Decorating on a Budget

Paint Old Furniture – If purchasing new furniture is not within your budget, consider transforming your existing pieces. A fresh coat of paint can give your table, moiré, chair, or bookshelf a lease on life. The transformation is furthered by applying peel-and-stick wallpaper to the back of a bookshelf or cabinet doors, or if you have artistic flair, add intricate details along the edges.

Add a Rug – A rug can dramatically alter the ambiance of a room, especially if it has hardwood or tile floors. It also provides warmth during the winter months. Choose a rug that complements the room’s dominant palette, but don’t hesitate to experiment with mixing and matching. Authentic Persian can be expensive; however, thrift stores often have options. Alternatively, imitation rugs that are lightweight and easy to clean are a budget-friendly choice.

Fill the House with Plants – Plants are a way to enhance your decor.  Place small succulents on side tables, a large Monstera in a corner, or a trailing vine plant in the bathroom. Ensure each plant receives the appropriate amount of light by positioning it accordingly.  To save even more, propagate cuttings from friends’ plants, and explore garage, thrift stores, or dollar stores for affordable and attractive pots.

Go Secondhand – There no to visit high furniture stores to find unique items as furniture, vases, and throws. Thrift stores and second-hand shops offer these treasures at a fraction of the cost. Additionally, your finds are one-of-a-kind, ensuring your decor remains distinctive.

Use Adhesive Tiles Instead of Real Ones – If you look at the tiles in your bathroom, kitchen, or other areas of your home, you likely recognize their high cost.  Adhesive tiles are a-friendly alternative that can be applied directly onto tiles or other surfaces, providing the aesthetic for a fraction of the price. For as little as $16, you can purchase 20 feet of adhesive flooring, which is far more affordable than removing and replacing tiles. Additionally, if you live in a rental, these adhesives can be easily removed when you move. 

Repaint Kitchen Cabinets – For kitchens with outdated or unattractive cabinets, repainting is a cost-effective replacement. A fresh coat of paint can rejuvenate their appearance, and you always have the option to repaint them in the future if you wish to change the color scheme.

Upgrade Hardware – Small updates can make a big difference. Replacing doorknobs, light switch plates, and cabinet fixtures can give your space a fresh new look. Choose from vintage, modern, or other styles to match your preferences. Vintage knobs can be found on platforms like Etsy, while affordable replicas are available on websites like Amazon and Temu.

Use covers for an Old Sofa – Modern slipcovers provide a stylish and practical solution for revitalizing outdated sofas. They offer a cost-effective way to align mismatched or dated furniture with desired aesthetic, giving your living space a cohesive and updated look.

Replace the Shower Curtain – Shower curtains are an affordable way to experiment with colors and patterns without making a long-term commitment. Opting one with subtle tones or artistic designs can enhance the ambiance of a neutral bathroom and complement existing tiles.

Enhance Dining Area with Accessories – There are options for decorating your dining room, whether you want to accessorize a small bench or a formal table and chairs. Candlesticks and fresh flowers serve as timeless centerpieces in any dining space. Vases and bowls are additional affordable accessories that can be clustered or scattered to create a textured dining table, complemented by a table runner.

Opt for Shelves Instead of Cabinets – For budget-friendly decorating, consider installing shelves rather than upper cabinets. Open shelves not only provide additional storage space but also create a sense of openness. This is particularly suitable if you have kitchen space without a pantry. It also fosters a welcoming atmosphere, encouraging guests to feel comfortable helping themselves. 

Replace a Lamp Shade – Give tired lamps a refreshing update by replacing the shade to coordinate with your room’s color scheme.

Incorporate Throw Pillows – Throw pillows are a simple and cost-effective way to enhance a room’s décor. Mixing and hues allows the pillows to harmonize with the existing design. To maintain cohesion, keep the overall tone of pillows—whether bright or subdued—aligned with the room’s color palette. Opt for simpler fabrics and tones if the space a patterned sofa or rug. For those who enjoy vibrant colors but prefer them in smaller accents, brightly colored pillows are an excellent choice.