Are you bored of your room space but don’t have a big (and unrealistic) budget to redecorate it? Well you’re not alone! Many of us dream of giving our rooms a new look, but can shy away at the price of a room transformation. The thing is, refreshing your room on a budget is possible! You can achieve a room transformation on a budget with only $100, or even less. Here’s a rough estimate of what different options can cost to give you an idea of how to decorate on a tight budget:
Paint-sample size: $5 – $15
Removable wallpaper: $30 – $50
DIY art supplies-canvas and paint: $10 – $15
Throw pillows: $10 – $30
Lighting fixtures or lamps: $10 – $30
Plants or fresh flowers: $5 – $20
Accent rugs: $20 – $50
Shelves or frames: $10 – $40
Below, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to transform your space on a budget.
Why Refreshing Your Room Matters
A room refresh can breathe new life into your space, and even make it more inviting and enjoyable. Whether it’s a bedroom, living room, or home office-a few strategic updates can make all the difference in your surroundings, mood, and productivity. Even better, a refreshed room gives an uplift to the general aesthetic of your house, making it feel even more cohesive and personalized.
Step 1: Assess Your Space
Before you begin making those changes, take some time to first assess your current space. Here’s how:
Problem Areas: What things are outdated, cluttered, or just out of place? Is a wall too bare, or does the furniture seem to be a little out of place?
Know your style: What kind of design do you like? Minimalist, bohemian, modern, or rustic? Having a clear vision will guide your refresh.
Step 2: Create a Plan
Once you have an idea of your space and style, Create a plan that includes these affordable home styling tips:
What Has to Go: List certain things you would like to change, whether it be wall color, decoration, or furniture arrangement.
Budget Breakdown: Be very strategic with your $100. Decide how much you can devote to different elements, such as paint, decoration, or storage options.
Step 3: Choose a Focal Point
Every room needs a focal point. This could be:
Accent Wall: Paint a wall a bold color, or add removable wallpaper for a nice pop to your space.
Statement Piece: A large piece of art, a stylish mirror, or a striking furniture piece draws the eye and often sets the tone for the room.
Example: Accent Wall on a Budget
Paint: Purchase a sample-sized can of paint for about $5-$15.
Removable Wallpaper: Find affordable pieces starting from an average cost of $30-$50 for one accent wall.
Step 4: Update Your Color Palette
Colors are crucial in determining the atmosphere of a room. Here’s how you can refresh your color scheme with low-cost decor updates:
Paint: A fresh coat of paint can work wonders! Use your budget to buy a sample of your chosen color.
Accessories: Throw in newer throw pillows, a blanket, or curtains with your updated color palette.
Example: Color Refresh Steps
Select a neutral base color to use for walls.
Add a pop of color using accessories that can be purchased from discount retailers.
Step 5: Update Your Decor
Decor makes a huge difference in the overall feel of a room. Here are some inexpensive room decor ideas on a budget:
DIY Artwork: Make your own artwork using inexpensive materials such as canvas and paint, or use some FREE printables found online.
Thrift Store Finds: Check your local thrift stores for interesting decor pieces using thrift store decor hacks.
Nature Elements: Add plants or fresh flowers; you can get them for free from friends or your garden.
Example: Create Your Own Art
1.Buy a canvas for about $10.
2. Use left over paint left from another project or buy sample-sized paints for $5 each.
3. Create an abstract artwork that works with your color scheme.
Step 6: Rearrange and Reorganize
Sometimes, all it takes are creative ways to update your space to renew the mood in your room:
Furniture Layout: Move your furniture around. Utilize online room planners to observe changes that can be made without heavy lifting.
Declutter: Break free from things that no longer serve a purpose. Donate or sell what you can in order to provide a space.
Example: Changes in Room Layout
1. Highlight areas that you perceive as crowded 2. Get rid of unnecessary clutter
3.Shift furniture around until you see a comfortable flow
Step 7: Affordable Lighting
Lighting alone can drastically change the mood of a room. Below are a few very low-cost ideas for changing up lighting in a room:
New Light Fixtures: Look for a low-cost hanging light, or a lamp, from discount stores.
Changing Bulbs: Changing your light bulbs to warmer or cooler bulbs can make a great difference in your mood. Many LED bulbs are energy-efficient and low in cost.
Example: Lighting Improvements
Replace your current lamp shades for a new look, these can be found for pretty cheap at around $10-$20.
Consider string lights for a cozy feel, these can generally be found for under $20.
Step 8: Accessorize with a Plan
Accessories will make or break your space! It’s important to pick the right accessories that will enhance your room without clutter. Here are two low-cost ideas:
Throw Pillows and Blankets: These can be changed out with the season and for very low cost.
Rugs: Think area rugs to define spaces and warm them up on the cheap.
Costs
Throw Pillows: $20-$30
Look for sales or clearance items rugs, generally less than $50
Step 9: Get Creative with Your Walls
Wall space is often overlooked and disregarded. Here are two fun ways to breathe new life into yours:
Shelves: Put up floating shelves to display decorative items like vases, art, plants, or books. In most cases these are under $30 and can be found online and in discount stores.
Gallery Wall: Create a one-of-a-kind gallery wall with a mix of different frames. Use affordable frames, or make your own from thrift store finds and add family pictures or inspiring quotes to them!
Step 10: Finishing Touches
Last but not least… add finishing touches that make your room feel complete:
Seasonal Decor: You can add seasonal touches into your room, like fall leaves (pumpkins during Halloween seasons) or spring flowers
Scent and Sound: Include candles or essential oil diffusers for ambiance and a pleasant scent like spicy and warm scent of cinnamon for the fall season or a sweet candy cane aroma for Christmas and Winter season, you can find them stores like Bath & Body Works or even at discount stores such as Marshalls, Ross, or TJmax. Consider also adding in a small speaker for music and a overall pleasant and relaxing ambiance.
Example: Final Touches on a Budget
You can buy candles or essential oils (around $10-$20) and use items you already have, like books or collectibles on your shelves and tables.
Refreshing your room doesn’t have to be expensive, a good DIY room makeover can transform your space without breaking the bank! Every step of the process from reassessing your room, choosing different areas to decorate, to picking the right lighting, gives you the opportunity to express yourself. It just takes a bit of strategic planning and creativity. With these cost-effective decor tips, you can refresh your space for $100 or less. You’ll be amazed at how a little effort and a bit of creativity can turn into a stunning transformation!
