5 tips to decorate your home on a budget

There’s something about this time of year that often makes us want to freshen up our homes. Maybe the start of a new year has us inspired… or maybe, there’s just not much else to do in the middle of winter. Either way, you might find yourself feeling the urge to decorate your home. The only problem is, you’re on a budget.

Saving money and home projects seem like they won’t mix well together. After all, is expensive art and fancy furniture really in your budget? Maybe not. On the other hand, we believe there’s always a way to balance out your financial needs with your home desires. You don’t have to replace everything in your house to get a fresh feel. Look for the smaller spots and inexpensive options where you can make some improvements!

Don’t always go for the cheapest option

We just said to look for inexpensive options to decorate your home, and now we’re telling you to not always cheap out. How does that make sense? Sometimes, decorating your home on a budget doesn’t mean spending the least amount of money right away. 

You can safely assume that a good, quality piece of furniture or decor will outlast a super cheap one. For instance, compare a quality bed comforter with one that is easily prone to rips and tears. If you’re constantly having to replace your cheaper option, you’ll likely end up paying more in the end, even if it costs you less upfront. Spending a bit more at the beginning can save you huge money when the item lasts several years.

Of course, if you’re on a budget, you probably don’t want to spend huge amounts of money on anything. We’re not recommending you splurge on the most expensive version of whatever it is you’re buying! Try to find that nice middle ground. Pay a little bit extra, and you can be sure it won’t cost you more down the road.

Try a trusty DIY project

In most cases, taking on a task yourself will cost you far less than hiring someone else to do it. The exception is when you bite off more than you can chew with a home project. Then, you end up having to pay extra for someone to come repair the damage (think drywalling and plumbing improvements). So, within reason, consider a DIY project to decorate your home on a budget.

A common project is art. This one is great because it can be as advanced or as easy as you need. If you’re the 2021 Van Gogh, you can make some amazing art designs to hang in your home as a fun decoration. If you’re the kind of artist who can barely stay in the lines, there are tons of options for that too. For example, pre-illustrated art gives you an outline, and you just have to fill in the design. Art is one of the best ways to add a pop of colour and personality to a room. 

Another trendy project is the DIY wooden ladder. These wooden frames are used as bookshelves, plant holders, and makeshift towel racks in bathrooms. They add a rustic feel to your home, and they’re practical! If you have an existing ladder you can use, great. If not, you can make your own if you have some basic handy skills. All you need is a YouTube video and you’ll be set.

Make use of paint

The colour of your walls is one of the things that stands out most in a room. They set the tone, and often decide what kind of furniture and art go with it. Paint is a fantastic way to alter your home if you’re trying to save some money. 

The great thing about paint is it offers a variety in price. It depends on how much you want to do, as well as who does it. Obviously, you can paint by yourself if you feel capable. However, hiring a painter is one of the less expensive options to decorate your home. Different painters will have different prices, so you can explore your options and find one in your price range. If you have your whole house painted, that will obviously cost more than one or two rooms. If you’re trying to budget, think about which areas need fresh coats the most!

Focus on window treatments

Window treatments are a subtle part of a room, but they can add or take away from its overall look. Much like paint, they offer a lot of variety in price. It’s simple enough to buy a basic set of sheer curtains, and hang them yourself for a clean look. Meanwhile, treatments like blackout curtains and window shutters are more advanced and will cost you more. Again, it also depends on how widely you install them in your home. Roller shades give your room an older look, while California shutters offer a more modern feel. Lighter fabrics give a room an airier, newer feel than heavy ones. Your window treatments can cost as much or as little as you’re willing to put into them. This makes them a great, budget-friendly decorating idea.

Lighting

Finally, focus on your lighting to help your budget-friendly decorating. It’s surprising how much impact lights can have on the look and feel of your home. Old-fashioned, exposed bulbs give a room a minimalistic, industrial feel. Chandeliers look very traditional, while hanging pendants can look quite modern. You can even upgrade your bedside lamps, which is a very inexpensive way to freshen up your room. In general, lighting fixtures don’t cost as much as other home decorating projects, such as new flooring, for example.

The options for decorating your home on a budget are endless. They really depend on your own level of creativity, desire, and preferences. Keeping your home up-to-date will add to its value, and you’ll love the finished product!

If you’re looking to buy a home and have questions about your budget and mortgage, get in touch with us! You can give us a call at 902-482-2770, or contact us here.