For the longest time, my brain immediately went blank when I heard “cheap home decor ideas.” In my mind, “cheap” meant the opposite of chic. Plenty of research and several experiences later, I’ve picked up a thing or two about affordable decor for home projects that cost next to nothing but definitely make a huge difference. Let’s go over them together.
10 Home Decorating Ideas on a Budget
1. Swap Out Throw Pillows
I saw someone refresh her entire living space just by switching out her throw pillows. She didn’t even buy new ones. She just opted for old fabric and a beginner-friendly tutorial. If you’re trying to decorate on a budget, this is probably the easiest win. Swapping pillows is like giving your home decor a mood change without doing anything risky. No paint, no hammer, just a zip and a fold.
2. Wallpaper the Inside of a Bookcase
A friend once used peel-and-stick wallpaper to line the back of an old IKEA bookshelf, and it looked like she bought it from West Elm. That’s one of those decor ideas that make a subtle difference. If you want budget-friendly texture and color without overwhelming one room, try it. You’ll need good print, a ruler, and something to smooth out the pattern.
3. Thrift a Lamp and Repaint It
Someone in my neighborhood group posted a photo of a ceramic lamp she got for $6 at Goodwill. She painted it matte black and used a linen shade, and the whole thing looked designer. I tried the same DIY project, and now it’s the coziest part of my reading corner. Moral of the story: thrift stores are goldmines if you’re on a tight budget and willing to paint a little.
4. Repurpose Old Frames for Wall Art
If you’re not sure how to decorate a bare wall but don’t want to commit to a gallery setup, try what I saw in a decorating ideas thread: frame leftover fabric, wallpaper scraps, or postcards from flea markets. It’s low effort, no stress, and easy to swap when you’re bored. Add a few frames in different shapes and you’ll have something decorative that feels like you.
5. Use Wallpaper as a Headboard
In a small apartment I once saw online, the owner stuck a rectangular patch of printed wallpaper behind the bed. If you’re trying to decorate without a headboard, try this hack. A bold geometric print or something textured works best if your room needs a little drama.
6. Hang Curtains Higher than the Window
This one is a pure visual trick: Hang curtains about six inches above the frame to make the space feel larger. You’d be shocked what that does to your home decorating game. Even cheap panels can look high-end this way. It pulls the eye upward and helps the room feel taller, which is perfect if you’re dealing with builder-grade basics and tight ceilings.
7. Pick and Paint an Accent Wall
I’ve seen a home decor makeover where they painted just one accent wall in deep green. The distinction of the wall made the clutter fade into the background. Do you have to go with deep green? Not necessarily. Clay red, bright yellow, or any other bold paint color works as long as it matches your current decor.
8. Facebook Marketplace Furniture Swap
My cousin wanted a new coffee table but didn’t want to spend a dime. She used Facebook Marketplace to swap her old one for a mid-century side table with way more charm. It was such a genius budget decorating move. You can totally reuse or trade an old piece for something that fits better, even if all it needs is a sanding and polish.
9. Try Area Rugs in Weird Spots
Someone once told me they use area rugs not just under sofas but even in their hallway. At first I thought: weird. But, in rentals, it’s one of the best cheap ways to warm up cold floors or distract from tired tiles. If your living space feels like something you wish you left in the past, try this. Patterns help hide stains and add texture instantly.
10. Add Greenery (Even Faux)
I once helped a friend stage her place for an auction. The one thing that made it look like a beautiful home? Plants: some real, some faux. We tucked them on shelves, hung one near the window, and filled a corner with a giant snake plant. Greenery will always fit into any decor setup, really.
Conclusion
I’ll be honest: I didn’t apply all of these ideas when decorating my home. There’s only so much you can do to transform a space without making it seem like it’s just showing off everything you got from several yard sales, anyway. However, if you ever need easy DIY ideas to make your space look better, have at any of the ones in this article.