Simple Cheap Room Decorating Ideas

Do you have champagne tastes on a beer budget? Don't worry—you don't have to sacrifice style just because you're on a budget. Decorating on a budget is possible! We're big believers that, just because you're looking for cheap home decor doesn't mean you can't still create a beautiful home full of furniture and decor items you love.

To help you out, we've rounded up some of our favorite hacks to get the look of some popular trends without breaking the bank. Because we want to help you make the most of your budget while staying true to your style!

And the pieces we're suggesting? They're not just for the home you have today. They're workhorse pieces you can move around with you and repurpose when necessary to suit your needs and style.

Keep reading for some of the best cheap room decor ideas to help you get some of the best looks for less!

Fill Your Walls With A Tapestry

Decorating your walls can be expensive. Neither art nor framing are cheap! So, a budget-friendly home decor item we love is using tapestries or woven wall hangings. These large-scale pieces look polished and dramatic—but are much more affordable than framed artwork. And they're perfect for rentals since they're easy to hang—and easy to move. (There's no fear of them breaking in transit!) These soft wall hangings are also great for kids bedrooms and nurseries and for those in earthquake zones!

Another option? Hanging a large photo or print with poster hangers. You'll get to shave off the framing part of your art budget, which makes art prints or large-scale photos much more approachable!

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Opt for Iconic Designs

Do you love some of those iconic furniture designs—like the Eames molded plastic chair or a wishbone chair—but can't afford them in your wildest dreams? Don't worry—there are a lot of great replicas out there that can help you get the look for less. By taking inspiration from iconic designs but buying them from a not-so-iconic brand, you can make your home more trendy and elevate the design without breaking the bank. These pieces, while not the originals, will still have that timeless, forever-on-trend look.

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Get The Look Of A Built-In

Love the look of built-in shelves, but not the price tag? We have a cheaper alternative to a custom built-in: floor-to-ceiling or wall-to-wall bookshelves. The key to pulling this off? Get two shelving units in the same style and place them side-by-side. They'll give you that custom-built in look, but at a price tag that's less hefty.

Another great thing about this approach? The shelves are very versatile. You can take them with you if you move, or you could even split them up or move them to other rooms. For more of a classic, traditional look, go for closed bookcases or cabinets. Or, for a lighter, arier vibe, opt for open shelving.

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Entertain In Style

If you love to entertain, perhaps you've considered adding a wet bar to your home. While a wet bar is great for entertaining, the plumbing and built-in requirements can get expensive fast. And even a bar cabinet in the living room or dining room can get pricey. But that doesn't mean you have to give up on your dreams of entertaining! Instead, consider the more affordable (but equally stylish) bar cart.

Bar carts have elegant and elevated looks, but at a price point that's much more approachable. Most offer at least two shelves, which give you space for liquor and glassware, as well as mixing and pouring drinks. But that's not all: bar carts are highly versatile. Many have built-in wheels, which means they can be easily moved around the house and out to the patio. And they can also be used as a side table or nightstand in a smaller space.

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Dabble In A Trend

It's fun to try out the new trends—but it can also be pricey. So, instead of investing in a big way, dabble in a small way! Consider this: instead of a trendy velvet sofa, try smaller pops of velvet with a chair or even throw pillows. You'll still get that luxurious texture, without the luxurious price tag. (Same goes for bold colors like millennial pink, ochre, or forest green—try it out in a pillow or chair before investing in a sofa!) Test out the marble trend with a coffee or side table. Or consider an industrial-style table lamp instead of a chandelier or pendant light.

All of these options allow you to try on a trend without as much of a commitment, in case you decide it's not the style for you. It also allows for a more subtle nod to a trend instead of it being the centerpiece of your home—perfect for people who favor timeless design but still like pops of contemporary trends.

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Mix in Antiques

Furniture of any kind is an investment. But one way to balance out your bigger investment pieces with cheap home decor is by peppering in some antique furniture. While a lot of antiques aren't super on-trend at the moment, they're a perfect way to get high-quality pieces at an affordable price. Furniture made in the 1940s or earlier, especially, tends to be less expensive than buying brand new. And, you can almost guarantee that the construction of the piece is solid if it's lasted through the decades. Plus, antique furniture holds its value—and could even appreciate over time, depending on where the trends head. For those of you who are conscious of your carbon footprint and want to live with sustainability in mind, antiques are also a great way to reduce and reuse!

And, not to toot our own horns—but our designers can show you how to incorporate antique pieces into modern designs with our design services! So, if you're stumped on how to incorporate a piece you already have, or even if you have your eye on a certain type of piece but aren't sure if it would work with your style, we can help you figure out how to make it a seamless part of your home's design.

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Skip Hard-Wired Lighting

If you love the look of a sconce, but don't want to go through the hassle of hard-wiring lighting (not to mention the price tag of hiring an electrician!) opt for a plug-in sconce instead. Sconces are both versatile and trendy—but hard-wiring is expensive. So, a plug-in sconce gives you that stylish, custom look without requiring extra expenses. (And they're great for rentals.) Incorporating plug-in sconces can also help you create a layered lighting look in your home without the need to install overhead lighting. Chandeliers, while beautiful, are an even greater investment!

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Hang Up A Wall Mural

Wallpaper is having a major moment right now. Wallpapering accent walls, or even full rooms, is such a fun way to add color and pattern to your space. But—you guessed it—it can be very expensive. Not to mention time-consuming! So, we love the idea of using a wall mural as an alternative to wallpaper. It creates a beautiful, textural backdrop for an accent wall, allowing you to make a major style statement.

The one featured in the design above hangs in front of the wall, making it a great option for use over textured walls. (Textured walls can cause trouble for traditional wallpaper, either visually or when it comes to adhering it smoothly to the wall.) Another budget and renter-friendly decor idea that's a great alternative to traditional wallpaper? Peel-and-stick wallpaper or wall decals! They take some coordination to apply, but they are easy to remove and are much more affordable than traditional wallpaper!

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Consider Natural Fiber Rugs

Rugs can be quite the investment. But they're also pretty essential to giving your living spaces a more "finished" and cozy look. For the budget-conscious, consider a natural fiber rug. These rugs—often made of jute, sisal, or seagrass—come in a range of styles, add a fun pop of texture, and work with so many design styles. Not only that, but they're durable, versatile and—best of all—affordable.

With their durability, they're great for high-traffic areas and for homes with pets and kids. Rugs labeled as indoor/outdoor rugs also tend to be more durable and affordable, and may offer a wider range of colors and patterns.

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