First things first

• Before decorating, check your school's guidelines. Generally, schools have rules about what can be displayed and how it can be displayed. For instance, profanity, off-color innuendoes and references to drugs and alcohol are off-limits. Schools also may specify whether you can use tape, shelf paper and other adhesive materials. Even if your school's rules are minimal, display materials that can be removed easily and give a favorable impression.
  
  

Think outside the box

• Take some time to think about how you want your locker to look. This space is the one place you can be yourself, so be creative. Do you live for the beach? Are you crazy about soccer? Want to visit Paris? Or perhaps you love to shop? Think of ways to incorporate your ideas into decorations. You can select a theme for your locker, use your favorite color throughout or simply put together a hodgepodge of all your favorite things.
  
  Some students change their locker decorations with each season or holiday. Others focus on function and usability by incorporating storage systems, magnetic supply holders, magnetic clocks, calendars and dry erase boards. The goal is to come up with something that appeals to you.
  
  

Mirrors, magnets, mementos and more

• One way to add style to your locker is to "wallpaper" the inside. Magnetic wallpaper created specifically for school lockers is available at many discount stores. Designed by a teenager, magnetic wallpaper comes in everything from pink camouflage and polka dots to flowers and leopard print.
  
  Colorful fabric glued to cardboard or corkboard is another wallpaper option. Attach it to the inside of the locker with double-sided tape or glue craft magnets to the back. By adding a few push pins, it also serves as a bulletin board for tacking up calendars, class schedules, pictures and ticket stubs. If tape is not permitted and magnetic wallpaper is outside of your budget, use your favorite wrapping paper cut to fit and attach it with magnets that coordinate with your theme. Be sure to add extra magnets so that you can post notes, schedules and pictures. For added flare, decorate the edge of the locker's top shelf with beaded trim that coordinates with your wallpaper.
  
  You also can spice up stale lockers with air fresheners. Hang a small hook from the ceiling of the locker and adorn the space with your favorite scent. Car fresheners sold by Bath & Body Works also work. Designed to slip on a car visor, they also slip easily onto a dry erase board inside the locker. To brighten your locker, add a battery-powered light.
  
  Every locker needs a mirror for those quick fixes between classes, so don't forget yours. Most stores that carry school supplies also sell magnetic mirrors. Find one in your favorite color or purchase a plain one and personalize it. Use faux fur, glitter, shells or fabric to trim the mirror so it fits into your decorating scheme.
  
  Finally, be sure to include lots of photos. They will bring a smile to your face when you're having a hard day. Tack them up with push pins, magnets or magnetic photo frames. Embellish the frames with stickers, ribbon, beads or faux jewels that match your theme. Or, turn your photos into stickers or magnets using a service like snapfish.com.
  
  Adding these personal touches will bring any dull locker to life. Plus, every time you open your locker, others will get a glimpse of who you are.