Home Decorating on a Budget: Refresh Your Space Without Breaking the Bank

How do you feel when you flip through magazines like Better Homes and Gardens, Architectural Digest, and Elle Décor? Envious, right?

You see the houses they feature and can’t help but want everything the homeowner has. They’ve outfitted their home with extravagant furniture, why can’t you?

One word: budget. Even a sofa now costs $1,024 on average.

Just because you’re pinching pennies doesn’t mean you can’t have a beautiful home. In fact, by using a simple monthly budget template to keep an accurate tally of your expenses, you can determine exactly what you have leftover for decorating. Even if your budget isn’t huge, there are several ways to spruce up your home without breaking the bank.

Look no further! Keep reading to find out all the best tips for inexpensive ways to refresh your space.

Disguise an Ugly Sofa

Since sofas cost an arm and a leg, chances are you can’t go out and buy one right now. That’s okay!

Instead of saving the change or taking out a loan, opt for a slipcover. They’re inexpensive and easily give your sofa a facelift. Plus, no one will know!

Another bonus, especially for those with young kids, you’ll enjoy being able to throw the slipcover into the washer—you can’t do that with a brand new couch!

Refresh Throw Pillows

Another way for your couch to look new is to reimagine the throw pillows. While these can be quite an investment, opt for the less expensive option, cushion covers.

Just like disguising the sofa, you can disguise throw pillows too. This is especially handy when existing ones have holes or stains.

When searching for cushion covers, keep in mind the theme you’re going for. 

Stay Informed

Let’s face it, furniture shopping loses its excitement after frustration sets in. You find the perfect piece of furniture, only to find out it’s expensive—we’re talking only-Kim-Kardashian-can-afford-this expensive. All hope becomes lost.

Instead of dropping in every store you see on the ride home, go online. Most of the time, furniture stores host online-only sales, notifying email subscribers about them first.

It only takes two seconds to sign up, so why not? You’ll save on gas and get a better idea of what you can afford with your budget.

Go Thrifting

Not only are second-hand stores good for finding inexpensive furniture and décor, but they’re also a great place to find unique items. It’s no fun decorating your home if your neighbor has the exact same lamp in their living room too.

It’s important to go in with an open mind. A lot of items you’ll see will be worn out with holes or rusted paint.

Don’t let that deter your judgment. Basic sewing skills will patch holes and fresh paint doesn’t cost much.

While there, ask employees when they put out new inventory. Since it’s a thrift store, their inventory changes regularly so it’s worth making a few trips.

Apply New Paint

Are your drab kitchen cabinets keeping you up at night? Every time you go to cook, you can’t stand the look of them.

While new kitchen cabinets are out of the question, there is a simple fix: paint. Sometimes a new color is all it takes to refresh a space.

If you paint them and you still aren’t happy, consider changing the hardware. You can find inexpensive knobs and drawer pulls at craft and hardware stores.

Upgrade Your Lampshade

To add a pop of color or a bit of sparkle, change out your lampshades. You can upgrade them to match your current color scheme or bring in more excitement (like one with a floral pattern, for example).

It’s an easy and inexpensive way to liven up a bedroom or living room. There’s also plenty of DIYs to try if a store-bought shade isn’t what you’re looking for.

Get a New Shower Curtain

Your bathroom doesn’t have to look like your grandma’s. Leave the doilies and potpourri in the 90s!

For a quick fix, invest in another shower curtain. The best place to find ones that are unique is online. There are ones to fit every kind of style there is.

Just be sure you know your shower’s measurements. If you end up getting the wrong size, look to see if you can return or exchange it.

Make Your Own Artwork

It’s no lie that artwork is expensive to buy. A simple painting of a horse’s head can cost thousands. Even those you find at craft stores are pricey.

So your walls don’t end up bare, make your own artwork instead! This can be done in a multitude of ways.

One, you can cut out magazine pages or calendar photos. Two, you can find royalty-free photos online and print them out.

Either way, you can create a stunning gallery wall on the cheap. All you need are the frames. Or, you can hang them up using washi tape (or a DIY clothesline) for a fun look.

Use Candles as Décor

To outfit an entire home, all you’ll see are dollar signs. You have to find pieces for the living room, dining room, kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms—talk about expensive!

One way to save money on décor is to go with candles. Look for ones that come in reusable, stylish jars. Once empty, you can repurpose the jar as a planter or hold cue tips.

Not only are they versatile, but they also add a pop of color and literally refresh your home with tantalizing scents.

Buy Fresh Flowers

Flowers have the same effect as candles; they’re lively and add excitement to your home. Pick ones with vibrant colors or fresh scents as the possibilities are endless.

Ones at the supermarket cost no more than a gallon of milk and most of the time, they have ones which are discounted. To save costs, go for the ones without a vase.

Home Decorating on a Budget Shouldn’t Leave You with a Drab Space

Sticking to a budget requires restraint and creativity. It also shouldn’t leave you with a drab, uninspired space. Home decorating on a budget is doable by sticking with inexpensive ways as stated above.

Soon, you’ll get the interior of your dreams, all without breaking the bank.

For more tips and tricks, check out the rest of the site!