any ideas on how to decorate your home on a low budget?

Question

I want to decorate my apartment, but I am on a very low budget any tips or ideas?

Answer 1

If you have a "Christmas Tree Shop" in your area, that's the place to go. Look at their mirrors and art work, they also have curtains, bedding, couch pillows, vases and so much more, and they're CHEAP! Keep your decorating clean and simple, less is more. Use door frames as if they were picture frames, from whatever angle in the room you look through the door the scene should be framed like a picture. Have the colors flow from room to room. You don't want to have a bright yellow kitchen that can be seen from a purple living room. Check out the color charts to bring your rooms together. Have fun and good luck.

Answer 2

Do not turn your nose up at garage sales, yard sales. or swap meets. Yes, a lot of it is junk. However, if you think of it as treasure hunting, you will be surprised at what you may find.

Go through the sale location listings in the paper. Look for upscale neighborhood locations. Yes, upper class people have yard sales too. We are all consumers, and eventually we either have to make room for new stuff or we just want to get rid of things so that we can close our closet doors!

If your city or town has a large goods trash pickup day and you have access to a truck, be one of the first people on the street that day. Everything on that day is fair game. I once got a brand new designer sofa because an older woman was moving to a condo and didn't want to be bothered putting a for sale ad in the paper. You never know what treasures you might find on that day.

In our area, some paint stores have a "Paint Disaster Area". This is a place where people can purchase pre-mixed paint that customers wouldn't buy because the color was mixed incorrectly. These paints are available at huge discounts, and just because it wasn't exactly the right shade for one person doesn't make it a disaster color for you. Ask the salesperson if that store has an area similar to this.

Also in our town, we have a paint recycling center. People bring their unused paint here and anyone is welcome to take what they want. If you only want a small amount of paint or if you want to do some faux painting and are looking for an accent color to add to your colors, this is a good option to investigate

Answer 3

Painting is the one thing you can do that makes THE most impact for your decorating dollar. Home Depot has what they call "oops" paint which is paint that was a custom mix but the customer didn't like it, or never came back to get it. I'd go look at Home Depot and see if they have anything that interests you.

I'm an art lover and have loads of paintings and photography on my walls. You can find frames at the thrift stores, paint them to make them look like new again, and add your art or photos.

If you search for "self representing artists" on eBay you can find great art at great prices. I hate cookie cutter art, and would never buy a piece just because *gasp* it matches the decor. Invest in what you like not necessarily pieces that are the same color as your couch.

Look for architectural salvage shops in your area. Before they bulldoze old homes they go in and scavenge everything from fireplace mantels to crystal chandeliers or antique doorknobs. I love salvage shops for unique bargains.

Garage sales and yard sales are great because you can find great stuff at great prices. Be sure you take small bills so you can bargain. Nothing like getting someone to come down to $7 from their $25 asking price then handing them a $50 bill! Take lots of small bills to bargain shop at flea markets, too. Don't expect them to make change for you, either.

Have fun and be patient, it'll come together.

Answer 4

When working on a low budget items of color and simplicity are your best friend. And if you have time and the talent make yourself.

Being thats its an appartment and most landlords usually dont allow you to paint, your next best option is paintings and fabric.

Window treatments are expensive if you buy the prefab ones but if you are willing to take the extra time to save some money visit a fabric store and design/make your own. Though i prefer real flowers you can also purchase artifical flowers and make your own arrangments to add color around your place.

Answer 5

I feel that art or decor that you make yourself can be not only inexpensive, but gives your home a touch of individuality that many homes lack. It's great fun to create your own art, whether it's paintings, photos, collages, sculpture, pop art, or many other forms. Also, antiques from garage sales are wonderful decor for the home.
Hope you have a lot of fun decorating your new place!

Answer 6

This website has several pages on how to decorate on a budget. Some are a little crazy, but they will really get your mind to thinking.

Answer 7

First figure out what you want in your space, you may have to work one room at a time, but that's OK, isn't it. Check out local newspapers for yard sales, and see if there are any that might have anything that you need. Don't forget about Salvation Army, Goodwill and other thrift stores, that are reasonably priced. Happy Hunting. God Bless, Martha S.

Answer 8

Expert Tips:


"When you use the color white, be sure to add personality with some well-placed shots of color.

Nature—potted plants, flowers in vases—adds warmth to a small space.

Great style doesn’t have to be expensive; just be creative with what you have."




P.S. dont forget to dis-infect/dust/vacuum those germs first so you can decorate in a clean environment

Answer 9

First see if your landlord will let you paint.

Then try shopping at Old Time Pottery. It's a discount store with TONS of styles of stuff for all of the rooms in your home. I love it.

Also don't forget about IKEA!

Answer 10

A coat of paint makes everything different! You can paint walls, sure, but also wooden furniture, chairs, tables, wardrobes etc, can use stencilling if you like that. Fresh curtains are easily made yourself, ( or try ebay), go to local boot fairs, garage sales etc, have fun with it!
Good luck!
Jx