Photo by Manja Vitolic on Unsplash
Decorating your home can be a fun and creative process, but it can also be costly. Finding ways to save money without sacrificing style can be difficult if you’re working with a tight budget. However, decorating on a budget is possible with a bit of creativity and resourcefulness.
In this guide, we’ll share some tips and tricks from interior designers on effectively decorating your space on a budget. We’ll also share some resources on where to find affordable furniture and decor items.
So, whether you’re working with a small budget or just want to save money, this guide will help you decorate your home without sacrificing style!
Know your decorating style
Before you start shopping for furniture and accessories, it’s helpful to take some time to determine the look you’re going for. Do you prefer a more minimalist aesthetic, or are you looking to add some color and patterns? If you aren’t sure where to start, there are a couple of resources you can use before you commit to any specific style, including:
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Pinterest and interior design websites and blogs can help as long as you take the time to discover what specific style, you’re interested in. You can also find blog posts about particular topics, like how to style a coffee table or how to hang curtains properly.
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Social media can help tremendously with helping you define your style. Start following people with interior design styles you admire. For example, if you want a mid-century modern home, following people with that style will give you a better idea of what products and colors to use.
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You can get inspiration from real estate websites if you’re not looking for anything specific and just want to browse different styles of homes.
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Another way to get inspired is by visiting showrooms or model homes because they tend to be designed by professionals and usually have current trends on display.
By doing a little research before you start your project, you can make sure you end up with a space that you love. Once you’ve zeroed in on your style, you can start budgeting for furnishings and decor.
Decorate in order
When it comes to interior design, there are a lot of different schools of thought. Some interior designers believe you should start with the highest traffic areas and work your way down. On the other hand, others think you should start with the rooms you use the least because they will be less of a challenge.
Either way, decorating your small apartment from front to back or room to room can make the overall process easier and more organized. Starting with the kitchen and living space and working your way back towards the bedroom or home office can be a good strategy for staying on budget and making everything flow cohesively. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure you don’t overlook any vital details.
Decorating ideas for small apartments is easy but finding furniture for a small living room can be a bit more challenging. That said, it’s helpful to remember that even a few well-chosen items can make a huge difference in your space’s overall look and feel. So don’t be discouraged if you can’t find that perfect sofa or dining room table right away – keep looking, and you’re sure to find something that works for you.
Splurge only where it matters
When purchasing pieces for your apartment, it is essential to splurge on the items that really matter. For example, it is worth investing in a higher-quality sofa or ottoman when it comes to living room furniture. This furniture piece will get a lot of use, and you want it to be comfortable and durable. You can purchase other inexpensive items like end tables, lamps, and home decor.
It is also helpful to consider the existing pieces in your space. Even if you already have some expensive components, mixing in some cheaper items can help to create a more exciting and eclectic look. For example, suppose you have a beautiful accent chair in the living room. In that case, you can make it stand out even more with some affordable throw pillows.
It is generally best to splurge on the pieces that will impact your space most but adding more inexpensive items will help bring the area to life.
Accessorizing can make a space pop
Have you ever noticed how a new lamp shade can completely change the look of a lamp? Or how a vase with fresh flowers instantly brightens up a room? Accessories have the power to impact your home significantly, and the best part is that they don’t have to cost a lot of money. You can change a room’s entire feel by minor upgrades to existing pieces.
Some simple yet significant changes you can easily make to a room include:
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Switching out your old curtains for new ones
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Adding decorative knobs to existing furniture or your kitchen cabinets
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Never underestimate the power of throw pillows
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Changing outdated frames around the artwork
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Putting a new slipcover or cushion cover over a dated sofa
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Freshening up your bathroom with a new shower curtain
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Changing the look of your bedroom with a new duvet cover
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Even arranging books differently can be a simple and dramatic change
These small, budget-friendly changes can make a big difference in the overall look of your home. So don’t be afraid to experiment and see what works best for you!
Get thrifty
Looking to transform your space without spending a lot of money? Avoid the local big box store and opt for secondhand shopping instead! When you purchase pieces from thrift stores, you can often find great bargains that allow you to get more for your money. Plus, by shopping secondhand, you’re helping to reduce waste and keep good items out of landfills.
If you want to purchase pieces inexpensively, it’s all about patience and being open to possibilities. You never know what you’ll find, so it’s essential to keep an open mind. And, even if you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for, thrift store shopping is a great way to get inspired and find new ideas for your home.
Not sure where to start? That’s where Kaiyo comes in! We’re an online consignment shop that helps you get the high-end furniture and décor items you need to create your dream home without breaking the bank. Our inventory features top brands like West Elm, Anthropologie, and Pottery Barn at up to 90% off retail price.
So, whether you’re looking for a new sofa, dining room table, or bedroom set, Kaiyo is sure to have something that fits your style and budget. Don’t settle for family hand-me-downs or cheap knockoffs from big box stores — with Kaiyo. You can finally have the dream home you’ve always wanted.
If you’re still struggling to find what you want, you can browse other outlets like Facebook Marketplace, Offerup, and Chairish. If you enjoy bargain hunting and getting great deals, you will find some great pieces to help transform your space into something unique and special.
So next time you’re looking to transform your space, consider secondhand shopping. It’s a great way to find unique pieces that won’t break the bank.
Add some greenery
If you’re looking for a totally free way to add some new life to your space, consider adding some greenery! A few well-placed plants can totally transform a room, and they can even serve as a focal point.
If you’re feeling creative, there are many ways to incorporate plants into your decor. For example, you could create a living wall by hanging planters on the wall or group plants together to create a mini botanical garden.
There are endless creative ways to integrate different planters. Consider using unusual containers like old suitcases or wine barrels for your plants when shopping secondhand. Getting creative with your greenery can impact your space as a whole.
If you’re not much of a green thumb, don’t worry – there are plenty of low-maintenance options, like succulents and cacti. So why not give it a try? A little greenery can go a long way, especially in a small space!
Hang a photo gallery
In need of a quick and easy way to liven up your living space? Why not put up wall art or a photo gallery? It’s a thrifty way to add some personality to your home, and it can be as simple as hanging a few photos on the wall.
While creating a photo or accent wall sounds like a creative and unique way of integrating art onto your dull wall space, it can be somewhat intimidating. Some ways to get started with this type of project once you have your materials include:
● Before committing to anything, take some time to lay them out on the floor.
● Trace around each frame, so you know where everything will go
● Play around with different arrangements until you find something you love.
Once you’re happy with the layout, start hanging things up! Stepped frames look great arranged in a stair-step pattern, while symmetrical arrangements can add a touch of formality to a space. Either way, get creative and have fun with it — after all, it’s your space!
Rearrange the furniture
Have you ever moved into a new house and felt like something was just…off? Maybe the sofa was in the wrong spot, or the pictures were hung a little crooked. It can be easy to overlook these small details, but they can significantly impact the overall feel of a room. That’s why sometimes rearranging furniture can make the most significant difference in an existing space. And the best part is, it’s completely free! Simply moving coffee tables, chairs, or other pieces of furniture can give the room a whole new look.
If you live in a small space or apartment, rearranging some furniture items or decor can transform your space and make it look like new. So, next time you’re feeling cramped or dislike the current flow of your home, try moving some things around. You might be surprised at how much more functional your space feels afterward.
There you have it — a guide to decorating your apartment on a budget without sacrificing style. Following these simple tips, you can create a stylish and inviting space that won’t break the bank. So, get shopping and start decorating. Your dream apartment is closer than you think!
