Interior design can seem daunting, especially when working with a limited budget. However, with some creativity and resourcefulness, you can give any space a stylish makeover without breaking the bank. From upcycling thrift store finds to repurposing everyday items, there are many ways to implement cheap home decor and pull off a DIY home makeover. With a bit of imagination, you can create a gorgeous interior design on a budget.
Embrace the Thrill of Thrifting and Upcycling
One of the best ways to save money on interior design is to thrift used furniture and home decor. Check out local thrift stores, garage sales, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist for hidden gems. You can find everything from couches and armchairs to lamps, rugs, artwork, and accessories for a fraction of retail prices.
Upcycling thrifted items is also a great budget interior design strategy. With a little bit of paint, new hardware, or creative alterations, you can give old furniture and decor new life. Sand and refinish a used coffee table, turn a vintage suitcase into wall storage, or cut up an old sweater and sew a statement pillow. The possibilities are endless! Upcycling not only saves money but also reduces waste and allows you to add unique, one-of-a-kind elements to your home.
Upcycled coffee table
An upcycled thrift store coffee table adds character to this living room.
When thrifting, keep an eye out for pieces with good bones that just need a little TLC. Solid wood furniture with good construction can be revived with sanding, staining, painting, or new hardware. Don’t overlook items with minor flaws like scratches or missing knobs. These imperfections can usually be fixed with basic DIY skills.
Unleash Your Inner Artist with DIY Wall Art
One of the easiest ways to make a big impact without spending much is by creating your own wall art. DIY wall art allows you to add personal flair and visual interest to your space. Best of all, you can make art tailored exactly to your taste and decor style.
Painting is an accessible DIY wall art medium. Try using a canvas or wood panel as your base. Acrylic paints are affordable and easy to use. Create abstract paintings by layering colors and shapes. Faux finishes like sponging, stippling, or dragging paint across the surface also create beautiful effects.
Another option is to use stencils to create eye-catching designs. Use stencils on walls or canvas to make geometric patterns, inspirational quotes, or botanical silhouettes. You can also cut your own stencils from cardboard.
Beyond painting, you can craft 3D wall art from everyday items. Some ideas include:
- Photo collages using printed photos in thrifted frames
- Silhouette art from black paper or vinyl
- Shadow boxes displaying collected items like shells or ticket stubs
- String art made from nails and yarn or string
- Repurposed object installations like utensils, windows, or bike parts
The possibilities for DIY wall art are endless! Not only will it spruce up bare walls, but it will also showcase your creativity.
Transform Your Space with a Fresh Coat of Paint
Paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to makeover a room. A fresh coat of paint can give walls, furniture, and accessories an instant facelift. Painting allows you to change the entire vibe of a space by altering the color palette.
When choosing paint colors, be sure to consider the size of the room and the amount of natural light it receives. Dark, bold colors tend to make small spaces feel more cramped. Softer tones like light blue or gray open up the space. In rooms with ample natural light, you can get away with deeper, more saturated hues.
Semi-gloss or high-gloss paint finishes add a hint of shine and are perfect for using on trim, doors, and furniture. Matte finishes hide imperfections and are ideal for walls. You can also experiment with paint finishes like chalk paint or textured paints for unique effects.
Look for quality paint brands that offer paint and primer-in-one formulas. This eliminates the need to prime first and can help paint adhere and cover better. Always prep surfaces properly by cleaning, sanding, and filling holes before painting. Use painter’s tape for clean edges and apply two coats for best coverage.
DIY painted furniture
Give old furniture new life with a fresh coat of paint.
Painting worn furniture or flea market finds is one of the easiest ways to transform them. Sand and clean the surface first, then use spray paint or regular paint to change the color and finish. This is a budget-friendly way to make old furniture look brand new.
Add Personality and Texture with DIY Textiles
Incorporating textiles like throw pillows, rugs, curtains, and wall hangings is an easy way to add visual interest, texture, and a cozy feel to any space. Luckily, many textile projects can be DIYed even by total beginners.
Sewing your own pillow covers allows you to pick fun fabrics that show off your personality. You don’t even need a sewing machine – you can easily hand sew pillow covers or use iron-on hem tape. For an easy update, use fabric glue to adhere bold patterned fabric over existing pillows.
Macrame, a type of knotted rope craft, is trending for its boho aesthetic. You can hang macrame wall hangings or plant holders using simple knots and cotton rope. Pom-pom fringe trim also adds texture and color when adorning throw pillows or draped across a headboard.
Beginner sewers can try their hand at making simple curtains, tablecloths, or wall tapestries. Pick solid fabrics or basic prints to keep projects easy. Add interest with details like contrasting trims or banding. You can also embellish store-bought textiles with decorative touches like embroidery, fabric paint, or appliques.
Not only are DIY textiles budget-friendly, but they also allow you to control the colors, patterns, and textures in your space. Start small with a few handmade pillows or a macrame wall hanging to add a handcrafted touch.
DIY Lighting Solutions for a Brighter and More Ambiant Home
Proper lighting can make or break an interior design. The good news is there are many budget-friendly ways to upgrade lighting in your home through DIY projects.
One easy fix for ugly overhead fixtures is to replace lampshades. Choose a lampshade style and fabric that fits your room’s decor. Make sure the new shade’s size and shape works with the existing fixture. Neutral shades like white, beige or gray allow the fixture itself to shine.
For rooms with boring boob lights, replace them with a statement pendant light made from unexpected DIY materials like baskets, colored glass bottles, or painted buckets. Spray paint and distressing can transform a flea market find into a chic pendant. Suspend with a pendant cord kit.
DIY sconces are another unique lighting option. Attach wall mount brackets to salvaged wood, mirrors, or metal trays. Wire them with battery-powered puck lights or string lights. Paint and stencil the base to complement your color scheme.
For ambiance, use smart bulbs to create color-changing, dimmable lighting. Set the mood with automatic lighting schedules and scenes. Use voice controls or smart speakers for hands-free convenience.
With a little creativity, you can craft lighting fixtures that provide both function and wow-factor to your interior design. DIY your own stylish lamps, sconces, pendants and lampshades that align with your budget.
Conclusion
With some resourcefulness and DIY spirit, you can absolutely create a beautiful, personalized interior design while on a tight budget. Focus on the key elements that make the biggest impact – paint, wall art, textiles and lighting. Take advantage of upcycling, repurposing, thrifting and simple homemade projects to cut costs. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make something your own. The process can be just as rewarding as the finished result. The possibilities for budget interior design are truly endless!
