Budget-friendly home decorating ideas

Decorating a home on a budget is feasible. There are many creative ways to decorate a home without breaking the bank such as shopping at second-hand shops and car boot sales, repurposing and upcycling old furniture, using affordable DIY projects, and focusing on minimalism and simplicity. With some creativity and resourcefulness, it is possible to create a beautiful and inviting home without spending a lot of money.

Budget decorating 

Decorating your home doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some steps to take when decorating your home on a budget:

1. Set a budget: Determine how much money you can afford to spend on decorating your home.

2. Prioritise your needs: Decide which rooms or areas of your home need the most attention and allocate your budget accordingly.

3. Shop smart: Look for affordable home decor items at discount stores, second-hand shops, and online marketplaces. Don’t forget to check out clearance and sales sections for good deals.

4. Repurpose and upcycle: Instead of buying new furniture, consider repurposing or upcycling old items to fit your decor style.

5. DIY projects: Create your own decor items using simple DIY projects. This can be a fun and affordable way to add a personal touch to your home.

6. Focus on minimalism: Consider a minimalist approach to decorating your home. This can help reduce the need for excess decor items and save you money.

7. Use what you have: Look around your home and see if there are any decor items you can reuse or repurpose in a new way.

8. Get creative: Be creative and think outside the box when it comes to decorating your home on a budget. You never know what unique ideas you may come up with. This article has some nifty, thrifty ideas when it comes to decorating your home on a budget.

DIY projects for rooms in your home

Kitchen

There are plenty of DIY projects you can undertake to spruce up your kitchen on a budget. For example, you can paint your kitchen cabinets to give them a fresh look. Choose a colour that complements your kitchen's theme and style.

For a kitchen tile backsplash, try using peel-and-stick adhesive tiles or ceramic tiles. It can instantly transform the look of your kitchen and protect the walls too. You could also remove cabinet doors and create open shelving. Paint or stain the shelves and display your favourite dishes and glassware for a stylish and budget-friendly storage solution.

Another inexpensive idea is to replace outdated cabinet handles and drawer pulls with new ones. It's a simple and affordable way to give your kitchen a fresh and modern look.

Do you have old furniture you could repurpose? Give new life to an old table or dresser by repurposing it as a kitchen island or extra storage. Paint or refinish it to match your kitchen decor.

Living room

Create a personalised gallery wall by framing and displaying your favourite photos, artwork, or prints. Arrange them in a visually appealing way to add personality to your living room. You could also paint an accent wall. Choose a bold and vibrant colour to paint one wall as an accent wall. It can instantly transform the look and feel of your living room.

Another cost effective option is to create a bookshelf display and arrange your books, decorative objects, and plants in an organised and visually appealing way. Add some decorative baskets or boxes for additional storage and style.

Sew or repurpose fabric to create your own throws or pillows. Mix and match colours and patterns to add a pop of personality and comfort to your living room.

Give your coffee table a makeover by refinishing or repainting it. You can also add a glass top or decoupage with interesting images or maps to create a unique focal point. If you’re stuck for storage in your living room, repurpose old crates, baskets, or wooden boxes as storage solutions.

Bedroom

As mentioned above, you could paint an accent wall in a bold colour or create a statement wall using wallpaper, stencils, or decals. It can add visual interest and create a focal point in your bedroom.

Get arty and create your own artwork by painting or drawing on canvas or framing prints of your favourite photos. This can add a personal touch and bring life to your bedroom walls.

When it comes to bedside tables, repurpose old suitcases, wooden crates, or stack books to create unique and budget-friendly bedside tables. You can also add a fresh coat of paint or stain to match your bedroom style.

Give your lamp a new look by covering the lampshade with fabric. Use spray adhesive or fabric glue to attach the fabric and create a customised design.

Install floating shelves on your bedroom walls to display decorative items, books, or plants. It can provide extra storage and add a stylish element to your bedroom decor.

Add a comfortable chair or floor cushions, a small bookshelf, and soft lighting to create a cozy reading nook to relax and unwind.

As with any room in your home, remember to personalise these DIY projects to match your style and preferences and follow any necessary safety precautions and seek professional help if needed.

Seasonal decor on a budget 

Refreshing your home decor with each season can be done without overspending by following these tips:

1. Update your home's look by changing out textiles such as curtains, throw pillows, and rugs. Look for affordable options that reflect the colours and textures of the season.

2. Bring the beauty of each season indoors by incorporating natural elements. Display seasonal flowers, branches, or foliage in vases or create wreaths and centrepieces using items found in your garden. It's a cost-effective way to add a touch of seasonal charm to your home.

3. Give your space a fresh feel by rearranging furniture and accessories. Experiment with new furniture arrangements and swap out decor items from different rooms to create a new look without spending any money.

4. Give new life to items you already have by repurposing them. For example, use a vintage ladder as a decorative display for blankets. Look for creative ways to use what you already own to refresh your decor.

5. Take advantage of sales and clearance events to find discounted seasonal decor items. Shop at the end of each season for next year's decorations, as prices tend to be lower during clearance sales.

6. Instead of completely redecorating, embrace a minimalist approach by selectively adding a few key seasonal items. Focus on small touches like changing out table linens, adding a seasonal centrepiece, or incorporating scented candles to create a cozy ambiance. Remember, it's not necessary to completely overhaul your decor with each season. Small changes and thoughtful additions can go a long way in refreshing your home without overspending.

This article has plenty of tips and ideas when it comes to decorating your home on a shoestring.

Eco-friendly home decor ideas 

Look for decor items made from recycled materials such as glass bottles, old newspapers, and plastic bags. These can be used to create unique and eco-friendly decor pieces. You can also give new life to old furniture and decor items by upcycling them.

When it comes to energy saving tips, use energy-efficient LED light bulbs and install dimmer switches to reduce energy consumption. Install water-saving fixtures such as low-flow showerheads and faucets to reduce water consumption. Check out our blog article on tips to make your home more sustainable.

Not only do indoor plants add a touch of green to your decor, but they also purify the air and improve your indoor air quality. And when it comes to choosing artwork for your walls, choose art pieces made from eco-friendly materials such as recycled paper, bamboo, and organic cotton canvas.

Maximising small spaces for less 

Transforming a small space doesn’t have to cost too much, and with some easy adjustments, you can make a small space seem a lot bigger. For example, light colours such as white can make a small space feel larger and more open. Choose light-colored walls, furniture, and decor to create a sense of spaciousness.

You can also make use of vertical space by installing floating shelves, wall-mounted storage units, or hanging plants. This maximises storage and decor options without taking up valuable floor space.

It might be worthwhile investing in furniture pieces that serve multiple purposes. For example, a storage ottoman can be used as both a seating option and a place to store items. This helps to reduce clutter and make the most of limited space. Likewise, mirrors can create the illusion of a larger space by reflecting light and making the room appear more open. Clear and transparent furniture can also create a sense of openness and the illusion of more space.

Heavy curtains can make a small space feel cramped. Instead, choose light and sheer curtains that allow natural light to flow through and create an airy atmosphere.

With a small space it’s important to declutter regularly and keep your small space organised. Get rid of items you no longer need or use and find creative storage solutions for items that are necessary but take up space.

Natural light can make a small space feel brighter and more open. Keep windows unobstructed and use light-coloured window treatments to allow maximum light to enter the room.

Refreshing your home affordably 

Hopefully this article has provided you with inspiration and tips on decorating your house on a budget. Decorating your home on a budget can be fun and there is nothing like that sense of satisfaction and personal achievement you get from completing DIY projects. For more on home improvement ideas, read our guide to home improvement projects. It’s also worth pointing out that if you are making home improvements, the value of your property might increase so read our article to ensure your home isn’t underinsured.