How to Refresh Your Home Decor on a Budget
Is your home decor looking a bit… stale? Like that half-empty bag of chips in the pantry that you’re not really sure is still fresh? Don’t worry! You don’t need to fork over a fortune to give your space a little pick-me-up. Here’s how to refresh your home decor on a budget, with some humor (and maybe some dollar store DIYs) along the way!
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1. Declutter: Out with the Old… So You Can Buy the New!
Look, you’ve probably got things sitting around that spark no joy—like that pile of junk mail you’ve been “meaning” to toss since the last election cycle. Before buying new decor, do a solid purge. Clear out things you don’t use or like, and boom! You’ll already feel like you’ve hit refresh.
Pro Tip: Decluttering is free and effective. Plus, you might find forgotten items to repurpose! Got an old basket collecting dust? Throw a plant in it, and suddenly it’s boho chic.
2. Paint: The Most Affordable Magic Trick in Home Decor
If you want a dramatic change without a dramatic budget, paint is your best friend. A new color on a single wall, some trim, or even on that old dresser can make everything feel new.
Here’s the secret: head to the hardware store and check the oops paint section. It’s the area where they sell paints that were mixed wrong or returned—and they’re usually dirt cheap. True, you might get a shade named “Oops Orange,” but sometimes you get lucky with a great color at half the price!
Painting Tip: If you’re feeling fancy, go for an accent wall. It adds depth, creates interest, and makes people think you actually know what you’re doing in the world of decor.
3. Throw Pillows: Small Price, Big Impact
Can we all just admit throw pillows are the easiest way to spruce up a space? They’re like a home decor gateway drug: buy one, and suddenly your couch looks like it belongs in a catalog.
Throw pillows (or pillow covers) are budget-friendly, and they come in every color and pattern imaginable. Just avoid pillows that scream too much personality—unless you like explaining why your couch has a neon “YOLO” cushion to every guest.
Hot Tip: Shop thrift stores for throw pillows or covers. Seriously, wash them, and they’re good as new. Your wallet will thank you!
4. Plants, Plants, Plants!
Plants are a budget decorator’s dream. They add color, texture, and make any room feel alive. And let’s be honest: adding plants to your home also gives you a new identity—Plant Parent Extraordinaire. Start small with affordable options like pothos, succulents, or even cuttings from friends’ plants.
The Plant Parent Hack: If you’re a serial plant killer, go for a low-maintenance one (think: “water once every time you remember” cactus). Or, consider a fake plant from IKEA—they look great and don’t judge you if you forget to water them.
5. DIY Wall Art: Channel Your Inner Picasso… or Pinterest Guru
Art doesn’t have to be expensive, and you don’t have to be an artist to make some cool pieces. From framed fabric to creating abstract paintings with a few brush strokes, there are endless possibilities to make your walls look snazzy. If DIY isn’t your thing, try printable wall art online.
For the ultra-frugal: collect fallen leaves, press them between book pages, and frame them. It’s free, it’s artsy, and it’s the chicest way to tell guests, “Look! I’m in touch with nature!”
6. Lighting: Because Nobody Looks Good in Harsh Overhead Lights
Nothing kills a vibe like overhead lighting that’s more interrogation room than cozy living room. Swap out a few bulbs for softer, warmer tones, or grab an inexpensive floor lamp or string lights to add a warm glow. This is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to transform your space.
Super Saver: Fairy lights are versatile, cheap, and instantly cozy. String them over windows, shelves, or drape them across your headboard. For $10 or less, you’ll feel like you’re living in a Pinterest post.
7. Rugs: Because Your Floor Deserves Love Too
Adding or swapping out a rug can change an entire room. But don’t go for pricey options; hit up places like Target, IKEA, or discount stores for affordable finds. You can even layer smaller rugs if you can’t find one big enough for your space.
Pro Tip: Rugs help create defined spaces, especially in open-concept rooms or apartments. If you find one that’s slightly smaller, layer it under a coffee table for a stylish look.
8. Mirrors: The Frugal Person’s Window
Mirrors are the ultimate decor hack. They make small spaces feel larger, and they reflect light to brighten a room. No windows? No problem! Just hang a big mirror.
Check thrift stores for inexpensive mirrors, and give them a DIY makeover with paint or decorative trim. Suddenly, your thrift store find looks custom-made.
9. Switch Up Your Gallery Wall with Photos and Prints
Rearranging your photos and art is a simple way to refresh your decor without spending a dime. Create a gallery wall with a mix of frames and sizes, or swap out existing pictures for new prints. Canva offers free templates to design your own quotes, patterns, or art that you can print and frame.
Cheap Print Hack: Need prints? Go online for free printables or try botanical drawings and vintage posters. Print them in black and white if you’re feeling artsy.
10. Organize and Display Collections (A.K.A. “Stuff”)
Have a mug collection, some cute books, or random trinkets? Take advantage of what you already own. Stack books, showcase ceramics, or display fun knick-knacks on shelves. Sometimes just moving items around is all you need for a decor refresh.
Decorating doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune! With a bit of creativity and some low-cost strategies, you can refresh your home decor on a budget and make your space feel new again. So, roll up your sleeves, let your creativity shine, and get ready to impress friends with your stylish (yet super affordable) decor updates.