Guest Picks: 20 Low-Cost Decorating Ideas
Do not overlook outdoor furniture for a casual indoor room. Wicker chairs can be very inviting when mixed with upholstered pieces and warmed with toss pillows and throws.
Gallery walls are beautiful and add meaning to your home. Although, many people struggle with finding the right frames and layout for their walls, and picture frames can be costly. I love this inexpensive collection of white frames that eliminates the guesswork and makes things simple for everyone.
My favorite low-cost decorating tip is to change out toss pillows. They are relatively inexpensive and will completely change the look and feel of a room.
Drum shades are stylish and add interest to any room. Cover one in eye-catching fabric or find one in a fabric that you adore. This Birds in Bloom light is inexpensive, fun and bold.
Whether for extra mood lighting or filler in a vignette, candles are always used in my decor. I put them on the mantel, on top of the hutch in the bathroom, and in the bedroom. They are cheap, look great in lanterns and add instant romance to a space.
Colorful quilted throws draped at the end of a bed or over the arm of a couch add warmth, charm and character to a room inexpensively.
To make a room appear larger, use big mirrors to trick the eye. I love this substantial floor mirror and think it would look great in an urban apartment.
Garden stools are still a great low-cost decorating solution, both indoors and out. They work as extra seating, side tables or nightstands.
Pretty shelf liner can be used to back bookcases, in addition to lining shelves. It is a great low-cost solution for adding interest to boring spaces.
Spray paint is the budget decorator's favorite item! You can transform virtually anything with a can of spray paint. I recently created an outdoor mirror from an old window using Krylon's Looking Glass paint.
Wall stencils are easy to use, are inexpensive and can be covered with a fresh coat of paint — which is why I prefer them to wallpaper. They are a great low-cost wall treatment option.
Nailhead trim makes the most boring of chairs, headboards or even coffee tables look chic and sophisticated. I always keep some pre-fab upholstery nailhead trim on hand for updating furniture.
Colorful dishtowels are a great way to inexpensively add some spice to your kitchen. I love to add cheery dishtowels to my dishwasher and stove handles. They add color to otherwise boring kitchen appliances.
Every room should have living elements. Succulents are a fantastic way of bringing life to a room inexpensively.
Clutter kills the look of any room. Be sure to invest in great storage pieces that will work double-duty for your family. This coffee table also acts as a storage unit.
White bedding is a great choice for low-cost decorating in the bedroom. The look of the room can easily be changed with toss pillows and accent blankets.
New flooring will completely change a room, but it is cost-prohibitive for many. Consider adding an inexpensive and durable indoor/outdoor rug to your space to ground furniture and freshen up the room.
Wall decals are a budget-friendly way to decorate your walls. Look for decals that are easily removable — they're especially great for renters.
Bamboo shades are inexpensive and add warmth, texture and style to every room. Pair them with long panel curtains for a classic look.Next: Budget Decorating: How to Decorate Smart and Slow
Plates with pops of color make for fresh wall decor. Picking plates within a color family and hanging them gallery style on a wall is a wonderful way to add a focal point without breaking the bank.
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