Decorating Ideas

Subterms

    More stories

    • 75 Shares179 Views

      in Decorating

      Home Decorating Ideas Using Old Jewelry

      by

      Pin on Pinterest

      Share on Facebook

      Flip on Flipboard

      Did you know that jewelry, especially old jewelry is not just meant to be worn, it can also be used to add a touch of your personality to your home décor. Crafting with old jewelry pieces hidden away in your jewelry box repurposed into pretty home decor accents is a great way to show off your decorating style.

      That’s what I am sharing with you today, creative ways to upcycle your old jewelry and breathe new life into your existing home decor. From statement pieces to accents, get ready to instantly transform plain items with these pretty and colorful home decorating ideas.

      My latest decorating DIY all started when I brought the yellow daffodils that are blooming in my yard inside my house. I didn’t want to miss out on the cheery Spring color so I clipped a few stems and placed them in a glass vase from the dollar store on a side table in my living room.

      Then I had an idea…

      I like to see new things around my house to enliven my senses, but I also like to save money and don’t want to buy new decor as I don’t need a thing. At the same time though, I enjoy seeing something fresh and new to look at.

      I am not fussy when it comes to flower arranging. I just want to see the colorful flowers in my house and one vase filled with them wasn’t enough.

      I had a few blooms that still looked nice from a Valentine arrangement that Ed had given me. I pulled out the lavender blooms and placed them in an empty liquor bottle that I saved to repurpose into a flower vase because I liked the shape.

      Alone the flowers in these glass vessels make me happy, but was craving more color. So I headed to my craft stash to find some colorful vintage or old jewelry made with colorful beads. In less than 10 minutes I decorated my glass vases with spring color.

      Home Decor Crafting With Old Jewelry Ideas

      I used to make and sell bracelets using old jewelry, beads and buttons. But since I haven’t made them in a long time, I don’t need my stash for that purpose anymore.

      Now I like to find creative ways to re-purpose my collection of beads, old necklaces and vintage clip-on earrings so I can still enjoy all the pretty colors.

      Where to Find Old Jewelry or Strands of Beads

      I know that most of you may not have a stash of colorful old jewels laying around like I do, but craft stores sell beaded trim by the roll in the fabric/ribbon aisle. For strands of beads, head to the jewelry making aisle and don’t forget to use the stores coupon for a discount.

      Thrift stores and retirement homes that have resident shops on the premises are some of the best places to find old jewelry for a few dollars. They are where I found most of my collection.

      How to Wrap a Vase with a Beaded Necklace or Strand of Beads

      When using a beaded necklaces or strands of beads to wrap around a vase, lamp or any item that you would like to add color and texture, any size and shape bead works. The style is all up to the look you like. Big bold beads would look more modern, while smaller beads more traditional.

      There are two ways to wrap and attach a necklace to a vase. The first is to use hot glue or glue dots. The second is thin florist’s type wire.

      Once you have chosen the necklace or strand of beads you want to attach, wrap it around the vase to see if the ends will meet up in line or closely in line with each other on the vase.

      If it doesn’t and you are using a strand of beads, simply remove or add a few more beads so the beginning and end will be on the same side that you can call the back. If using a necklace you don’t want to break apart, try wrapping it around another section of the item to see if it fits better.

      Longer necklaces work better to wrap around a vase or bottle, but don’t let a shorter one stop you from experimenting to come up with decorative ways to use it.

      This strand of wood beads was pre-strung on string that I found in the aisle where rolls of ribbon are at Hobby Lobby. To attach the strand of beads to the vase, I simply wrapped it around and then used hot glue to adhere the first and last bead on the back of the vase.

      To attach the various sized purple beads on the neck of the bottle, I strung the beads on thin wire that you can buy at the craft store.

      I left extra wire at each end and once all the beads were wrapped around the neck of the bottle, I pulled the two wires together and twisted them together. Then once it was secure, I cut the excess wire and pushed the ends under the beads to hide it.

      When displayed on a table, no one will see how the necklace or strand of beads is attached. Seeing the cheery Spring color on my big wicker basket side table makes me smile.

      What To Do With Old Clip-On Earrings

      I have a hard time passing up vintage clip-on earrings when I see them at thrift stores. Each one is the perfect little piece of stylish art that has its own story and appeal.

      In my mind, they are just too cute and pretty to be hidden away in a drawer.

      Here are several ideas on how you can use vintage clip-on earrings to accent your decor or furnishings.

      To add cheerful color to lamp, clip a few vintage clip-on earrings on the bottom of a lampshade. When you want to wear them or tire of the look, just unclip – no damage done.

      If you use your refrigerator as a memo board you can make pretty magnets using old jewelry or clip-on earrings to hold up reminder notes and photos.

      Tip: Attaching Earrings or Buttons to Magnets

      To get the clip off of an earring to you can attach it to a magnet, use a pair of pliers to pull it off so the back is flat. Doing this will allow the earring to fit nicely and be glued on to a round black magnet.

      Embellish a gift by simply clipping a clip-on earring one over the knot on the tied ribbon.

      Use a strong bonding glue like Gorilla Glue to attach a clip-on earring that has the clip removed to the front of plain drawer knobs.

      You can also use vintage clip-on earrings to hold the soft drape of a fabric window valance in place.

      How to Use With Brooches and Pins When Decorating

      If you have a collection of pretty brooches or decorative pins, pin them to a throw pillow to create a accent that can easily be changed.

      Over the next few weeks when you start Spring cleaning or decluttering your home take a few minutes to see if you have any old jewelry in the way of beaded necklaces or bracelets that you haven’t worn in a long time.

      Instead of getting rid of them, reimagine them. If you don’t have any and like the colorful look crafting with old jewelry can do to transformf items, head to your local thrift store where you should find lots of colorful beaded necklaces and vintage clip-on earrings.

      If you strike out, you can also use colorful ribbon to add cheery color to your existing decor.

      It’s fun and inexpensive way to add accents of your personal style around your home.

      More Decorating With Jewelry Ideas

      More Easy Decorating Ideas You May Like

      Pin on Pinterest

      Share on Facebook

      Flip on Flipboard

      Post navigation More

    • 113 Shares129 Views

      in Decorating

      What to Put in Your Flower Vase This Winter

      by

      Pin on Pinterest

      Share on Facebook

      Flip on Flipboard

      Don’t know what type or color of flowers to use in a vase or table centerpiece during the winter months? Consider adding the simplicity of winter white flowers mixed with green foliage clipped from your yard into a favorite vase.

      Doing so can create a cheery, yet coordinated accent in any room in your home against the cold or snowy landscape outside.

      I created a winter white floral arrangement specifically to place on my kitchen counter and it is not just to look pretty or to enhance the serenity of winter. 

      There is another more important reason I placed the arrangement in this corner that I have been keeping a secret for many years. Keep reading to find out the reason.

      I collect white ceramic vases. I use and display them in all the rooms in my home. This one is my favorite. I bought it at HomeGoods years ago. It is a classic and will never go out of style.

      I like the height, shape and the fact that the opening is not too wide so I don’t need a ton of flowers to make it look filled. The spout and curved edges around the top helps to make any flower, real or faux I use in the vase, drape over the top in a visually pleasing way.

      But the #1 reason why I love this vase is because it is the perfect size and color to hide an ugly element in my kitchen.

      Now my secret that I never have shown or written about before is out.

      When we updated the kitchen and got a new double wall oven, the new oven had different wiring than the previous one from the early 1970’s. The installers told us they couldn’t rewire the new ovens through the existing electrical panel behind the wall ovens. :-(. They would have to rip the wall out and more.

      Instead they brought the electrical wiring through the upper cabinet and into the outlet on the backsplash. At the time, I was quite upset. Over time though, I have come to terms with it, knowing that someday we will gut the kitchen.

      The saying… “first world problems” – I think of the exposed cord as one of those.

      I don’t stress about it anymore, instead I just hide it with the white pitcher filled with seasonal flowers so it is less noticeable.

      I change the floral arrangement in the vase seasonally. Fall flowers in the fall, yellow tulips in the spring and real flowers from my yard all summer long.

      Choosing what to place in the pitcher after Christmas always takes a bit more thought as I don’t want the arrangement to look like holiday greenery while at the same time, not wanting it to look too spring-like.

      I found that white flowers and greenery always works. I arrange the mix differently every year.

      In my kitchen, the height between the countertop and the bottom of the upper cabinets is 20-inches.

      When filling the vase when the season changes, I sometimes make the arrangements in the vase lower and less full, it all depends on the flowers and cuttings. As long as the outlet and most of the cord is hidden, I am happy.

      Design Tips for Arranging Winter White Flowers

      For my winter floral arrangement, I chose to use faux white hydrangeas. I like the way their large, showy blooms look when mixed with real cuttings from evergreens from my yard.

      1. Experiment with Different White Flower Varieties

      Don’t be afraid to mix and match different types of white flowers to create a visually interesting arrangement. Combining flowers with different shapes, sizes, and textures can add depth and dimension to your winter floral arrangement.

      If you have them, consider adding smaller white flowers or fillers like baby’s breath to fill in any gaps or spaces in your arrangement. This will help create a fuller and more cohesive look.

      2. Create Contrast

      To enhance white flowers so they stand out in a winter floral arrangement, incorporating winter greens like pine branches, eucalyptus, holly or any stem that still has green leaves in your yard adds a touch of freshness and texture to the arrangement while evoking the feeling of the winter season creating a lush and wintery look.

      Each type of greenery you choose will bring its own unique charm to the arrangement, so don’t hesitate to try clippings from your yard and see what you can come up with as a filler to create a nice contrast against the white flowers.

      3. Play with Heights

      Vary the height of the flowers and greens in your vase. Higher stems in the center and shorter stems around the edge of the vase creates a visually appealing look.

      Where To Display Your Winter Arrangement

      A winter white floral arrangement can be displayed in any room in various and creative ways.

      1. Dining Table Centerpiece: Place your winter white floral arrangement in the center of your dining table to create a cheery ambiance.

      2. Mantel – Adorn your mantel with a winter white floral arrangement to add an eye-pleasing display in your living room.

      For this winter white look, I only added greenery in a trio of my white pitchers. Paired with candles and rustic wood slices adds a cozy and festive winter look.

      3. Entryway – Welcome guests into your home with a large winter white floral arrangement placed in the entryway. This will create a stunning focal point and set the tone for the rest of the decor in your home.

      Step-by-Step DIY: Winter White Floral Arrangement

      1. Gather Your Materials – Start by gathering all the necessary materials, including a container or vase, gardening snips, white flowers and greens of your choice.

      2. Prepare the Vase – Fill your vase with water and if you have it, add floral preservative to help prolong the life of the greenery clipped from your yard.

      3. Trim the Stems – Trim the stems of your flowers and greenery to the height you want for the vase. Cut each stem at an angle, removing any excess leaves or thorns on the bottom sections of the stems.

      Doing this will ensure that the flowers can absorb water properly and stay fresh for longer. If you are using faux flowers, just cut the stem to the desired length.

      4. Add the White Flowers – When adding large blooms like hydrangeas to your vase, odd numbers often look better when flower arranging. Depending on the size of your vase, start with 3 or 5 flowers at first, then add more as needed.

      Place the flowers at different angles and heights to create a visually interesting composition.

      5. Add the Greens – Next arrange the winter greens in your vase creating a contrast with the white flowers. Place the greens at varying heights to add depth and dimension to your arrangement.

      6. Fill in the Gaps – If you have them, use smaller white flowers or fillers like baby’s breath to fill in any gaps or spaces in your arrangement. This will help create a fuller and more cohesive look.

      7. Trim and Adjust – Step back and take a look at your arrangement from different angles. Trim any stems that are too long or adjust the placement of the flowers and greens as needed until you like what you see.

      Caring For a Winter White Floral Arrangement

      To ensure that your arrangement stays fresh for as long as possible, here are some tips to help you maintain your arrangement:

      1. Change the Water Regularly – Every few days, change the water in your container or vase to prevent bacteria from forming and to keep the flowers hydrated.

      2. Trim the Stems – Trim the stems of your white flowers (if real) and greenery every few days to ensure they can continue to absorb water effectively.

      3. Avoid Direct Sunlight and Heat – Keep your floral arrangement away from direct sunlight, as this can cause the flowers to wilt prematurely. Also, avoid placing them near heat sources such as heaters or fireplaces.

      With a little care, your winter white floral arrangement will continue to brighten your home until the first signs of spring arrive.

      Decor Resources

      More Winter Decorating & Flower Arranging Ideas

      Pin on Pinterest

      Share on Facebook

      Flip on Flipboard

      Post navigation More

    • 100 Shares159 Views

      in Decorating

      Valspar Bistro White Paint: View Real Room Photos

      by

      Pin

      Share

      Tweet

      Bistro White by Valspar (7006-4) is one of the best white paint colors to consider when decorating a home.
      It is one of my favorite white paint colors for interior walls and trim in almost every room of my house.

      Valspar Bistro White: RGB, LRV and Undertone
      The reasons I like Bistro White over other popular decorator shades of white paint is the paint color, Bistro White has a warm quality to it, but has no yellow undertone.
      It is truly white and has a nice light reflectance value. It lacks blue undertones which can make a room feel cooler.
      Many warm whites – can look too beige. Ultra whites can look grey, especially in a north facing room. Bistro white falls right in between.

      Finding The Right Shade of White Paint
      I like white walls in my home and have used many shades of it – even white paint right off a store shelf labeled “White”. I don’t recommend using this though.
      At first glance – white paint can look all the same, but when you hold up what you may think is a white paint chip against a white piece of paper you can see a strong undertone that makes the paint look more beige or blue.
      For most paint brands ready-made off the shelf white paint that is simply labeled – white – almost always has a blue tinge to it.
      For a true white paint, it is best to get it mixed at the paint counter using a color from all the white paint chips on display in the store. Look for paint colors with names like Pure White and True White.

      Valspar Bistro White in Entry
      Valspar Bistro White is one of these true whites. It looks good in natural light during the day.

      And just as nice in the evening. The shade will change a bit depending on the warm/cool factor of the lightbulbs used in the room. The far wall and trim are Bistro White.

      Examples of Valspar Bistro White Paint in Real Rooms
      In the following photos you can see how I used this perfect white color in many rooms in both my previous and current home.

      Bathroom Board and Batten & Trim

      I first used Bistro White in the hall bath in my previous home. It is on the board and batten, doors and trim in the perfect sheen – semi-gloss.

      Fitness Room

      When I was turning a bedroom that was no longer being used in my previous home into a fitness room. The previous color was lime green so a primer was needed for coverage so no green undertone would show through.
      I rolled on the walls in an eggshell finish and brushed it in semi-gloss on the doors and trim for durability.
      The color gave the room cheery energy – just what was needed for workout motivation.

      Dining Room Walls

      After trying many moody dark colors in my dining room, it was not until I painted the walls in Bistro White that the room finally came together in a way I loved.
      The color transformed a dark dining room into a bright and pretty one where I used pops of fresh and vibrant color accents.

      Living Room and Kitchen Walls

      When we moved to live on Lake Murray in SC, I made the mistake of having the paint color mixed at a local paint dealership that did not sell Valspar.
      Valspar is a Lowe’s Home Improvement specific paint brand and is available at all their stores nationwide, but I didn’t live close to the store anymore.
      I was told at the local paint store, that their computer could match any formula of Valspar paint colors, so they could make the color for me.
      I was happy with this until I got home and started rolling the paint on the walls and realized it was not Bistro White – it had too much beige in it.
      Lesson learned. I wasted money not buying the Valspar brand with their exact tint formula.
      The next day, I set out for a 45 minute trip to Lowes to get true Bistro White made up in Valspar’s Signature line of paint. It is an acrylic latex, interior paint designed for “ultimate hiding.”

      I also used Bistro White on the vertical planking surrounding my living room fireplace.

      Craft Room Walls

      Bistro White in eggshell on walls. Sherwin Williams Pure White in semi-gloss on Trim.

      Entry Walls

      Freshly painted Bistro White in a satin finish on the walls in a foyer. Semi-gloss on trim.

      GATHER PAINT CHIPS – Every computer monitor will read white paint colors viewed online in images differently. It is always best to bring a variety of white paint chips home that vary in hue from warm to cool. TAPE TO WALL – Tape the paint chips to all four walls in the room, not just on one, as each wall gets different light. Group the warm white colors together and the cooler ones separate. Make sure you like how the white looks on all the walls during all times of the day – morning, noon, and night.PURCHASE – When you have edited the colors and decided on the right white color, buy a sample jar or a few paint samples of the paint in the sheen you want so you can paint it on the wall or a poster board to make sure it will look good in the room.  Once you see the actual paint on the wall and like it – then that is when you should buy it and start to create decorating magic with a roller or brush.

      My Other Go-To White Paint Color
      When I can’t get to Lowes to buy Valspar paint, my other go-to white paint is Pure White by Sherwin Williams.

      You can see it here on my kitchen cabinets: Pure White (7005) Sherwin Williams. It is a pristine white.

      I also used SW Pure White on my staircase makeover and hallway.
      Another reason why I like Valspar is as a manufacturer of paint – their paints are more affordable.

      Both of these white paints are not too yellow and not too blue and go with any color which makes them the perfect white paint to use when decorating your home.
      What are your go-to white paint colors for your home?

      You May Also Like:

      SaveSave

      Pin

      Share

      Tweet

      Post navigation More

    • 100 Shares169 Views

      in Decorating

      What to Put in Candle Holders Besides Candles

      by

      Pin

      Share

      Tweet

      Get doable decorating inspiration with ideas using candlesticks without candles in new and decorative ways for every room in your house.

      Candlestick holders are one of the best “use what you have” decorating staples that we own. Most of use have more that one and keep them stored behind closed doors in our home decor storage stashes in wait to use for their intended purpose.
      Table of Contents
      Wherever you store your candle holders, it is time to get all of them out, even if they are mismatched candle holders.
      They can all be used with and without candles and for more than just placing candles in for a dining table centerpiece.

      When I feel my decor starts to look stale and needs a refresh, instead of buying something new on a whim, I enjoy the process of “using what I have” in new and different ways to give the decorative items new energy.
      My Living Room Candles
      You may remember that I used a collection of mismatched candle holders as mantle candles when decorating for Christmas.

      When the candlesticks were grouped together in an arrangement that accented the various heights, they had just the right impact on the mantel.

      I really like this collection of the classic brass candle holders I bought at a church rummage sale a few years ago.

      When I first bought them, I spray painted them silver.
      Then this past holiday, I used Citrastrip on them to get them back to their original brass finish, then I aged the brass to give them a more vintage look.
      A few weeks ago when I was putting the holiday decorations away, I found a new place for the brass candle holders in my living room.

      By simply moving them off the mantel and onto the sofa table mixed in with greenery and a stack of books I painted white gave them a new appeal.
      After doing this got me to thinking about all the ways you can use candlesticks without candles around your house.
      “Simply changing a decorative item’s location in your home will give it a new look without spending a dime.”
      Change Your Candlestick Arrangements
      Decorating with candlesticks never has to be done in the same way. Each one by itself is static and looks the same, but when you create different arrangements and gropings with many of them, you can create new looks easily without spending a dime.
      Create Candle Tray Decor
      When placing candlesticks on a dining table when entertaining, instead of using the traditional arrangement of two, one on either side of a floral centerpiece, make the candles and holders themselves the centerpiece.
      Place all of the candles on a tray, even if they are mismatched. They can be all tapers, votive, or pillar style or a mix of all types. When grouped together with the taller ones in the center they create more impact on the table and will add more ambiance for your gathering. No floral arrangement needed.

      Arrange a trio of candles on a rectangular tray to place on an entry table. When you tire of it in this way – use the candles outside and the tray to hold perfume on your vanity table.
      Decorating Tip: Always remember that there is never only one way to use any item in your home. Experiment by using them in different ways to come up with unique one-of-a-kind decor. You may end up liking the item even better used in a new way.
      Decorating Ideas Using Candlesticks Without Candles
      Here are a few of my favorite ways to repurpose candle holders beyond using them to hold a candle.

      Here are a few candle holders I own. All are nice just on their own.

      To create something new with them, I also gathered a basket, bowl, and a variety of dessert size plates I had, along with the round piece of marble.
      When a candle holder is paired with one of these items, look what you can create:

      The two unrelated items became a decorative pedestal that holds my jewelry on my bedroom dresser – no candle needed.
      It looks like something I bought at HomeGoods, but it is just a white plate from my kitchen and a wicker candle holder I bought at a thrift store.

      For this pedestal plate, I used the clear formula of Liquid Nails to attach a glass plate to a silver candlestick holder. Adding a paper doily creates a festive plate for an edible treat.

      You can even add a glass dome if you happen to have one in your decor stash.

      More proof that a candle holder can be used without a candle.
      For this fruit basket, I used hot glue to attach the basket to the pillar candle holder. 

      If you want to make any of these pedestal plates temporary, use Glue Dots that you can buy in the craft store.

      For instant decor – use a glue dot if needed to place a pumpkin, Christmas ornament or anything you like on top of a candle holder.

      Doing this makes the item more interesting and decorative.
      How to Glue a Candle Holder to a Plate or Basket to Create a Pedestal Plate

      When gluing a candle holder and a plate/basket together, place the plate upside down and then place the candle holder face down on top.  This way you will be able to see clearly and center the candle holder on the plate.

      Use either clear Liquid Nails…

      … or hot glue.
      Let the glue dry and then turn the stand right side up and it will be ready to use.
      Homemade Candle Holder Ideas
      While on the topic of candles and holders, here are are few DIY candleholders that you can easily make.

      Don’t throw away tin cans. Clean them and wrap fabric around them held on my raffia or ribbon. Place a pillar style candle on the can.

      Drill holes into a slice of tree trunk.

      This type of candle holder looks best with tall taper candles.

      Turn wood scraps into modern block style candlestick holders. Stain or paint to coordinate with your decor.

      Clean glass jars to use to hold candles. Use them empty, filled with food-colored dyed water or un-popped popcorn.

      For a super simple candle holder – use the screw top from a glass jar. This one is from a jar of pickles.
      I hope that seeing all of these what to put in candle holders besides candles decorative ideas will have you coming up with your own creative ideas using candlestick holders you already own in new ways.
      You May Also Like:

      Pin

      Share

      Tweet

      Post navigation More

    • 163 Shares159 Views

      in Decorating

      Styling Tips That Make a Difference When Decorating a Living Room With Recliners

      by

      While gathering my thoughts for this post on decorating a living room with recliners, I know it will get two types of responses – readers who love them or readers that truly dislike them. 🙂
      Whether your living room decorating tastes run from traditional to farmhouse to modern – comfy chairs like recliners are one of the best investments when it comes to making your house into a comfortable home.
      Table of Contents
      I think when decorating, comfort can be forgotten when we get too wrapped up with how a room looks. It is for this reason that I am sharing a few styling tips for you on how to decorate a living room with recliners or comfortable upholstered chairs so that you love them – both for their comfort and also their style.
      Two Different Types of Chairs
      There are two kinds of chairs we have in our homes – the chairs you sit ON and chairs you sit IN.
      The style of chairs placed around a dining table are the kind you sit on – these are appropriate when eating, but never right in terms of ease and coziness as the style of chair we retreat to when we are looking for relaxation and comfort.

      These types of chairs – the cushy kind with plenty of padding with a seat cushion to sink into for movie watching, reading the latest best seller, taking a nap or to simply enjoy kicking your feet up after a long day. This is the kind of chair I think every home needs.
      If you already own a recliner or two, then you know just how these chairs make your living room, family room or den truly comfortable.
      Read on for ideas on how you can style them to make them look their best.
      If you are on the disliking side of this comfy home seating option, then also read on to see what you are missing out on. 🙂
      A House Versus a Home
      When I refer to my house, I speak about the walls, fixtures, flooring and the studs that make it stand. When I refer to my home, you will read words such as haven, comfy, cozy, and personal.

      Home for most of us is more than just a house. When you have a home, you know the feeling… it is the only place on earth that you feel true comfort. 
      Comfort… you know it every time you walk through your front door. No fancy hotel or perfectly styled room we see on Pinterest or Instagram will ever offer us the same feeling, EVER!
      1. Making Your Living Room Feel Human
      It is time to get over thinking recliners are something to hide in a back room that no one sees. I used to think like this, but no more. Life is too short not to be truly comfortable in your own home.
      A few years ago I wrote a post titled, How To Decorate So You Feel At Home.  I refer to this post as my decorating manifesto.
      In the post, I wrote about how I enjoy my home from the perspective of all 5 of my senses and plan it first and foremost for function and comfort.

      Having two recliners in my living room deliver on both function and comfort. The recliners are multi-purpose and are placed in front of the fireplace which is the focal point of the room. They rock when we need a little thinking time.
      We can feel like we are at the theater when we watch movies when the chairs face forward in the reclined position, then they swivel 360 degrees when we want to read facing the fireplace or to simply gaze out to the lake.
      A motionless chair just doesn’t come with these factors. We would forever be trying to shift non-motion chairs around in the room to accommodate our needs.  It is nice to have one chair do it all.
      My recliners are from Southern Motion. Model name: Shimmer. Leather in the color Toast.
      When I chose the two matching recliners for my living room, I made sure that they were a rocker recliner that also swiveled. It took a lot of research and trips to local furniture stores.
      I didn’t want power recliners or models that have heat and massage controls or super oversized recliners. These are all fine if these features are what will make you feel cozy and comfortable.
      Forget About Perfection When Decorating
      When decorating my living room I also tried not to aim for perfection, as imperfection in decor adds more personality and interest to a room.
      Some interior designer advice misses the notion that a home should be an oasis of comfort. Instead they focus only on looks, trends and style.
      A comfortable home includes the way the room looks; whether it feels balanced, uses soothing colors, is convenient for entertaining, and contains special pieces that reflect your personality.
      If you have uncomfortable seating – the best investment you can make to live comfortably in your own home is to remove uncomfortable seating and add new seating that will be perfect for every member of your family. I can guarantee you will love the room even more after doing this.
      When I ordered my recliners, we had to wait 8 weeks to get them. In that time I had promised our sofa to my older daughter and gave it to her. I didn’t think it was a big deal not having comfortable seating in the room, but boy was I wrong.

      I brought in two outdoor wicker rockers to sit on for the 8 weeks, notice I wrote sit ON, not sit IN. I was never so uncomfortable in my own house. These outdoor chairs were pretty, but too stiff to sit in to read or watch TV for any length of time.
      When the recliners finally arrived, along with a new deep seated Pottery Barn sofa, I was elated – the room immediately felt better with the addition of truly comfortable seating.
      Have you ever tried sitting in every chair in your home for about a half hour? Are they comfortable? If not, ask yourself why you are keeping it? Is it for looks only?
      2. Function vs. Style
      When furnishing a room, don’t forget to consider the function and uses for each item in the room. Remove furnishings and accessories that are not needed for comfort or decorative appeal to make room for what is needed to live your best life.
      For example, if you use your living room to watch movies with the family on a regular basis, you will want to have a comfy, “sink-in-to-it” seat for everyone, versus the straight upright seating that a more formal living room would dictate. This could be a big sectional with a connected chaise or two. Or a pair or more of matching recliners.
      Or do you play board games in front of the fireplace? If so, make sure you have a table, table lamp and chairs to do this activity without having to rearrange the room to enjoy the past time.
      3. Designate a Space Just for You
      A room feels comfortable when you add “YOU” into the decor. Depending on how you like to relax, create a cozy space just for you to relax in the way that feels right for you.

      Don’t worry about what other people are going to think. Just because your home doesn’t look like the cover of an interior design magazine doesn’t mean it isn’t fabulous. I want you to enjoy your home – every inch of it.
      Even in small living rooms, set up this designated space to become your reading nook, a place to knit, listen to music, watch TV or to do what you enjoy.
      In the photo above is my designated comfy corner in my living room. It is where watch TV, read and where I write and edit most of my blog posts every night.
      The butter-soft leather recliner, a dimmable floor lamp, the basket table I made where I store throw blankets and candles on the top all add up to create a cozy feel that functions for my needs.
      In my living room layout, Ed has a matching recliner along the short fireplace wall in the room. He is happy just to have the chair with a side table to place a drink.

      Make this personal space the best it can be by adding what you need to pursue your creature comforts:
      For example, place a knitting basket next to the chair or add bookshelves to the wall behind the chair for all your favorite books so they are in arms reach.
      4. What to Know Before Buying a Recliner
      I wish more companies would make stylish recliners, but there are many custom styling options you can add to most recliners so don’t just look at one in a furniture showroom at face value, imagine it with a different fabric and trim.
      When choosing a recliner for your home, don’t purchase any chair or sofa without sitting in it first.

      When selecting a recliner for your home, you also can’t rely on the reviews of others since we all come in different body types and sizes.
      I thought for sure we would find a recliner that both Ed and I liked at our local La-Z-Boy. After all that is what they are famous for. But after 2 trips to the store’s showroom and trying out all their recliners, we didn’t feel comfortable in any of them.
      Where we did find a recliner style that we could both live with was at a local furniture store that has a wide range of manufacturer’s recliners.
      We sat in literally dozens of them and whittled our choice down to a few. We went home and went back a few days later to try the few we liked the best to see if they still felt good, then we both agreed on the one in the photo above that was comfortable for both of us and had the features we wanted.
      How to Choose a Comfortable Recliner
      Seating can look beautiful when styled for a photo in a decorating magazine or catalog to entice you, but the bottom line (no pun intended) to ask yourself when buying a recliner is:

      Does the seating fit your body so it is comfortable when sitting upright as well as when reclined?
      Is it deep enough to put your feet up under you?
      Does the fabric feel good against your bare skin?

      Is it good quality? Since recliners have moving parts and it will become the most used chair in the house, you want to make sure it is well made. It is worth paying more.
      If the head rest cushioning has too much padding, it can make your head angle forward – this is not comfortable. Seats and cushions should have evenly distributed stuffing to ensure comfort.
      When in reclined position, does the open gap between the seat and the foot rest hit your legs in a comfortable way? 
      When in an upright position, do your legs touch the floor or hang freely?
      Are the arm rests at a comfortable height from the seat for your body size?
      Is the length of the seat – back to front, fit the length of your upper thighs. You don’t want this to be too short or too long.
      If thinking about purchasing a power recliner, there is the benefit of being able to adjust the chair’s seat and headrest separately. But do know that the chair will need to be near an electrical outlet and there will be a cord on the floor from the chair to the outlet.Also know that the electronics may break down years before the actual chair needs replacing.

      If you find a recliner that you like, but don’t like the fabric or the chair doesn’t rock or swivel, most furniture manufacturers can add these functions easily, so don’t hesitate to ask.
      5. Recliner Style: Leather or Fabric  
      When thinking about buying a recliner, make sure the style of recliner coordinates with your existing furniture.

      If you have a sofa with tufting or other types of decorative ornamentation, then selecting a recliner with cleaner lines would be a nice mix.
      If you are looking to bring a sense of formality into your space, then a more traditional style with nail trim, button-back or a wingback would look just right.
      6. Recliner Placement in a Room
      When deciding on a recliner to buy for your home, you will need to consider if you have the space needed and seating arrangements so that everyone has a comfy place to sit.
      A recliner needs more space around it then a regular upholstered chair so it has enough room around it when it is fully reclined. You don’t want the reclined headrest to hit a wall or the foot rest to hit a coffee table.
      Most recliners need 10-14 inches of clearance from a wall or another piece of furniture to fully recline.

      The placement of a recliner should also balance the furniture arrangement in the room.
      Due to their larger size, a recliner can make a room feel lopsided, so placing the chair across from another larger visual element in the room like a large bookcase can counterbalance and make the room as a whole look it’s best.
      Place a recliner on an area rug that is large enough to include a side or end table. This will create a more cozy appeal.
      6. Tips for Accessorizing Recliners
      When adding recliners to a room, don’t forget to add a luxurious throw over the back or armrest. This will add a touch of cozy interest, texture and color.

      Recliner Styling TIPS:
      Throw Blankets:
      When adding a throw blanket to a recliner, consider the thickness of the fabric. If it’s too thin, it may look wimpy or not feel as comfortable as a thicker more lush fabric like fur or velvet for the colder months when you want to get super snuggly and comfy.
      Decorative Toss Pillows:
      Toss or throw pillows are usually not needed as recliner chairs usually have enough cushioning.
      When the chair is not in use though, a decorative throw pillow placed in one corner of the seat will give the room a more styled feel.
      You can keep a basket on the floor nearby to place the pillow in when you are using the chair.
      Side Tables:
      When setting up a seating area, recliners look better when placed next to a large side table. A small table will look out of scale. A coffee table will have to be placed too far away to give space for the pop-up foot rest.
      When placing a side table next to a recliner, be sure to select one that is in scale with the table. A too small side table will look off.
      Also make sure the side table has a heavy bottom so that if the chair has a swivel, you don’t knock the table over if the chair bumps it.
      Still Don’t Like Recliners – Consider This Type of Seating

      If you still are not a fan of recliners, but would like to add more comfortable living room furniture to your space, look into a reclining loveseat or couches where there is a hidden lever inside the armrest that you pull to open the seat to a reclined position.
      It may cost a bit more for this feature, but no one will know the seating is a recliner, except you and your family.
      Reclining seating like this looks like regular upholstered furniture while giving you a reclined seat function.
      I had a sofa and a loveseat like this in my previous home when I was on the dislike side of decorating with recliners.
      Chair & Ottoman or Sectional
      As an option, add a footrest or an ottoman in front of an existing upholstered chair or two in the room that can double as extra seating as well as serve as a comfy place for your feet when sitting in an upholstered chair.
      A well-made sectional sofa or a sofa with a chaise are other comfy seating options.
      Don’t Miss Out on Comfort
      When it comes to decorating a home, my only regret over the years is that I wished I had added recliners to my living room sooner and wasn’t so caught up on them being non-design worthy.
      What makes your home or living spaces comfy cozy? We all have items and rituals that we do to feel comfortable at home or relax after a busy day. What are yours?
      Where to Buy Recliners
      As I mentioned earlier, I would never purchase an upholstered armchair I haven’t sat in first, but I rounded up a few recliners that I found online to show you the variety of styles they come in.
      All of these recliners can be made up in many colors of leather, trim like nailheads and also hundreds of fabric choices to coordinate with your room’s color scheme as well.

      1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

      You May Also Like:

      Post navigation More

    • 63 Shares129 Views

      in Decorating

      Fall Mantel Decorated With Pumpkins

      by

      How to decorate using two mirrors and a collection of pumpkins over a mantel to create a warm and inviting look when decorating your home for fall.
      Did I ever tell you what one of my favorite things about fall is – besides crisp air, falling leaves, cornstalks, football, that cozy nesting feeling, and cider.  It is PUMPKINS!!!
      I love decorating with pumpkins.  I am a classic orange pumpkin lover – no chic white ones for me.  I love the pop of color the old fashioned orange pumpkins provide in my neutral color scheme, especially when display on a fall mantel.

      I have created my own little pumpkin patch right on my mantel.
      XO I could eat them all up!  Visually as well as making pie and munching on toasted pumpkin seeds.
      How to Easily Create a Fall Mantel Decorated With Pumpkins

      I have two mirrors layered on the wall to add more interest. The larger one is hung on the wall.
      The smaller on is on the mantel and leaning against the larger mirror.

      Either one alone didn’t look right – together they make a much better style statement.

      I also like decorating with bigger pumpkins. Placing them in urns is my “go to” way to display fall pumpkins inside my house and out.
      Simple and classic – no fuss. I used book pages I shredded in my paper shredder to use as bedding in my jack-be-little pumpkin patch basket.

      The white ceramic urn I found for a few dollars at yard sale. The vase is from HomeGoods.
      Classic ceramic white urns are hard to find affordably online. Your best bet in finding one that isn’t plastic is a HomeGoods.
      You can also display pumpkins on candle holders like I did in this post:

      I made the fireplace screen out of a cardboard pattern cutting screen. It was super easy and hides a multitude of sins.
      You can find the tutorial here:

      A Variation on Decorating With Two Mirrors Over a Mantel

      For this mantel, I liked the look of layering mirrors on the mantel, but I only had one white framed mirror.
      So instead, I hung an empty white frame over the larger wall hung mirror – so it looks like two mirrors.
      I used clear fishing line to hang it. The top of the fishing line is attached to the top of the mirror with a thumb tack.
      So what do you think? You may have a few mirrors in other rooms of your house or in your decor stash that you can give a second life- using as is or giving the mirrors a coat of spray paint to coordinate with the room’s color scheme.
      For an even easier mirror over the mantel look, you can simply lean a larger mirror against the wall, and a smaller one in front of it. Instant Decorating at its best!!!

      You May Also Like:

      Post navigation More

    • 88 Shares169 Views

      in Decorating

      Making My Living Room Larger for $240

      by

      Pin

      Share

      Tweet

      If you’ve ever wondered, how to make a small room look bigger without having to knock down a wall?” I have the answer for you. It can be done with mirrors. See how I did just this when I added mirrors to the cozy corner in my living room. 

      You know that I enjoy decorating and keeping the rooms in my home updated in my own style with furnishings I buy as well as using decorative items I make.

      I am always looking at decorating magazine and catalogs for ideas and just last week, after seeing this photo on Pottery Barn’s website, I knew an idea I had brewing in my head for my living room was going to happen.
      Seeing the photo just reinforced what I already wanted to do… and that was to add large mirrors on the wall behind my sofa and console table in my living room.

      In the Pottery Barn photo, the mirrors have a hip and trendy vibe. I like that, but that is not the reason why I wanted to decorate my living room with mirrors. I wanted to add them to double the view of the lake.
      Moving Ahead With My Mirror Plan
      Then a few days after seeing the PB photo, while doing a stroll around HomeGoods, I came upon, not one, but 3 identical driftwood grey-stained wood-framed wall mirrors.
      “OK,” I said to my self, “This is fate! Adding mirrors to my living room is going to happen. These mirrors that have practically jumped out at me are perfect in every way – color, shape, size and price. $79 each.”
      The large mirrors from Pottery Barn are around $900 each!

      I only had one thing stopping me from buying the mirrors and that was how I was going to fit them in my very small car, a Mini Cooper.
      The saying “when there is a will there is a way” went through my mind. I made it happen, by wedging one mirror in the car and then taking three trips to get each one home. 🙂
      Decorating My Living Room To Reflect the Lake View

      After 5 years of living on the shores of Lake Murray in SC. I have been wanting to pare down the decor in my living room so it reflects what I see out the sliding glass doors and that is the lake, trees and nature.
      That is why we moved, for a water view, so I am determined to see it as much as I can.

      I want the decor to feel like a natural extension of what is on view outside and have been working on making that happen by creating a cozy corner using faux barnwood on two walls and coming up with a decorating style for the room that I call, White and Woodsy.
      I played around with how to space the mirrors on the wall and decided to make them look like a large window by placing them together instead of apart.

      When standing in the room now, at all angles you see the lake view, although you can’t see it in my photos as the very humid, rainy weather the past 3 days have fogged up the glass on the doors since we have the AC on in the house.
      If it ever stops raining, I will try to get a better photo so you can see how nice the reflection of the lake can be seen from different angles in the room.
      Living Room Wall Decor With Mirrors
      You may be asking… what did I do with the oversized wall clock I made that has been hanging on the wall the last few years? I moved the clock to a wall in my studioffice where I can still see it every day.

      Decorating with mirrors on a wall behind the sofa, a set of chairs or a console table can really make a small room look bigger visually.
      Adding them has literally made the room feel twice as big. Even Ed remarked about it, which of course made me happy to hear that my decorating efforts were paying off.
      More Ideas To Decorate With Mirrors
      Even though large mirrors can make a small room appear bigger, don’t overlook how small mirrors, like adding a starburst mirror like this to a wall can make a difference.
      Adding any size mirror can add visual interest to a space—not to mention solve a few design dilemmas along the way, like when I used mirrors to create faux door transoms to reflect light in dark hallway.
      You can also use a collection of smaller mirrors to create a layered mirror gallery wall like I did for the guest room in my previous home. Or use old wood window sashes to create a mirror that resembles a large window.
      All of these decorating ideas using mirrors are budget-friendly as you can find decorative mirrors at thrift stores, Target, Walmart, HomeGoods and even the dollar store.

      The Main Reasons Why I Like Using Mirrors:
      They can make a small space feel larger as the reflection visually doubles the space.
      Placed strategically across from a window, mirrors double the light that comes into a room.
      Mirrors also reflect both natural and artificial light that will make a room brighter during both the day and night. Even candlelight!

      Mirrors are also not just for walls, you can repurpose one to make a mirrored coffee table and use it in the room to bounce the light off a white ceiling.
      Decorating With Wall Mirror Tips

      Make Sure Whatever You Place in Front of the mirror is pretty and you don’t mind seeing a reflection of it. For instance, I now see two TV’s on the wall, but that I can live with.
      The Best Way to Hang Mirrors – Most large mirrors come with attached heavy duty hangers. Mine did, so hanging them was pretty easy. If they don’t, you can buy Heavy Duty Strap Hangers at the home improvement store. They are easy to screw onto the back.
      How to Keep Mirrors Streak Free – The best way to clean large mirrors is to double clean them. First use window cleaner or vinegar and a paper towel/newspaper to remove dust and dirt. Then spray-saturate the mirror with cleaner and using a squeegee, quickly use long swipes – top to bottom to remove the cleaner, wiping the cleaner from the squeegee after every swipe. The mirrors will be streak-free.
      Decorating with a Simple More Natural Vibe
      There’s something powerful and liberating about paring down to what you feel is essential in your decor.
      I think many of us crave a room without so much distraction in the way of clutter or unnecessary items, we feel less burdened; we flourish and have more energy. I know this is true for me.
      By adding the large mirrors on the wall, I made the room appear larger, while doubling the lake view.
      I went with my idea and got what I wanted…
      …an open, airy, but styled and cozy room that reflect the tones and textures of the landscape outside the glass doors, easing the transition from outdoors to indoors. 🙂
      What is essential for you when decorating a room in your home so it feels just right for you and your family?
      Decorating Resources:

      {similar}

      Pin

      Share

      Tweet More

    • 100 Shares149 Views

      in Organization

      Creative Dorm Room Decorating Ideas on a Budget

      by

      Pin

      Share

      Tweet

      It is that time of year again… back to school and college. Here are the best – tried and true ideas to decorate a dorm on a budget along with ways to keep the small space organized with these creative dorm room decorating ideas. 
      Post Updated: 7/13/2021

      Over the past 7 years I have helped my two daughters move in and decorate 8 dorm rooms and college campus apartments.
      In this post I am going to share the dorm room essentials, quick and creative dorm room decorating ideas, tips and tricks that I know work and won’t break the budget when it comes to getting a dorm room or college apartment set up. All of these ideas make the grade!
      So get ready to move the furniture around to create the best use of space so that everything you bring to decorate your dorm will do double-duty – EVERYTHING!  Organization and smart accessible storage is key to making the room both attractive and livable.
      Creative Dorm Room Decorating Ideas
      How can you decorate a doom room cheaply? With creativity and planning before you even arrive on campus.
      A few months before college starts, most students get excited and think about the color and style of the bedding, lamps and cute organizers they will need for their dorm room, but the number one thing you need to have with you on move- in day are a few tools!
      Having a tool box filled with basic tools will make everything you do on moving day much easier. Trust me! If you bring one, you will be the most popular person in the dorm as everyone will want to borrow your screwdriver, hammer or glue gun. 

      On move-in day a toolbox gets packed in the car last so that everything from a screwdriver to fabric glue is ready to whip the room into shape as it gets placed in the room or at least done on move-in day. You will find the contents of my toolbox in this post:

      Pick the Bedding First
      When decorating a dorm room, the first decorative element you need is to pick the bedding. The bed is so important – it serves as a sofa for friends to sit on and a place to relax, do school work, eat, and sleep.

      Look for a comforter that you can put a colorful duvet on that will hide stains and will be easy to wash when needed.  The room’s color scheme or half the room’s color scheme can be based off the color of the comforter/bedspread.
      Get Creative With Fabric

      When decorating a dorm room on a budget, there are many inexpensive fabric options to choose from.
      Fabric added to the room in the way of window treatments, chair covers, wall hangings, and art will add a lot of style and color to the room.
      If you want to add some color to the plain walls,  buy some fabric yardage and hang it on the wall using the Command Brand mounting strips across the top of the fabric and along the ceiling line. Two or three of the strips is all that will be needed.   Let the fabric hang freely. It will look like wallpaper.
      How to Hang Art on Top of Hung On the Wall Fabric: Use Command Brand mounting hooks on the wall under the fabric. Once hook is placed, cut a small slice in the fabric where the hook is so that the hook can fit through the slit. Hang your photos or art on the exposed hook.
      Other Fabric Options to Consider:

      Colorful Sheets: Head to the thrift store or stores like HomeGoods and TJMaxx to find colorful or patterned sheets that can be used t cover a window or an open closet.
      Use Command Brand Hooks To Style Window Treatments:

      Most of the Command Brand hooks are pretty self explanatory, but the utensil hooks – have a moveable hook and are perfect for tying drapery panels to the wall with twist ties. I did this in my daughter’s apartment bedroom one year.  I used colorful ribbons to hide the twist ties. 
      Everything on the wall was hung using the Command Strips.
      Loft the Beds
      Photo: Dorm to Die For
      Lofting the bed gives the room double the space. I found this photo over at Dorm to Die For.  At the college my oldest attended, all the beds were loft-able. 
      Create a Clothes Closet Under a Lofted Bed
      To make the space under a lofted bed into a place to hang clothes, attach a tension rod along the front side of the bed to hang a curtain on a tension rod.
      Use “U” clamps to attach a closet rod or curtain rod to the underside of the box spring. When the curtain is closed, clothes will be out of sight. 
      You can also use the space under a lofted bed for a desk and or chest of drawers.
      Make a Lofted Bed Organizer

      Hang a flat handled basket on the bed in a color to coordinate with the room.
      Tie it to the bed rail along the top of a lofted bed for easy access to a phone and charger, book, tissues, etc. This way you won’t have to jump down from the bed.

      Create Extra Seating

      Space is at a premium in a dorm room so it is nice to have a few extra seating options for when friends are hanging out with you.
      These storage and seat-in-one ottomans made from milk cartons serves double-duty.

      Create a Bedside Table

      Make lids for square baskets. It is easy to do with cardboard from boxes and fabric.
      Stack the baskets on top of each other to create an easy to reach storage spot as well as create a little bedside table

      Decorating a Dorm Room Essentials to Pack
      Buy these dorm room essentials ahead of time so you won’t have to run to Walmart 5 times on move-in day.  You can find most of the items needed in this list at Ross, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Bed Bath and Beyond, IKEA, Target, and Walmart.
      1. Command Brand Strips Hooks & Hangers

      The biggest innovation in dorm room or rental decorating since I went to college is 3M Command Strips – Hello! Wonderful. They are amazing and can be used for so many things.  Spray a little bit of rubbing alcohol on the walls, doors, sides of a desk, bed frames, chairs – you name it and you can hang just about anything easily.
      When it is time to move out – they are a cinch to remove and leave no damage. 3M even has replacement tapes and tabs so you can use the hooks and hangers again the following year.

      2. Clip-On Light, Floor Lamp & Backrest Pillow
      My oldest didn’t understand why she needed these when she was a freshman. It didn’t take her a long time to figure out why – comfort and task lighting while studying on the bed.

      If lofting a bed, the clip-on light can easily be clipped onto the bed frame or even mounted on the wall with Command Brand strips.

      This style floor lamp with adjustable arms works well in a dorm.  Each light can be directed where needed – on the ceiling for ambient lighting, on the bed for task lighting = double duty.

      3. Power Strips & Extension Cords

      There are never enough outlets in a dorm room for all the electronics you use.  One or tow power strips and long extension cords are needed.  Throw in a few 3-prong adapters, too.

      4. Over-the-Door Hangers & Organizers

      These types of hangers are perfect for hanging not only over doors, but they work over the bed rails as well.
      Use two or more so you will have plenty of storage. They are great for bath towels, handbags, coats, and hats.

      Hanging TIP: If you place an over-the-door hanger over a door and the door doesn’t close – get a pair of pliers and bend the top section that goes over the door to mold it to fit – works every time.
      5. Closet Organizers

      Some rooms have nice closets, others have only an armoire.  Making use of a variety of closet organizers will increase the storage.

      Closet Organizer DIY: Use shower curtain rings on a hanger to hold scarves or belts.
      6. Stackable Storage

      Stack, stack, and stack some more.  Easy accessible stackable storage is the best way to hold stuff – from books, toiletries, food, etc.
      IKEA makes small shelf units and these may work well in one room, but not the next year in a different room.
      I have found that classic milk crates are the best. The reason – versatility.  They can be stacked and used in many different ways. One year they may be used in a closet, the next – across the shelf on the desk or dresser to hold food and/or dishes.

      Stacking Organizing Idea: Cut a square from dollar store foam boards to fit inside milk crates. This gives the crate bottom a level surface to place items on so they won’t fall through.

      7. Tension Rods & Cafe Clips

      Tension rods and cafe clips can be used on windows, under lofted beds, and in closets.
      Photos: BH&G and Martha Stewart
      As long as the window is inset you will be able to create easy no-sew treatments using a tension rod and café clips. 
      Photo Above: On the left are two scarves that are folded over along the top edge of the scarf and simply clipped on.
      On the right, use fabric glue to make finished edges on fabric that is cut to fit the size of the window, then clip on the rings and hang.
      Don’t forget that shower rod tension rods found in the bath department are much wider in diameter and when two are placed about a foot parallel to each other a pine or mdf board can be placed on them to create a knock down portable shelf for a closet.
      8. Bed Risers

      If the bed doesn’t loft, then use bed risers. Buy the extra tall ones so that you can get as much extra space as possible.  They even come with electrical sockets now – smart as there are never enough outlets.

      9. Rolling Storage & Bins

      This style of rolling cart with drawers can hold extra toiletries, school supplies, and/or clothes.  They move around the room easily when needed which is a big plus.
      Use the rolling drawers as an end table to hold a clock, phone or lamp. 
      10. An Area Rug
      Check stores like Target, Walmart and HomeGoods for an affordable area rug. A 5 x 7 usually will fit. It will make the room feel cozier and decorated.

      If you have gotten to the end of this post, then you now have a few more creative ideas on how to decorate a dorm room on the cheap, but these ideas are really only a starting off point.
      Once you get on campus you will see just how creative and resourceful students can get when it comes to making a dorm feel like home sweet home.

      More Budget Decor Ideas for Dorm Rooms:

      Pin

      Share

      Tweet More