Tips to Flip Furniture on a Back-to-College Budget

(StatePoint) College is an exciting time. Whether your child is starting as a freshman or returning for senior year, new friends, new roommates and new places to call “home” await.

Ease the transition and save money in the process by helping decorate their personal spaces using these DIY tricks. Instead of buying new, you can turn used furniture into stunning and sophisticated statement pieces perfect for campus life.

Finders Keepers

You’ve spent enough on books… how will you afford a bookcase or desk to hold them? For a great look without the hefty price tag, seek out items at flea markets, yard sales, thrift stores or simply ask relatives. You have a better chance of finding a one-ofa-kind piece, and you can haggle with the sellers for lower prices.

As you shop, don’t let a “fixer upper” scare you. Wood furniture, even with a few nicks or stains, can easily be refinished or repainted for a “furniture flip” that meets your student’s style needs.

Be Space Savvy

Chances are your college student is sharing a dorm room, apartment or house with at least one other person. Make the most of limited space by incorporating furniture that can pull double-duty. Instead of bulky chairs, grab a bench, which can offer both storage and seating. Nesting tables or stackable chairs are also a smart, space-saving investment.

Be mindful of purchasing oversized pieces that may crowd living areas or won’t fit through tight hallways and stairwells. Students running out of room can use spaces under beds, couches and other furniture for extra storage.

Fix and Flip Furniture

There are many ways to upcycle used or slightly damaged furniture pieces, transforming them from one person’s trash to your child’s personal treasure.

• Drab to Fab Drawers: Beautify drawers by removing dull, old handles or knobs and upgrade to something more contemporary -- or simply add a fresh coat of paint. You can also line the inside with decorative shelf liner for an added visual element and to keep things clean and organized.

• Exciting Exteriors: Adhesive shelf liner also comes in handy for freshening up the exterior surface of old, worn furniture. Embellish the front of a lackluster bedside table or the back of bookshelf cubbies with Duck brand Deco Adhesive Laminate, which comes in many designer styles, such as Rose Gold, Quatrefoil or Marble and is available at a variety of nationwide retailers, including Walmart.

• Paint Perfection: Create dimension and design when painting by using a premium painter’s tape, like FrogTape brand painter’s tape. Treated with patented PaintBlock Technology, FrogTape prevents paint bleed and delivers the sharpest paint lines possible, perfect for adding decorative patterns to boring and bland furniture. Try something bold and geometric on the top of a desk to make studying more enjoyable!

• Playful Pillows: Now, for the final touches. Find a funky, colorful fabric and DIY some throw pillows to create comfier living rooms.

For more inspiration and ideas, visit DuckBrand.com.

Whether students are moving into a dorm for the first time or decorating an off-campus apartment, you can help them create a place they are happy to call “home.” Plus, with all your DIY savings you’ll have a few extra dollars for tuition.