Decorating Your Home on a Budget

Ever see a piece of decor and think about how perfect it would fit in that blank spot in the living room, but one look at the price tag made that dream pass as quickly as it came?

Most of us simply can’t justify spending so much on an item of decor especially when the kids needed new jeans yesterday and there are several other “to buys” that should take priority.

Whether you’re looking for something to fill a specific spot, or you’re just looking for a creative decorating outlet, here are a few ways you can spice up your home’s look without breaking the bank.

Create Your Own Wall Art

Having blank walls is one of the main reasons why your room might feel lackluster. But, as I’m sure you know, wall art can cost a pretty penny.

Personally, I don’t think wall decor needs to be fancy schmancy to make a beautiful impression. There are so many inspiring and easy DIYs you can find online for artwork that fits every taste.

However, if you really want professional level wall art on a budget, create it yourself using an online image gallery with tons of beautiful professionally shot photos. Then you just select the images you want to get printed on canvas. The end result looks just like something you could’ve splurged for at an art show at a fraction of the cost!

Add New Accents

Accents can make all the difference in filling up your space or bringing in pops of color to really bring a room to life.

Rather than spending an arm and a leg on pillows from Pottery Barn or candle holders from Pier 1, make them yourself and save your money for bigger investment pieces, like a beautiful dining room table or entertainment center.

Things like table centerpieces, book ends and other knick knacks are not only some of the most fun DIYs to make because they’re not terribly overwhelming (like creating a whole coffee table from old wooden pallets) and they can also be practical.

Fancy Up Your Windows

One of the quickest ways to take a room from drab to fab is creating a little drama around your windows. Especially if you have those dreaded mini blinds. Really, those things will never be 100 percent dust free.

Instead of investing in costly new shutters or brand name window treatments, get googling and make them yourself!

There are some awesome tutorials on everything from how to create no-sew Roman shades to tufted window valances, and all you need to do is a little prep work and fabric swatch-ing.

Create Personal Touches

If you get in the groove of regular DIY-ing you’ll discover the pieces you made that you just can’t buy at any store will become some of your favorites.

Over the years I’ve collected tons and tons of shells from various beach vacations and trips to see my family in Florida. It was sad to see all those shells sitting in a plastic bin, so one weekend I decided it was the perfect time to put them on display.

All I had to do was buy a cheap mirror with a plain frame, add some hot glue, and in a matter of a couple hours I had a custom shell mosaic mirror that immediately transports me back to the sea.

You know how much shell-framed mirrors go for in some little beach boutiques in Florida? I’ve seen some as high as $350. All that DIY cost me is $20 and countless memories.

Find something you’ve been holding on to and repurpose it for something you’ll truly enjoy every day.