Does your guest bedroom feel a little… forgotten? Maybe it’s a plain white box with a bed and not much else. It’s the room you close the door on and promise to fix up “one day.” Well, that day has come! We took our basic, boring guest room and gave it a complete transformation, and the best part is, we did it all on a budget.
You don’t need to spend a ton of money to create a beautiful, cozy, and stylish space for your guests. With a little paint, some smart DIY projects, and a few clever tricks, you can pull off a guest bedroom makeover on a budget that looks like it came from a high-end hotel.
Ready to see how we did it? We’re sharing every step of our journey so you can do it, too!
The Vision: A Modern Cottage Feel
Before starting any project, it’s great to have a plan. For this room, the goal was to create a “modern cottage” look. Think cozy, warm, and collected, but still clean and modern. The idea was to mix new pieces with vintage-inspired touches to create a room that feels both timeless and fresh.
The inspiration came from a living room in the same house that already had this warm, collected vibe. We wanted to bring that same feeling into the guest room, making the whole house feel connected.
Step 1: A Dramatic Accent Wall with Paint
The biggest and most impactful change came from a single can of paint. Instead of painting the whole room, we decided to create an accent wall behind the bed. This is a fantastic budget decorating trick. It adds a ton of drama and style for very little cost and effort.
The wall behind the bed had beautiful wood paneling, but since it was painted white, you could barely see the texture. We chose a deep, moody color called Fox Hollow Brown from Benjamin Moore. It’s a unique color that can look brown, mauve, or even a little purple depending on the light.
Painting this one wall instantly made the room feel cozier and more elegant. The dark color made the beautiful paneling pop and created the perfect backdrop for the bed. If you want to make a big change with a small budget, an accent wall is one of the best accent wall ideas to try.
Step 2: A DIY Upholstered Headboard for a Luxury Look
With the new dramatic wall color, the old white IKEA bed just wasn’t working. It felt too plain and clashed with the new vibe. A brand new upholstered bed would have been expensive, so we decided on a DIY project instead.
This is where you can save a lot of money and get a custom look. We turned the existing headboard into a soft, beautiful linen-covered headboard. It sounds hard, but it was surprisingly simple! This DIY bedroom makeover project was a total game-changer.
If you want to learn how to upholster a headboard, here’s what you’ll need.
DIY Headboard Supplies and Cost
| Item | Purpose | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Foam Pad | Adds a soft, cushiony feel. | $30 |
| Upholstery Batting | Wraps around the foam to soften edges. | $15 |
| Fabric (Linen) | The final, beautiful outer layer. | $20 |
| Staple Gun & Staples | To attach everything to the old headboard. | $15 |
| Spray Adhesive | To hold the foam in place while you work. | $10 |
| Total | Around $90 |
For under $100, we got the look of a brand-new, expensive bed. We just cut the foam to size, glued it to the headboard, wrapped it all in batting for a plump look, and then carefully stapled the beautiful linen fabric over the top. The result was a soft, textured headboard that looks amazing against the dark accent wall.
Step 3: Layering with Lighting and Curtains
Good lighting can make or break a room. Instead of using two small lamps on the nightstands, we chose to install wall sconces. This trick draws the eye upward and makes the room feel taller and more elegant. The brass finish of the sconces also tied into other gold details in the room, making it all feel cohesive.
To soften the space, we added long, creamy linen curtains. A great tip is to hang your curtain rod as high and wide as possible. Hanging it far above the window frame makes your ceilings look higher, and extending the rod past the frame makes the window feel bigger. We found a pair of beautiful linen curtains for under $20, and they matched the new headboard perfectly!
Step 4: Bringing it All Together with Art and a Rug
With the main pieces in place, it was time to add personality. First, a rug. A rug grounds the entire seating or sleeping area and adds warmth and texture. We chose one with colors that tied together the wall, the floor, and the new headboard.
For wall art, we used another amazing budget hack: digital art. You can find beautiful vintage paintings and sketches online from sites like Etsy for just a few dollars each. You download the file and can have it printed on matte paper at any local print shop.
We framed these prints in a mix of black, gold, and white frames that we already had. Mixing frame styles gives you that “collected over time” look, which is a key part of modern cottage decor. We hung them on picture ledges to create a beautiful gallery wall that can be easily changed out later.
The Finishing Touches: Small Details, Big Impact
The final step in this room transformation was all about the little details that make a space feel truly finished.
First, we hid the cords from the new wall sconces using paintable cord covers. We painted them the same color as the accent wall, so they just blend right in. We did the same for the wall outlet covers. This little step makes a huge difference and gives the room a polished, high-end look.
Next, we layered the bed. To get that super cozy, hotel-like feel, use lots of layers. We started with a quilt, added a big fluffy duvet, and then tossed on a few textured throw blankets.
Finally, we used furniture we already owned. A small bench found a new home at the end of the bed, and side tables we had in another room worked perfectly as nightstands. This is the heart of a guest bedroom makeover on a budget—using what you have in new ways!
FAQs
How to give your bedroom a makeover on a budget?
Start with paint. An accent wall is a great idea. It costs very little. DIY projects save a lot of money. Try making a headboard yourself. Use furniture you already own. Shop for affordable art and curtains.
How to decorate your guest bedroom?
Make the bed feel cozy. Use lots of soft layers. A quilt and a duvet work well. Add good lighting, like wall sconces. Provide a place for bags and coats. Wall hooks are very useful.
What kind of art is good for a guest room?
Choose art that is calm and relaxing. Landscapes are a perfect choice. Simple sketches look great, too. Try to avoid personal family photos. This makes the room feel welcoming to everyone.
What is a good budget for redoing a bedroom?
Your budget depends on your goals. A simple refresh can cost under $200. This includes paint and a few decor items. Bigger projects, like our DIY headboard, can add about $100. You save the most by not buying new furniture.
How do I makeover my bedroom?
First, create a design plan. Next, paint the walls. This makes the biggest change. Then, focus on one big project. After that, add curtains and a rug. Finally, hang your art and add small decor.
A Beautiful Room You Can Create, Too
Looking at the finished room, it’s hard to believe it’s the same space. It went from a plain white box to a cozy, dramatic, and elegant retreat. It proves that you don’t need new furniture or a huge budget to create a room you love.
With a little paint, some creative DIY spirit, and smart shopping, you can achieve a stunning look for less. This makeover is all about making the most of what you have and adding a few key touches that make a big impact.
What Will You Try?
We hope this tour has inspired you to tackle your own bedroom makeover! What was your favorite part of this transformation? The accent wall, the DIY headboard, or the budget art? Let us know in the comments below
