How to Affordably Decorate Your Room

Transform vintage suitcases into a table.

Don't let a tight budget keep you from redecorating an out-of-date bedroom. If your personal space is in need of refreshing, incorporate new decor pieces with the old to save money. Scour flea markets and second-hand stores for low-cost treasures, or pull your own antiques out of storage to use as room decor. Get creative by combining decor pieces in an eye-catching manner and using everyday items in a fresh, unexpected way.

Things You'll Need

• Colorful textiles
• Wallpaper
• Vintage items, such as jars and suitcases
• Appliques
• Hot glue gun
• Lamp with plain shade
• White light switch plate
• Acrylic paint
• Stencils
• Paintbrush
• Decorative drawer pulls

Instructions

1. Infuse a boring, neutral-hued bedroom with vibrant color using inexpensive textiles. Choose textiles featuring two or three complementary colors, such as teal and purple, to create a cohesive look throughout the space. Place bright accent pillows and a throw blanket on a bed with a white quilt or comforter. Hang colorful curtains against plain white or ecru walls.

2. Decorate just one wall, such as the space behind the bed or a bookcase, with eye-catching wallpaper rather than applying it to the entire room. Choose wallpaper featuring a bold pattern, such as fleur-de-lis or toile, and apply it to the wall with wallpaper paste.

3. Repurpose everyday items into room decor, such as using a vintage glass apothecary jar to display an antique marble or button collection on a wall shelf. Stack three or four vintage leather suitcases on the floor next to the bed to create a wanderlust-inspired night stand.

4. Apply a dab of hot glue to the backs of bird-, seashell- or flower-shaped appliques and press them onto a plain white lampshade for instant appeal. Embellish a white light switch plate with coordinating designs using stencils and acrylic craft paint.

5. Replace an old dresser's drawer pulls with decorative versions as a cheap update. Choose clear crystal vintage pulls for shabby chic style, or hand-painted ceramic versions for a crafty look.

References

• Country Living: Budget Decorating and Makeover Ideas
• Elements of Style: Current Obsession: Vintage Suitcases