Many college students are heading back to school, and some may be heading not to the dorms, but to their first apartment. Although apartments have more space than the dorms, it also means that there's more to decorate. Here are a few things to consider to make your apartment truly your own.
Pick your theme
For any space you share with your roommate, like the kitchen and the living room, you'll have to compromise. But for spaces of your own, like your bedroom and bathroom, choose a theme, whether it's something as simple and broad as a color scheme or as specific as the Han-getting-frozen-in-carbonite scene in "Star Wars." Just be careful about getting too specific, because that will make it harder to find decorations and accessories.
Do you like nature, butterflies and pastel colors? Look for butterfly lampshades, curtains, pillows and soap dishes. Are you more of a movie nut? Decorate your walls with movie posters, quotes and film strips. If you're a loyal college fan, check online sites like ImageBedding.com for a wide range of college bedding and accessories like shower curtains, window coverings and trash cans.
If you're not sure about how to make your space feel like "you," just spend some time looking through some magazines and clip out pictures, paints, furnishings, etc., that you like. No matter what you pick, just make sure that it's something you can afford and that you can live with.
Get creative
Start thinking of ways to get creative not just with your decorating, but also with your budget. First-time renters and college students usually don't have that much money to blow on furnishing their apartment, so it becomes paramount to find good deals. And no, two cinderblocks and a two-by-four do not constitute a "good deal."
Yard sales, classified ads, antique malls, flea markets, thrift stores and secondhand furniture shops are just a few places you can look to find great deals. Also, let friends and relatives know what pieces you're looking for. You never know who might have a TV or a computer desk they want to get rid of.
Making lists will also help you here. If you have a list of the furniture, appliances and accessories you want, it'll be easier to stay focused. And it feels great to cross them off the list when you find them.
Light bright
You may be surprised at how dim your apartment is. There may be only one light fixture in a room, or there may be none at all. An easy way to brighten up a room is to make sure it has three light sources arranged in a triangle. This way, the space in the middle of the room is lit by the triangle effect. Mirrors are also handy to reflect more light.
Have fun!
Though decorating your own apartment can feel like a hassle, it's still a chance to really decorate your own space without having to adhere to your parents' rules or the dorm's regulations. That's a kind of independence you don't get from school. Pick your theme, set your budget, and go to town.
For more information about apartment decorating, or to see a huge selection of college bedding, visit
ImageBedding.com.
