Renovating a room has it perks, but it can come with a high cost. If you're planning on re-doing your living room, here are some ways to make big changes while sticking to a cheap budget. You'll love your new and improved room - and still have some money leftover.
1. Jazz up Your Curtains
Curtains are ideal for adding a focal point to your living room. Rather than keeping the standard curtains, get a little fancy for little cost.
Instead of tying the curtains back, consider adding a knob onto your wall. This can give your room an antique feel, with a touch of glam. It's easy to find a cheap, creative-looking way to drape your curtains, open the room and let in light.
2. Change out Your End Tables
If building your own furniture or buying it second-hand isn't something you're interested in, the best way to go is finding low-priced, but new furniture. Shop around online and in stores to find the best deals.
For example, you can find end tables for around $30, and look for free shipping if you're shopping online.
3. DIY Lamp Shades
Lamps are what give you light and set the ambiance of your room. Instead of going to the store and purchasing expensive lamps, however, find yourself fabric you like and decorate a lampshade at home.
Fabric stores such as Joann's constantly have coupons, giving you a discount on the fabric and other materials you may need. This gives you so many more options, and it will allow you to really personalize your lamps.
4. Thrift Store Finds
Thrift stores are the place where you can get a bang for your buck. Most people are hesitant about second-hand shopping, but they don't realize that sometimes, you can find new things for a thrift store price. Check out your local thrift stores to see what they have.
You can find great deals on things like wall décor, area rugs, storage and even furniture. Don't be afraid to shop around until you find the best deal and feel comfortable with the items you are purchasing.
5. Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint
Paying a professional painter to come to your home can get very pricey. Instead, you can paint the room yourself. Choosing the right color to make a room feel how you want isn't as hard as you'd think.
Warm, natural tones are great if you like a lot of light in your room and want it to feel bigger. Blues are great for creating a peaceful, calming ambiance. Brighter colors like reds and yellows give your room energy. Whatever color you choose, paint the room yourself for a new room at a cheap price.
6. Shop Clearance and Outlet Stores
If buying used items for your room isn't an option you want to go with, check out clearance centers and outlet stores. You can find high discounts and low prices.
Often the furniture or décor items are placed on clearance because the company ordered too many or is no longer selling them. You can get brand new pieces to change up your living room without spending the top dollar you might have at a high-end store.
7. Do a Pallet Project
If you're looking for a nice focal piece such as a new entertainment center or coffee table, think about making it out of pallet wood. With a few tools, you can build your own custom piece and save yourself a lot of money.
There are tons of ideas and inspiration on how to make your own pallet piece. When you have friends and family over, they'll notice your new furniture, which creates a great conversation topic.
You deserve to refresh your living room without a high price. Use these tips to improve your space, while saving money in the process. Let the renovation begin!
Scott Huntington is a writer from central Pennsylvania. He enjoys working on his home and garden with his wife and 2 kids. Follow him on Twitter @SMHuntington
1. Jazz up Your Curtains
Curtains are ideal for adding a focal point to your living room. Rather than keeping the standard curtains, get a little fancy for little cost.
Instead of tying the curtains back, consider adding a knob onto your wall. This can give your room an antique feel, with a touch of glam. It's easy to find a cheap, creative-looking way to drape your curtains, open the room and let in light.
2. Change out Your End Tables
If building your own furniture or buying it second-hand isn't something you're interested in, the best way to go is finding low-priced, but new furniture. Shop around online and in stores to find the best deals.
For example, you can find end tables for around $30, and look for free shipping if you're shopping online.
3. DIY Lamp Shades
Lamps are what give you light and set the ambiance of your room. Instead of going to the store and purchasing expensive lamps, however, find yourself fabric you like and decorate a lampshade at home.
Fabric stores such as Joann's constantly have coupons, giving you a discount on the fabric and other materials you may need. This gives you so many more options, and it will allow you to really personalize your lamps.
4. Thrift Store Finds
Thrift stores are the place where you can get a bang for your buck. Most people are hesitant about second-hand shopping, but they don't realize that sometimes, you can find new things for a thrift store price. Check out your local thrift stores to see what they have.
You can find great deals on things like wall décor, area rugs, storage and even furniture. Don't be afraid to shop around until you find the best deal and feel comfortable with the items you are purchasing.
5. Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint
Paying a professional painter to come to your home can get very pricey. Instead, you can paint the room yourself. Choosing the right color to make a room feel how you want isn't as hard as you'd think.
Warm, natural tones are great if you like a lot of light in your room and want it to feel bigger. Blues are great for creating a peaceful, calming ambiance. Brighter colors like reds and yellows give your room energy. Whatever color you choose, paint the room yourself for a new room at a cheap price.
6. Shop Clearance and Outlet Stores
If buying used items for your room isn't an option you want to go with, check out clearance centers and outlet stores. You can find high discounts and low prices.
Often the furniture or décor items are placed on clearance because the company ordered too many or is no longer selling them. You can get brand new pieces to change up your living room without spending the top dollar you might have at a high-end store.
7. Do a Pallet Project
If you're looking for a nice focal piece such as a new entertainment center or coffee table, think about making it out of pallet wood. With a few tools, you can build your own custom piece and save yourself a lot of money.
There are tons of ideas and inspiration on how to make your own pallet piece. When you have friends and family over, they'll notice your new furniture, which creates a great conversation topic.
You deserve to refresh your living room without a high price. Use these tips to improve your space, while saving money in the process. Let the renovation begin!
Scott Huntington is a writer from central Pennsylvania. He enjoys working on his home and garden with his wife and 2 kids. Follow him on Twitter @SMHuntington