Low-Cost, High-Style: X Budget-Friendly Ways to Spruce Up Your Living Room

· Lifestyle

Living rooms are meant to be a reflection of your lifestyle. Some people love fun, bright colours, others enjoy a more relaxing, neutral environment. But sometimes things can get boring, and we need some kind of change. You don't have to spend thousands of dollars to spruce up your living room. There are a few ways you can do it without breaking your bank.

Add Hanging Decorations

indoor hanging pots

Making modest, subtle adjustments to your living area can make a significant impact. This can be changing the tablecloths, the vases or picture frames, or adding a few hanging decorations. They may not be your first choice, but you should give them a chance because they can make a difference in the atmosphere.

One of the fun changes you can make is to add a few stylish, well-crafted indoor hanging pots. They add a breath of freshness to the space with their greenery. Having plants inside your living room can make it more peaceful and relaxing. They'll work in any room no matter if it’s spacious or small. These cute decorations can be made of many materials. Ceramics, plastic and even bamboo.

They can be suspended with either a thick rope or some kind of metal like stainless steel. There are plenty of options when it comes to the plants you want to keep inside, it’s all down to your personal preferences and how much time you have to take care of them. Another thing you can do as a hanging decoration is some unusual art or even a sculpture.

There are so many alternatives available in this collection of decorations. You might start by hanging a unique piece of sculpture or art. This can be metal branches, spheres grouped together, spoon-shaped petals creating a flower, or any 3D wall art you like. Another great method to join this trend is hanging tapestries. They always have a unique appearance and texture that gives the space a special vibe.

They have the power to make the space feel softer, more comfortable and welcoming. Macrame is making a huge comeback into our lives in many shapes and forms. There are hundreds of designs like circles, rainbows, tassels and many more. If you find it plain on its own, you can combine it with wood or metal to add more complexity and style.

Replace the Rug

The carpet or rug is oftentimes the centrepiece of the living room. It should be carefully chosen because if it’s too small it won’t make a difference. But if it’s too big it might overpower the space and colour palette. Placement is also important. If you’re covering a sitting area, at least 2 of the legs on the sofa or armchairs are on it. Also, you can use it to separate the space into two areas.

Living rooms are often busy areas and there’s heavy foot traffic. That's why your carpet should be made of strong, durable materials. Its colour should complement the overall interior design and palette. If you can, choose a darker colour (especially if you have small kids) because it hides stains better. If you’re trying to add elegance to the space, try a Persian carpet. And if you’re looking for something more fun, a shaggy rug will do perfectly.

Try New Curtains

living room decoration with white curtains

The curtains aren’t always the first thing people notice when they walk into the living room. This means that they don’t do anything about the space. Even though they’re simple, they can be a powerful tool to set the mood in the home. Plus, they’re not a big investment, so you won’t have to worry about breaking the bank.

The curtains should complement the current decor. Adding 2 layers of curtains will bring new texture and some depth. Their colour doesn’t have to be one of the dominant ones. You can pair them with some of the accessories such as indoor hanging pots, vases or even your books on the shelf. Making a “puddle” of curtains on the floor is an interesting way to bring more fun into the space.

Measure the length from the rod to the floor and add 10-15cm more for the puddle. Beauty is often in the details, so adding a nice tieback can make a difference and bring more attention to the curtains. Even though they’re not something you wash that often, the materials should be easy to clean. Cotton is a good choice because it's lightweight and cheap, silk is elegant but expensive, linen is super easy to clean, and polyester is quite durable.

How About a Mirror?

A mirror is a great way to spruce up your living room. This simple and practical item has the ability to brighten the space is just a second. As you know, having enough natural light can make a big impact. When you place the mirror opposite the natural light source, it’ll spread the light inside the room and make it more spacious and welcoming.

If you feel you lack texture, go for a mirror with a tridimensional frame. A detailed frame looks sophisticated and elegant. If your living room is small, the mirror will make it look bigger. This illusion is quite practical. Also, pairing the mirror with the rest of the decor like the indoor hanging planters or vases in terms of colour or style will make the space cohesive.

Think About Throw Pillows

decorative pillows in the living room

Another budget-friendly way to spruce up the space is with throw pillows. They're so fun to play with because of their many textures, colours and designs. To add more dimension to the space, combine several pillow shapes. For example, you can do square and round, rectangular and oval or bolsters with box-shaped throws.

You can match the pillow colours to the sofa but adding a brighter colour can make a statement and make them more noticeable. Don't be afraid to incorporate patterns. They're fun to have them around. Some polka dots, straight lines and even fruits and stars can make a difference. If you can, buy several different cushion covers and you can switch them out from time to time.