Affordable Finds for College and Beyond
Outfit Your Place With High Style From Big-Box Stores, Garage Sales and More
Heading off to college in the fall? Whether you’re a first year freshman or a senior veteran, odds are you’ll need to outfit a dorm, an apartment or a classic college house. And if your bank account looked anything like mine did in college, you’ll need to do it on a dime. Thankfully, there’s hope: megastores like Ikea and Target have loads of affordable items that don’t sacrifice style.
Beyond that, online sites like Overstock or even your local flea market will have finds for next to nothing if you simply take the time to search. Check out the following photos for some great finds that will be kind to your pocketbook and your style sense, at college and long after graduation. Happy hunting!
Beyond that, online sites like Overstock or even your local flea market will have finds for next to nothing if you simply take the time to search. Check out the following photos for some great finds that will be kind to your pocketbook and your style sense, at college and long after graduation. Happy hunting!
Here’s a great idea for an inexpensive desk: build your own using two Vika Artur trestles from IKEA and top them with a flat wood or steel surface. (Hollow-core door blanks are great for this!) It’s simple to set up and take down, making it great for hopping around living space during your college years.
Scour your local flea markets, garage sales and estate sales for inexpensive finds like vintage tables that can easily become your coffee table. Take it home and give it a fresh coat of paint and it will take on an entirely new life.
With all your books, papers and miscellaneous items, storage and shelving becomes key in college. Set up IKEA's Expedit Bookcase to help you keep everything under control. Stick one in a living room to encourage your roommates to keep their things organized as well.
Here’s a great example of a dining room setup that you can easily replicate at an affordable price. The chairs themselves are IKEA: Called the Nandor chairs, their wicker-like seat mixed with steel legs gives them a look both timeless and chic. This table, however, is likely the real Saarinen tulip table that comes with a hefty price tag. Simply replace it with IKEA's Docksta dining table for a fraction of the price.
Get thrifty by using a cheap dish rack for file organization. Paint it a fun color for a bold statement all your own.
Dorms and apartments often come with awful lighting that only seem to encourage headaches. Come equipped with a replacement: the Maskros Pendant Lamp from IKEA will provide softer, more tolerable light while also adding a punch of fun style. Like the picture, this would also be great in a little dining nook in an apartment or house.
Target is another great place to peruse while collecting your college essentials. Dorm rooms often feature cold, tile floors that are the last thing your feet will want to touch in the morning. This Target zebra print rug will warm up your room while adding texture, all at a price that won't break the bank.
Like rugs, curtains will do a world of wonders for warming up your college space. You can either create your own curtains using IKEA fabric, as in this picture, or buy them already made, like a pair of Wilma curtains.
If you’re lucky enough to have room for an actual bed in your college house (I could barely squeeze in a twin on a frame in my humble space), then consider IKEA's Malm bed. It will give your bed structure and style without taking up too much space, and it’s classic enough that you’ll be able to use it post-college.
So you've got the bed, but you're short on cash for the headboard. No worries: simply get creative! This designer hung two pieces of pre-cut wood, then hand-painted her wall for dramatic flair. Cheap and unique!
This entire room was created on a budget. The wallpaper and slipcover are from Target and the rug is from Wal-mart/CSN online. The artwork is framed shower curtains!
IKEA's PS Cabinet makes the perfect affordable TV stand and doubles as extra storage. It also locks, so you can protect your valuables when the party makes its way to your place.
If you're living in an apartment or house, dishware is going to be a necessity. Instead of buying expensive sets, collect various pieces from flea markets and antique stores. It will create an eclectic and eye-catching collection without having to empty your pockets.
If you're short on kitchen storagee, get clever by hanging an old nesting box. You'll likely be able to find one for not too much money at antique shops or flea markets, and it will give you a chance to display your fun dishware instead of hiding it.
At times, college apartments come with basic furnishings, but houses generally do not. Check out IKEA for great couch finds. This two-seater sofa is perfect for a living room, or, if you have a little more space, try the Ektorp sofa.
CALYPSO St. Barth for Target® Tumbler Set of 6
Here are some other great finds. This affordable tumbler set from Target will add a splash of color to your dishware.
Here are some other great finds. This affordable tumbler set from Target will add a splash of color to your dishware.
Polarvide Throw
At only $5.99, you have no excuse not to add a little warmth from a Polarvide throw from IKEA.
At only $5.99, you have no excuse not to add a little warmth from a Polarvide throw from IKEA.
Andros Red Indoor/ Outdoor Rug (6'7 Round)
Rugs can be awfully pricey, but outlets like Overstock continuously have rugs on sale. At $82.99, the Andros rug is a pretty good deal, and the pattern will hide stains.
Rugs can be awfully pricey, but outlets like Overstock continuously have rugs on sale. At $82.99, the Andros rug is a pretty good deal, and the pattern will hide stains.
Lantern Set with White Hibiscus
At $17.99, this lantern set from Target is a great choice for adding soft light in a colorful fashion.
At $17.99, this lantern set from Target is a great choice for adding soft light in a colorful fashion.