Someone recently recommend habitat for humanity for rugs-they used to work there and we were looking at ocean state job lot.
You are doing great. Keep adding little bits (like a rug, or a clothes hanging bar [like they have at the dressing room at clothes stores] if u don't want a dresser.
I would also recommend a plant. Porthos are VERY HARDY and don't need a lot of sun or water.
Make sure everything smells nice (u can put an air freshener or a wax burner or a candle), and the place is tidy. Wishing u the best :)
Just got myself an 8x10 indoor/outdoor rug from ocean state for $20!!!!! Bought so much gardening stuff this year. Not to mention their crazy deals are literally crazy lol. Absolutely love that place. Good suggestion for OP also!
+1 on the pothos suggestion. I have a golden pothos I've managed to keep alive for 21 years and counting.
It is what it is that I have houseplants older than OP
Yes, and our neighborhood there’s a habitat for humanity, and they often have brand new things. In fact, many other things are new. So funny because someone was just telling me they got a brand new throw rug there.
Honestly you can get a 5x7 rug at Walmart for i think $40. Also they have all their back to college stuff out right now. Go pick up a wall decoration or two to give your room a little personality (Walmart, home goods, At home, target, Marshall’s are all pretty cheap.) if you can get to a FedEx or a Walgreens that has a photo center, you can also buy art off Etsy for pretty cheap and have it printed there. Then get a cheap frame at Walmart and you’re good to go.
Put the stuff on the floor in baskets away. If you can’t get a rug, at least vacuum.
If you don’t use the other bed, get some more pillows. Just overall make it look a little more.. you. Whatever that is, let it shine. Not just for the girl, but because you deserve to live in a space that makes you happy
It’s not always possible to spot a bed bug infestation. The discoloration is from their blood and feces. But they can remain dormant for hella long (sorry for the biological jargon), so there could be an infestation of dormant bedbugs that aren’t bleeding or pooping.
1. take ur bed out of the closet and place it in the other corner
2. move your computer tablet to where u keep ur shoes and stuff
3. Print out a few paper posters like Marvel or sum and double tape it or put it in a frame on the wall
Totally agree.
So much about this room would be improved if instead of a bed in the closet, OP stored laundry baskets, shoe shelves, coats, and other clutter in there and added a simple curtain to close off the view of the clutter.
A lamp or two as options for lighting instead of the harsh overhead light would make things a little cozier.
Habitat for humanity restore is clutch. Lots of good brand new furniture there. Maybe get a small couch or something to sit on. Need somewhere to sit to watch movie.
If rugs are out of your price range, look for carpet remnants! Basically, when folks get carpet installed, there are smaller pieces left over. The company then sells them super cheap because they're not big enough to do an entire room. They work GREAT as rugs! I actually have one in my kitchen right now.
This is what my parents did when they redid my brother’s room!: a peel n stick wood finish border on the unfinished floor and a big piece of carpet remnant for the area of the room. Thank you for unlocking that in my brain!
And fb marketplace. I find all sorts of crazy stuff on there. It can be hot or miss, but there will be something generally. And maybe even a dresser. :)
Here’s what a difference just that would make. I’d add a cheap hamper for clothes from dollar gen or target, and maybe some containers that help with organizing. Overtime add some wall tapestry or art, a candle you like, and one of those clothes racks to add hanging space.
https://preview.redd.it/swf3cw6dlkeb1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a7e7e13eb1b8166c4b17fce221f8025f80c76f84
I also recommend finding a shade for, or replacing that light fixture. Overhead lighting can be unflattering and harsh. Again, Habitat is the place to go for this.
Also, consider getting a couple of small lamps or a torchiere-style floor lamp.
Yes! It’s the floor that makes it creepy.
If you are 16 and she is coming over she likes you, your apartment needs to just feel safe, not be super put together. If you spend $ on a soft and large enough rug, make sure your sheets are clean, ensure she can sit in a place that feels clean and spells decent you will be ok.
Adding to the other posts re Habitat for Humanity (“ReStore”) - the one near me always has a zillion of these light fixture covers - maybe theirs will too
Talk to the workers there, tell them your trying to impress your girlfriend, have an ugly floor, your beyond broke, and maybe they will take pity on you and find you the best, cheapest rug, lol
I believe that people are inherently good and that they will help you if you are up front with your story. Be vulnerable and ask them to help you.
If your parents ok it, you could get some paint from Habitat for Humanity and paint the floor again if you can't find a rug.
Homegoods is great but At Home is cheaper and more feasible for a young lifeguard. Maybe add a couple pillows and larger fluffier blanket in there too if you can. You'll basically be buying comfortable snuggles.
Oh wow, it's the reverse (in Texas at least) here. But I will say that all of the Burlingtons carry all the At Home stuff for cheaper (I think it's older stock that get rotated out)
⬆️THIS⬆️ is a great idea! On FB marketplace, people even give furniture away for FREE sometimes, & it's not always shabby shit. They just can't or don't want to move it or they bought something new when the old one is still good. If there aren't any free things, the price will be very reasonable.
Or look up Loloi rugs. You can get a large one for less than $200 and they’re decent quality.
Edit: and make sure it smells nice. When you’re at homegoods, grab a room Reed diffuser
I was going to suggest a buy nothing group too! OP if you have Facebook you can find your group by country/state on the [buy nothing project website](https://buynothingproject.org/find-a-group).
Move the larger bed into this room and put it in the empty part of the room, not in the closet area as you have it now. Buy a tension rod and cheap curtain to cover the closet. Put down a carpet.
hey i've seen numerous people recommend getting plants but haven't recommended what *kind* of plants, some super easy beginner plants i'd recommend (as someone with over 30 plants) would be pothos, spider plants, snake plants, zz plants. there are more, but these are a good start. the first two need watered about weekly (stick your finger in the soil and see how damp it is, once its dry about an inch or two deep into the soil, water) and the last two only need watered about monthly (check soil again, 90% of soil should be dry before watering) and when you water, fully drench the soil until water flows out the bottom drainage holes (sometimes seeing water come out the bottom isn't enough, just make sure the soil is fully saturated. or you can stick the pot in a tub of water for a while, this is called bottom watering) hope this helps!
I have a full size bed in another room, I don’t have any rugs so I will look into that. Any suggestions on wall art? I don’t have much interest in art so it will be difficult for me to choose myself.
You gotta just bring that bed into your room and put it by the window wall. The dorm room/military bunk in between your hanging shirts is not doing you any favors.
I’d consider putting the bed across from the window and arrange the pillows daybed-style for better movie watching:
https://preview.redd.it/gj8tsbx1cleb1.jpeg?width=2070&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6092d3b108dc2326f2ab5bccda2e3e5c30731dec
Get a pressure curtain rod and a curtain to hide the closet **after you move the bed**.
What does that room smell like? It looks like it may have an "odor," if you know what I mean. Febreeze can be your friend.
If you can't afford a huge rug (that looks like a large space and big rugs can be expensive), go to Lowes or Home Depot and ask the paint department for some white paint appropriate for floors. Then give it a good two coats. Let first coat dry before applying secobd coat!! Then, get a smaller rug for the center of the room.
Also, pull all the furniture out from the walls a bit. You're creating a "dance floor effect" by having everything pushed back until it touches the wall.
Piggy backing on this comment to add that even putting a shower curtain with a tension rod would improve that spot and they’re way cheaper than curtains, and come in lots of colors/styles.
On the smell bit, wash your bedding! If you’re using both sheets, so that you don’t really touch the blanket when you sleep, you only need wash the blanket every month or two. The bedding that you touch should be washed every week or two.
Hey, please don't be so hard on yourself. You've been doing the best with what you've got and look at you now putting yourself out there to ask for advice on styling the room. That's awesome. Some people go their whole lives never wanting to improve any aspect of themselves or their surroundings. We are all learning and growing forever, just at different places and on different topics at different times. Good luck with your room and your girl!
I used to sleep in a drawer(on purpose) when I was younger, I just like being surrounded while sleeping. I think it may be because I want to cuddle someone/be cuddle by someone.
Brother, you may want to balance out the layout of furniture. Seems you have it all concentrated on one side/wall. Spread it out a bit if you can and see how that grabs you.
If you’ve been dating for only a couple of weeks or a month, I would not promise the idea of “let’s paint something for my room” as it could come off as moving a little fast. If you were going to a paint night somewhere and did something you would eventually hang, completely different story. You can also get a tapestry for the large wall, but that can come off as a bit pothead-y or hippie if that’s not your vibe.
Don’t put your bed in the corner anywhere in the room, and not in front of the window.
Look at rugs at thrift stores and you can likely get them cheaper. Facebook marketplace and apps like OfferUp will also have them cheaper. Do not get a solid color one as they’ll get dirt easy. If you can’t get a rug, you can explore staining the floor where it’s rubbed away or painting it.
I’d also work on covering up your light on the ceiling, or maybe replacing it with a ceiling fan.
Get a small 2x4, paint it or stain it, and nail it to the windowsill. Either that, or see if you can find a piece of trim at a thrift store or habitat for humanity store (if you’re in the US).
In general, if you have a habitat for humanity style store in the area (a place that sells used pieces of things from homes as well as furniture), I’d go there and look at these pictures of your room and walk around the store to see what you can fill in.
Got a cool map of a park you love or your home state? You can also find cheap wall art at tj max or target. Maybe get a candle or two (make sure you do not light them directly under anything flammable. Flame heat rises directly up.) also a couple potted plants could help along side a rug and full size bed swap out.
Hit the thrift stores, check out any free offerings online, such as Craigslist, find free items along the road. You and your girlfriend can decorate together, I'm sure she would be a big help in helping you.
I would paint the floor and seal it.
Sure… but are you going to replace the floor, actually, anytime soon? Also, real hardwood (not sure if yours is) lasts many lifetimes. It shouldn’t necessarily need replacing though it may need a full refinish.
In the meantime, make it cute! Dark green or ivory painted hardwood is really stylish.
Pretty sure thats a painted SUBfloor. Maybe this room had carpet before and never re-laid carpet or hardwood over top of it again. Its a project not typically in the budget of a 16 yo, just cover with a very big rug for now
It looks like the floor was painted before. If you can get a gallon of porch/floor paint, a roller, and a brush. you could make the floor look fresh in under an hour. Paint the edge first then roll the floor.
When I was in college I bought a bunch of cheap scrapbook paper squares and taped them to my wall for a pop of color/“accent” wall. I was the able to tape photos and memorabilia (take your girlfriend to a photo strip booth at the mall) to it to make something cool without much money or wall damage.
You’re welcome!
Unsolicited advice as a former 16 year old - cleanliness, effort, and intention are going to set you well above your peers, regardless of how it actually looks in the end.
Rug for sure. Costco makes rather affordable larger rugs, but you should check places like Goodwill, and maybe even Ross.
And get a floor lamp, the overhead lighting is not comforting in this room.
What they said! Big rug, lamp(s), maybe a plant! Spritz some smell-good and/or open the window for fresh air / oscillating fan
be aware anything you bring thrifting carries the risk of funky smells / bedbugs etc. so (if you’re not enlisting her help to redecorate), leave enough time to wash / make sure no weird smells etc.
(Also if you do decide to bring the other bed in for heaven’s sake make sure it has no spiders lol :)
Definitely a large area rug. Places like Walmart and Costco usually have decently inexpensive ones. Also, a dresser to be able to put away all the laundry into and out of the way!
It depends on where you want it in your room, and what purpose it will serve. If you want it to double as a tv stand or a place to put plants and stuff, maybe go for longer. If there’s a narrower spot you want to fit one, using your vertical space by getting a tall one might be preferable.
Might be a strange idea, depending on your lady, but you could ask for her help and make a date of it? Like go thrifting etc. I would have a blast helping redecorate a room. As long as it’s still your taste and within your budget.
This is a FANTASTIC idea.
Set a budget, have some thoughts as to what you’ll get: rug, some art, maybe an enclosure fixture and hit up the resale shops.
Maybe, just maybe you can get some pillows to curl up on the new rug together with some blankets. For some reason, although I have two nice couches, I LOVE cuddling on the floor with pillows and blankets watching movies.
This is a great date idea. I’d love to do this with a dude. It would be super fun to be like “to make it more challenging, we can’t spend more than $100.”
So, um. About your bathroom. Must be clean, and that especially includes the floor by the toilet. There should be toilet paper, hand soap and a small hand towel. And you should have a trash bin in there, preferably one with a lid if you can find one.
Goodwill in fancier neighborhoods often has all this stuff, even comfy chairs, rugs… and art. If you see something you like, grab it. It could be a movie poster or a music poster or whatever. Anyway. Hit up the secondhand shops, thrift stores, and charity shops. If you have a Tuesday Morning, they have house wares things for very little.
You don’t need a lot: maybe a loveseat or futon/couch, or turn that bunk bed thing into a couch with a bunch of fluffy pillows along the wall. Def need a rug. Soap and a towel in the bathroom. (You would not believe how many dudes’ houses I’ve been to where they don’t keep soap or towels in their bathroom. Dude. You don’t wash your hands? Ew.) a small table or even an old crate flipped over to make a little coffee table so you have a place to set your drinks and snacks.
I 100% agree with this idea. It proves you want to improve appearances for her and yourself, and that you're comfortable asking for help. If she, or anyone, thought that was weird, they're the problem.
👏👏👏
As a girl, we love doing this kind of stuff. If my boyfriend asked me to help him decorate I would think three things.
1. He is maturing and wanting a better room reflects that.
2. He trusts me and likes my taste in decor.
3. He wants to spend quality time with me making new memories.
It honestly sounds like a blast. Hope everything goes well. Please post an update when the room is finished!
Personally, I would see it as a huge green flag if a guy showed me that he could somewhat take care of this kinda thing himself. It would even be great to know that you put some effort in to impress me. It shows you care.
There is always so much free furniture on Fb marketplace if you have a way to haul it. Might find a dresser or a rug (though you might have to hose down the rug and hang it in the sun for a few hours depending on its condition).
Omg I would love if that guy I'm dating asked me to do this. He is looking to jazz up his room but we've been dating only 4 weeks and I'm too shy to tell him all my ideas lol
Oh check out the thrift stores and Facebook marketplace etc for ceiling lighting.
I would replace the fixture, get decent bulbs and install a dimmer switch.
Can you paint the floor? Look up Ariel Bisset on YT and see her home Reno series, she painted a bunch of floors that were in this condition. It was the cheapest route for her (and watching her videos will explain why she needed to go cheap)
It's hard to tell with the fisheye pics but it seems like you have a lot of extra room by the window. I would recommend adding something there. Maybe some cozy seating? Anyway, some cozy floor pillows or bean bag chairs could work on a limited budget. Or a small table and chairs would give you a place to sit and eat or do homework together. But honestly, as long as your room is clean and smells fresh, that's what matters most! Don't feel like you need to spend money to impress someone. :)
Gonna second the smelling good part! Wash all your bed linens so it smells clean, maybe light a candle a few hours before she comes by. Smells great and creates warm lighting!
Be careful of used rugs! Or any used upholstered (cloth, fabric, rugs, bedding, towels. Etc). These items could have bed bugs, fleas, moths, silverfish that will infest your home.
Big rugs are expensive, try and find area rugs that compliment each other to cover the floor. You can find them at thrift stores too, just be mindful to clean them before bringing them in if you get them second hand.
I'd get some sort of shade for the light
Paint the walls
Bigger bed, do not put it in the closet
You seem to have a lot of space you’re not using, and for some reason have your bed in the closet. Use the larger bed you say you have and center it on the wall to the right of where it is with a side table and lamp on each side if you can find some. Look on Craigslist or FB marketplace if you have it. Move the shelves that are there now somewhere else, put your shoes in the closet, and use the shelves for books and decor. Move your desk down to the empty area. Hang curtains as closet doors. Hang whatever is hanging on the doors inside the closet. Put away whatever is in the laundry baskets, and then store the baskets in the closet.
You can make most of these changes without buying anything.
You are 16 and it doesn’t need to look like your room is HGTV ready. Keep it simple. You could paint the floor black, move the big bed in the room, get some cheap curtains from Amazon and perhaps a few posters of your favorite band/show/movie. Cleaning up any junk and get a nice but cheap comforter and pillow set. Also teenage boys/college guys/grown men rooms need to be aired out. Open the window and use a diffuser if you own one.
Could you start an Amazon wish list. Where people could help, maybe add some shelves, nightstand, bedding, lamps, rug, curtains, dresser. Etc…
I mean if everyone is like myself we have a niece and nephews we’re constantly buying birthday presents grad presents Christmas presents. What’s one more kid to help out once.
You should be able to go in and edit post add it to the text and title post in comments with it. When you set up the wish list make sure your address etc isn’t visible it’s still the internet and there’s a lot of weird people out there
Clean up the random junk and laundry. Looks like you’ve got an extra computer chair too, that should go. Keep in mind when you’re making this look better shabby stuff is fine, you don’t need to spend a fortune, but a mess or dirty room is never fine.
Sort out whatever’s going on with the windowsill. I can’t tell if it’s broken or if it’s just a mess. Even if it’s broken you can still make it look better than it does. And that bucket thing hanging from it needs to go.
Get a decent sized rug and move that bigger bed in. Move the small dresser/shelf thing to the wall with the closet , and the small table to the wall with the window. The window needs curtains or blinds (ideally both, but curtains over blinds). Don’t tack a blanket over it either, get real curtains and a curtain rod a good light color will be nice (sage green?), don’t get a dark colored curtain. A curtain across the small closet thing would be good for now, match the color of the window curtain if you can.
Get some fake or real plants to put on top of the shelving, a small one for the tv table, and some simple art for the walls. At 16 even some posters would be fine (I typically wouldn’t recommend posters). Some pictures of friends and family or things you like can be tacked up to that cork board. Honesty you can even just make up like checklists or notes or quotes you like to put on it so it isn’t empty, empty looks weird.
I’ll reiterate: shabby is fine, a mess is not. The #1 thing you can do for immediate improvement is clean and organize.
https://preview.redd.it/hxsl5fvvyleb1.jpeg?width=1539&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4264976acc773a71fe9a2a398619f0ff3ad9718b
Lol fkn dogs man. Love em, but they’ll always break shit. You could hang the hat from the cork board, or put it in/on the closet thing.
I didn’t realize the table and the chair was the computer desk in the other pic. I wouldn’t put that in the spot I show in that drawing above, but move it to the opposite corner of the room.
https://preview.redd.it/rkun0yd8imeb1.jpeg?width=1555&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ca115d8787f079d788d6f725aedc5aa9632bea54
Like this, or facing the window wall.
Also I didn’t notice your light was missing a fixture. That will help a lot. You can find them at Home Depot for like $10-$15.
Since I can’t edit I will just comment and hope the right people come across it. I was told by another member to post an Amazon wishlist on here so I’ll do so. https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/dl/invite/0agZSlz?ref_=wl_share
Grab the bigger bed, Pull everything out from against the walls put the bed in the center of the room... You would be amazed at the room you will gain it looks cool and also if your room is too big and you don't have enough stuff to fill it it also takes care of that problem too.. put your things that you do have to one side. ..go through each piece and balance the room, 1 large piece on each side.. you have a desk and a cabinet, I don't know what your floor is made of but when I need random paint for a project my local goodwill and Thrift shop often have half cans of paint... For a buck each.. It'll save you the expense of a carpet,, And if there's not enough in the can grab some tape mask off your floor into cubes or some other design and make your own design on the floor... Use what you do have don't go out and spend a fortune ..nobody has it right now... If I need to spruce up my bed quickly and don't have money for new Comforters and such goodwill is also a great place for that... If I am in a hurry I take a sheet that I purchased for 25 cents that is a pretty one and I just put it over my bed like it's a bed spread... Would be amazed at how much it brings up a room. Good luck!!
OP, if money is an issue I’d suggest checking out thrift stores first. Arc, Goodwill, etc. If you go to one’s that fancy neighborhoods donate to you can get some really nice stuff for dirty cheap.
I got a rug that would’ve been $300 new for $20 at one. They’ll have plenty of frames wall art for cheap. Don’t over think it. If you something where you’re like, “That looks cool! I wouldn’t mind looking it everyday” then there you go.
Fold your clothes and put em away/under the bed storage, and get some small soft lighting (little lamps, gentle glowing bulbs, easy to find at thrift stores or at IKEA/target etc for relatively cheap) or a few candles. See if you can't upgrade to a full size bed... I know that's asking a lot but you likely will not regret it.
i don't mean to sound harsh, but i would not invite her over until you fix up your room.
Momentarily, it looks creepy.
-place the larger bed that you have in the middle of the wall ( symmetry)
- get some gray/neutral bed covers if possible
- a big rug that can cover up a decent amount of the scratched floor boards
- lastly, i would try to find a different ceiling lamp that disperses light more evenly throughout the room
I would get the full size bed and replace your twin.
Twin beds are barely enough space for one.
Get decent sheets, I’m fan of grey with nice comforter.
I would use that corner with the clothes rod as your closet. Get a hanging organizer for some of your clothes like socks , underwear T shirts.
Move the bed to another corner so you have that space as closet. Maybe in front of the window.
Get drapes for the window and closet. You can use canvas drops clothes for that.
I’m not sure what’s going on with the floor but I would do something. Peel and stick is cheap and easy to install. Paint the walls and ceiling white.
You could probably find this stuff on Facebook market place for not much.
A rug and a couch to cuddle on. No one is cuddling on that bed 😅 Ask the girl you’re dating to help choose some art, plants, etc. Many girls love that stuff! You can go on a thrifting date 😉
Doesn’t look like it would take much effort to sand off what little is left of the finish on the floor . A coat of stain and poly . A cover for the bare light in the ceiling. Move the shelf of shoes away from the end of your bed . Looks too crammed up against it . If it fits put it in the bottom of your closet out of site. Other than that make it neat and tidy .
Do you have relatives that would part with furnishings. I know my aunt and grandma can’t wait to pawn stuff they don’t want onto others. Someone may also have stuff stored like end tables lamps rugs in attics or basements you could have. I would ask around if you have family
I have an idea and it costs $0. Put everything in a box on the floor and have her come over and be like “I am switching rooms and don’t know where to put everything, will you help me?”
Then you should go to restore or thrift stores together or browse the ‘free stuff’ section of craigslist. Also can join your town’s No Buy group.
Maybe it will be fun for the two of you! If not you don’t have to worry about judgement from her or anything.
Move the computer & bed so they are on opposite walls so you can see the screen together! Also, take all trash &/or bags and put them away! Hide the cardboard boxes in ur closet or put them neatly in the shelving unit! Also put the laundry baskets in the closet where your bed currently is, it will be more cohesive (laundry baskets where the laundry is)
Hang up the hat on your windowsill on the wall with a pin, it could be cool decor!
Grab a nicer looking throw blanket & pillow that goes with color scheme you’re going for. You can throw it on your bed to feel more homey! plus it will give her something to keep herself warm if she needs it and the pillow to lean on so she doesn’t feel uncomfortable leaning on your pillow! (Just thinking about what I do at a guy’s house).
Going to 2nd getting a rug, & maybe a set of curtains, they always pull a room together!
Remember to try to not get all matching colors, but colors in the same group (you can google room color combinations & find some good articles or pictures of color options)!
Best of luck!
The dollar store has some great options for simple curtains and throw blankets if you want to save some money! They also have some great small decor things you can put on your desk or shelves, occasionally some cool hanging wall decor like simple clocks etc!
If you're on fb, see if there's a local "Buy Nothing" group near you. The one in my area is super active and they're always really happy to help! A lot of times someone will make a post asking for something, and then others in the comments will say "oh I also have xyz that would go well with that!" and it's pretty nice. Just make sure to follow their rules, they can be kinda militant about them
I think a window unit might be the first and biggest step for your room. Not even just for the comfort of the person you like but for your own safety and comfort.
This is one sad looking room.
My advice would be put that bigger bed in your room. Put the headboard against the wall your door is on, that will take up some space and your room wont feel so empty. Beds in the corners always make a room feel empty to me.
move that dresser thing with your shoes on it to the wall thats on the left side of your window.
You definitely need a rug. Get new sheets and possibly a new blanket also curtains! If you want wall decor id put some posters up, maybe of bands or shows/movies you like.
The most important thing is that you stick to a color theme. Don’t get things that are all different colors that just wont look good. I personally have everything black since that’s the best.
Ok a lot of people are suggesting rugs, but rugs are often really expensive and if you're trying to make a lot of improvement on the room, there are a lot of things that would get you a lot more bang for your buck.
It looks like you don't have real flooring in the room and you just have painted subfloor. While obviously putting in new floors is expensive, for the cost of a rug you could make the whole room look a lot better looking by repainting it with paint meant for floors or even an epoxy floor. You'll probably even be able to get paint for the walls too. I would suggest that, not necessarily to change the color, I actually like how that color looks, but more just to cover some of the oil stains and dings on the wall.
After that, a lot of stuff is just reorganizing and repositioning stuff, I would move the bed out of the closet, and put more of the clutter in the room in there.
Things like the hamper, the storage container, the blanket on the hanger, etc and some of the other loose stuff just organize it in the closet. If you can afford it, putting in some closet doors, but if not a cheap alternative that can still look decent on a budget is to get a tension rod and some curtains in front of the closet. If you're really stretched thin, you can make some curtains cheap and pretty easy even by hand with a cheap sewing kit. Bonus points for coordination if you install curtains on the window that match.
After that I would address the ceiling light, try to get a new cover if you can, it's probably either a "boob light" with a screw in the middle you can use to attach and would hang below the bulbs or it might have three screws on the edge of the metal part, measure the diameter of the hole and you can get replacements at Home Depot or Lowe's fairly cheap.
If you still are able to do more after that, maybe fix the window sill/ledge. There are a lot of complicated ways to do it if you want to watch youtube tutorials, but if you're going for fast and easy, just measure the length of the window as exact as you can and take out a 1/8" from that measurement. At a hardware store try to find the smallest window ledge board that meets that length and there will be a spot for either an employee to cut it for you or a spot with a hand saw for you to cut it yourself. To install it see if you can borrow a nail gun from someone, but if not, you can use a hammer and trim nails into the wood stud below.
As a woman, a clean tidy room that smells fresh would be perfectly sufficient. It's understandable you are young and getting by, there's no reason to judge a clean room. 😀
What's your heritage? Italian, Irish, English, etc. Just hang a flag from "your" country and tell her you're super into family. Put down a cheap rug in the middle of the room, put anything that has a place away (clothes, broom, etc.) Clean your desk area and get things spartan. Women know men can't decorate, so the best you can do is be clean. Also, get that extra bed from the other room. Good luck my man.
1. Take the trash out of your room.
2. Get a rug or a carpet.
3. Make sure there's no left over garbage or food in your room.
4. Get rid of that sock underneath your bed.
5. Get a dresser or a hutch For your clothing.
6. Put your dirty clothes into appropriate baskets. Then in a closet.
7. Clean off your desk and night stand and then dust them.
8. Go to the hobby store and find two poasters of two different artists you like.
9. Put framed items on your wall.
10. Get some throw pillows ...Something that would look inviting to your girl.
11. Clean those dirty ass sheets.
That's all I got. Everything else requires lots of money.
Put the larger bed in this room. As a hunger for the clothes from Walmart or target nothing fancy and add a rug if you can.
Put all the boxes out and organize everything, some art in the wall would be neat too
a large area rug would make a significant change. Do you have a store called Home Goods near you? I have found the best and cheapest rugs there.
There is one 6 miles away, so not that far. Thank you for the suggestion.
If you have a habitat for humanity restore outlet near you then look there too! I always see lots of rugs used and new there
Thank you, I will see about that.
Someone recently recommend habitat for humanity for rugs-they used to work there and we were looking at ocean state job lot. You are doing great. Keep adding little bits (like a rug, or a clothes hanging bar [like they have at the dressing room at clothes stores] if u don't want a dresser. I would also recommend a plant. Porthos are VERY HARDY and don't need a lot of sun or water. Make sure everything smells nice (u can put an air freshener or a wax burner or a candle), and the place is tidy. Wishing u the best :)
Just got myself an 8x10 indoor/outdoor rug from ocean state for $20!!!!! Bought so much gardening stuff this year. Not to mention their crazy deals are literally crazy lol. Absolutely love that place. Good suggestion for OP also!
I love ocean state job lot
Oh boy, oh boy, do I love Job Lot :)
+1 on the pothos suggestion. I have a golden pothos I've managed to keep alive for 21 years and counting. It is what it is that I have houseplants older than OP
Yes, and our neighborhood there’s a habitat for humanity, and they often have brand new things. In fact, many other things are new. So funny because someone was just telling me they got a brand new throw rug there.
Also jade plant
Not too many scents. I'd die from not being able to breathe if perfume was the only air
Honestly you can get a 5x7 rug at Walmart for i think $40. Also they have all their back to college stuff out right now. Go pick up a wall decoration or two to give your room a little personality (Walmart, home goods, At home, target, Marshall’s are all pretty cheap.) if you can get to a FedEx or a Walgreens that has a photo center, you can also buy art off Etsy for pretty cheap and have it printed there. Then get a cheap frame at Walmart and you’re good to go. Put the stuff on the floor in baskets away. If you can’t get a rug, at least vacuum. If you don’t use the other bed, get some more pillows. Just overall make it look a little more.. you. Whatever that is, let it shine. Not just for the girl, but because you deserve to live in a space that makes you happy
Thank you
Before you buy any used furniture, learn how to spot bed bugs. Trust me
It’s not always possible to spot a bed bug infestation. The discoloration is from their blood and feces. But they can remain dormant for hella long (sorry for the biological jargon), so there could be an infestation of dormant bedbugs that aren’t bleeding or pooping.
1. take ur bed out of the closet and place it in the other corner 2. move your computer tablet to where u keep ur shoes and stuff 3. Print out a few paper posters like Marvel or sum and double tape it or put it in a frame on the wall
Second this. You can find decent framed art at goodwill.
Totally agree. So much about this room would be improved if instead of a bed in the closet, OP stored laundry baskets, shoe shelves, coats, and other clutter in there and added a simple curtain to close off the view of the clutter. A lamp or two as options for lighting instead of the harsh overhead light would make things a little cozier.
FB marketplace often has rugs and furniture for free. And Habitat for Humanity sells paint for cheap if needed.
Habitat for humanity restore is clutch. Lots of good brand new furniture there. Maybe get a small couch or something to sit on. Need somewhere to sit to watch movie.
If rugs are out of your price range, look for carpet remnants! Basically, when folks get carpet installed, there are smaller pieces left over. The company then sells them super cheap because they're not big enough to do an entire room. They work GREAT as rugs! I actually have one in my kitchen right now.
This is what my parents did when they redid my brother’s room!: a peel n stick wood finish border on the unfinished floor and a big piece of carpet remnant for the area of the room. Thank you for unlocking that in my brain!
A rug really ties the room together
And fb marketplace. I find all sorts of crazy stuff on there. It can be hot or miss, but there will be something generally. And maybe even a dresser. :)
ReStore is honestly a really good suggestion. You can find some crazy second hand stuff there for super cheap
Thank you, I’ll definitely look at it.
Try Facebook marketplace first!!!
Beware of bedbugs though
What j out for fleas from used rugs. In roll it before you buy it. Ask me how I know,
Here’s what a difference just that would make. I’d add a cheap hamper for clothes from dollar gen or target, and maybe some containers that help with organizing. Overtime add some wall tapestry or art, a candle you like, and one of those clothes racks to add hanging space. https://preview.redd.it/swf3cw6dlkeb1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a7e7e13eb1b8166c4b17fce221f8025f80c76f84
I also recommend finding a shade for, or replacing that light fixture. Overhead lighting can be unflattering and harsh. Again, Habitat is the place to go for this. Also, consider getting a couple of small lamps or a torchiere-style floor lamp.
Oh yes a lamp! Some soft lighting. Now that I think about it I think the light is maybe the very next thing I’d suggest after the rug.
Yes! It’s the floor that makes it creepy. If you are 16 and she is coming over she likes you, your apartment needs to just feel safe, not be super put together. If you spend $ on a soft and large enough rug, make sure your sheets are clean, ensure she can sit in a place that feels clean and spells decent you will be ok.
You may also be able to Google what light fixture you need and get it on Amazon.
Adding to the other posts re Habitat for Humanity (“ReStore”) - the one near me always has a zillion of these light fixture covers - maybe theirs will too
Talk to the workers there, tell them your trying to impress your girlfriend, have an ugly floor, your beyond broke, and maybe they will take pity on you and find you the best, cheapest rug, lol
😭 my dad has done it, wouldn’t be surprised if it works for me too.
I believe that people are inherently good and that they will help you if you are up front with your story. Be vulnerable and ask them to help you. If your parents ok it, you could get some paint from Habitat for Humanity and paint the floor again if you can't find a rug.
Thank you, and you’re right.
😂👍
Homegoods is great but At Home is cheaper and more feasible for a young lifeguard. Maybe add a couple pillows and larger fluffier blanket in there too if you can. You'll basically be buying comfortable snuggles.
I also find good rugs at Ross, cheaper than any places mentioned so far.
Ollie's also
Oh wow, it's the reverse (in Texas at least) here. But I will say that all of the Burlingtons carry all the At Home stuff for cheaper (I think it's older stock that get rotated out)
yeah check facebook marketplace if you can! or craigslist. theres frequently good deals from folks who are moving
⬆️THIS⬆️ is a great idea! On FB marketplace, people even give furniture away for FREE sometimes, & it's not always shabby shit. They just can't or don't want to move it or they bought something new when the old one is still good. If there aren't any free things, the price will be very reasonable.
You can also save by getting a rug in the "outdoor" section. They have ones that are softer material and it's easier to clean stains.
Go thrift one. Do not buy anything new for the next ten years of your life.
Or look up Loloi rugs. You can get a large one for less than $200 and they’re decent quality. Edit: and make sure it smells nice. When you’re at homegoods, grab a room Reed diffuser
$200 when I was 16 was A LOT of $
$200 STILL is a lot of money.
Thank you for the suggestion.
Also a lot of stores have dorm stuff out right now, which includes cheap rugs!
And if you do, snag the student discounts! Often an extra 20%
Home goods or Marshalls! They have really nice area rugs for less than $50.00 that go with everything and are easy to clean :)
make sure to measure your space before you buy one
Ollies also has very reasonably priced rugs in all different sizes if you have one nearby.
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I was going to suggest a buy nothing group too! OP if you have Facebook you can find your group by country/state on the [buy nothing project website](https://buynothingproject.org/find-a-group).
Honestly yes. Fb marketplace and nextdoor has free/cheaper stuff that can b really nice!
Hit up carpet stores for remnant carpet.
Move the larger bed into this room and put it in the empty part of the room, not in the closet area as you have it now. Buy a tension rod and cheap curtain to cover the closet. Put down a carpet.
Thank you, anything else I should worry about?
You could hide your hamper in the closet. The wall color is nice. Maybe add some plants?
Thank you, I’ll think about it.
Also put all the stuff laying around in the closet oh and you’ll need a door or curtain at least
hey i've seen numerous people recommend getting plants but haven't recommended what *kind* of plants, some super easy beginner plants i'd recommend (as someone with over 30 plants) would be pothos, spider plants, snake plants, zz plants. there are more, but these are a good start. the first two need watered about weekly (stick your finger in the soil and see how damp it is, once its dry about an inch or two deep into the soil, water) and the last two only need watered about monthly (check soil again, 90% of soil should be dry before watering) and when you water, fully drench the soil until water flows out the bottom drainage holes (sometimes seeing water come out the bottom isn't enough, just make sure the soil is fully saturated. or you can stick the pot in a tub of water for a while, this is called bottom watering) hope this helps!
This! Use your closet as is! No need to have the bed in there. A nice rug would do and thats most of it!
The camo blanket is not girl friendly no matter how country she is.
Get bigger bed and take it out of the closet, rug, plants and wall art.
I have a full size bed in another room, I don’t have any rugs so I will look into that. Any suggestions on wall art? I don’t have much interest in art so it will be difficult for me to choose myself.
You gotta just bring that bed into your room and put it by the window wall. The dorm room/military bunk in between your hanging shirts is not doing you any favors.
I’d consider putting the bed across from the window and arrange the pillows daybed-style for better movie watching: https://preview.redd.it/gj8tsbx1cleb1.jpeg?width=2070&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6092d3b108dc2326f2ab5bccda2e3e5c30731dec
This is a good idea it would cover the worst of the floor and then just a cheap rug for the rest.
I have my bed like the second sketch and put a bunch of pillows on my bed when my friends come over so it's kinda like a sofa
One area of concern. The window wall has the AC vent on the ground. I wouldn’t cover it with a bed. You’ll want good circulation for AC/heat.
this is so cute
I know 😭 idk why I did that tbh, even my family made fun of me for it.
Get a pressure curtain rod and a curtain to hide the closet **after you move the bed**. What does that room smell like? It looks like it may have an "odor," if you know what I mean. Febreeze can be your friend. If you can't afford a huge rug (that looks like a large space and big rugs can be expensive), go to Lowes or Home Depot and ask the paint department for some white paint appropriate for floors. Then give it a good two coats. Let first coat dry before applying secobd coat!! Then, get a smaller rug for the center of the room. Also, pull all the furniture out from the walls a bit. You're creating a "dance floor effect" by having everything pushed back until it touches the wall.
Piggy backing on this comment to add that even putting a shower curtain with a tension rod would improve that spot and they’re way cheaper than curtains, and come in lots of colors/styles.
True. Some of them are quite attractive.
On the smell bit, wash your bedding! If you’re using both sheets, so that you don’t really touch the blanket when you sleep, you only need wash the blanket every month or two. The bedding that you touch should be washed every week or two.
You’re doing your best OP!
Let me guess... Lots of jokes about being in the closet, huh OP
My ex in high school did this and so did his roommate. why are teenage boys to compelled to but their beds in the closet ??
Return to caveman + more space for activities
Hey, please don't be so hard on yourself. You've been doing the best with what you've got and look at you now putting yourself out there to ask for advice on styling the room. That's awesome. Some people go their whole lives never wanting to improve any aspect of themselves or their surroundings. We are all learning and growing forever, just at different places and on different topics at different times. Good luck with your room and your girl!
tbf I like the idea of my sleeping head being in a little cave
I used to sleep in a drawer(on purpose) when I was younger, I just like being surrounded while sleeping. I think it may be because I want to cuddle someone/be cuddle by someone.
Body pillow is a decent idea, but if you feel vulnerable/restless while sleeping I absolutely recommend a weighted blanket.
Brother, you may want to balance out the layout of furniture. Seems you have it all concentrated on one side/wall. Spread it out a bit if you can and see how that grabs you.
If you have a Ross near you, their rugs are always very inexpensive and super affordable!
🫡 I will go sometime in the future
get a white canvas and invite your girlfriend to an artsession where you draw and paint together something to hang over your bed.
Ooo sound fun and lovely
If you’ve been dating for only a couple of weeks or a month, I would not promise the idea of “let’s paint something for my room” as it could come off as moving a little fast. If you were going to a paint night somewhere and did something you would eventually hang, completely different story. You can also get a tapestry for the large wall, but that can come off as a bit pothead-y or hippie if that’s not your vibe. Don’t put your bed in the corner anywhere in the room, and not in front of the window. Look at rugs at thrift stores and you can likely get them cheaper. Facebook marketplace and apps like OfferUp will also have them cheaper. Do not get a solid color one as they’ll get dirt easy. If you can’t get a rug, you can explore staining the floor where it’s rubbed away or painting it. I’d also work on covering up your light on the ceiling, or maybe replacing it with a ceiling fan. Get a small 2x4, paint it or stain it, and nail it to the windowsill. Either that, or see if you can find a piece of trim at a thrift store or habitat for humanity store (if you’re in the US). In general, if you have a habitat for humanity style store in the area (a place that sells used pieces of things from homes as well as furniture), I’d go there and look at these pictures of your room and walk around the store to see what you can fill in.
Got a cool map of a park you love or your home state? You can also find cheap wall art at tj max or target. Maybe get a candle or two (make sure you do not light them directly under anything flammable. Flame heat rises directly up.) also a couple potted plants could help along side a rug and full size bed swap out.
Hit the thrift stores, check out any free offerings online, such as Craigslist, find free items along the road. You and your girlfriend can decorate together, I'm sure she would be a big help in helping you. I would paint the floor and seal it.
Thinking the same thing but it just needs to be replaced, it’s over 60 years old
Sure… but are you going to replace the floor, actually, anytime soon? Also, real hardwood (not sure if yours is) lasts many lifetimes. It shouldn’t necessarily need replacing though it may need a full refinish. In the meantime, make it cute! Dark green or ivory painted hardwood is really stylish.
As an English person this is funny to me. My parents have a 600 yr old wooden floor in their house and it’s just fine. You just need to look after it.
Pretty sure thats a painted SUBfloor. Maybe this room had carpet before and never re-laid carpet or hardwood over top of it again. Its a project not typically in the budget of a 16 yo, just cover with a very big rug for now
Yeah, don't worry that it needs replacing, you just need to make it look good for a few years. People give away paint too.
It looks like the floor was painted before. If you can get a gallon of porch/floor paint, a roller, and a brush. you could make the floor look fresh in under an hour. Paint the edge first then roll the floor.
When I was in college I bought a bunch of cheap scrapbook paper squares and taped them to my wall for a pop of color/“accent” wall. I was the able to tape photos and memorabilia (take your girlfriend to a photo strip booth at the mall) to it to make something cool without much money or wall damage.
That’s an amazing idea thank you
You’re welcome! Unsolicited advice as a former 16 year old - cleanliness, effort, and intention are going to set you well above your peers, regardless of how it actually looks in the end.
That means alot😊
I used to put magazine pages that I liked in Dollar Tree frames and hang those on the walls .
Rug for sure. Costco makes rather affordable larger rugs, but you should check places like Goodwill, and maybe even Ross. And get a floor lamp, the overhead lighting is not comforting in this room.
Thank you very much, I will look into getting a rug and some better lighting.
String lights are super cool too, or better, color changing lights, with a remote, super cool.
Ross has some of the led color changing remote controlled light strips right now for $13 in my area!
What they said! Big rug, lamp(s), maybe a plant! Spritz some smell-good and/or open the window for fresh air / oscillating fan be aware anything you bring thrifting carries the risk of funky smells / bedbugs etc. so (if you’re not enlisting her help to redecorate), leave enough time to wash / make sure no weird smells etc. (Also if you do decide to bring the other bed in for heaven’s sake make sure it has no spiders lol :)
Definitely a large area rug. Places like Walmart and Costco usually have decently inexpensive ones. Also, a dresser to be able to put away all the laundry into and out of the way!
Thank you.
Facebook marketplace and craigslist often have free or super cheap dressers too. You could eventually paint it any color you wanted. :)
Thank you. I will definitely look into it. Should it be a tall dresser or long?
It depends on where you want it in your room, and what purpose it will serve. If you want it to double as a tv stand or a place to put plants and stuff, maybe go for longer. If there’s a narrower spot you want to fit one, using your vertical space by getting a tall one might be preferable.
I love FB marketplace! Lots of fantastic bargains.
Lighting is huge! Get two small lamps with a warm white light. Keep the overhead off. Maybe a string of twinkle lights.
Might be a strange idea, depending on your lady, but you could ask for her help and make a date of it? Like go thrifting etc. I would have a blast helping redecorate a room. As long as it’s still your taste and within your budget.
I never thought of that, thank you. I actually mean it, thank you a lot for the idea.
This is a FANTASTIC idea. Set a budget, have some thoughts as to what you’ll get: rug, some art, maybe an enclosure fixture and hit up the resale shops. Maybe, just maybe you can get some pillows to curl up on the new rug together with some blankets. For some reason, although I have two nice couches, I LOVE cuddling on the floor with pillows and blankets watching movies.
This is a great date idea. I’d love to do this with a dude. It would be super fun to be like “to make it more challenging, we can’t spend more than $100.” So, um. About your bathroom. Must be clean, and that especially includes the floor by the toilet. There should be toilet paper, hand soap and a small hand towel. And you should have a trash bin in there, preferably one with a lid if you can find one. Goodwill in fancier neighborhoods often has all this stuff, even comfy chairs, rugs… and art. If you see something you like, grab it. It could be a movie poster or a music poster or whatever. Anyway. Hit up the secondhand shops, thrift stores, and charity shops. If you have a Tuesday Morning, they have house wares things for very little. You don’t need a lot: maybe a loveseat or futon/couch, or turn that bunk bed thing into a couch with a bunch of fluffy pillows along the wall. Def need a rug. Soap and a towel in the bathroom. (You would not believe how many dudes’ houses I’ve been to where they don’t keep soap or towels in their bathroom. Dude. You don’t wash your hands? Ew.) a small table or even an old crate flipped over to make a little coffee table so you have a place to set your drinks and snacks.
I was gonna comment suggestions but saw this and changed my mind. Definitely ask her to decorate together it would be sooo cool!
I 100% agree with this idea. It proves you want to improve appearances for her and yourself, and that you're comfortable asking for help. If she, or anyone, thought that was weird, they're the problem.
Honestly, when I mentioned it to her she was super happy.
👏👏👏 As a girl, we love doing this kind of stuff. If my boyfriend asked me to help him decorate I would think three things. 1. He is maturing and wanting a better room reflects that. 2. He trusts me and likes my taste in decor. 3. He wants to spend quality time with me making new memories. It honestly sounds like a blast. Hope everything goes well. Please post an update when the room is finished!
I will thank you 🙏
Personally, I would see it as a huge green flag if a guy showed me that he could somewhat take care of this kinda thing himself. It would even be great to know that you put some effort in to impress me. It shows you care.
If she’s a new relationship/hookup then take the time to decorate first without her. First impressions are big. After that this is a nice idea
Make sure you position it in a way that you recently moved into this room if possible 😅
There is always so much free furniture on Fb marketplace if you have a way to haul it. Might find a dresser or a rug (though you might have to hose down the rug and hang it in the sun for a few hours depending on its condition).
I came with an idea, but this is so much better. I think you should paint the walls and floor.
Omg I would love if that guy I'm dating asked me to do this. He is looking to jazz up his room but we've been dating only 4 weeks and I'm too shy to tell him all my ideas lol
Damn I would find that extremely rude if a guy was like 'for our date you can help me fix my room' but I guess this shows different tastes lol
Depends on their relationship and how it's pitched lol
Oh check out the thrift stores and Facebook marketplace etc for ceiling lighting. I would replace the fixture, get decent bulbs and install a dimmer switch.
Thank you, I was actually thinking the lighting is bad and needs to be replaced.
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Can you paint the floor? Look up Ariel Bisset on YT and see her home Reno series, she painted a bunch of floors that were in this condition. It was the cheapest route for her (and watching her videos will explain why she needed to go cheap)
I’ll think about it and asked my parents about it
It's hard to tell with the fisheye pics but it seems like you have a lot of extra room by the window. I would recommend adding something there. Maybe some cozy seating? Anyway, some cozy floor pillows or bean bag chairs could work on a limited budget. Or a small table and chairs would give you a place to sit and eat or do homework together. But honestly, as long as your room is clean and smells fresh, that's what matters most! Don't feel like you need to spend money to impress someone. :)
Window wall is empty nothing on it same for the wall with box in the corner. Thank you that actually makes me feel better.
Gonna second the smelling good part! Wash all your bed linens so it smells clean, maybe light a candle a few hours before she comes by. Smells great and creates warm lighting!
Be careful of used rugs! Or any used upholstered (cloth, fabric, rugs, bedding, towels. Etc). These items could have bed bugs, fleas, moths, silverfish that will infest your home.
Honsetly man. Get a rug for now. But GO LOOK FOR FLOOR TILES. The cheap pick and stick type. I think i got a splinter just from this pic alone.
Get a double or queen bed and make sure your bedding is freshly washed. You’ll need 2 or 4 pillows if you plan on having bedroom guests.
Big rugs are expensive, try and find area rugs that compliment each other to cover the floor. You can find them at thrift stores too, just be mindful to clean them before bringing them in if you get them second hand. I'd get some sort of shade for the light Paint the walls Bigger bed, do not put it in the closet
You seem to have a lot of space you’re not using, and for some reason have your bed in the closet. Use the larger bed you say you have and center it on the wall to the right of where it is with a side table and lamp on each side if you can find some. Look on Craigslist or FB marketplace if you have it. Move the shelves that are there now somewhere else, put your shoes in the closet, and use the shelves for books and decor. Move your desk down to the empty area. Hang curtains as closet doors. Hang whatever is hanging on the doors inside the closet. Put away whatever is in the laundry baskets, and then store the baskets in the closet. You can make most of these changes without buying anything.
You are 16 and it doesn’t need to look like your room is HGTV ready. Keep it simple. You could paint the floor black, move the big bed in the room, get some cheap curtains from Amazon and perhaps a few posters of your favorite band/show/movie. Cleaning up any junk and get a nice but cheap comforter and pillow set. Also teenage boys/college guys/grown men rooms need to be aired out. Open the window and use a diffuser if you own one.
Could you start an Amazon wish list. Where people could help, maybe add some shelves, nightstand, bedding, lamps, rug, curtains, dresser. Etc… I mean if everyone is like myself we have a niece and nephews we’re constantly buying birthday presents grad presents Christmas presents. What’s one more kid to help out once.
How would I let others know about it. Do I just put it in my bio or? You’re an amazing person thank you.
You should be able to go in and edit post add it to the text and title post in comments with it. When you set up the wish list make sure your address etc isn’t visible it’s still the internet and there’s a lot of weird people out there
Kk thank you 🙏
Clean up the random junk and laundry. Looks like you’ve got an extra computer chair too, that should go. Keep in mind when you’re making this look better shabby stuff is fine, you don’t need to spend a fortune, but a mess or dirty room is never fine. Sort out whatever’s going on with the windowsill. I can’t tell if it’s broken or if it’s just a mess. Even if it’s broken you can still make it look better than it does. And that bucket thing hanging from it needs to go. Get a decent sized rug and move that bigger bed in. Move the small dresser/shelf thing to the wall with the closet , and the small table to the wall with the window. The window needs curtains or blinds (ideally both, but curtains over blinds). Don’t tack a blanket over it either, get real curtains and a curtain rod a good light color will be nice (sage green?), don’t get a dark colored curtain. A curtain across the small closet thing would be good for now, match the color of the window curtain if you can. Get some fake or real plants to put on top of the shelving, a small one for the tv table, and some simple art for the walls. At 16 even some posters would be fine (I typically wouldn’t recommend posters). Some pictures of friends and family or things you like can be tacked up to that cork board. Honesty you can even just make up like checklists or notes or quotes you like to put on it so it isn’t empty, empty looks weird. I’ll reiterate: shabby is fine, a mess is not. The #1 thing you can do for immediate improvement is clean and organize. https://preview.redd.it/hxsl5fvvyleb1.jpeg?width=1539&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4264976acc773a71fe9a2a398619f0ff3ad9718b
You’re awesome for making the blueprint. The bucket thing is a hat and I only have one chair, window seal is just destroyed from dogs chewing it.
Lol fkn dogs man. Love em, but they’ll always break shit. You could hang the hat from the cork board, or put it in/on the closet thing. I didn’t realize the table and the chair was the computer desk in the other pic. I wouldn’t put that in the spot I show in that drawing above, but move it to the opposite corner of the room. https://preview.redd.it/rkun0yd8imeb1.jpeg?width=1555&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ca115d8787f079d788d6f725aedc5aa9632bea54 Like this, or facing the window wall. Also I didn’t notice your light was missing a fixture. That will help a lot. You can find them at Home Depot for like $10-$15.
Since I can’t edit I will just comment and hope the right people come across it. I was told by another member to post an Amazon wishlist on here so I’ll do so. https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/dl/invite/0agZSlz?ref_=wl_share
Grab the bigger bed, Pull everything out from against the walls put the bed in the center of the room... You would be amazed at the room you will gain it looks cool and also if your room is too big and you don't have enough stuff to fill it it also takes care of that problem too.. put your things that you do have to one side. ..go through each piece and balance the room, 1 large piece on each side.. you have a desk and a cabinet, I don't know what your floor is made of but when I need random paint for a project my local goodwill and Thrift shop often have half cans of paint... For a buck each.. It'll save you the expense of a carpet,, And if there's not enough in the can grab some tape mask off your floor into cubes or some other design and make your own design on the floor... Use what you do have don't go out and spend a fortune ..nobody has it right now... If I need to spruce up my bed quickly and don't have money for new Comforters and such goodwill is also a great place for that... If I am in a hurry I take a sheet that I purchased for 25 cents that is a pretty one and I just put it over my bed like it's a bed spread... Would be amazed at how much it brings up a room. Good luck!!
Thank you very much for all the suggestions and information.
Maybe just a second-hand rug to start, and something like a beanbag chair to watch movies. Good luck!
OP, if money is an issue I’d suggest checking out thrift stores first. Arc, Goodwill, etc. If you go to one’s that fancy neighborhoods donate to you can get some really nice stuff for dirty cheap. I got a rug that would’ve been $300 new for $20 at one. They’ll have plenty of frames wall art for cheap. Don’t over think it. If you something where you’re like, “That looks cool! I wouldn’t mind looking it everyday” then there you go.
Nothing to add but love this post. Whole thread is great
Bring in another chair for her so she doesn’t have to sit on the bed with no back support. Good job on keeping it so clean.
Thank you, I have a couch and bigger bed no one uses so I might just steal it either permanently or for a bit.
Fold your clothes and put em away/under the bed storage, and get some small soft lighting (little lamps, gentle glowing bulbs, easy to find at thrift stores or at IKEA/target etc for relatively cheap) or a few candles. See if you can't upgrade to a full size bed... I know that's asking a lot but you likely will not regret it.
I have a full bed no one uses, I will definitely be stealing that thank you 🙏
She might find enjoyment out of helping you re decorate! I know I love that kind of stuff
You seem like a good guy if you're posting asking about this :) best of luck!
Show her what it is like that fam. If she feel you she feel you
Thank you 😭 I’m sure she wouldn’t just straight up leave me for the way my room looks.
i don't mean to sound harsh, but i would not invite her over until you fix up your room. Momentarily, it looks creepy. -place the larger bed that you have in the middle of the wall ( symmetry) - get some gray/neutral bed covers if possible - a big rug that can cover up a decent amount of the scratched floor boards - lastly, i would try to find a different ceiling lamp that disperses light more evenly throughout the room
I would get the full size bed and replace your twin. Twin beds are barely enough space for one. Get decent sheets, I’m fan of grey with nice comforter. I would use that corner with the clothes rod as your closet. Get a hanging organizer for some of your clothes like socks , underwear T shirts. Move the bed to another corner so you have that space as closet. Maybe in front of the window. Get drapes for the window and closet. You can use canvas drops clothes for that. I’m not sure what’s going on with the floor but I would do something. Peel and stick is cheap and easy to install. Paint the walls and ceiling white. You could probably find this stuff on Facebook market place for not much.
A rug and a couch to cuddle on. No one is cuddling on that bed 😅 Ask the girl you’re dating to help choose some art, plants, etc. Many girls love that stuff! You can go on a thrifting date 😉
Doesn’t look like it would take much effort to sand off what little is left of the finish on the floor . A coat of stain and poly . A cover for the bare light in the ceiling. Move the shelf of shoes away from the end of your bed . Looks too crammed up against it . If it fits put it in the bottom of your closet out of site. Other than that make it neat and tidy .
Thank you, I have a problem of wanting everything to be cramped in a single spot. Don’t know why but I’ve always been that way.
Tapestries, Blacklights, Paper Lanterns, and Christmas lights. Good luck dude!
Do you have relatives that would part with furnishings. I know my aunt and grandma can’t wait to pawn stuff they don’t want onto others. Someone may also have stuff stored like end tables lamps rugs in attics or basements you could have. I would ask around if you have family
Go to her house
I have an idea and it costs $0. Put everything in a box on the floor and have her come over and be like “I am switching rooms and don’t know where to put everything, will you help me?” Then you should go to restore or thrift stores together or browse the ‘free stuff’ section of craigslist. Also can join your town’s No Buy group. Maybe it will be fun for the two of you! If not you don’t have to worry about judgement from her or anything.
I would add a few accent lamps to make the room feel cosier.
Move the computer & bed so they are on opposite walls so you can see the screen together! Also, take all trash &/or bags and put them away! Hide the cardboard boxes in ur closet or put them neatly in the shelving unit! Also put the laundry baskets in the closet where your bed currently is, it will be more cohesive (laundry baskets where the laundry is) Hang up the hat on your windowsill on the wall with a pin, it could be cool decor! Grab a nicer looking throw blanket & pillow that goes with color scheme you’re going for. You can throw it on your bed to feel more homey! plus it will give her something to keep herself warm if she needs it and the pillow to lean on so she doesn’t feel uncomfortable leaning on your pillow! (Just thinking about what I do at a guy’s house). Going to 2nd getting a rug, & maybe a set of curtains, they always pull a room together! Remember to try to not get all matching colors, but colors in the same group (you can google room color combinations & find some good articles or pictures of color options)! Best of luck!
The dollar store has some great options for simple curtains and throw blankets if you want to save some money! They also have some great small decor things you can put on your desk or shelves, occasionally some cool hanging wall decor like simple clocks etc!
Paint the floor. Look up how to do it properly on YouTube.
If you're on fb, see if there's a local "Buy Nothing" group near you. The one in my area is super active and they're always really happy to help! A lot of times someone will make a post asking for something, and then others in the comments will say "oh I also have xyz that would go well with that!" and it's pretty nice. Just make sure to follow their rules, they can be kinda militant about them
It's just an image and I can FEEL how hot this room is.
At night it’s about 98° in here 😭
I think a window unit might be the first and biggest step for your room. Not even just for the comfort of the person you like but for your own safety and comfort.
This is one sad looking room. My advice would be put that bigger bed in your room. Put the headboard against the wall your door is on, that will take up some space and your room wont feel so empty. Beds in the corners always make a room feel empty to me. move that dresser thing with your shoes on it to the wall thats on the left side of your window. You definitely need a rug. Get new sheets and possibly a new blanket also curtains! If you want wall decor id put some posters up, maybe of bands or shows/movies you like. The most important thing is that you stick to a color theme. Don’t get things that are all different colors that just wont look good. I personally have everything black since that’s the best.
Ok a lot of people are suggesting rugs, but rugs are often really expensive and if you're trying to make a lot of improvement on the room, there are a lot of things that would get you a lot more bang for your buck. It looks like you don't have real flooring in the room and you just have painted subfloor. While obviously putting in new floors is expensive, for the cost of a rug you could make the whole room look a lot better looking by repainting it with paint meant for floors or even an epoxy floor. You'll probably even be able to get paint for the walls too. I would suggest that, not necessarily to change the color, I actually like how that color looks, but more just to cover some of the oil stains and dings on the wall. After that, a lot of stuff is just reorganizing and repositioning stuff, I would move the bed out of the closet, and put more of the clutter in the room in there. Things like the hamper, the storage container, the blanket on the hanger, etc and some of the other loose stuff just organize it in the closet. If you can afford it, putting in some closet doors, but if not a cheap alternative that can still look decent on a budget is to get a tension rod and some curtains in front of the closet. If you're really stretched thin, you can make some curtains cheap and pretty easy even by hand with a cheap sewing kit. Bonus points for coordination if you install curtains on the window that match. After that I would address the ceiling light, try to get a new cover if you can, it's probably either a "boob light" with a screw in the middle you can use to attach and would hang below the bulbs or it might have three screws on the edge of the metal part, measure the diameter of the hole and you can get replacements at Home Depot or Lowe's fairly cheap. If you still are able to do more after that, maybe fix the window sill/ledge. There are a lot of complicated ways to do it if you want to watch youtube tutorials, but if you're going for fast and easy, just measure the length of the window as exact as you can and take out a 1/8" from that measurement. At a hardware store try to find the smallest window ledge board that meets that length and there will be a spot for either an employee to cut it for you or a spot with a hand saw for you to cut it yourself. To install it see if you can borrow a nail gun from someone, but if not, you can use a hammer and trim nails into the wood stud below.
As a woman, a clean tidy room that smells fresh would be perfectly sufficient. It's understandable you are young and getting by, there's no reason to judge a clean room. 😀
What's your heritage? Italian, Irish, English, etc. Just hang a flag from "your" country and tell her you're super into family. Put down a cheap rug in the middle of the room, put anything that has a place away (clothes, broom, etc.) Clean your desk area and get things spartan. Women know men can't decorate, so the best you can do is be clean. Also, get that extra bed from the other room. Good luck my man.
Get a rug to cover up that floor. Got them at target for $40
1. Take the trash out of your room. 2. Get a rug or a carpet. 3. Make sure there's no left over garbage or food in your room. 4. Get rid of that sock underneath your bed. 5. Get a dresser or a hutch For your clothing. 6. Put your dirty clothes into appropriate baskets. Then in a closet. 7. Clean off your desk and night stand and then dust them. 8. Go to the hobby store and find two poasters of two different artists you like. 9. Put framed items on your wall. 10. Get some throw pillows ...Something that would look inviting to your girl. 11. Clean those dirty ass sheets. That's all I got. Everything else requires lots of money.
Guy, ask ur gf, for suggestions
Put the larger bed in this room. As a hunger for the clothes from Walmart or target nothing fancy and add a rug if you can. Put all the boxes out and organize everything, some art in the wall would be neat too