Last Updated on February 9, 2023
Decorating on a budget can be difficult when you have champagne taste, but if you follow these budget-friendly DIY home decorating ideas, you’ll be making over every room in your home for $5 and a hug in no time. The other week I shared my top tips on how to make your home look expensive, but today I wanted to take it a step further. What if you have a $100 limit? Or maybe no money at all. Let’s sharpen that pencil and dig into my top 5 ideas for DIY home decorating on a budget to create a unique and beautiful home.
9 Tips For Home Decorating On A Budget
1. Rearrange Your Room
This may sound silly, but it actually works, and it’s a zero-cost decorating idea. Sit in your room and think about how it should function. Does the existing furniture work? Examine the decor and ask yourself, “Does this belong here?” Ask yourself, “Can I improve this?”
Before you move any furniture, brainstorm other ways you might want to use the room. For example, say you are rearranging a dining room. Do you eat in that room? How is it presently used? Are the chairs comfortable? Is the table the right size? Really think about how the space functions and if that room could be improved.
2. The Power Of Paint
The power of paint should not be underestimated, and a couple of gallons of paint usually costs less than $100. A fresh coat of paint is an affordable way to transform the look and feel of a room, and if you don’t believe me, look at the difference between the blue DeNimes living room and the Natural Linen. Totally different mood, right?
If you’re not fully committed to painting the walls, think outside the box by painting a mural (or use some peel and stick wallpaper if you fear commitment). Think graphic stripes in a beautiful color palette, an arch, or try your hand at a scalloped wall like my friend Bre did in her daughter’s bedroom. You can also paint the doors, trim, or maybe the 5th wall…ya, you have one. It’s called the ceiling. Maybe you just need to repaint a dresser for a pop of color.
RELATED: Learn all the ins and outs of how to find the best rug size for your living room with this guide
3. Resell The Items You’re No Longer Using
If cash is what you need, resell the items you are no longer using on Facebook Marketplace and search for the new affordable decor in a secondhand store. Ain’t no shame in thrifting. It’s what I do best. Some folks like Target, but I prefer the church resale shop down the street. I rarely walk out empty-handed. Everything is priced to sell, and all the proceeds help needy families in my area.
Reselling unused items might be the best idea ever when decorating on a budget. Yes, it might take a bit longer, and immediate gratification isn’t always possible, but it’s a great way to fund your DIY home project. Just be patient with the process, and don’t rush into making decisions. Good things come to those who wait. Plus, reselling is a great way to declutter your space.
This vintage LaBarge mirror was found while I was on a thrifting adventure. It’s presently on Chairish for over $1000!
Other places to shop for secondhand items are Facebook Garage Sale Groups (I like to join the hoity-toity town groups), estate sales, flea markets, and don’t forget about Craigslist. Yes, it’s still around, and it’s still filled with gems. Turning on notifications helps find the right piece on Marketplace (and many other sites). Enter your keyword and be notified when the hidden gem you’re searching for is listed. Also, don’t be afraid to ask. Publish an ISO (in search of) post on Facebook, Nextdoor, or Poshmark (that link will take you to my closet). Never underestimate the powers of the Law Of Attraction.
4. Shop Your Home
Who doesn’t love shopping for new home decor? No one…at least no one who’s reading this post. However, most people do not have an endless supply of cash. Shopping your home for decor is a great way to refresh a space and is also the primary reason everything is constantly rotating over here.
5. Add A Touch Of Nature
Bring the outdoors in and breathe life into your space with some fresh greenery. No, shrubbery will not fully makeover a room, but it is still an idea for decorating on a budget. And who knows, maybe you’ll find the perfect vase for your stems while shopping for your home. If you’re like me and you have a few dollars to spend, grab some faux olive tree branches and pop them in a vase. Voila!
6. Shop Outlet Stores and Open Box Deals
My secret squirrel shopping destination is the CB2 and Crate & Barrel outlet shop in Naperville (there are other locations across the US). Yes, there are a lot of pieces that are beyond salvageable, but then there are others that are the score of the century. If you don’t have money to spend, use your time wisely.
Did you know online sites like Amazon have warehouse deals? I mean, in general, Amazon has affordable decor, but the warehouse is where you’ll find open box items – you know, the things people return. BTDubs, check Best Buy’s open box items if you’re looking for electronics. There’s a beverage cooler I’m eyeballin’ over there. It’s all about knowing where to look.
7. Repurpose It
Peruse TikTok, and you’ll find a ton of Dollar Store hacks (you’ll also find incredible IKEA hacks too). Walk down the aisles of a discount store and get a bit creative. You wouldn’t believe all the things you can do with pool noodles!
8. Change Out Your Accent Decor
If you want to give your bathroom or kitchen a makeover, upgrade your handles and knobs. A hardware swap-out is an easy way to refresh your space. Looking to redecorate your living room? Who says a makeover needs all new furniture? Dress up your seating with new throw pillows, or give your lighting a makeover with updated lampshades.
RELATED: Learn how to hang a picture like a pro with these 7 genius hacks.
9. Declutter And Reorganize
I know using “clean your room” as a suggestion for decorating on a budget sounds like a silly answer, but it’s true. Take everything off your shelves, coffee table, and countertops, and sort through everything. Are you finding things you didn’t realize were there? Now rearrange that bookshelf, add some art, pop a new vase on your table, and pop in some fresh flowers from Trader Joe’s. Presto chango. It’s all about keeping your surface space neat and organized.
RELATED: Check out this post on for a free Declutter Your Home Checklist and 7 Easy Decluttering Tips.
Discover More Modern Home Decor Ideas and Inspiration
The Primrose mirror is still trending hard, but the price tag crushes my soul. If you’re looking for an Anthropologie mirror dupe that doesn’t break the break. This one is for you.
Find affordable velvet curtains to cozy up your space and soften your windows.
One thing I do spend money on is bedding. Here are the best sheets that will help give you a better night’s sleep.
Learn to layer lighting like a pro with this guide to the best bedroom lighting.
Love plants as decor but have a black thumb? No worries! I have a rounds ups of the best faux olive trees, my favorite faux fiddle leaf fig trees, and a huge round-up of faux plants that look real.
Want to add a little magic to your room? Try adding some disco ball decor with these sparkly ideas.
Do you have a rug that is too small or too big? Not sure? Here’s how to choose the best size rug for a living room.
If you love wallpaper, but have a fear of commitment, check out this round-up of best removable wallpaper – it even includes a couple of wall murals.
Cane furniture is trending, and so is rattan and cane lighting. If cane isn’t your jam but you want more lighting ideas, check out this round-up of boob lighting alternatives.
If you’re looking to spruce your backyard, check out this round up of the best outdoor patio furniture.
Storage bins and other organization ideas to keep your home clutter-free. From the pantry to the kitchen to the bathroom to drawers, I’ve got you covered! And check out the decorative boxes post if you’re looking for ways to corral your remotes on your coffee table.
I’ve been playing around with some living room design concepts. Check out the latest mood board I came up with.