Decorating on a budget is a great way to add style to your space without breaking the bank. Here are a few easy tips and tricks to help you save money while still keeping your home looking gorgeous!
First, consider your long-term plans. For example, are you planning to get married, buy a house, have children?
Make It Work With What You Have
It can be challenging to decorate your home on a budget, but with the right techniques, you don’t have to break the bank. Rather than shelling out for the latest designer piece, consider rearranging your current furniture, revamping reclaimed pieces or using paint to brighten up a tired cabinet.
A smart move is to put the wish list on hold, focusing on one or two key areas and then splurge on just the right items. This will save you the embarrassment of regretting your decorating choices later down the track. It also makes for a more enjoyable experience since you’ll know exactly how much you can spend, and when! To get the most out of your decorating budget, be sure to shop around and find the best deals on your desired products.
Splurge on Just a Few Key Pieces
Even if you’re working on a tight budget, it’s still possible to decorate with style. The key is to know when to splurge on key pieces and when to save. Often, interior designers agree that there are a few key items where it makes sense to spend a little more money and others where you might be able to pull back and save.
When deciding whether to splurge or save, it’s important to think about the quality of the item. Sometimes, a less expensive option is not made with the same quality materials or craftsmanship as a more expensive piece. If you are buying furniture, it’s especially helpful to purchase a high-quality product that will last for years.
If you are unsure whether to splurge or save, start by creating a list of the pieces you want to buy and then go through each one. Having a clear list of what you need helps ensure that you don’t end up with a bunch of unnecessary items in your home. You can also use a personal finance app to track your expenses and see what areas you’re able to cut back on. It’s also a great idea to rearrange existing pieces and move paintings or tables around from room to room to create a more fresh feel.
Paint Your Cabinets
Paint can be a great way to update the look of your kitchen without spending a fortune. However, it can also be a tricky process. The type of paint you use and the preparation of the cabinets before painting will determine your final results.
Before you paint your cabinets, remove the doors from their frames and check them for damage. If any are cracked or warped, repair them before painting to ensure the best results.
Once your cabinet doors are ready, paint them with a high-quality primer. Apply a thin layer, making sure to get into all the corners and crevices.
For an even finish, minimize brush strokes and get into all the small spaces by using a two-to-two-and-a-half-inch paintbrush or a mini roller that’s around 4.5″ wide.
The size of the brush will make a big difference in how you finish your kitchen. You want a brush with a good amount of bristles to avoid brush marks.
Once you have a smooth, even coat of paint on your cabinets, let them dry for several hours to ensure a long-lasting finish. If you’re worried about your finished product, a layer of polyurethane can help protect against chipping or scratching.
Decorate the Interior of a Bookcase
Bookshelves can be a perfect place to display your favorite reads and collectibles. You can even add some flair by decorating your bookcase with artwork and other decorative objects.
To make a bookcase look more organized, try arranging your books in stacks instead of rows. This makes them easier to find and will also create a more interesting layout.
You can also rotate your books to different heights. This is an easy way to add interest to your bookcase without a lot of work.
Whether you have a large collection of books or just a few, it is important to organize your bookcase properly. This can be done by separating your books into stacks and groups of two to five.
Another option is to arrange your books by genre or author. This will ensure that all your books are together and will help you keep track of what you have and what you haven’t read yet.
Keeping an eye out for new books is always a good idea, but you should also consider buying secondhand items as well. This can help you to save money while still retaining a sense of style and quality.
Hang Your Functional Clothing and Accessories
If you have multiple clothing articles in different colors, or you own several different kinds of accessories that aren’t designed to hang on a standard hanger, it’s time to get creative. In many cases, you’ll be able to hang your functional clothes and accessories on inexpensive wall hooks. A basic hanger has a series of fully formed U-shaped loops that allow you to suspend multiple items at once. You can also replace the loops with solid posts, but you should consider the lateral width of each U-shaped loop before determining whether or not to do so. For example, if you reduce the number of U-shaped loops to two on each side, then you won’t be able to suspend accessories like belts because they won’t fit over the opposed legs of two adjacent U-shaped loops.
Wait for the Big Sales
Buying items that are on sale is a great way to save money. You can usually find a deal for everything from kitchenware to furniture at department stores and even online. It is also a good idea to make a list of items you want before you shop, so you don’t buy anything you don’t really need. And don’t forget to look for the big sales that occur around major holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day and Veterans Day. Those are the best times to buy things that won’t be available for long, such as designer apparel, home decor and accessories.
Shop Around
Decorating on a budget can be tricky, but don’t let it stop you from creating a beautiful space. One of the best ways to save money is to shop around for your decor items. This is a great way to get the most bang for your buck and make sure you’re getting items that will last for years to come.
The first thing you need to do is look at what you have in your home, and see if there are any pieces that can be repurposed into new pieces. This may include furniture, paintings or other accent pieces that could be refreshed.
Another way to save money on your decor is to mix and match different types of furniture. For example, if you need six chairs for your dining table, consider buying two chairs at the ends of the table and two cheaper ones in the middle to save money. This will give your dining room a modern look without going over your budget, says Jillian.
You can also save on your decor by shopping for deals online and in stores. Waiting for sales on appliances like ovens and hoods can save you a lot of money. Plus, shopping for bargains at thrift stores can be a great way to save on your decorations too!
