Cheap ideas for furnishing your first student house

Students have to watch every penny that they spend, and as a result, there is often very little spare money for things like home furnishings.  However, there is always a way of decorating and personalising a space without spending a great deal of money.  Shopping in the right places and giving a new lease of life to existing items are just two ways that a student can give his or her room a whole new look.

Furniture for student rooms

The good news is that most student rooms will already be furnished upon arrival, but even so, those that are will not usually allow students to paint items or change them in any way.  If the room is not furnished, then it is a good idea to look to second hand or vintage shops for any items that need to be bought.  Items may be older and already used at these shops, but they tend to be sturdier.  If they are made from wood, they can be painted to give them a new lease of life.  It is important not to pay a high sum for furniture which will be used in a student room, as students may not be able to take these items home at the end of the academic year, so often they will need to be passed on to others.
If money is very tight, then ask around the family.  Most individuals will have at least one item of furniture that they would be glad to see the back of.

Multipurpose furniture is another good idea.  A sofa bed is often a good investment, allowing the room to be used as a bedroom at night and a lounge during the day.  Opt for table and chair sets that can be folded down and put out of the way when they are not needed to make the most of the available space.  Student rooms are often fairly small and can seem cramped if there is a lot of furniture.

Accessories for student rooms 

Colour and individuality can be added to any student room with the help of some accessories.  Cushions, rugs, curtains and throws will all give the room a lift and can be bought in matching sets to make shopping for them a lot easier.  These are not expensive items to buy and are often the things that are lacking from a furnished student room.  Add fairy lights if the harsh room light is too much.  Also ensure that there is sufficient storage space for any clutter so that desks and tables can be kept clear.

Get the windows right

To some, curtains are old-fashioned and blinds often do not provide enough privacy and insulation.  Eco-friendly wooden shutters could be the answer.  Shutters are fast becoming a stylish window-dressing option, and they are very easy to fit on one’s own if the cost of a professional fitter is not within the student budget.  However, those who have not tried something like this before should enlist the help of an individual with a little knowledge, such as a handy parent!  It is also important to make sure that the landlord has given permission before starting work on the windows.

Photo credit: Benuski

Tags: furnishing, student house

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