Column: Dorm Sweet Dorm: Where to find affordable decorations

A fully decorated dorm can help any college student feel more at home and relaxed after a day of long lectures. When you’re moving into college for the first time, picking out furniture and décor while staying within budget can be a challenge — especially if you’re not willing to spend countless hours surfing the web or browsing decoration aisles. Take a peek at this easy guide to achieving the perfect dorm decor without going over budget. 

Get inspired on Pinterest

Pinterest is a great place to find inspiration. By simply typing “college dorm” in the search bar, you’ll find tons of examples, but the more specific you are with your search, the faster you’ll find your match. Once you find a few pictures that represent what you’re looking for, create a Pinterest board to serve as a guide when purchasing items. Pinterest also sells products through advertisements, so make sure to take a look at those as well. 

Amazon

If you prefer shopping online, Amazon is a great choice. They have almost every item available, from kitchenware to decorative accessories. The platform allows you to choose from different companies and providers through its rating system, which helps you decide what item would work best for you. Amazon’s quick delivery can come in handy for last-minute purchases. Unfortunately, it is not the most ideal when shopping for items you might want to touch before determining whether it’s the one for you. Nonetheless, Amazon is perfect if you’ve decided what aesthetic you want — with tools that let you decide the color, price and themes, you’re guaranteed to find what you’re looking for.

T.J. Maxx

T.J. Maxx offers both in-store and online shopping options, and the closest store is just a 10-minute walk from campus. On its website, there is a section offering “Back to Campus” products like bedding, bathroom rugs, storage options and more, and in the physical store, you can feel the texture and material of items before purchasing them. Though many products tend to be out of stock during move-in season, if you’re looking for statement pieces (like these super cute food stools), T.J. Maxx is the place for you.  

IKEA 

Since the closest store is about a 30-minute car ride from campus, you can also shop through IKEA’s online website, which includes a “college essentials” section for every budget and a general 15% discount for students. It even offers a discount if you purchase 10 or more items from that section. IKEA’s goods range from apartment furniture and bedding to storage and organization. Known for providing affordable, sustainable and high-quality items, IKEA is also recognized for its minimalistic and simple designs — perfect for anyone who prioritizes practicality. However, some furniture can be hard to put together, especially on your own — so make sure to ask your friends to help you out.

Target 

Like IKEA, Target also offers an online platform for shopping, while the closest store from campus is a 15-minute walk. If you’re looking for a place to purchase anything and everything, Target is your best friend. Not only does it offer deals on dorm essentials, but you can also stock up on self-care products and groceries. If you still feel uninspired, Target’s website provides dorm room ideas with products for a “maximalist” dorm to a “varsity hall” one. There is also a feature on the website that lets you create a wish list so you can start crafting your aesthetic before purchasing.

Facebook Marketplace 

Facebook Marketplace has products ranging from vintage to modern, with the largest variety of decoration and prices on this list. Unlike traditional retail, it allows you to chat with a seller and negotiate the price of an item, which can be convenient for those on a budget. Facebook Marketplace also allows you to purchase locally, so you can pick up the item directly from the seller or get quicker shipping. Keep in mind that finding the right product might take longer, especially during move-in season when everything is in high demand, so this platform requires extra dedication. Moreover, make sure to keep your eye out for potential overpayment scams and fake listings. 

Move-in can be chaotic and overwhelming, but dorm shopping doesn’t have to be, and decorating your dorm on a budget does not mean sacrificing style or comfort. With a bit of planning and smart spending, you can create a place that feels like home.