Do you ever scroll through pictures of beautiful homes and think, “I wish I could afford that”? It’s easy to believe that creating a stylish space costs a lot of money. But I’m here to share a little secret with you: it doesn’t have to.
As an interior decorator, I’ve learned that a beautiful home is not about how much you spend. It’s about being creative and making smart choices. You can absolutely have a home that looks high-end without the high-end price tag.
This guide will show you eight simple secrets for decorating on a budget. These are the easy tricks professionals use to save money while still creating a space that feels special and looks amazing. Let’s get started!
Why a Small Budget Can Still Create a Big Impact
Before we jump into the tips, let’s change how we think about budget decorating. This isn’t about buying cheap things that will fall apart. It’s about finding quality pieces for less and using clever ideas to transform your space.
The key is to focus on creativity. A can of paint can do more than a new piece of furniture. A unique thrifted find has more personality than a common store-bought item. With these budget-friendly decorating ideas, you’ll be able to create a home that truly feels like you.
Our Top 8 Secrets for Decorating on a Budget
Ready to make your home beautiful for less? Here are eight of my favorite ways to do it.
Secret #1: Get Smart with Wall Art
Bare walls can make a room feel unfinished, but framing art can be very expensive. Don’t worry, there are much cheaper ways to get beautiful art on your walls. First, look for frames at thrift stores. You can find beautiful wood, gold, or simple black frames for just a few dollars. Don’t pay attention to the ugly art inside—you can easily take it out and replace it with your own.
Next, instead of buying pricey prints, look for digital downloads online. Websites like Etsy have thousands of beautiful art prints you can buy as a digital file for as little as five dollars. Once you buy the file, you can get it printed at a local store like Costco or Walmart. This is a huge money-saver.
| Art Option | Average Cost | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Framed Print from a Store | $40 – $150+ | Limited sizes and styles available. |
| Digital Download + Thrifted Frame | $10 – $20 | Endless art choices, and you can pick the perfect frame size. |
This simple switch gives you total control over your wall art for a tiny piece of the price. It’s one of the best ways to start decorating on a budget.
Secret #2: Hunt for Secondhand Furniture
Your next stop for affordable home decor should be secondhand stores. You can find amazing furniture with great bones that just needs a little love.
Thrift stores and places like Habitat for Humanity are full of solid wood dressers, unique chairs, and sturdy tables. Sometimes, all they need is a good cleaning. Other times, you can completely change their look with a coat of paint. Look past the current color or finish and imagine what it could be.
Another amazing place to look is the “As-Is” section at IKEA. It’s usually hidden near the cash registers. This is where they sell returned items, floor models, or pieces with a tiny scratch. They are sold at a big discount and are often in perfect condition. You never know what you’ll find!
Secret #3: Master the Magic of Paint
Paint is your best friend when you’re decorating on a budget. It makes the biggest impact for the smallest price. You can change the entire feel of a room in one afternoon with just a gallon of paint.
But you can also think smaller. Got a boring old mirror, a tired-looking coffee table, or a plain chair? A small amount of paint can give it a whole new life. You don’t even need to buy a full can. Just ask for a sample pot at the hardware store. They cost around five dollars and are perfect for small DIY decor ideas.
Also, be sure to check the “mistake paint” section. This is where stores sell paint that was mixed in the wrong color for another customer. It’s perfectly good paint, sold for 50% off or more.
Secret #4: Refresh with New Covers
Do you have a sofa that is comfortable but you’re tired of the color? Or throw pillows that don’t match your style anymore? Don’t replace them—refresh them!
Slipcovers are a fantastic way to give an old couch or chair a completely new look. A new cover can change the color and even the fabric, making your furniture feel brand new. Look for simple, neutral slipcovers to get that high-end, comfortable feel.
The same goes for pillows. You don’t need to buy all new pillows. Just buy new pillow covers. You can find them in tons of styles and colors online. It’s an easy and cheap way to update your living room or bedroom for a new season.
Secret #5: Update Your Hardware
One of the fastest ways to make a room look more expensive is to update the hardware. We’re talking about cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, doorknobs, and even light fixtures.
These small details can make a huge difference. Think about a plain kitchen or a boring bathroom vanity. By simply swapping out the old hardware for something new and modern, you can instantly upgrade the entire piece. You don’t need to spend a lot. Amazon has great prices on sets of knobs and pulls that look stylish and sleek.
Secret #6: Style Your Shelves for Free
Here is a decorating trick that costs absolutely nothing. If you have bookshelves filled with books, they can sometimes look a little messy or too colorful for your space.
For a simple, clean, and organized look, try turning the books around. Just flip them so the white pages face out instead of the colorful spines. This creates a calm, uniform look on your shelf. It makes the whole space feel more peaceful and styled. It’s a simple trick, but it really works!
Secret #7: Shop Your Own Home First
Before you go out to buy anything new, take a look around your own home. You might already have what you need! You can “shop” from other rooms to find items that might work better in a new spot.
That side table in the guest room might be perfect next to your living room sofa. The lamp from your office could look great in the bedroom. Sometimes, just moving things around can make a space feel fresh and different without spending a single dollar.
Secret #8: Embrace a Little DIY
Many of the best budget decorating ideas involve a little hands-on effort. Don’t be afraid to try a small do-it-yourself project. Refinishing a thrifted table or painting an old piece of furniture is easier than you think.
You can find simple tutorials for almost any project online. Starting with something small, like painting a picture frame, can give you the confidence to try bigger projects. DIY decor not only saves you money but also leaves you with a unique piece that no one else has.
FAQs
What is the 3-5-7 rule of decorating?
The 3-5-7 rule is a simple guide. It helps you group items together. You should group things in odd numbers. Use sets of three, five, or seven. Odd numbers look more pleasing to the eye. They create more visual interest.
How to make a home look expensive on a budget?
You can make your home look expensive. Use a fresh coat of neutral paint. Update your cabinet knobs and handles. Find unique pieces at thrift stores. Keep your space very clean and tidy. Add one or two large pieces of art.
What is the 3 4 5 rule in interior design?
The 3-4-5 rule is not a common rule. Some designers may use it personally. It can be a guide for using color. For example, use 3 to 5 colors in a room. This can help your space look cohesive. Most designers use the Rule of 3 instead.
What is the rule of 3 when decorating?
The Rule of 3 is a very popular design secret. It means you should group items in threes. Our brains find groups of three pleasing. It creates balance and harmony. For example, use three pillows on a sofa. Or place three vases on a shelf.
What is the 80/20 rule in decorating?
The 80/20 rule helps you create balance. 80% of your room should be one main style. The other 20% can be a different style. This adds personality to your space. It stops a room from looking boring. For example, a modern room can have a vintage chair.
Your Beautiful Home is Waiting
As you can see, decorating on a budget is all about being a little clever. By hunting for secondhand treasures, using the power of paint, and refreshing what you already own, you can create a home you truly love.
You don’t need a big budget to have a big style. All you need is a little inspiration and a willingness to try something new.
What is your favorite tip for saving money on home decor? Share it in the comments below! We’d love to hear your ideas.
