some new conversations with your guests.

If you have any other ideas or suggestions please leave them in the comments below so I and others can learn too!

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