I know whenever I'm in the mood for revamping my home setting, I always think I'm going to do it on the cheap, but then I end up dropping big bucks a few small items.
All of the vases, little trays, jars, rugs, frames — these little things add up pretty quickly. It feels impossible to revamp any space without making a huge dent in your wallet.
In the end, I always feel a little bit cheated. Splurging on small items makes investing in big ones, like a new patio chair or dining table, feel daunting,
DIYs are one great alternative, as you'll see on this list, to revamp your home on a budget. This wooden pallet coffee table DIY or this homemade sprinkle cake stand are simple projects that would make a great fit for any home.
On the flip side, making brand new things from old ones can add up if you're spending too much money on materials or time on one project.
At the end of the day, we're busy adults with a lot of responsibility and while creating a new shelf with our bare hands might feel good, it may not be practical.
So how do you avoid spending a ton of cash at one store without spending a ton of time making decor?
It's simple, just check out this list!
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1. Upcycling is your friend!
Anything that feels a little antique or a little retro is probably going to add a rustic feel. So use old items in new ways, like these stacked vintage suitcases turned into a table.
2. Thrift stores are a great source for unique items.
Furniture and decor that is a fraction of the price and that you won't find in a million other places? Sounds good to me! Not to mention, thrift stores are the place where beautiful, time-worn gems go to die — so save them!
3. Dumpster diving is always an option.
You can find perfectly good frames (like these), pallets, and vintage items for free in Dumpsters or on the side of the road. Upcycle them or use them as they are — it's up to you.
4. Department stores are A-OK!
Department stores like Ikea offer affordable prices for everything from decor to furniture. They cater to all tastes including the rustic sensibility. If dumpster diving or parsing through thrift store aisles isn't your thing, inexpensive department stores will be your bread and butter.
Check out the benefits of buying in bulk on the NEXT page!
5. Buy in bulk. More is more.
You can get about 12 Mason jars — perhaps the most versatile shabby-chic item — for about 13 bucks. Buying a lot of one thing you can use in multiple ways is cost effective and practical. While you're at it, check out this list of 15 ways to use Mason jars around the house.
6. Buy customizable materials.
Plain, simple materials like this set of wooden disks can be used as coasters or incorporated into centerpieces. Plus, they're pretty cheap.
7. Make family hand-me-downs your best friend.
Your grandma's old typewriter or uncle's old paintings probably look really good on that mantel — they're also probably free.
8. Buy quality.
Decor tends to change, but when it comes to sofas and bed frames, quality is better than a bargain. In the long run, you don't want the cost or inconvenience of constantly replacing furniture. The good news is quality doesn't have to be costly. Remember those thrift stores we talked about? They have fine used furniture at really cheap prices, too!
See how you can find cool items right outside your door on the NEXT page!
9. You're never too good for a garage sale.
Another man's trash is your brand new living room. The best part is that you can find really unusual, atypical items at garage sales, yard sales, and flea markets. That ottoman one person is dying to get rid of could be exactly what you're looking for but can't find anywhere else. You can also pat yourself on the back because buying used items is really good for the environment.
10. Get multitasking pieces.
Space-saving furniture that also looks good kills two birds with one stone. Not only can it add a new visual touch to your home it actually serves a functional purpose.
11. Bring the great outdoors inside.
There are free DIY materials outside: It's called nature! Yes, branches, flowers, and greenery can be used to decorate coffee tables, shelves, and dining rooms.
12. Host a decorating party.
If you're just moving in or looking to spruce up the place, host a decorating party. It's like a potluck dinner but with decor. Your friends will bring over some home items and together you'll beautify your home in one go!
13. Mix and Match.
Not everything in your home has to match. A set of two doesn't have to mean a set of twins. For example, maybe you'll see a great deal on a teapot at the flea market, but all of the cups might be missing. It's fine to pair up the old and the new. Not only will you save but you'll give your home a lot more character!
SHARE this list if you're planning on revamping your home soon!
