Home improvement on a budget can often seem like an impossibility, but it doesn’t have to be! With a few simple tips and tricks, anyone can have a beautiful-looking home and still save money. Here are some of our top tips for home improvement on a budget:
Paint: A fresh coat of paint can really work wonders for a home, but you don’t have to buy gallons of expensive paint to transform the walls of your home. Instead, head to a local charity or thrift shop. Buy one or two gallons of basic, no-name paint, then use the money you save to purchase additional colors or accessories.
Upcycle: Upcycling is all the rage and it’s a great way to spruce up a home without spending too much. Try using old furniture pieces in new ways. Take an old coffee table and turn it into a bookshelf or a storage box, or use thin wood strips to make decorative accent pieces.
Embellish: Embellishing doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult. Simple things like wreaths, curtains, or switch plates can all add personality to a room. Check thrift stores for curtains you can alter for a unique look. Get creative and think outside the box.
De-clutter: You don’t need to throw out old furniture or other items to de-clutter. Try rearranging the items in the room. Move the chairs and sofas around, create different “zones”, or add additional storage solutions. De-cluttering doesn’t have to be expensive – it can be as simple as moving objects around in a room.
Focus on the ‘little’ details: Little details can make a big difference in a home. Buy inexpensive knick knacks, pillows, mirrors, and pictures to add texture and personality. Even the right throw blanket or accent rug can really pull a room together.
Add plants: Adding plants to a room can add texture and color to any space. Head to a local nursery or farmers market to purchase low cost plants. Create seasonal displays for a nice touch.
Swap Items: If you’re in need of new furniture, ask family members or friends if they’d like to swap items. You can also swap with local moms in online parenting Facebook groups or other local swap groups. This is also a great way to find free items.
Now let’s explore four ways to maximize space while on a budget.
Organize: Organization can really save space and make a room feel bigger. Buy wire racks for closets, use built-in shelves, or purchase multi-purpose furniture pieces like ottomans with storage. Having a designated spot for items in the home is key for organization.
Use mirrors: Mirrors really make a room “pop” and create an illusion of space. Place mirrors on walls, windows, or shelving to make the room appear bigger and brighter.
Replace big furniture with smaller pieces: If there’s one big piece of furniture taking up the majority of the room, consider replacing it with a few smaller pieces. A loveseat with a small side table takes up less space than a huge sectional.
Light it up: Natural lighting can work wonders in a room, but having adequate artificial lighting is also key. Place table lamps or floor lamps in dark corners of the home to brighten up a space.
Finally, decorate with items you have: You don’t need to head to the store to decorate – look through old magazines or photos for inspiration. Repurpose items to decorate your room, like using an old frame to hang a cute scarf. Make your own artwork or search thrift stores for unique items. It doesn’t have to be expensive!
Using bright colors and art prints can also give a room an instant makeover. Pick bold colors that reflect your style and personality. Hang art prints using double-sided tape or nails. If you opt for nails, use a picture hanging kit to make sure everything remains level.
Reupholstering furniture is another great option for those on a budget. It’s much easier than it may sound. Simply buy a few yards of inexpensive fabric and substitute it for the old fabric of a piece of furniture. Choose colors that match the overall theme of the room and you’ve instantly brightened things up.
Finally, rearrange the items in the room to create the look you want. Rearrange the furniture, switch out the curtains, or rotate throw pillows every few weeks. You’ll be amazed at how much of a difference a small shakeup can make.
To really save on home improvement, look for secondhand items. Estate sales or flea markets are great ways to scour for hidden gems. Thrift stores are also packed with hidden treasures. No matter what, home improvement doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a little bit of creativity and patience, anyone can improve their home on a budget.