How to Decorate a Dorm Room on a Budget

Allow us to indulge in a bit of a stereotype: By and large, women are much more interested in decorating than men are. Sure, it's a generalization, and it doesn't always hold true (for either gender), but it's typically a pretty safe conclusion to jump to. So with that in mind, let's look at how young ladies -- or design-minded guys -- can add style to a dorm room without breaking the bank.

One of the best ways to decorate on a budget is to accessorize. For a relatively low cost, you can make a design statement. Think of your dorm room as a simple pair of jeans, and the items in your room as apparel accessories. There are many styles you can create; it all depends on what you choose. If you want a sophisticated look, you can wear a sweater and heels with your jeans. If you want a more casual look, just go with a T-shirt and ballet flats. The same principle applies to decorating: Invest in small, inexpensive touches to get the look you want. And, when you're ready to change things up, you can redecorate on the cheap by once again focusing on small items. Here are a few accessories you can look for when decorating your dorm room:

Many of these items can be found at relatively inexpensive retail stores like Wal-Mart, Target and IKEA. If you're looking for something more unique, browse yard sales and furniture consignment shops.

Those are our tips for women. To find out how guys should decorate on a budget, see the next page.

Let's face it, guys, you're not exactly known for being neat and organized. And chances are, having a clean, welcoming space is probably going to be your biggest decorating challenge. Fortunately, there are many stylish and affordable ways you can spiff up your space.

Start with laundry. Make sure you have a hamper for dirty laundry and a basket for freshly washed clothing. Your floor, chair and bed aren't appropriate storage places for your wardrobe, so put things away. If you don't have enough drawer and closet space, use canvas storage boxes and under-the-bed boxes for out-of-season clothes and shoes.

As for your school supplies, anything from cardboard photo boxes to canvas totes can help you keep your learning tools ready when you need them, but out of sight for your next party. Plastic storage containers with drawers are also an option that can help you make the most of your space. Memo boards give you a place to organize to-do lists and reminders, but also provide space for creative flair such as photos and quotes. Stackable shelves offer a place for media like CDs, DVDs and video games. And if you're still running out of places to put things, look for a storage ottoman or two. Not only will these small pieces of accent furniture provide containment for more of your stuff, they'll also add extra seating to your space.

All of these items can be purchased inexpensively anywhere from a drugstore to a warehouse store -- and a lot of places in between. These days, storage items are as stylish as they are utilitarian. You can probably even find boxes and baskets that match up with the color scheme of your bedspread and other items in your room. The main goal of purchasing such decorative containment is to create an orderly, visually pleasing space that will make your dorm room more inviting to you and any visitors you may have -- particularly those of the opposite sex.

Continue reading for lots more information.