Home decor on a budget can be tricky. If you’re unsure where to start, however, don’t worry, this article is here to help. We’ll share some budget-friendly tips for refreshing your house and building a space that shines.
8 tips for home decor on a budget
1. Switch to rental furniture
There’s no escaping the fact: furniture is expensive. A decent armchair can cost a minimum of $400 alone. That’s why, when decorating on a budget, you might be better off choosing rental furniture.
When renting, you skip the upfront cost and pay monthly or bi-monthly installments. Renting also brings several other benefits, such as free repairs and the option to swap furniture whenever you like.
If you’re worried about ownership, some rental companies offer lease-to-own furniture. Here, at the end of your payment plan, furniture is yours to keep.
And remember, there’s no reason you can’t do a mixture of both. Buy items that matter most, and rent less important furniture.
2. Rearrange your furniture
It sounds basic, but rearranging your furniture can transform the look and feel of a room. Best of all, it won’t cost you a thing.
Try the following rearrangement ideas to give your house a fresh feeling
- Moving your couch to face a different wall.
- Creating a cozy reading area by moving a chair next to a window.
- Swapping a bookcase from your office to your living room.
- Introducing more natural light by repositioning furniture to unobscure a window.
3. Update your lighting fixtures
Whether it’s a new lampshade or fixture, lighting sets the vibe of a room. When used in the right way, it can create a warm, inviting space.
Overhead lighting is great, but mix in some lamps to create a cozier environment. Consider how lighting can help enforce your home’s desired aesthetic. If you’re creating a modern space, spotlights can be a fantastic addition. For a vintage aesthetic, choose a pendant light.
If you’re worried about cost, there are plenty of places to find bargain deals for lighting fixtures. Check out your local thrift store or visit an online auction to find some great deals.
If you’re skilled with DIY, you also have the option of crafting custom furniture. You can get a lamp kit, containing all the necessary lighting components, at a low cost. With a little fabric and some ingenuity, you can even craft your own lamp shape.
4. Repaint your house
A new lick of paint can do wonders for a space. Color is scientifically proven to impact a person’s mood. When paint starts to fade, it can make a space feel less inviting, even if the rest of the room is beautifully decorated.
Luckily, paint is cheap to come by, and if you can stand the smell, easy to apply yourself. You revitalize a tired space in a matter of hours, simply by applying the best paint type.
Equally, don’t overlook the importance of choosing the right paint. If you seek to create a light, airy space, it isn’t wise to choose darker colors.
If you want to get creative, think about adding an accent wall that’s a different color. Alternatively, paint cabinets, radiators, or doors to add an extra splash of color.
5. Declutter your space
There are few better ways of refreshing your house than a declutter. Ever stepped into someone’s house after they’ve done a major tidy-up? It can sometimes feel like you’re entering a new space. A tidy room will always feel more spacious than one that is piled with clutter.
And, as the phrase goes, ‘tidy house, tidy mind.’ By sorting out a messy space, you’re contributing to a positive state of mind. Untidy rooms can feel chaotic, contributing to stress and anxiety.
Firstly, separate your clutter. Create a pile for items you want to keep, and separate piles for items to be thrown away, sent to charity, or sold.
Next, invest in cheap shelving (or even build your own) and make use of existing storage, such as bookshelves. Don’t forget, renting furniture is very flexible. You can always lease items if you only have short-term storage needs.
Working with limited space and don’t have room for big storage units? No problem! You can buy low-cost over-door storage, perfect for knick-knacks and small items. For larger commodities, swap your sofa for an ottoman with inbuilt storage.
6. Add pillow covers to accent spaces
Pillows or cushions can be a fantastic way to accent a space. Unfortunately, decent designer pillows are expensive and often out of reach when carrying out home decor on a budget. Instead, choose cheaper (but comfy) pillows and invest in pillow covers.
Pillow covers can be purchased at a low cost and bring the same aesthetic benefits as more expensive pillows. Best of all, they can be swapped easily at any time. If you get tired of a certain look, you can swap covers without any hassle.
Because of their low price tag, they’re also perfect for those with little ones or pets that are liable to make a mess.
7. Swap your textiles
People often focus on the visual aspect of renovation. But remember, touch is an equally important sense. The ‘feel’ of your house is a key part of the overall living experience. That’s why a switch in textiles can contribute to creating a refreshed environment.
Blankets, pillows, and rugs can all be swapped at a relatively low cost. Choose cotton cushions and throws if you’re aiming for a relaxed, cozy environment. For a work environment, on the other hand, memory foam cushions can be a smart choice, offering extra support and longevity.
And of course, the best fabrics also bring a new visual element to a space. Think about the sorts of colors and patterns that best match your desired aesthetic.
8. Introduce houseplants
Houseplants are an inexpensive way of adding natural energy and warmth to your home. What’s more, they come in all shapes and sizes.
Got a big open space that needs filling? A large plant, like a Bird of Paradise, might be the perfect accent. Unsure about decor for a shelf or mantelpiece? A smaller plant, such as a Pothos, could complement the space nicely.
As well as being pleasing on the eye, studies have shown that house plants are good for the brain. They’re proven to reduce stress, improve people’s state of mind, and even lower blood pressure.
And if tending to plants sounds like too much hassle, you can opt for a low-maintenance option. Spider plants, for instance, only need watering about once a month. And, if you want to skip the work entirely, you can find low-cost imitation plants that provide the same visual benefits.
Don’t let a tight budget hold you back
It’s understandable if you’re worried about home decor on a budget. After all, as the expression goes, your home is your castle. You want the best for your living space, and don’t want to opt for cheap and tacky furnishings.
Luckily, as we’ve explored here, there’s no reason you should settle for second best. There are plenty of low-cost methods of home improvement. So, take another look at your home, and consider which of our tips can help revitalize your space.
