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Introduction
Who said beautiful interiors had to be expensive? It’s not necessary to spend a fortune on home decor. You can turn any room into an inviting, stylish space on a budget with the right approach and a little creativity.
This is the ultimate guide for decorating on a budget without compromising style. These ideas can be used to furnish a new home, renovate an old room or update your decor for the season.
1. Plan First, Buy Later
Decorating without a strategy can lead to wasteful expenditure.
Tips:
- Create a moodboard by using Pinterest or magazine clipouts.
- Before buying anything, measure your space.
- List what you need, not what looks good on the internet.
Pro tip: Work by room. Prioritize the areas where you spend most of your time (e.g. living room or bedroom).
2. Repurpose what you already have
Some of your best home pieces already exist—they only need a new look or purpose.
Ideas:
- Make towel or blanket racks from old ladders.
- Mason jars can be used as candle holders, pencil holders or vases.
- Repaint old furniture rather than replacing it.
Pro tip: Spray paint or wood stain will completely transform the look of lamps, tables or mirrors.
3. Buy Second Hand or Thrift
For decor lovers, thrift stores, flea markets, and online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist are gold mines.
What to look for:
- Vintage picture frames or wooden furniture
- Classic rugs, wall art and more
- Book, vase, or collectables
Pro tip: Visit used shops during the week when they replenish their stock and always bargain prices!
4. Embrace DIY Decor
Making your home feel unique and personal is not only cost-effective but also a great way to save money.
Simple DIY Projects:
- Create your canvas artwork with acrylic paints and sponges.
- Online tutorials will show you how to make a wall hanging.
- Upgrade old shelves or countertops with contact papers.
Pro tip: Host a DIY decor night for friends. Share supplies, be creative and save money.
5. Focus on Low-Cost, High-Impact Changes
Refreshing your home is all you need.
Quick, Affordable Updates:
- Replace curtains. Choose light fabrics that will open the space.
- Update Cushion Covers: Choose bold patterns, textures or seasonal colours.
- Switch Hardware: New door knobs and drawer handles can instantly modernize furniture.
Pro tip: Use peel-and-stick wallpaper to create a feature wall (great for renters) without damaging it.
6. Decorate with nature
The best decor options are often found in nature. Decor options are endless.
Ideas:
- For seasonal centrepieces, collect pinecones or dried leaves.
- For a minimalist look, use branches or twigs to decorate tall vases.
- Decorate your home with low-maintenance plant varieties like pothos, snake plants, or succulents.
Pro tip: You can propagate your plants by cuttings, so you don’t have to buy more.
7. Use Lighting Creatively
Lighting can enhance any decor.
Affordable Lighting Ideas:
- Use fairy light to create cosy corners and headboards.
- Add LED puck lights to shelves and closets.
- Replace your old lampshades by using a new fabric or design.
Pro tip: Use a smart bulb or dimmer switch to adjust the lighting without buying new fixtures.
8. Add personality to your home with Art & Memories
What makes a home feel like a home? Your story.
Personal Touches:
- Create a Gallery Wall using family photos, inspirational quotes, and postcards.
- Use old book pages, fabric swatches or wallpaper samples as art.
- Displaying heirlooms or souvenirs is better than mass-produced decor.
Pro tip: Use inexpensive frames from discount shops or paint them to match the theme.
9. Rearrange your Furniture
Move things around. This is one of the most free ways you can update your home.
Try:
- You can change the direction of your bed or sofa.
- You can swap furniture from one room to another.
- Create a new layout centred around a different focal point (such as a window in place of a television).
Pro tip: Take pictures of your current setup before you change it. This will allow you to compare the two or switch between them if necessary.
10. Budget Decor for Every Bedroom
Living room
- Use layered rugs for a designer look.
- Mirrors can be used to expand space and reflect light.
- Curtain rods can be raised to give the illusion of a higher ceiling.
Bedroom:
- Create a faux headboard using fabric or paint.
- Under-bed storage can be made stylish by using crates and baskets.
- Hang string lights to create a cosy, dreamy atmosphere.
Kitchen:
- Display colourful dishes on open shelves.
- Stick-on tiles can be used to upgrade your backsplash quickly.
- Reorganize your countertops by using thrifted containers, trays and other items.
Conclusion: Affordable Doesn’t Mean Boring
It’s not about cutting corners but about being creative. You can create a stylish and functional space that is truly you without spending a lot of money.
