How To Decorate Your Living Space On A Budget

Decorating a new space can be both exciting and overwhelming.  Overwhelming more so, especially when you have to consider how easily the cost of buying both furniture and decorations can add up!  I wanted to share with you some helpful tips on decorating your living room on a budget, while still adding style and a feminine flair. 

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1. Pillow Covers

Don’t spend your precious dollars buying new pillows for your couch. You can easily reuse throw pillows you have and aren’t using anymore or purchase inexpensive ones at your local thrift store, garage sale or Ross. It doesn’t matter if they are hideous or not to your liking. That is where the pillow covers come in handy! I bought polka dot throw covers right on Amazon for under $15 for two.

2. Repaint What You Own

Some older pieces of furniture or accent pieces may not go with what you have but can easily be painted to tie in your overall look.  If you are needing something small to consider going to your local goodwill half off Saturday sale and buying something there if needed. A fresh coat of paint can make anything look new again!

3. Use Mirrors

Mirrors not only open up any space but can also make a space more inviting and elegant.  The important thing to remember is that the mirror used needs to fit the intended space.  I often see mirrors placed in not so ideal locations and unfortunately don’t do the space or the mirror any justice.  I have easily been able to find a new home for something I already own, which means one less item to account for when decorating.  If you are looking for a new mirror, ensure the mirror style, size and framing goes will with your overall decor. Black framing works well for a modern look and gold would do well for a softer more elegant style.

4. Display Bindings On Books

You can easily use hardcover books you already own as a part of your overall decor. Take off the book covers and you will be pleasantly surprised to see that you, in fact, have plenty of character living under those covers.  The hardcovers will vary in color and writing so feel free to play around with which work the best with your overall decor.  This adds an instant homey vibe and uses up space on a bookshelf to create an inviting effect. Bare shelves can feel boring, sterile and uninviting.

5. Use Offer Up

There are so many amazing finds on Offer Up in which you can purchase to repaint and make new again, or if you aren’t into taking the time to update your pieces, plenty of ready to go pieces of furniture.  Also, remember to think outside of the box and be patient with your search.  I found the perfect dining table for $65 and patiently hunted for chairs to match.  You don’t need to buy everything at once and sometimes you find the ideal purchases that go together at different stages of your hunt.  I found the chairs pictured below for $150 total when they each sell for about that price individually at target.

6.  Amazon For Small Pieces

I was able to add so much elegance with my living room coffee table.  I didn’t feel like spending an arm and a leg so I took a look at Amazon to see what options they had.  I found this faux marble coffee table for $119.  If you are looking to spend even less, I recommend taking an Ikea coffee table and adding marble contact paper at a fraction of the cost!

7. Add House Plants

Adding plants to your space can make be both beneficial in adding a light airy vibe to your space while also being environmentally conscious.  I would recommend adding real plants if you are able to keep them alive, if not opt for some fake ones from your local Ross or TJMaxx.  Look for house plants that help cleanse the air.  Having a cute space and clean air, win-win!