30 Best Decorating Ideas for Anyone on a Budget

Get the designer look for less with these cheap and creative decorating ideas.

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By: Katie Friedman

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How to Decorate on a Budget

Whether you've recently moved into a new apartment or house or you've decided to revamp your current surroundings, you'll find that designing a home can be pretty expensive. There's furniture to buy, curtains to install, area rugs to lay down, entire rooms to paint or wallpaper, etc.

So, to help you achieve your vision for a little less, we're sharing all of the best ideas for decorating on a budget. Start by identifying the amount of money you're willing to spend ($50? $100? $500?) and then focus on one room or corner at a time. Most of these projects can be completed in a single afternoon, by people of any skill level.

More Ideas: How to Decorate Like a Designer on a Budget

From: JLV Creative

Turn Cutting Boards Into Kitchen Art

If you have cutting boards to spare, hang them on your kitchen walls as affordable artwork. In this chic kitchen by designer Zoe Feldman, the walnut cutting boards pull some organic texture into the space and balance out the sleek marble and metallic finishes.

More Ideas: 71 Brilliant Kitchen Decorating Ideas

From: Zoe Feldman Design

Look for Vintage Pennants

Instead of buying brand-new art, browse local flea markets and garage sales for vintage pennants. Depending on their size, most pennants cost just $10-$25 and can give your home a sense of history and character. If you're not sure where to start, look for flags that reflect your hometown, alma mater or some destinations on your bucket list.

More Ideas: 50 DIY Wall Art Projects

Embrace an Accent Wall

Wallpaper can do wonders for your bedroom. Save money by grabbing just one roll and creating an accent wall. In this contemporary bedroom, designer Corine Maggio specifically chose a floral print with blues hues to complement her client's existing headboard.

Shop Our Picks: The Best Places to Buy Wallpaper Online

From: Corine Maggio

Leave a Message With Letter Hooks

Make a statement in your bathroom (without retiling the walls or floor) by hanging alphabet hooks. In this Southwestern-style space from Prairie, the designers used matte black letters to spell out "WASH" and give their clients' shower some extra personality. Alphabet hooks would make a fun and budget-friendly addition to a kid's bathroom, too.

From: Prairie

Snag a Graphic Throw Blanket

If you can't splurge on a new patterned bedding set, choose a graphic throw blanket instead. In this eclectic bedroom from designer Maureen Stevens, the "all-seeing eye" blanket enlivens the solid white comforter and gives the owners the option to change it out later.

Disguise Outdated Bathroom Tile

If you're not totally in love with your bathroom floor, try disguising the tile with an oversized area rug. In this transitional spa bath, Nest Design Group added style and comfort underfoot with an Oriental rug that stretches from the vanity to the tub.

Shop Our Picks: The Best Rugs for Every Room in 2023

From: Nest Design Group

Relocate an Old Loveseat or Bench

Don't throw out that old loveseat or cushioned bench just yet. Instead, move it to the foot of your bed and watch how it instantly elevates the space. In this coastal-contemporary bedroom from designer Rita Chan, the denim bench gives her clients a place to kick off their shoes or toss extra pillows.

Shop Our Picks: 21 Best Storage Benches for Every Room in the House

Incorporate Salvaged Chairs

Save money on a new dining set by outfitting your table with salvaged chairs. In this coastal breakfast nook by Design 4 Corners, the distressed cross-back chairs evoke thoughts of driftwood and easily complement the seaside theme. Notice, too, how the designers used new seat cushions to further tie the space together.

From: Design 4 Corners

Get Creative With Side Tables

Traditional nightstands can be surprisingly expensive. So we say opt for stylish side tables, like designer Malcolm Simmons did here. The marble-and-brass accent is just as functional as a nightstand (especially with its second shelf) but much more affordable.

Shop Our Picks: The Best End Tables With Storage Under $300

Choose a Ready-Made Island Over a Custom

If you don't have a kitchen island (but desperately want one), look for a ready-made version from a big box store. Many models start at just $125, so you can get the counter space without paying for a custom island and installation. In this cottage kitchen, designer Brian Patrick Flynn chose an island with a natural wood top to match his clients' existing counters. The result? The new piece blends right in.

More Ideas: 100 Beautiful Kitchen Island Inspiration Ideas

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Rearrange Your Books

Brighten your home on a budget by arranging your books by color. In this modern playroom from designer Victoria Bell, the rainbow display adds a pop of color to the white walls and renews interest in some old favorites, like The Story of Ferdinand and Madeline.

More Ideas: 30 Imaginative Kids' Playrooms

From: Victoria Bell Design

Find a Canopy for Your Kids' Room

Create a stylish reading nook in your child's bedroom with just a canopy and a floor cushion. You can find muslin and cotton kids' canopies online for as low as $40-$50, or you can make your own with some tulle and an embroidery hoop. In this sweet girls' room from designer Genna Margolis, the canopy makes the ceiling look taller, too.

From: Genna Margolis

Repaint Older Furniture

Breathe new life into an old bureau or dresser by sanding it down and repainting it. We love how designer Kerra Michele Huerta updated this midcentury chest with just a few coats of slate blue paint. Now it pops against the white walls and looks like a new piece for the homeowners.

More Ideas: 19 Creative Ways to Paint a Dresser

From: Kerra Michele Huerta

Conceal Your Outlets and Cords

If you haven't heard of outlet covers yet, then prepare to meet your new best friends. These slender devices cost just $23.95 on Amazon and will help your walls look much more pristine. (No unsightly wires or cords to see here!) Home office design by Jenn Feldman.

More Ideas: 35 No-Brainer Ways to Hide the Ugly Stuff in Your House

From: Jenn Feldman Designs

Paint Your Fireplace

Bring an older brick fireplace into the present with a few coats of paint. Instead of completely renovating their clients' hearth, Design 4 Corners used matte black varnish to modernize it. Stacks of wood and an ochre throw add a cozy touch to the now-sleek surround.

More Ideas: 30 Painted Brick Fireplaces That Radiate Coziness

From: Design 4 Corners

Shop Digital Downloads

Putting together a gallery wall? Skip the expensive prints and shop Etsy for downloadable art. These pieces typically cost just $5-$8, and you can print them off at home. (So you don't have to pay for shipping either.) By choosing affordable artwork, designer Zoe Feldman was able to splurge on a painted tiger head for this whimsical nursery.

From: Zoe Feldman Design

Switch to Clear Containers

Lighten your kitchen for $30 or less by storing your ingredients in clear containers. You can buy glass Mason jars in bulk for $11-$15 at Target and Bed Bath & Beyond, or snag a five-piece set of plastic canisters for about $30 at The Container Store. Kitchen design by Noz Nozawa.

Shop Our Picks: The Best Kitchen Canisters and Dry Food Storage

From: Noz Nozawa

Install a Single Sconce

Elevate an empty or awkward corner by installing a single sconce. Thanks to the articulating rattan wall sconce, this makeshift window seat is more functional and can now double as a comfortable reading nook. Design by Pure Salt Interiors.

From: Pure Salt Interiors

Change Out Your Shower Curtain

Shower curtains don't cost much, but they can change the entire look of your bathroom. Case in point? Despite its classic mosaic marble tile floor, this historic guest bath feels contemporary thanks to the ombre shower curtain. Design by Kerra Michele Huerta.

Shop Our Picks: The Best Shower Curtains for Style and Functionality

From: Kerra Michele Huerta

Create the Illusion of Built-Ins

You don't have to spend a fortune on custom built-ins. Instead, achieve an equally stately look for less with identical floor-to-ceiling bookcases. You can choose a white or neutral set to match your walls or go with a wood pair for contrast, like designer Perry Walter did in this handsome living room.

Shop Our Picks: 12 Best Bookcases for Every Budget and Style

From: Perry Walter

Take Advantage of Old Treasures

Flea markets and antique stores are great places to find budget-friendly home decor. Keep an eye out for oil paintings, amber glassware, vintage lanterns, rustic wood benches, etc. We love how designer Ashley Moore combined all of the above to give this mudroom some country charm.

More Ideas: 10 Items Designers Scoop Up at Antique Stores

From: Ashley Moore

Try Peel-and-Stick Vinyl Tile

Give your laundry room a budget-friendly makeover with peel-and-stick vinyl floor tiles. These patterned squares are easy to install and are a great dupe for expensive porcelain or ceramic. You can find sheets for as low as $0.99 at The Home Depot or about $2.60 on Etsy. Design by Ashley Ausland.

From: Ashley Ausland

Hang Some Curtains

Here's a secret: Every room looks better with window treatments. Dress up your bedroom or guest space for just $50-$100 by hanging a pair of curtains. You can purchase panels individually or in sets of two and find affordable options at big box stores like Bed Bath & Beyond and Target. Design by Chango and Co.

More Ideas: Do's + Don'ts of Designer-Worthy Window Treatments

From: Chango and Co.

Style Thrifted Candlesticks

Make your dining table look a little more high-end with a cluster of thrifted candlesticks. Start by deciding on a color palette (like metallics or matte black), and then look for alternating sizes to keep your display visually interesting. In this boho-chic space by designer Crystal Sinclair, the candlesticks dial up the drama.

From: Crystal Sinclair

Pick Out New Pillow Covers

Why splurge on new throw pillows when you could simply replace the covers? Amazon and H&M both have pillow covers starting at $10, and they come in a variety of solid colors and trendy patterns. (So you can recreate this coastal-contemporary look by designer Kate Lester.)

From: Kate Lester Interiors

Add a Tray to Your Coffee Table

A serving tray can both enhance your coffee table and make everyday items (like coasters and remotes) look more intentional. Use vases and books that you already have on hand, like designer Caitlin Wilson did in this transitional living room, to lift the eye and give your vignette some dimension.

From: Caitlin Wilson

Introduce Faux Sheepskin

Add a luxurious touch to any room with a faux sheepskin throw or runner. Although they look expensive, these sumptuous accents can be found for just $25-$75 at Target, Wayfair, IKEA and Pottery Barn. In this sunny nook from designer Claire Staszak, two faux sheepskin throws make the brown leather chairs utterly irresistible.

More Ideas: Simple Ways to Cozy-Up Any Room In Your Home

From: Claire Staszak

Update Your Kitchen Hardware

For the look of a new kitchen without a renovation, simply update your existing hardware. This open-concept space leaned toward country style until designer James Farmer introduced those sparkling brass knobs and pulls. Now it seems more opulent, especially with the antique Persian rug underfoot.

Shop Our Picks: The Best Kitchen Cabinet Hardware Finds in Every Finish

From: James Farmer

Opt for a Loveseat or Chaise Longue

If you can't spend $1,000-$1,500 on a new sofa, then set your sights on a loveseat or chaise longue. Because they occupy a smaller footprint, these pieces are usually more affordable and can still accommodate one to two people. Cozy and eclectic living room design by Kate Maloney Albiani.

Shop Our Picks: 10 Apartment-Sized Sofas for Every Style Under $1,500

From: Kate Maloney Interior Design

Repurpose a Room Divider

Dust off that old room divider in your attic or basement, and put it to work as a chic headboard. We love how homeowner Jamie Steele used an intricately carved wooden screen, a beaded chandelier and a cobalt tassel throw to infuse this stark bedroom with Moroccan style.

More Ideas: 74 DIY & Upcycled Headboard Ideas