Decorating your home in a way you love does not need to be expensive. Keep reading to learn 11 easy ways you can decorate on a budget!
We want our homes to be a place that we long to come back to, invite others into and feel proud of.
I believe decorating in a way that is friendly to our budget allows more time and resources to spend living our lives to the fullest (and ENJOYING them!).
Sometimes a beautiful home and an inexpensive home feel like they cannot go hand in hand. I’m here to tell you they can! Because the truth is, our homes can be beautiful on a budget!
In this post, I’m going to share easy ways to decorate your home on a budget in a way you LOVE.
Decorate On A Budget
1. Remove Clutter
I often take before and after pictures of spaces I declutter to compare how much of a difference it really makes. You can make a space feel completely newly decorated by removing visual clutter. This does not mean removing all of your stuff. It means putting things in a designated spot, clearing off surfaces, and donating/removing any extra items that are no longer needed. Removing clutter is the most inexpensive (can’t beat FREE!) and effective way to make your space feel decorated. If you are drawn to a more minimal design, this also helps you accomplish this look!
Check out how much better our entryway closet looks after decluttering!
2. Change The Paint
We all know that paint makes a big difference in a space. But it doesn’t have to just be the wall colour! This past summer, I changed the paint colour on my antique hutch from blue to black. The difference is striking! $50 and elbow grease made our hutch the star of our open-concept living and dining room! It looks like a piece that cost way more than it did.
3. Move Around The Furniture
Sometimes our furniture just needs to find a new configuration. I recently completed a mini living room transformation. I couldn’t believe that by swapping our piano and hutch, our living room would feel that much more styled, cozy and inviting, Moving furniture is FREE and always helps you think creatively about where each piece of furniture would best be served.
4. Decorate On A Budget With What You Have
One of my favourite activities is to shop my own home. Using what you already have when decorating is a fantastic way to refresh your space without spending money. Start by taking a critical look at the items you already own. This includes furniture, decor pieces, artwork, textiles, and more. Consider their colours, styles, and condition. Could any of these items work well in the space you are decorating? Or perhaps they could be repurposed to serve a different purpose. Think outside the box. An old ladder can become a bookshelf, a canvas can be repainted, and baskets can be turned into storage.
5. Add Budget-Friendly Artwork
The best thing about art is that it adds personality and character to a space. Art can be anything that inspires you! Using art to decorate does not need to be expensive.
Simple ways to decorate with art on a budget:
- DIY Artwork: Create your own art pieces. Experiment with different paints and materials or even digital art (using Canva!). Thrift frames to beautifully display your creations.
- Printable Art: Many websites offer free or low-cost downloadable art prints.
- Frame Repurposing: Look for old frames at thrift stores or yard sales. You can repaint or refinish them to match your decor style. Mismatched frames are one of my favourite ways to create an interesting gallery wall.
- Photography: Display your own photographs. Photography can be a very personal and meaningful way to decorate.
- Art from Nature: Frame pressed flowers, leaves, or other natural elements for a unique and organic form of art.
- Children’s Art: If you have kids, consider framing and displaying their artwork. I love adding children’s art to bedrooms!
- Vintage Book Illustrations: Look for old books with beautiful illustrations and frame the pages as art.
- Cards and letters: Frame cards, letters or even vintage advertisements. These small pieces can add a unique touch.
- Fabric or Textile Art: Frame a piece of fabric with an interesting pattern, texture, or design. This could be a scarf, a piece of lace, or even a colourful dishcloth.
- Thrift Store Finds: Explore thrift stores for affordable art. Even if the art itself isn’t your style, you might be able to re-purpose the frame or paint over the existing artwork.
- Gallery Wall: Create a gallery wall with a mix of your own creations, printable art, and thrift store finds.
- Art Swaps: Organize art swaps with friends or fellow art enthusiasts.
Remember that the value of art isn’t just about its cost. It’s about how it resonates with you and enhances your living space. Don’t be afraid to experiment and mix different types of art to create a unique and meaningful display.
6. Change The Hardware
Don’t underestimate the difference a little hardware can make. Recently, I changed out the standard black knobs on my daughter’s dresser with these beautiful butterfly pulls. They completely transformed the space and suits her whimsical pink bedroom perfectly! Consider changing the hardware on your dressers, kitchen cabinets and drawer and even door handles to enhance your decor on a budget.
7. Thrift Home Decor
Explore thrift stores for affordable paintings, prints, and framed artwork. Even if the art itself isn’t your style, you might be able to re-purpose the frame or paint over the existing artwork. I love thrifting home decor because it feels like an accomplishment to find special pieces without the heavy price tag. Make sure to check out my best tips for thrifting home decor.
8. Add Inexpensive Plants
Plants are an understated way to add life into a space! Indoor plants have been shown to positively impact mood and reduce stress. Their natural, soothing presence can help create a more relaxed and enjoyable living environment. Many plants are relatively inexpensive and low-maintenance, making them a budget-friendly way to enhance your decor. Check out my favourite low-maintenance plants here!
9. Add Affordable Lighting
Lighting really can make such a difference in a space. Outdated overhead lighting? Consider replacing with a more timeless and updated option. We recently changed the light over our kitchen sink and it makes the whole space feel refreshed without spending a lot of money! Keep an eye out for deals and sales to score the best price on lighting. Don’t forget to look for lamps when you’re thrifting – you can find some great options!
10. Up The Cozy
Cozy elements make a space feel inviting. Isn’t that the point of home decor? I love how a cozy blanket can make a room feel styled without a huge price tag. Be sure to shop your own home first before buying new. A lot of the times we have these items already and just need to re-purpose them and/or consider new homes for them.
Here are some cozy home decor ideas for you to consider:
- Rugs
- Throw pillows
- Blankets
- Baskets
- Old and new mixed together
- Natural textures (like wood)
- Gallery walls and picture ledges
- Exposed brink (fireplace or wall)
- Warm colours (paint or home decor accents)
- Lamps
11. Sell unused home decor
Sometimes less is truly more. A key way to decorate on a budget is to be willing to part with items that no longer work in your home or that you simply do not need. I believe that the key to having a decorated space on a budget is to be really picky about what you decorate with. Selling excess home decor is a great way to ensure you only have what you truly love in your home (and save money while doing it!).
This post was about how easy ways to decorate on budget.
There you have it: 11 easy ways to decorate on a budget. Decorating on a budget is completely attainable with these tips in mind. Everyone can have a beautifully decorated home without blowing their budget!
What tips will you try first?
Until next time!
