Decorating and outfitting a room for college, whether it’s a dorm or your own bedroom, means comfort and organization – not easy to accomplish on a budget! Between new clothes, books and other expenses, having a space that feels luxurious and inviting doesn’t have to cost a ton. With a little shopping and a few easy do-it-yourself projects, you’ll have a fun and fabulous space in no time.
Throw Blanket
For a no-sew blanket worthy of childhood-like attachment, buy 2 yards of fleece or flannel at Jo-Ann Fabrics (you can sign up for a student discount card and save 10 percent on your total every time you shop). Fleece will make a blanket warm enough to withstand middle-of-the-night chills, while flannel is the perfect light layer that only gets softer the more you wash it (it will unravel over time, so brush no-fray liquid on the edges after buying). Snip in a 2 to 3 inch fringe around the entire piece. For a cool gypsy-like touch, slide a sparkly pony bead onto each piece of fringe and knot to hold in place.
Vintage Tee Pillow
Dig up a favorite old T-shirt or find one at a thrift or resale shop with a cool pattern or detail (size doesn’t matter) and purchase a bag of polyfill stuffing, available at a local craft store. Carefully cut the T-shirt straight across from armpit to armpit and discard the sleeve/neck portion. Turn the T-shirt inside out, then sew up the cut end to make a bag shape (hand sewing is just fine for this project). Sew up opposite end three-fourths of the way up. Turn outside-in and stuff it with as much polyfill as you can. Sew up the opening. To make a round bolster pillow, try using a pant leg – simply cut it as long as you’d like your pillow to be and follow sewing instructions. Distressed jeans make super soft and cool-looking pillows.
Memory Board
Great for doubling as wall decor and storage, memory boards can be used to hang school papers or pictures. Buy a poster board from an office supply store like Staples or Office Max in the size you want (big or small, it’s up to you) and measure. Buy a piece of quilting cotton from the fabric store to fit the board (make sure it’s a good 6 to 8 inches bigger). Lay the fabric right-side down on a table and lay the board on top. Fold the fabric tightly around board and secure with a heavy-duty stapler or duct tape (nobody will see the back anyways). Tape or staple two ribbon loops at each top corner for easy hanging. Alternately, use an assortment of printed scrapbook papers and simply attach to board with double stick tape – easy and changeable too, if you get removable tape.
Make cute matching thumbtacks by painting the tops with nail polish in a coordinating shade.
Dorm D-I-Y Contest
We want to see your creativity for your dorm/bedroom. Whether you love themes or showcasing your personal style, show us your decorating spirit! Submit a photo along with your name, class and short description to life@easternecho.com or editor@easternecho.com and the best rooms will be published in The Eastern Echo. Deadline is September 7.
