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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!
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!
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.
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