My Best Advice for Decorating on a Budget

So you have a limited budget. And you need to decorate a room. How in the heck are you going to pull it off?

Well it ain’t easy, but it can be done, at least I think so.

KNOW YOUR BUDGET

First if your budget is super tight figure out exactly what it is.

SELL STUFF TO PAY FOR WHAT YOU WANT

The next thing I would do is look at what you might want to replace in the room. Can you sell any items that you are wanting to get rid off, to pay for what you do want?

Then make a list of things you want to replace in the room.

Prioritize the list, with the most important thing on the top.

(I got this Gustavian bench for a bargain price because it was missing 2 back cushions. I just moved the size cushions to the back, and problem solved.)

PATIENCE IS THE KEY

The secret to doing a room on a budget is patience. Don’t feel like it has to be done in a week. If you have money constraints I would pace yourself. Also if you are looking for bargains, they often take time to find.

FIND LOCAL RESOURCES

Another critical piece of the puzzle is to find some great sources. I love using Craiglist, local consignment stores, thrift stores, antique malls, and auctions. You can even find great stuff on Nextdoor and in Facebook buying groups.

I found out about this stunning Louis Philippe mirror (it’s an original not reproduction) from Nextdoor. The owner was moving back to Paris, and didn’t want to pack it. 

KNOW WHAT IS A GOOD PRICE

Do your research. Know what a reasonable price is, and when the price is too good to pass up. If you are on a budget, you can’t get sloppy with the money. You need to be sure you are not overpaying for anything. The best way to know is to be constantly checking prices in your area.

So when you find something at a great price, it may be something way down your list, but if it is exactly what you want at a great price, then you might need to grab it now.

I found a pair of these high end leather French chairs at a consignment shop. I think I paid $200 for each one. They are big and very sturdy. I did paint the frame as it was very dated looking, but hey I didn’t mind. 

SHOP OFTEN

Once you find a place that you know has great stuff at reasonable prices, you’ll need to check out what they have pretty often. The good stuff sells quickly, so you need to check the stock often.

LOOK FOR A FIXER UPPER

If you are willing to buy something that has potential but needs work, you can save a lot of money. Be on the lookout for something ugly that could be easily transformed with new paint or fabric.

This chair was $20. It was filthy and needed new paint. The seat was busted, but I added a board for support and a cushion to cover the board. I was willing to do the work to save a few bucks. 

FOCUS ON JUST A FEW THINGS

Don’t worry about having the room full to the brim. Most rooms have too much in them. You don’t need a lot to make a room look good. You good things, and you don’t need as much as you think you do.

I hope that helps. What are your tips for decorating on a budget?

And if you are looking for a special deal, I’ve got a ton of things on sale. That’s right, I’m doing a Black Friday Sale today.

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