We all get tired of the same old dorm space—those bare, cement walls, the awful furniture and the beds that are a pain to loft. That’s where redecorating comes in. But as broke college students, it’s not exactly easy to find the funds to do a dorm decor overhaul.
That’s why we rounded up 10 ways to redecorate your dorm room at essentially no cost. It’s time to get creative and money savvy, ladies.
1. Create Your Own Gallery Wall
Changing up the wall space in your dorm room makes all the difference. Gallery walls are very trendy and are a blast to curate! Personalize your wall any way you want, but follow these tips to make sure your gallery wall doesn’t break the bank. Use frames you already have; just repaint them to fit your aesthetic. Find prints at thrift stores or yard sales. You can even print pictures directly from your phone. Above all else, make sure your gallery wall is totally you!
2. Download and Frame Free Printables
Free printables that you can download and frame will make the perfect addition to your gallery wall. Or display them around your room for an entirely different feel. The Bold Abode has a great collection to choose from.
3. Make Your Own Wall Art
Not only can you thrift for things to go on your wall and print them from online, but you can also make your own individual works of art. Pinterest has a plethora of ideas for canvas art, including this colorful masterpiece.
4. Create Homemade Pennants
Pennant garlands act as lovely accents to any area of your room. However, don’t go out and buy an expensive pre-made version. You can just as easily pick up a cheap yard of fabric and some ribbon to make your own!
5. Make a Temporary Headboard
We bet you’ll be the only girl in your dorm with a super chic DIY headboard. It’s unexpected and totally original. The best part is that it looks expensive but it’s not! Cover anything from cardboard to plywood in the fabric of your choice, and you are good to go.
Related: How to Decorate Your Dorm Room, Based on Your Zodiac Sign
6. Use Mason Jars for Everything
Paint mason jars and use them for pretty much anything! They can be flower pots, pencil holders, makeup brush holders, candle holders, etc. These fab accessories will ensure your room is organized and cute at the same time!
7. Craft with Paper
Crafting with paper is cheap and easy, and your options are limitless for what you can create. We love these tissue paper tassels—they are super adorable and cost next to nothing to make.
8. Repurpose Drawers
Paint those old drawers that have been lying around your parents’ garage forever or pick some up at the flea market. Hang the finished product on the wall for storage that doubles as decor.
9. Hang Old Windows
Using old windows as decoration is so vintage and totally in right now. If you are patient and consistently check thrift stores and flea markets, you are likely to find an old vintage window to refurbish for little to no money.
10. Rearrange Your Furniture
The best way to change things up in your dorm room is also the one that will cost you nothing at all. Simply move your furniture around. Recruit all of your strongest friends, try some different layouts, and have fun with it!