Start With a Fresh Coat of Paint
If you have never painted furniture before, start with something small like a stool or a side table. The key is to clean the surface with a damp cloth and light sanding. Use a water based chalk paint for easy application without primer. I grabbed a cheap nightstand from a thrift store for eight dollars and gave it two coats of a soft sage green. It now sits in my bedroom looking like it cost ten times more. Painting is honestly the fastest way to change a room without spending much.
- Pick a piece with straight lines and no intricate carvings for your first project.
- Use a foam roller for smooth surfaces and a small brush for corners.
- Seal with a clear wax if you expect heavy use like on a kitchen cart.
This simple project falls squarely under BudgetDecor because a quart of paint costs around twelve dollars and covers multiple pieces. You can also paint picture frames, mirror borders, or even an old lamp base to give a room a cohesive look. Just let each coat dry fully before adding the next one.
Make Your Own Wall Art With Thrift Store Finds
Blank walls can make a room feel unfinished but store bought art is expensive. Head to a thrift store and pick up a few large canvases with ugly paintings on them. Turn them over and paint the back side or simply paint over the original image with two coats of white acrylic. Then add your own design using painter’s tape to create geometric patterns. I made a set of three diagonal striped canvases for under fifteen dollars total.
Another option is to frame fabric. Buy a fat quarter of fabric with a print you love, stretch it over a cheap canvas frame, and staple it in place on the back. This takes ten minutes and looks custom. If you want texture, glue on dried leaves or scrap wood pieces and paint over them. These DIY wall art projects are perfect for renters because you can take them down without patching holes.
Turn Old Jars Into Stylish Vases and Storage
Pasta sauce jars, pickle jars, and even candle holders can become home decor with a little effort. Soak off the labels in hot water and dish soap, then scrub the residue with a razor blade. Spray paint the outside with a matte finish in a neutral color like charcoal or cream. I did a batch of six jars in one afternoon and now use them for bathroom cotton balls, kitchen utensils, and desk pen holders.
For a vase, leave the glass clear and wrap twine or jute rope around the neck. Add a few sprigs of fake greenery or dried eucalyptus. These upcycled crafts cost almost nothing but add a handmade touch that looks intentional. Group three jars of different heights on a tray for an instant centerpiece. Just be sure to avoid painting the inside if you plan to put water in them.
Refresh Your Throw Pillows Without Sewing
New throw pillows can cost twenty dollars each but you can update the look of your couch with fabric glue. Buy a yard of fabric that matches your color scheme and cut it into a rectangle that wraps around your existing pillow form. Fold the edges over and glue them down with fabric glue or use iron on hem tape. Leave one side open, insert the pillow, then glue that side closed.
I did this with a linen look fabric from a discount store and the whole set of three pillows cost me nine dollars. You can also use an old sweater or a scarf as the cover. The key is to cut the fabric with about two inches of overlap for a neat finish. This DIYHomeDecor trick works for floor cushions too. And if you get tired of the pattern, just cut the glued seams and reuse the pillow form with new fabric.
Upgrade Your Lighting With a Simple Lampshade DIY
A plain white lampshade can be boring but replacing it costs a lot. Instead, buy a cheap drum shade from a discount store and cover it with fabric. Use spray adhesive to attach a thin cotton fabric to the outside of the shade. Trim the excess with scissors and let it dry. I covered one with a vintage floral print and it completely changed the mood of my reading nook.
If you want a more diffused light, use a sheer
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