10 Affordable Home Decor Ideas You Can Try Today

Refreshing your home doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. With creativity and resourcefulness, you can make small changes that deliver a big impact. These affordable home decor ideas are easy to implement and will breathe new life into your space without stretching your budget.

Here’s how to upgrade your home decor with simple, cost-effective solutions you can try today.


1. Rearrange Your Furniture

One of the simplest (and free!) ways to transform your space is by rearranging your furniture. Changing the layout can improve flow, make a room feel larger, and give your home an entirely new vibe.

About The Author and Habitari

Tips for Rearranging:

  • Move your sofa to create a cozy conversation area.
  • Shift furniture away from the walls to create depth and intimacy.
  • Experiment with angles for a more dynamic layout.

Pro Tip: Use painter’s tape to map out your furniture placement before moving heavy pieces.


2. Add a Pop of Color With Pillows

Throw pillows are an inexpensive way to add color, pattern, and texture to any room.

How to Style:

  • Layer pillows in complementary colors or patterns.
  • Mix textures like velvet, knit, and linen for a cozy feel.
  • Swap out pillow covers seasonally for an easy refresh.

Pro Tip: Look for pillow covers rather than whole pillows to save on cost and storage space.


3. Create a Gallery Wall

Turn your blank walls into a work of art with a gallery wall. You don’t need to invest in expensive prints—DIY options work just as well.

Budget-Friendly Gallery Wall Ideas:

  • Frame family photos or postcards for a personal touch.
  • Use digital downloads from Etsy or free printables online.
  • Hang mismatched thrift store frames for an eclectic look.

Pro Tip: Arrange your layout on the floor first to find the perfect configuration before hanging.


4. Update Your Lighting

Lighting is one of the easiest ways to change the ambiance of a room. You can upgrade your lighting without splurging on new fixtures.

Affordable Lighting Updates:

  • Add string lights or fairy lights for a magical touch.
  • Replace lampshades with modern or textured options.
  • Install LED bulbs with adjustable color temperatures.

Pro Tip: Use dimmer switches to customize the mood in any room.


5. Incorporate Greenery

Plants instantly make a room feel fresh and lively. You don’t need to spend a fortune on greenery—there are plenty of affordable options.

Budget-Friendly Plant Ideas:

  • Start with low-maintenance plants like pothos, snake plants, or succulents.
  • Propagate cuttings from friends’ plants.
  • Use thrifted pots or DIY planters made from jars or cans.

Pro Tip: If you lack a green thumb, opt for realistic faux plants.


6. DIY Artwork

Personalized artwork is a creative way to elevate your decor while keeping costs low.

Easy DIY Art Ideas:

  • Create abstract paintings with acrylics on canvas.
  • Frame scrapbook paper or fabric swatches.
  • Press flowers or leaves and display them in frames.

Pro Tip: Try layering two or three smaller pieces for a stylish, curated look.


7. Layer Area Rugs

Layering rugs adds texture and dimension to your floors without requiring a large investment.

How to Layer Rugs:

  • Use a smaller patterned rug on top of a neutral larger rug.
  • Mix materials like jute and wool for added interest.
  • Pair a colorful vintage rug with a solid base layer.

Pro Tip: Check secondhand shops or online marketplaces for affordable rugs.


8. Upgrade Your Hardware

Changing hardware is a small update that makes a big difference in your decor.

Where to Upgrade:

  • Replace cabinet knobs and drawer pulls in your kitchen or bathroom.
  • Swap out old doorknobs for sleek, modern designs.
  • Add decorative hooks to your walls for functionality and style.

Pro Tip: Look for affordable hardware at thrift stores or online retailers like Amazon or Wayfair.


9. Refresh With Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is an affordable and renter-friendly way to transform a room.

Creative Uses for Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper:

  • Create an accent wall in your living room or bedroom.
  • Line the back of bookshelves for a pop of pattern.
  • Apply it to a table or dresser for a quick DIY makeover.

Pro Tip: Choose removable options for easy changes later.


10. Style With Candles and Accessories

Small accessories like candles, trays, and vases can tie a room together without costing a fortune.

Styling Ideas:

  • Group candles of different heights on a tray for a cozy vibe.
  • Use thrifted or repurposed vases for fresh or dried flowers.
  • Add a stack of books or a bowl to a coffee table for a curated look.

Pro Tip: Shop clearance sections or dollar stores for inexpensive decor items.


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Conclusion

Decorating your home on a budget doesn’t mean compromising on style. From rearranging furniture and adding throw pillows to creating DIY artwork and incorporating plants, these 10 affordable home decor ideas are perfect for a quick and budget-friendly refresh.

Start small, experiment with your space, and have fun bringing your vision to life. Your home will feel renewed and personalized in no time!


FAQ

1. What’s the most affordable way to refresh my home decor?

Start by rearranging your furniture and adding new accessories like pillows or candles. These changes require little to no expense.

2. Where can I find affordable home decor items?

Check thrift stores, online marketplaces, discount retailers, and clearance sections for budget-friendly decor finds.

3. How can I make DIY decor look professional?

Stick to a consistent color palette, pay attention to proportions, and layer textures to create a polished look.

4. What are some quick updates for renters?

Use peel-and-stick wallpaper, change cabinet hardware, and add removable hooks or shelves for renter-friendly upgrades.

5. How do I decorate without adding clutter?

Focus on multifunctional items, like decorative trays or stylish storage boxes, and keep surfaces clean by rotating decor seasonally.

Julio Arco

About the Author

M.Arch. Julio Arco is an architect, interior designer, and urban planner with degrees from ITESM, McGill University, and a certificate in Architecture in Urban Context from LDM. Julio has designed interiors for over 1,200 clients and also teaches architecture at ITESM.

He is also the founder of Habitari Interior Design, a blog dedicated to thoughtful, evidence-based spaces that elevate everyday living.

His go-to sites for inspiration include Houzz, Apartment Therapy, HGTV, Architectural Digest, and The Spruce.