When you’re tired from a long day, the last thing you want to come home to is a tired looking living room. But when money is tight, how can you afford to freshen up the decor?
Rest easy, you don’t have to invest in a major overhaul to get a living room you can be proud of. In fact, there are several things you can do to spruce things up that cost little to no money at all.
Ready to become a design on a dime pro? Let’s look at 9 easy ways you can freshen up your living room on a budget.
1. Fresh Coat of Color
A change of color can transform any space. So when you’re looking for cheap ways to decorate your living room, you can’t beat a fresh coat of paint.
Paint is very inexpensive. Plus, it’s easy for even the most novice of decorators to do.
Brighten up a dingy room for a fresh, clean look or go darker to create a moody, cozy feeling.
Don’t want to paint the whole room? Then choose a focal wall to paint or simply accent an architectural feature of the room with contrasting color.
2. Change up Your Accessories
You don’t need a room full of new furniture to freshen up your look. It can be as simple, and affordable, as changing out the room’s accessories.
Toss out your sofa’s old throw pillows for brand new ones. Add a new rug to the area and drape a cozy blanket over your side chair. You can even replace your worn-out picture frames and knickknacks with all new ones.
It may surprise you how focusing on the little pieces of the room can give you a brand-new look while saving you big money.
3. Add Greenery
If you’re looking to breath new life into your living room, do it by bringing the outdoors in with plants!
Adding greenery to the space will give your room a fresh, organic feeling. Plus, it brings in bright pops of earthy colors.
Visit your local greenhouse or ask a friend if they have a plant they can divide for you.
If you don’t have a green thumb, don’t be afraid to bring in artificial greenery. It will still liven up your living room without the pressure of keeping the plant alive.
4. Rearrange the Situation
There’s no better decorating tip than one that costs zero dollars. That’s why working with what you already have can save you loads; all you have to do is mix it up!
Try giving your living room a new look by rearranging your furniture. Arrange the furniture around a new focal point in the room or bring a chair from another room in to create a conversational area.
That’s also a good time to declutter your living room. Empty out everything from the room and bring back only the things you love and need. Even the smallest of changes can make a big difference.
5. Make a Gallery Wall
Arranging a gallery wall of artwork and pictures will not only give your room a new look, it will give it a new focal point of memories and pieces you love.
Gather together all your favorite pictures. They can be anything from your travels, family and friends, and fun candid moments. You can mix in postcards, artwork, and other prints you love.
Shop local thrift and discount stores for picture frames. Then hang your pieces together on one wall in a fun arrangement. Try to vary the sizes, mixing in larger pieces with groups of smaller ones for visual contrast.
6. Redress Your Windows
To add some needed drama into your living room, rethink how you hang your curtains.
Instead of hanging curtains from the top of the windows, hang them from ceiling height, having your curtains reach all the way to the floor. And be sure the pole extends long enough for the curtains to hang on the outside of the window frames.
Not only will it give your living room the illusion of added height, but it will also help bring in more natural light.
If your windows are looking a bit tired, learn more about if you can restore them to help save money.
7. Layer on the Textures
Color isn’t the only element that brings visual interest into a room. For your living room makeover, bring in more interest with textures.
Velvet, leather, metal, wood, and wool are just some of the different types of texture you can bring into your living room to create a warm, cozy, sophisticated look.
Introduce them into the room with items such as fuzzy blankets, throw pillows, woven rugs, a wood coffee table, and fun accent chair.
8. Light It up
An easy way to brighten up your living room while on a budget is with new light fixtures. It can change the atmosphere of the room without having to replace anything else.
Adding new lamps can give your room a designer touch. Bring in a new floor lamp for added height and visual interest.
Even something as simple as stringed twinkle lights placed in a bookcase or arranged in a plant will give the room a cozy feeling while not breaking the bank.
9. Refresh Your Sofa
New furniture is not feasible when you’re on a tight budget. But if your sofa has seen better days, try covering it up instead.
You can find slipcovers that come in all shapes, colors, sizes, and styles. Plus, they’re easy on the budget.
The bonus of slipcovers is they’re machine washable and you can change them out anytime you want a new look.
If slipcovers aren’t your thing, drape a large blanket or throw across your sofa. And if you already own the perfect blanket for the job, it won’t cost you a dime to do.
Styling Your Living Room on a Budget Is Easy
You don’t have to break the bank to get a living room you can’t wait to come home to. By using these tips, you can spruce up your living room on a budget while still relaxing in style.
Ready for more home care tips? Be sure to check out other posts in our House blog!
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