Budget-Friendly Classroom Decorating Ideas
Educators, follow our easy tips for low-cost classroom and school updates!
With the right classroom wall decor and accessories, a drab classroom can become an engaging learning environment. Creating a positive and fun classroom doesn't have to be costly. In this guide, we outline some classroom decorating ideas for educators who want to provide for their students without breaking the bank.
1. Give Old Furniture a Makeover
Sometimes, all an old piece of furniture needs is a fresh coat of paint, stain, or finish to look like new. Before you throw out worn furniture, think about how you can upgrade it with simple, inexpensive supplies. Consider using stylish wallpaper to cover scratched surfaces, and replace old cabinet hardware with new knobs and pulls. Refinish dull furniture pieces or paint them in a fun color or creative design to create cool classroom decor. Use chalkboard or whiteboard paint to refresh your classroom's teaching surfaces.
Deep cleaning dirty, high-quality items, like rugs and utility tables, can also go a long way to make a classroom look and feel fresher and brighter. Before you roll up your classroom's old rug, try washing it thoroughly – many area rugs are made to stand the test of time, even if they get a little dirty in the process. To learn how to clean an area rug, read our guide. If you do purchase a new rug, select a machine-washable or outdoor option for its durability and ability to be cleaned.
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To up your student's learning experience, you can also invest in an educational rug so they are gleaning information even as they gather around to be seated.
Repurpose old furniture you might have at home, too. An unused bookcase can easily be turned on its side to become a set of cubbies with the help of some coat hooks. Use old loveseats, couches, bean bag chairs, or carpet tiles to create a cozy reading corner that your students will love. Of course your classroom decorating idea can always include at least one or two new pieces for big impact.
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Recycle crayon bits into new super crayons. Melt them in foil cupcake wrappers on a tray in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Let crayons cool completely before using.
4. Keep an Eye Out for Sales
Keep up to date with seasonal promotions and sales. Here at Wayfair, we run back-to-school sales over the summer months with amazing deals on school essentials and decor. We also have a dedicated classroom furniture category where you will always be able to find great prices on cool classroom decor.
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String lights add a soft glow and change the tone of the room for quiet reading time. These always end up on sale after the holidays.
You don't need to buy big items to make your classroom comfortable. If you want a reading nook, consider buying big, comfortable floor pillows for storytime. You can also color walls easily by buying affordable, kid-themed wall decals.
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Cookie trays make creative magnet boards for storytelling, spelling practice, and math games.
You don't have to focus only on your students, in fact there are a few simple classroom decoration ideas for teachers that will refresh your personal space and give the kids a new view as well. Invest in a new desk and office chair so you too can be comfortable throughout the year.
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Use other teachers as a resource. Asking around your school can also be a fruitful strategy for acquiring furniture that other teachers are getting rid of.
7. Get Your Classroom Organized
Use plastic containers or craft cases to store small items like pencils, erasers, and markers. Plastic is easy to clean and durable so it will last for years. Using strips of hook-and-loop fasteners, hang fabric on old bookshelves or closet spaces to make a stylish curtain for hiding classroom clutter.
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Tape a laminated, construction-paper square on storage bins in your classroom to act as labels. Use dry-erase markers to write on the labels – you can easily erase and change them whenever necessary.
8. Have Your Students Help You Decorate
The number one way to decorate your classroom (and save money while you're at it) is to recruit your students for help. Especially exciting and engaging for younger kids, classroom arts-and-crafts projects always yield lots of unique, creative pieces of classroom wall decor that can't be found anywhere else. You can frame these projects around a school subject and give them an educational flair or use them to get to know your students better – there is no limit to students' creativity, so think outside of the box. Make sure to store all your art supplies in cubby bins once complete.
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This hands-on decorating approach will encourage your students to feel more at home in your classroom and will save you on store-bought decor – you only need to purchase a few basic art supplies.
9. Shop Extra Storage
Even if your classroom is in tip-top shape, you can never have too much storage. Being a teacher means you have endless knick-knacks and supplies, so be sure to add a few storage pieces to your classroom decorating ideas to ensure there is no clutter in your space.
Something as simple as classroom dividers will not only work as cool classroom decor, but also help you to break the space up into specific areas. This will allow you to add small touches in each spot for an entirely new look. The easiest way to achieve this is with simple classroom decorations that everyone can enjoy.
No matter what classroom decorating ideas you opt for, we have all the supplies you need right here.
