Sometimes, the decor you once loved becomes a little too familiar. Or, if you’re moving into a new house, you may not have a lot of decor items yet but still want it to feel like home. If you’re in one of these situations, looking for ways to decorate your home but don’t want to break the bank to get the perfect look, you’re in luck…

The following decor ideas don’t cost a lot of money and make it easy for you to decorate your home with items you may already have!

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DISPLAY PICTURES AND ART IN A FUN WAY

If you have kids, you likely have an endless supply of artistic creations that can be used to cover your walls. Place these precious items in beautiful frames, and you will always have something new to display.

You can also show off pictures of your family in a new and interesting way without spending a lot of money. To make your pictures appear as if they’re occupying a unified scene, you can paint all of your frames the same colour. You can also purchase inexpensive frames in the same colour for family photographs you want to display on your shelves.

This rustic farmhouse vertical display is a set of three and comes in black, white, and white/turquoise.

Small posters are great for hanging on the walls, and can add some interest. Plus, posters offer some cool alternatives for hanging! Try using a pants clothes hanger; just make sure that the poster is slightly wider than the hanger. Clips – either binder or clothespins – are another fun twist and washi tape is a popular option too (a good choice if you’re renting!). 

ADD NEW COVERS TO PILLOWS AND CUSHIONS

Replacing pillows can be expensive. It’s also unnecessary because you can recycle them if they are in perfectly good condition. You only need to replace the covers with new ones! Think about the look you want to create and find a colour or pattern that will accentuate your furniture. This is a great option for those of you who like to sew and are able to make your own covers. Take a look at this video that shows you two different ways to do that:

Alternately, you can search for fun pillow covers (like these beautiful floral pattern ones) online for a fast decor addition to something you already have.

BE BOLD WITH YOUR BOOKSHELF

Who says a bookshelf needs to be boring and only store books? Rethink this storage space and add colourful bookends, a plant or two – maybe even a few picture frames. And use the space on top, too!

Don’t be afraid to play around with placement as you decorate your bookshelf. In time, you’ll find just the right mix of books grouped in a certain way with open space on the shelves for whatever you already have that you think will look good and add to the decor of the room.

REPAINT OLD FURNITURE

If you’re working with a small decorating budget, you can still liven up your old furniture like a dresser or side table by sanding it down and spray-painting it. This will only cost you about ten dollars and some drying time. 

You’ll be surprised at how big of an effect a newly painted piece of furniture will have in a room, especially if you opt for a contrasting colour that really pops. If you’ve always wanted to add your favourite colour but thought it was too bright or clashed with the colour theme, now is your chance to do it and completely change your decor!

MIRROR, MIRROR, ON THE WALL

If you don’t have pictures to cover your walls, a mirror is an excellent alternative and has the bonus effect of making a small room appear larger. Look for one with a shiny metal frame or a unique pattern around the border for some extra pizazz.

When you do decide to purchase works of art for your home, you can lower the cost by buying several smaller pieces and can even plan it out in a way that centers around a mirror for a stunning wall mural.

LOOK FOR A FEW FORGOTTEN TREASURES

The attic or storage room is a great place to find treasures to strategically place around your home. Something you tucked away and forgot about could be a perfect decor piece now.

If you have inherited antiques from relatives, dig them out and see if you can show them off in the living room or near the front entryway on a table. When searching, make sure you only take out a few of your favourite items so your home doesn’t feel cluttered with stuff.

With a unique piece placed here and there, your home will have a touch of added personality throughout. 

RETHINK YOUR OUTDOOR FURNITURE

This is one of my favourite ways to decorate your home! Some people believe that outdoor furniture only belongs outside, but you have the freedom to think differently about decorating.

Garden stools can offer your guests a fun place to sit or can be used as decorative drink tables. Maybe you have a small bench that never gets used outside and some new paint would be a cute addition to your mudroom. There are no rules with this, as long as it looks good and serves a purpose in your home.

The prospect of decorating your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you are working on a budget, you can find ways to create an interesting living space that your friends and family aren’t likely to forget. You can also recycle the things you already have and create your own unique spaces, turning your home into the comfortable place you’ve always imagined.

Originally posted Aug 8, 2017; updated Dec 16, 2022

Author: Sereena S.

Mom of two, wife to one, and a dog lover. Although cats can be okay too, but only sometimes...