It’s no secret that home decor is a pricy investment, with the average household spending an annual $521 in 2019 and affluent households shelling out a whopping $1,092 (Statista, 2021). A beautiful home doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg, though. If you’re looking to bring some style into your space before heading indoors for the winter, here are our top three tips to bolster your decor on a serious budget.
Make the most of what you have
Perhaps the quickest and most affordable way to refresh your home decor lies in breathing new life into a few of your existing pieces. After all, why invest in something new when your current decor has plenty of potential? Custom couch covers can transform even the most outdated sofa and are far more affordable than purchasing something brand new. Prices on the best of the best range from $25-$500 (Cosmopolitan, 2021). New furniture legs, cabinet hardware and even washi tape can also add instant charm and a unique decorative accent to existing furniture (HGTV). You can instantly makeover even your least favorite pieces for just a few dollars, with minimal elbow grease.
Buy second-hand
If you do need to purchase something, consider shopping second-hand. You’re sure to save money while scoring a piece that comes with a story and is likely full of character. While your local thrift store or Habitat for Humanity ReStore may be a great place to start, online buying and selling platforms have exploded in popularity in recent years. Sites like Chairish, Craigslist, eBay, Etsy, Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp are a treasure trove of new and used furniture and home decor alike. Some sellers may also be willing to negotiate on price, deliver the item directly to your door or even hand an item over for free. When setting up a purchase, just be sure to follow any applicable safety protocols (Facebook). For example, make a point to meet in person, thoroughly inspect the item before purchasing and be wary of counterfeit items and spammy messages. After all, no deal is tempting enough to compromise your safety!
Just DIY it
If you just can’t find what you’re looking for, or if you’re particularly crafty, consider taking up the art of DIY-ing. The loftiest home decor and furniture prices often include the cost of materials, labor and a premium that allows the retailer to make a profit. If you opt to build something yourself, you’ll only need to worry about purchasing the right materials. While power tools can be pricy, there are plenty of affordable home design projects you can tackle with the simplest of gadgets (Good Housekeeping, 2021). Plus, if you do it yourself, you can ensure the size, style, stain, and more are all to your liking. That’s a pretty big payoff for the small price of some lumber and paint!
Whether you choose to peruse an array of second-hand stores or get to work creating your very own furniture pieces, interior design doesn’t have to break your budget. As it turns out, there are plenty of affordable ways to infuse style into your space. So, grab a hammer or a paintbrush and get to work crafting the interior of your dreams!
Published on September 20, 2021
