Reader Question: How Can I Improve My Bedroom on A Tight Budget?

Q: I'm on a really tight budget. By that, I mean that I just have enough to pay the rent, eat three decent meals every day, and spare change for a little bit of leisure. If I want to spend that bit of leisure money on something to spruce up my bare room, what piece/furniture/home accessory do you recommend I invest my hard-earned cash on? It should be something that will do for now until I get my savings in order and actually purchase proper items.

I currently have a dark wood bed, built-in cabinet and shelves, a striped (blue, red, yellow, and white) rug, an ugly black side table, and a white sculptural lamp.—Lana, Mandaluyong City

A: It's pretty obvious from your description of all the items in your room, that you hate your black side table the most. A brand new side table might just be what you need! I know you said that you're not ready to buy anything major but instead of buying several small decorative items like scented candles or picture frames, you just might want to splurge on something significant—something that will stay with you for a long time. 

I've seen some nice, affordable side tables at Our Home and SM Home. You can also check out HMR, located at Pioneer Street in Mandaluyong. They sell mostly secondhand office equipment but if you're lucky, you'll find a good quality wooden side table for next to nothing.

Maybe you'll have some cash left over for colorful original artwork or a framed print—a piece that can instantly liven up your room and lift your mood.

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Read the original article ("Ask It") in the October 2008 issue of Real Living Magazine. Download your digital copy of Real Living on the Real Living App now! Log on to summitnewsstand.com.ph/real-living for more details.