Redecorating on a Budget: Simple Tips to Update Your Space for Less

Start with Little Things That Make a Big Impact

You don't have to spend much money — or even much time — to dramatically change the look and feel of a room. In fact, the first step won't cost anything, and it could even help you earn a little extra to put toward your redecorating on a budget goal: decluttering.

Before you start buying new things, consider getting rid of the old that you no longer want. You can sell unwanted items, decor, or furniture on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or consignment stores. An old-fashioned yard sale is always an option, too.

Once you clear out the clutter, look for low-cost and DIY decor projects that make a big impact such as:

• Painting an accent wall (instead of an entire room)
• Adding frames to basic mirrors in the bathroom
• Rearranging furniture you already have
• Taking on DIY projects to customize, renovate, or upgrade the existing decor

Become a Bargain Hunter

Before you head to an expensive home decor store, try browsing the same marketplaces you might have used to sell your stuff. Other people may be getting rid of things that are a perfect fit for the new vibe you create in your spaces. You can also ask family and friends if they have any pieces they want to part ways with and accept a few hand-me-downs.

When you do head to retailers, start with low-cost stores first. Wayfair is an online home decor and furniture store that provides a huge range of options — it might be a good place to start your search. Overstock.com is another online option with a ton of inventory.

Other stores well-known for their availability of affordable home decor include Target, Home Goods, and Ikea.

Create a Savings Plan or Find a Way to Finance Your Projects

You can do a lot of redecorating on a budget by using some of these tips. But sometimes, you just can't find the perfect piece of decor by shopping secondhand or only browsing store sales.

Splurging on a few big-ticket items is ok, especially if they're pieces you know you'll enjoy for a long time and get a lot of use out of (like a living room sofa or a home office desk). Save up for these items by taking the total price and dividing that by six or 12 months. If that desk costs $1,000 and you want to buy it in six months, then you know you need to save $167 per month to do it.

If you're going all-in on your redecoration projects and making changes that could add value to your home, you could also consider a Home Improvement Loan. This might make sense if you plan to invest more than $5,000 in your home, and there's a chance your projects could increase what your house is worth.