Summer is such a fun, easy time to be out & about looking for home decor at yard sales, flea markets, & thrift stores. Pieces that might cost $30-$40 (and are reproduction) at Target or another retailer can be found as cheaply as 50 cents or $1.
So while summer sales are happening every weekend & flea markets are on the calendar, take advantage of the opportunity to begin collecting vintage & newer dorm decor finds for your college-bound kid.
Just in the last few weeks of rummage sales & flea markets, I've seen or purchased...
- String lights
- Vintage brass candlesticks & containers/vessels
- Faux greenery
- Small accent tables - both ready to go and ready to be made over
- Wastebaskets
- Vintage suitcases
- Wooden easel
- Vintage crates & baskets
- Organizers, trays, & totes of ALL sorts
- Mini fridges
- Bulletin boards & chalkboards
- Mirrors
- Hook racks & mug racks
- Microwaves
- Lamps (vintage & newer)
- 70s-80s style framed prints
- Throw pillows
- Cups, mugs, & vases for holding pens & pencils
- Vintage tape dispensers, thumbtacks, staplers, & pencil sharpeners
I love the idea of putting together a room that didn't come straight from the PB Teen website or Target home decor aisles. There's nothing at all wrong with buying from retailers but mixing in some vintage & thrifted pieces (especially with a thrill-of-the-hunt memory attached) will make the room so much more homey & unique.
Plus the cost savings of buying from yard sales & thrift stores is amazing. It could even be fun to challenge yourself & your college-bound kid to put together a whole dorm look for $300 or less. I'm certain it can be done.
Need more dorm room inspiration? Here ya go.