Decorating Your Home or Apartment Without Blowing Your Budget

There’s a misconception going around that decorations are a luxury. And yes, there are some beautiful pieces out there that cost a lot of money, but you don’t have to buy them. The truth is that many alternatives won’t blow your budget. You can maximize it and even leave some extra for any add-ons.

Part of the excitement of decorating on a budget is figuring out how to use what you have. If you’re looking to save, you need to look at all options available. Some of these may even lead you to spend more time than you usually would, but the payoff will be there if you only pay a fraction of its supposed cost. Here are things for you to consider.

Have a Theme in Mind First

The first thing you need to do is have an anchor that will unify and direct your decorations – or, in simpler terms, a theme. You don’t want to waste money going from a modern room to a boho-chic room to a glam room. That’s a lot of unused decors!

If you’re decorating on a budget and want your room to match with the rest of your house, then that’s where you start. Another direction is to change your place entirely, which means setting a new theme. Some examples include:

• Mid-Century Modern

• Rustic

• Contemporary

• Bohemian

• Coastal

• Vintage

• Asian-inspired

With a theme, you’ll have a color palette you can work with a style that you’d want to prioritize. From there, you can begin looking at furniture and art pieces that match what you want. It’s easier to make decisions from all decorations available if you have a guideline.

Mirrors Open Up Space

One way you can make your space feel larger than it is to place some mirrors. They enhance the area and create an illusion of brightness by dispersing the light throughout the room. You can place a large mirror on a wall, and it will also lessen the need for decorations in that area.

Many mirrors have varied prices due to size and frame, but you can find some pretty affordable ones out there. Shopping for used mirrors can cut down on costs, or you can buy a few small mirrors to create an interesting arrangement rather than one large one.

Add Texture and Color With Plants

Indoor houseplants are not only beautiful, but they’re also very affordable.

A bit of green in the room can brighten the mood and add textures that wouldn’t be possible without them. Plants are also great at filling empty spaces, especially places where you have trouble finding the right decoration.

If you’re choosing a plant to place, you’ll find that there are many inexpensive options out there – and some completely free ones. For example, you could grow your own plants using the seeds from the foods you eat. If you’re not much for gardening, though, there are plenty of other affordable options, such as succulents, which are just a few dollars each or less.

Try Removable Wallpapers

In some apartments, it’s not possible to paint the walls. It may also be too tedious or something you don’t want to deal with in your space. Removable wallpapers give you the freedom to customize your wall to the design you want. It’s a great way to bring a theme together.

Not only that, but many removable wallpapers are cheap, making them a great frugal home decor option. They’re also easy to install once you get the hang of them. With so many designs available, you have the option to change the personality of your room to your desire.

Buy a Focal Point First

If you want to lessen your spending on decorations, consider buying a focal piece first. For example, displaying a large art item can bring attention to that area. You won’t have to decorate other parts of that room that much because of it. You can also arrange furniture and other pieces to enhance the visual display.

A focal point helps a room flow and creates the feelings you want it to have. If you’re having trouble finding a piece for your place, check magazines and online pictures. You’ll notice how some rooms have a decorative item that stands out. You can base your next move on that or find something of similar inspiration.

Use Recycled Items for Storage

Some of the best frugal home decor options don’t cost anything at all. Many things we buy regularly come with beautiful packaging you can reuse. Before you start throwing things away, think if those crates or jars fit with the theme of your home. They can be a great way to bring together loose items that would otherwise scatter in your home.

You can use a basket to store books and magazines, and jars can be a great way to place pens and the like.

Make Art

Many paintings out there will take a chunk out of your wallet if you’re not careful. One way to minimize the cost is to buy the materials yourself and create something of your own. An abstract painting isn’t defined by strict rules, giving you the freedom to make your creation. Then you can proudly display your work at home as decoration.

If you have some skills in painting, consider it a way to save money. Have your art and your creations showcase who you are as an artist. You’ll get many ideas on framing while saving money in the process while channeling your creative side.

This rule doesn’t only apply to painting. Maybe you love to cross stitch or sketch during your free time. You can take the work you’re most proud of and use it as a way to enhance your home.

Buy Some Curtains

One way to tie your decorations together is by putting curtains up. Having something on your windows adds a splash of color. They also help you by providing cover from the sun and outdoors when you need them. There are many affordable curtains out there, and all you need is to buy sizes that fit your window.

Curtains are an affordable way to decorate on a budget as you control how much you spend. It mainly depends on the type of fabric you choose – typically, cotton fabrics will be cheaper. It also depends on where you get it from, too, as some stores mark up their curtains. If you’re looking in the right place, though, you can find some curtains for $15 or less.

Update Furniture Pieces and Paint

One way to turn your old furniture into something brand new is to apply a fresh coat of paint. Like how walls look different with a new application, you can also produce the same effect with a drawer or cabinet. You can go classic and varnish wooden furniture or create a different style by applying colors that match your theme.

You also don’t have to limit yourself to only painting when changing your furniture, either. For example, you can change the knobs of your drawers to give them more personality.

Add a Rug

A rug is another option that many people overlook. It’s a simple thing you can place on your floor that adds personality, color, and texture. You don’t have to install a full-room carpet to enjoy the benefits that come with it. A rug is easier to clean, and you have the freedom to choose from hundreds of designs available.

Not only does a rug enhance a room, but it also protects your flooring. It prevents you from costly repairs when you get scratches or cracks. Similar to curtains, it’s an affordable option to consider for nearly all rooms.

Use Shelves as Dividers

If you want more separation in your living space, you don’t have to spend money on buying a divider. Instead, use something that can give you multiple functions similar to a bookshelf. Now, you have the division you need, while it also acts as a storage space to place your items.

You don’t just have to put books on it, though. If you can collectibles you can display them on the shelves, or if they get plenty of sunlight you can put your new plants on them, too.

There’s Always a Way to Keep Your Budget

While you might think that you have to blow thousands of dollars on new decor, that’s not really the case. There are plenty of affordable and free options out there so you can decorate the room you’ve always wanted without breaking the bank. Try out some of these frugal home decor tips today.