Inexpensive ways to update your home on a budget
Do you want to spruce up your home, but can't afford an expensive makeover? Decide how much you can spend, and then get inspired by these inexpensive home-decorating ideas.
Paint
One of the cheapest ways to update your walls, ceilings and cabinets is with paint. You can easily change the look and feel of your rooms with vibrant shades of blue, red and gold. And because it's easy to redo if you change your mind, this might be the time to experiment with that hot new color you’ve wanted to try.
Used furniture
Instead of buying new, try refurbishing furniture you currently own. Purchase a slipcover for your sofa, stain your coffee table, or replace the handles on kitchen cabinets. You can also look for barely used furniture at garage sales, in online classified ads, or even in your relatives' basements.
Lighting
Transforming a room can be as simple as adding a new pair of colorful lamps. In a large room, use spotlighting to divide up the space. Add dimmers to a ceiling light fixture or table lamp to create a mood. To improve natural lighting, switch lined curtains for sheer panels or valances.
Reuse what you already have
You can often refresh your space just by making better use of what's there already:
- To make your home look more spacious, remove one piece of furniture from every room. Do you have too many items on tables and mantelpieces? Clear the items from these areas, and select which pieces better enhance this space.
- Try moving your sofa into a new corner or placing the dining room table on an angle. Think about ways to repurpose furniture: would that table look better in the bedroom or the hallway?
- Showcase quality or heirloom pieces. If you have a special memento, such as your grandmother's patchwork quilt or an antique table, make it the focus of the room.
Accents and accessories
It's often the small details that pull a room together. Keep costs low with these inexpensive home-decorating techniques:
- Decorate your kids' rooms with removable peel-and-stick wall decals.
- An area or hall rug can add design and color while protecting your floors.
- Enlarge family photos, and display them throughout your home on walls, tables or shelves.
- Show off your favorite collectibles, such as pottery, childhood books, or shells you found at the beach.
- Add an accent mirror with a distinctive frame to any wall for a new look.
Ideas for every room in the house
- Kitchen: De-clutter crowded countertops and display a few objects such as decorative plates and canisters.
- Bathroom: Replace the shower curtain, towels and bath mat with coordinated colors.
- Living room: Purchase new throw pillows for your sofa or chairs.
- Bedroom: Replace your bed linens for a whole new look, and place inexpensive vases on your dresser or nightstand.
Have these money-saving tips for home decorating gotten your creative juices flowing? Take a tour of your home, and see which ideas will work best for you.
What's next? Becoming a bargain hunter
