Dorm design on less than a dime
Photo by: Liz Reichart
By Hannah Grau, Staff Writer//
With the cost of college being higher than ever, any unexpected expenses can break the bank. You will find yourself in line at the department stores, lingering in the shadow of your mountainous pile of clip on reading lamps, microwaves, mini-fridges, and your “beds-in-a-bag”, thinking you have everything you need. You are under the impression that you are saving money since you did not opt for the $189 Urban Outfitters bohemian medallion comforter or the $199 Lilly Pulitzer twin set. Yet, as you watch $49.99 add to your previously scanned $79.99 and you witness the costs build and build, you begin to feel like you are already preparing to pay for next year’s tuition. At this point, do not freak out. Instead, calmly thank the worker behind the counter and excuse yourself from the store, leaving your cookie-cutter college dormitory fillers behind.
The city of High Point is home to my favorite bargain stores. Prepare to embark on the ultimate hunt for savvy deals on chic and classic pieces. The savings you will score will leave you guilt-free if you spill soda on your pillows, get ink on your sheets, or if you break something with the constant pack ’n go lifestyle that you leaves you a frantic mess every holiday and summer break.
Habitat Restore is 3 minutes away and receives furniture market samples. They sell brand new designer pieces for wholesale or less. Carolina Thrift is a hit or a miss, but on Mondays, it is always a hit! Everything in their store, including the furniture, is 50% off! Goodwill is across the street from campus on Lexington Avenue and has a lot of funky pieces constantly coming in and out of the store. They have a large collection of lamps that just require a little updating, whether it’s with spray paint or just a new shade.
Dollar Tree on Eastchester Drive is always a must. You can find frames for one dollar and utilize our free printing on campus to print cool graphics, inspiring quotes, and hang them in groupings or individually. Also, keep a look out for their one dollar mason jars, perfect for spare change, fresh (or fake) flowers, toothbrushes, tea, etc; they are just so versatile! Tuesday Morning is only 7 minutes down the road and offers great deals on new, snazzy furniture pieces and accessories. Vintage Thrift & Antiques is on North Main Street and is 4 minutes away. If you are looking for super unique pieces that are truly one-of-a-kind, you can find them there. Keep in mind, they stay true to their “vintage” name, but it is the most reasonably priced antique store I have yet to come by.
So while you are furnishing your new home here at High Point, keep these places in mind to find everything from finishing touches to furnishings for the whole suite! For more interior design advice and inspiration from Hannah, visit hannahgrau.com.
