How to Decorate on a Low Budget

Yard sales offer a treasure trove of inexpensive items.

Your home is a place of peace and tranquility, but decorating can be a costly endeavor. With research and smart shopping, every home can look like a designer showplace. Take time to visit furniture stores, model homes and open houses for ideas on how professional designers work their magic. Once you have found your taste, it's easier to find budget-friendly options. Create a list of discount stores and check them often for new arrivals, and check for dates of estate and yard sales. One man's trash is another man's treasure.

Things You'll Need

• Magazines
• Paint
• Furniture
• Accessories
• Hardware
• Fabric
• Decorative paper
• Window treatments

Instructions

1. Look through magazines for inspiration and design ideas. Cut out pictures and store them in a photo album or notebook for easy access. Research products online for the best prices, alternative manufacturers and knock-offs of high-priced, designer originals.

2. Buy "oops" paint instead of requesting custom mixing for a color. Paint a single wall a contrasting color to create a focal point.

3. Repurpose existing furniture by painting, staining or reupholstering to match the new decor. Replace knobs, handles and hinges with modern alternatives to bring a new look to cabinetry and other storage pieces.

4. Shop for furniture and accessories in good structural shape. Refresh used furniture with paint, fabric and new hardware. Inquire about floor model sales at furniture stores to save money on new pieces.

5. Refresh window treatments by adding a colorful border or decorative ribbon. Sew tassels to the edges and fringe to the bottom of curtains, shades or valances. Update the drapery rod with a fresh coat of paint.

6. Create inexpensive artwork by framing fabric or decorative paper. Have a favorite photograph enlarged, changed to black and white, and frame it.

7. Fill glass jars with seashells, marbles or rocks for inexpensive accessories in a space. Infuse accent colors around the room with colored glass.

8. Incorporate baskets as hidden storage. Spray paint and add ribbon to the baskets to match any decor.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask about coupons and special sales or customer appreciation events at favorite stores.

• Get to know sales representatives and work with them to create a list of items to call you about when they go on sale.

• Obtain a part-time job at a furniture or accesory store and use the employee discount.

References

• Real Simple: Budget Decorating Checklist
• Country Living: Budget Decorating Makeover Ideas
• Cottage Home Decorating: Budget Decorating Ideas
• Apartment Therapy: Budget Decorating Ideas from the New 25 Hour Hotels