Decorating on a Budget: 11+ Simple Steps

Home décor is one of those things that can get expensive fast. If your goal is decorating on a budget, these simple tips will help you freshen up your space without breaking the bank. Budget-friendly decorating is not only possible, but can help you hone in on your personal style.  

1. Set a Decorating Budget

Setting a budget is key to working within it to decorate your space. It sounds simple, but most people skip this vital step. Knowing what you have to spend will help you maximize your decorating choices and spend on beautifying your space without feeling guilty. And knowing your budget and the funds you have available will help you prioritize projects. It’s easier to walk away from that cute new vase at Target if you can remind yourself that your top decorating priority is saving up for a bathroom remodel.

2. Tackle DIY Projects

When you’re decorating on a budget, making things yourself keeps costs down. It’s the perfect solution when you have more time than money. Even if you’re not super crafty, you can learn a ton through friends and online. And it may be that you don’t need to take on the whole project – perhaps you handle some of the demolition, to keep the costs of a larger remodel down. Or maybe you can’t sew, but you’re comfortable painting a piece of old furniture to give it new life. Start with things that are within your comfort zone and build your DIY skill set from there.

3. Mix High End and Low End Pieces

As with fashion, you can gain a lot of mileage by mixing lower end pieces in with your more expensive ones. Places like Ikea, Target and Home Goods are chock full of adorable and affordable finds. Mixing high with low is an easy way to manage costs when decorating on a budget.  

4. Explore Second Hand Stores

Spend a little time checking out your local second hand stores before you need to buy. You’ll get a sense for which ones receive the type of furniture and décor items that match your style. Find out when they add new merchandise and with a little patience, you’ll discover what you need. I keep a running list of items we’re on the lookout for in my phone. It’s great to have a reminder when I have a few minutes to pop through a thrift store.

5. Go to Estate Sales

Estate sales are a great way to get a good deal when you’re on a budget. If you’re open to older pieces, you’ll find some great finds. And a little paint can transform the look of almost anything. Recently I picked up 12 beautiful champagne flutes for $3 towards the end of a sale. Our Christmas dishware, oriental rug and patio furniture were also estate sale finds.

6. Check Out Facebook Marketplace

For many people, Facebook Marketplace is the new yard sale alternative. You’ll find all sorts of local groups offering items for free or for sale. It can take some time to sort through the junk, but there are plenty of gems available. I’ve found the marketplace to be a great source of lamps, side tables, and anything for children.

7. Make Your Own Artwork

Frames and mats can be found cheaply second hand, or at craft and discount stores. And Etsy is chock full of downloadable artwork/printables that will add color and interest to your walls. Or you can print your own photos and frame them for a gallery wall. Check out BuzzFeed’s list of 39 Easy DIY Ways to Create Art for Your Walls for additional inspiration.

8. Look to Nature

Adding fresh flowers and greenery is an affordable way to up the style factor to any room. Not only do they bring a room to life, but cheap and free options are abundant. Pick wildflowers, fill a vase with pine cones from your yard, or purchase a bunch of tulip at the grocery store. Natural elements are a simple indulgence that creates a big impact.

9. Use Accent Pieces for Trends and Bright Colors

It’s easier to stick to your decorating budget if you invest in classics for the big pieces and use accessories to bring in trendy elements. The most expensive items in each room should be the ones you plan to live with for a long time. Don’t buy a couch you adore now if you fear you’ll be itching to get rid of it when trends change in a few months. It’s much easier to swap out pillows or candlesticks than to reupholster furniture.  

10. Buy What You Love

It can take time to develop your personal style, but once you do, decorating on a budget will be much easier. Once you’re confident in what you love, you’re much less likely to chase the latest trends. Choosing pieces that work for your family and that you adore provides much greater satisfaction than living in a space that looks like the pages of a catalog.

11. Repurpose Pieces You Already Have

Are there items you’ve grown tired of that you can put to a new use? Have you been declining secondhand furniture from family that you could revive with a little creativity? Sometimes shuffling pieces around to new rooms is all we need to freshen up our space a bit. And it’s a lot less expensive than hitting up the stores!

How do you stick within your decorating budget? And do you love a good deal as much as I do?