One fact that holds true with any college student is their financial situation: they’re flat broke. Higher education barely leaves room for a decent meal let alone furniture. So, when it’s time to furnish that apartment, there are some quick, easy, and relatively free ways to come up with some great furniture solutions.
The following is just a handful of ideas that will help any college student turn junk into stylish furniture and practical storage options. Of course, the supplies needed could be purchased, but with the right amount of patience and cleverness, the items needed could be found at a great price: free. Undergrads and grads alike love that word.
1. Is That A Suitcase Or A Nightstand?
This one’s a breeze. Simply gather a couple hardback suitcases. The older the better, not only because vintage luggage is built stronger, it’s also more stylish. Old luggage can be found anywhere from flea markets to garage sales to parents’ attics.
Now, here’s the easy part: stack two or three suitcases to achieve the height of the bed. That’s it. Keep in mind the suitcases should stack sturdy and the top suitcase should be fairly level and flat. If the finished product rocks a little, simply shimmy it up with a few rubber furniture sliders.
2. A Former Ladder
Are pots and pans cluttering the kitchen? Try a ladder. An old aluminum or wooden six-foot ladder is a great storage solution. Simply hang the ladder horizontally from a convenient spot on the kitchen ceiling. Use easy to find hardware, such as S-hooks, to hang various cooking utensils from the ladder rungs and make sure to use chain or heavy rope secured into roof studs with the proper hardware.
3. Apple Crate Cup Holder
Is there something missing in front of the couch? Is it impossible to find a place to put that coffee mug? How about building an apple crate coffee table; just track down two sturdy wooden apple crates (vegetable crates work well too) for the coffee table legs and a section of four or six-foot wood fence for the tabletop. It’s quick and easy.
Vintage apple crates aren’t hard to come by. Again, flea markets are a great spot to search. Other nice substitutes for wooden apple crates are wine bottle crates. Also, the wood slat fence sectional could be exchanged for an old door.
4. Milk And Literature
All those classes translate to a ton of books. Instead of throwing those books on the floor, stack them neatly in a plastic milk crate bookshelf. Plastic crates are extremely easy to come by, stack well, and can hold a good amount of weight. Six crates can make a stylish and sturdy pyramid bookshelf. Use a few cable ties to hold the crates together just for added structural support. Now all those books have a new home.
When it comes to college and apartment living, the above suggestions are a great way to conserve space and save money on furniture. When searching for Apartments near UCF, keep in mind that pretty much any space will work in regards to furniture if that furniture is custom made. And, in some cases, it’s easier done than said.
