Decorating on a Budget

Cheap decorating ideas

We can’t all have our own decorating YouTube channels, but we can make our homes look like we do — even with a small budget.  

Whether staging a home to sell, sprucing up the current place or decorating from scratch in a new one, these economical ideas are sure to please without emptying your wallet. 

10 budget decorating tips

Transforming a space without spending a fortune is possible. With some creativity and resourcefulness, your home can have a new look at a low cost. 

1. Declutter the space

Rooms look better without clutter. Clean and declutter spaces for an instant makeover. Start by clearing flat surfaces for the most significant impact. Then, clean everything to freshen up the area.  

Good news! When moving with U-Pack®, having fewer things to pack and load can save you money! 

2. Repurpose current items 

Walk around your home to take inventory of what you already have. Furniture, artwork and other décor like vases or rugs, can be used in different rooms for a new look.  

For example, an old dresser from the guest room can be an interesting entry table (and added storage to keep the area clear!). 

3. Find unique budget décor at thrift stores

Shop thrift stores, flea markets, estate sales or online marketplaces for cheap home goods. You can find artwork, lamps, figurines and more to add conversation pieces to your home. Remember that furniture and picture frames can be painted to change the look.

4. Change out artwork

Updating artwork can change a room's vibe. Use current frames (paint them if you’d like) and replace the artwork with prints. Try a gallery wall for a dramatic change. 

You can find inexpensive artwork on sites like Etsy or cut pages from old calendars or damaged coffee table books.  

5. Score deals on clearance

Shop the clearance racks at local discount or home goods stores for excellent deals on seasonal décor or closeout items.  

Some stores sell scratched or damaged merchandise at a discount, so look for things you can repair or repaint at a fraction of the original price. 

6. Add new accent pieces

Instead of changing out everything in a room, add some accent pieces to change the look. A colorful throw blanket or statement artwork can make a big difference.

7. Add contrast with lighting and mirrors

Natural light is free, so open those curtains or blinds to let it shine in! Use strategically placed mirrors to reflect the light and make smaller spaces feel cozy and inviting. 

Don’t have much of a view? Use sheer curtains to get the benefit, or add lamps and other accent lighting for a similar result.  

8. Update fabrics

Add a slipcover to transform an old sofa into a stylish place to sit. Change out throw blankets, tablecloths or pillowcases for more pops of color or texture.  

Purchase new rugs and curtains for dramatic changes (find cheap ones at thrift stores or on clearance racks). Need to update large curtains on the cheap? If you can’t find used ones, check out woven shower curtains, which are typically more affordable. 

9. Bring nature inside

Decorate rooms with touches of nature. Depending on the season, bring in fresh flowers from your garden or holly twigs from the hedges. Display the cuttings in thrifted vases or glasses (or use ones you already own). 

If there is no natural décor around, you can get the same effect with artificial greenery. Look for discounted items at thrift stores and home goods retailers.

10. Try low-cost, big-impact DIY projects

Try some DIY projects at home for updated décor at a budget-friendly price.  

• Add wallpaper or decals 
• Change out cabinet hardware 
• Install peel-and-stick backsplashes in kitchens or bathrooms 
• Paint an accent wall 
   

What’s your favorite type of budget décor?

We love sharing new ideas for home décor. What’s your favorite budget-friendly décor piece or advice for cheap decorating? Let us know in the comments!