Decorating on a shoestring: 22 affordable items for students

By Colette 29-08-2011
Decorating on a shoestring: 22 affordable items for students

With the leaving cert results just out and college places being filled, many of our student readers will be fleeing the nest and hunting for their new abodes. So while the September shopping lists may contain things like stationary and books, here are a few essentials to help you achieve A*s in style.

It can be difficult to add personality to a college crib, so knowing the right things to invest in will help you save those cents for the weekly grocery shop…

The bedroom

1. Believe it or not the most important piece of furniture a college goer will need is a desk… not a bed! This desk is a real space saver and is perfect for hiding away the books after a long day of study. Compact flip down top desk, was €179 now €66, Littlewoods Ireland www.littlewoodsireland.ie.

2. A duvet set is one of the few ways to make a statement with colour. Mimosa single duvet cover set, was €19.99 now €4.99, Argos www.argos.ie. Plain dyed single duvet cover and pillowcase set, €17, Littlewoods Ireland www.littlewoodsireland.ie

3. Gone are the days of the washing pile on the floor, a laundry basket is essential for keeping a bedroom neat and tidy. JALL laundry bag with stand, €3.69, IKEA www.ikea.ie

4. Storage is one thing almost all digs lack, storage boxes are the answer. Big enough to take books and copies yet small enough to fit under a bed or to be stacked and not take over all the room. Set of 5 storage boxes with lids, €15.99, Argos www.argos.ie 

5. A lamp is one of the most functional furniture pieces, important for aiding study along with providing a subtle lighting effect. FILLSTA table lamp, €9.99, IKEA www.ikea.ie

6. And for those who are still big kids at heart, theres this teddy bear hot water bottle, €6, Penneys www.primark.ie available in store from September.

The living room

7. Scatter cushions are a great way to add colour and personality to a sofa. Red retro phone cushion, €27, Ben de Lisi at Debenhams. Black reserved cushion, €37.50 Ben de Lisi at Debenhams www.debenhams.ie KAJSA TRAD cushion cover, €5.99, IKEA www.ikea.ie

8. Even the smallest of accessories in a room can help maintain an accent colour. FNISS wastepaper bin basket, €1.99, IKEA www.ikea.ie

9. Keep your dvd and cd collection organised and attractive with a storage system like this. BENNO dvd tower, €18.99, IKEA www.ikea.ie

10. Extra seating doesn’t have to come at a cost, invest in floor seats like this Lyra bean filled cube seat, €29, Littlewoods Ireland www.littlewoodsireland.ie

11. Break up plain walls and create a talking point with an interactive poster like this, Who tall are you wall chart, €6, Designist www.designist.ie

12. Dress up a bare bulb with a simple chandelier like this. Vera cream metal pendant, €21, Next www.nextdirectory.ie

The kitchen

13. Ensure your food is always sizzling in style with a colourful wok. Judge wacky wok, €12.50, Arnotts www.arnotts.ie

14. Plates and college students don’t tend to have the best relationship. Ensure your dinner set is both microwave and dishwasher safe. FARGRIK 18 piece service, €17.99, IKEA www.ikea.ie

15. Make a statement with one of the most essential utensils in the kitchen. Stainless steel collander, €6, Heatons www.heatons.ie

16. A quirky addition to any kitchen space. Beer coasters four pack, €20, Designist www.designist.ie also available in tea and coffee!

17. Colourful cutlery makes for a fun and vibrant side to any meal. Blue cutlery, set of 16, €8, Heatons www.heatons.ie

The bathroom

18. Add a splash of sea tones to your bathroom. Teal bathroom accessories from €9.50, Matthew Williamson at Debenhams www.debenhams.ie

19. Bright, fluffy hand towels like these will help keep a bathroom looking fresh. Lime and white hand towels, €5 each, Tesco www.tesco.ie

20. A statement shower curtain will break up a bland white suite and ensure you shower in style. EGGEGRUND, €4.99, IKEA www.ikea.ie

21. Brighten up a dull morning with a set like this. Light yellow bath mat and pedestal set, €21, Debenhams www.debenhams,ie

22. Make your shopping budget last while getting every last bit out of your toothpaste. Squeeze Ease, €.99 each, Home store and more, www.homestoreandmore.ie

By Colette Doyle

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