Since a classroom is essentially a home away from home for both teachers and students, making it a fun and functional place to teach and learn is a priority. For newer educators, though, it can seem a bit daunting; it’s hard to build a Pinterest-pretty classroom on a lean budget.

Fortunately, there are a number of ways to outfit your classroom without breaking the bank. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Garage Sales

With the summer months being prime garage sale season, it’s no wonder that many teachers start here when outfitting their classrooms. Whether you have something particular you’re hoping to find or you prefer to browse around and see what strikes you, garage sales are generally affordable ways to pick up odds and ends for your classroom. Depending on your level of craftiness, keep in mind that you can often refinish or paint furniture that’s less than appealing as-is.

Buy Nothing Groups

Built on the premise of creating a sharing economy, Buy Nothing groups are a fantastic place to source classroom supplies. You can see if your community has a Buy Nothing Group and join it; currently, the majority of these groups take place on social media sites. When a member has an item that they no longer need, they offer it up in the group, and those who are interested respond. No money changes hands and no strings are attached– it’s built on the concept of freely giving what we can.

Invite your students to help you decorate

Incorporating your students into your classroom design is a great way to co-create an environment that reflects the uniqueness of your students. Most learners feel a sense of pride and belonging when they see something they’ve created displayed in the classroom.

Think outside the box

When considering a classroom element like flexible seating, which has become increasingly popular in classrooms in recent years, but also expensive, keep an open mind. While wobble stools and soft seating are eye-catching, they can also be prohibitively spendy. Consider thriftier options like yoga mats, gardening knee pads, or chair pads, all of which can be found in fun colors and are more affordable.

Create a classroom wishlist

While it’s common for teachers to create a list of items they’d like parents to supply at the beginning of a school year, you might consider saving some of your wishlist items for holidays and the end of the year, when parents are looking for ways to thank their favorite teachers. A wishlist takes the guesswork out of gift-giving and can be a relief for parents and teachers alike.

Give it Time

While it can be tempting to try and create an Instagram-worthy classroom, seasoned educators are likely to tell you that outfitting your classroom is a process that takes time and evolves over the years. Over time, you’ll discover what items are most useful in your classroom and what you can do without. Your students are likely to inspire you to incorporate new items or decor, helping you gradually create an environment that feels functional and welcoming.