5 Ways to Use Thrift Store Finds for Dorm Décor

Back-to-school season is right around the corner, and for some, that means it’s dorm move-in time! Decorating a dorm can be fun, but the expenses can quickly add up. Whether you’re moving into your first dorm or transitioning into a college house or apartment, Ohio Valley Goodwill is the place to find all kinds of decorating essentials that not only match your budget but your personality, too!

Check out these five ways to use thrift store finds from Goodwill for dorm décor:

#1: Display photographs

Moving away from home and into a new, unfamiliar space is not easy for everyone. One good way to prevent homesickness and make your new dorm space feel cozier is to display favorite pictures of loved ones. Thanks to Ohio Valley Goodwill’s vast selection of photo frames, it’s easy to choose a frame or two that fits your style. You can also add a touch of flair to plain frames by repainting them or gluing on a textured element like seashells or rope for a beachy feel.

Frames from Goodwill

Wall art from Goodwill

From there, print out photos of your friends and family and display them in your dorm room or apartment. Being surrounded by happy memories is sure to make a new space feel more like home.

#2: Add some light

Many dorms use harsh, sterile-looking lights that can cause your space to feel dark and dull. To brighten up your room, try adding string lights! It’s particularly trendy to hang string lights around your dorm room bed or desk area. You could even use them to illuminate your gallery wall of photos or wall art! Because they come in different styles and colors, string lights can immediately change a room’s vibe. To create a cozier, more relaxed environment, try looking for white or warm white string lights. For a colorful, exciting environment, look for color-changing LED string lights. Don’t forget to search for an extension cord when thrift shopping at Goodwill so you can easily string your lights across your new space.

Wall art from Goodwill

#3: Utilize wall space

Dorm rooms are known for being tiny, so make sure you’re maximizing any wall space you have to express your tastes and interests. During your next thrift shopping trip, look for posters, prints, paintings, mixed media, and photography pieces to use when decorating your dorm. You never know what unique, rare, or vintage pieces you may find when thrift shopping at Goodwill!

#4: Bring the outdoors in

Another fun, budget-friendly dorm room décor idea is to add a few plants to your space. Indoor plants are all the rage right now, and Ohio Valley Goodwill carries many different types of pots you can use to create the dorm room ” jungle” of your dreams. For the DIYers of the world, search for a colorful serving dish or wooden salad bowl you can repurpose as a home for low-maintenance plants like succulents.

White vase filled with white flowers from Goodwill

Once you find the perfect place to store your plants, head to your local plant store or nursery and pick out a few low-maintenance succulents and some good soil. Finally, assemble your succulent in its new home, so it’s ready for move-in day. If you don’t have a green thumb, don’t worry! Ohio Valley Goodwill also has plenty of attractive faux plants and flowers to make your dorm room feel on-trend without the responsibility of caring for actual plants.

#5: Don’t forget those kitchen essentials

When it’s time to move up from a dorm room to a college house or apartment, one of the most exciting changes is having a kitchen to cook homemade meals. Some of the kitchen items you might need include pots, pans, utensils, and bakeware. You may even want small appliances like a coffee maker, toaster, or blender. Instead of purchasing these items brand new, try shopping at Goodwill first to save on kitchen essentials.

Choose Goodwill for your Back-to-College Needs

When you go thrift shopping at Ohio Valley Goodwill this back-to-college season, you can save money on dorm or apartment décor and help to save the planet by repurposing secondhand items. Now that’s shopping smart!

Don’t wait to stock up on all your college essentials and so much more. To get started, find your nearest Ohio Valley Goodwill retail store and plan your next thrift shopping trip today!