Budget-Friendly Living Room Decorating Ideas

Your living room is the heart of your home, but decorating it can get expensive. The good news is there are lots of budget-friendly ways to decorate. Get inspired by these ideas!

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Living areas deserve to be a space that reflects your style and personality. If you’re decorating on a budget, keep these tips and tricks in mind.

Setting a Budget

Step 1 is to assess your living room space as it is now, and determine a budget for getting to where you want it to be. Consider the following:

How’s your current furniture? Take a look at your existing furniture and determine what can be repurposed or updated.

For example, a sofa or chair that still has good padding could be reupholstered for less than the cost of new furniture.

Consider the layout: Think about the flow of your living room and how you can arrange the furniture to optimize the space.

Set a realistic budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend on decorating your living room. This will help you figure out what you need.

Declutter and Rearrange for a Fresh Start

Sometimes all a room actually needs is decluttering and rearranging. If you get lucky, following these steps might give your living room a look you’re perfectly happy with, with no new expenses!

Declutter: Get rid of any unnecessary items that are taking up space. Donate or sell items that no longer serve a purpose in your living room.

Rearrange furniture: Experiment with different furniture arrangements to create a more functional and visually appealing layout. Don’t be afraid to move things around until you find the perfect setup.

Paint for a Dramatic Transformation

A fresh coat of paint can work wonders in transforming a space. Consider these painting tips:

Choose light colors: Lighter shades such as whites, creams, and pastels can make your living room appear more spacious and airy.

Accent wall: If you want to add a pop of color or texture, consider painting one wall as an accent wall. This can create a focal point in the room without the need to paint the entire space.

DIY painting: If you’re up for a DIY challenge, paint the room yourself to save money on professional painters. Just make sure to properly prep the walls and use painter’s tape for clean lines.

Murals: If you’re not a painter, you might find a mural decal you like for a reasonable price. These decals are usually removable (great for renters!) but can totally transform a room for less than the cost of a fast food lunch for four.

Creative Use of Lighting

Lighting plays a huge role in setting the ambiance and mood of your living room. Try these budget-friendly lighting suggestions:

Natural light: Make the most of natural light by keeping windows uncovered or using sheer curtains that allow light to filter through.

Lamps and floor lights: Invest in affordable lamps and floor lights to create warm and cozy lighting in different areas of your living room.

LED string lights: Add a touch of magic with LED string lights. Hang them on walls or drape them around furniture for a whimsical effect.

Affordable Furniture and Decor Options

You don’t have to splurge on expensive furniture and decor to achieve a stylish living room.

Thrift stores and flea markets: Explore local thrift stores and flea markets for unique and affordable furniture pieces. With a little creativity, you can transform these finds into stunning additions to your living room.

I once helped completely refurnish a small rented office with mostly finds from ReStore by Habitat for Humanity. Good Will can also be helpful.

DIY projects: Get crafty and take on some DIY projects. Repurpose old furniture, create your own artwork, or sew pillow covers using inexpensive fabric.

Online marketplaces: Check out online marketplaces like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or eBay for secondhand furniture at a fraction of the original price.

Stylish Accessories on a Budget

Accessorizing is the final touch that brings your living room to life. Here are some budget-friendly accessory ideas:

Throw pillows and blankets: Add color and texture with affordable throw pillows and cozy blankets. Mix and match patterns and textures to create a visually appealing arrangement.

Tablecloths and scarves: Got an end table that’s not beautiful? Drape a cheap but beautiful scarf over it for a boho-chic effect. Tablecloths and runners work well to dress up side tables and coffee tables.

Wall art: Create DIY wall art using inexpensive prints, family photos, or your own artwork. Frame them using affordable frames or create a unique display using washi tape.

Indoor plants: Bring life into your living room with indoor plants. They not only add a touch of greenery but also improve air quality. Look for low-maintenance plants like succulents or spider plants.

Rearrange and Refresh Regularly

Once you’ve decorated your living room on a budget, don’t be afraid to rearrange and refresh regularly. This allows you to experiment with different layouts, change up your decor, and keep your living room feeling fresh and inviting.