Lara Beck
Decorating your bedroom on a budget is easier than you think. There are many ways to create a stylish and personalised space without breaking the bank. From simple DIY projects to clever design tricks, you can achieve a beautiful bedroom that reflects your personality. Whether you're working with an outdated bed frame, blank walls, or limited space, there are plenty of affordable solutions to transform your bedroom into a sanctuary of comfort and style.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint | A fresh coat of paint can make a bedroom feel brighter and bigger. |
| Bedding | Opt for crisp white cotton with navy piping for a hotel-like feel or play with punchy prints and textures. |
| Mirrors | Thrift stores and flea markets are great places to find vintage mirrors. |
| Lighting | Swap out light fixtures or add bedside lamps. |
| Curtains | Raise the curtain rod to make the room feel loftier and the windows larger. |
| Artwork | Etsy and FY are good sources for affordable artwork. |
| Plants | Fiddle leaf figs, snake plants, and spider plants are great for adding life, colour, and texture to a bedroom. |
| Storage | Use baskets to catch odds and ends and choose furniture with built-in storage. |
| Headboard | Paint a faux headboard or hang a rug or textile above the bed. |
| Rugs | Layer rugs for extra texture and to make the room appear larger. |
What You'll Learn
Paint your walls
Paint is one of the cheapest ways to give your bedroom a whole new look. Even a fresh coat of white or off-white paint will make your space feel brighter and bigger. If you're allowed to paint your walls, consider the following:
Choose the Right Colour
If you're looking for a trending tone, try Behr's Colour of the Year, Blank Canvas. For a soft and subtle look, opt for a pink shade. If you want to stick to neutrals, you can also play with textures to bring a luxury feel to your space. Order testers to see what the colours will look like in your room and for future DIY projects.
Focus on One Wall
Rather than painting all your walls, choose one to be a show-stopping focal point in the room. This will also save you money as you will need less paint.
Consider an Accent Wall
If you want to make more of a statement, consider an accent wall. You can use wood slats, panels or tiles to create a focal point, catering the tone and type of wood to your personal aesthetic.
Try a Mural or Wallpaper
Recreate the beauty of the outdoors with a scenic mural or wallpaper. Alternatively, add peel-and-stick wallpaper for a quick accent wall.
Paint the Ceiling
Take things up a notch by painting your ceiling a daring colour. Experimenting with the "fifth wall" can transform your space.
Use Paint for a Headboard
If you're on a tight budget, you can paint a faux headboard directly onto the wall. You could also create a headboard look using a section of wallpaper or by hanging a rug above your bed.
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Style your nightstand
When it comes to styling your nightstand, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, consider the height and style of your nightstand in relation to your bed. It should be roughly the same height as your mattress and reflect the style of your bed—for instance, a section of textbed with a bold-coloured upholstered headboard pairs well with a minimalistic nightstand.
Next, think about the functionality of your nightstand. What will you use it for? A lamp, alarm clock, jewellery, books, glasses of water? Group items in odd numbers or follow the rule of three for a pleasing arrangement. For example, in "The 'Business On Top, Party On The Bottom' Nightstand", you can style a lamp and a bud vase or a vase and water glass on top, and stack books underneath.
Now, it's time to add some personal touches. Fresh or faux flowers or greenery will bring life and energy to your nightstand, while candles and timepieces will add a sophisticated feel. You can also include picture frames with family photos or sentimental decor pieces.
Finally, don't forget the lighting! A table lamp or wall sconce will illuminate the space and ground the look. If you're short on space, a sconce can be a great way to free up your nightstand while still providing light.
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Display your books
If you have a collection of books taking up space, displaying them is a great way to decorate your bedroom for cheap. Here are some ideas for showcasing your books:
Create a Wall of Books
Dedicate an entire wall to a bookcase, giving your bedroom a textured backdrop and a timeless feel. Consider a bespoke bookcase fitted around your architecture to make the most of the space. Adjustable shelving can be a great option if your collection is likely to change over the years. You can also make your shelving a feature by painting it with a two-tone colour scheme.
Decorate with Colour
Arrange your books in colour order to create a visually pleasing ombre effect. This adds an element of fun and makes the space more soothing, perfect for a bedroom. You can also try turning the books around, putting the spines to the back, for a textural effect, especially if they are books you don't need to find in a hurry.
Style Books Alongside Decorative Objects
Incorporate decorative objects and play with how you arrange your books. While vertical books are easier to retrieve, stacks of books can create mini display podiums. Start with the books and then layer in small pieces of artwork and other objects at different heights, remembering that odd numbers work better than even. Create a traditional row of books that takes up a third of the shelf, then prop them up with a small stack of books lying flat, topped with a small ornament or plant.
Display on a Coffee Table
Large books with beautiful images are perfect for casual reading and can add interest to your bedroom. Choose books with eye-catching covers and subjects that reflect your personal taste. Keep the stacks small, with just one or two books of a similar size.
Showcase Your Favourite Book Covers
Display books with striking covers as you would a favourite painting. Whether on shelves or a narrow picture rail, they can make a beautiful focal point and are easily restyled for a fresh look.
Display on a Bedside Table
Try stacking a dozen or so large-format books to create an impromptu bedside table. Top the stack with a tray to protect the book covers and add a stylish touch.
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Hang budget-friendly artwork
Artwork can be expensive, but there are plenty of ways to hang budget-friendly pieces in your bedroom. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Shop at Thrift Stores and Second-Hand Shops
You can often find interesting artwork, frames, and other decorative items at thrift stores and second-hand shops. Keep an eye out for unique pieces that reflect your style and personality. Don't be afraid to experiment and think outside the box!
Create Your Own DIY Artwork
Creating your own artwork is a fun and affordable way to add a personal touch to your bedroom. You don't need to be an experienced artist to create beautiful abstract or geometric designs. All you need are some blank canvases, acrylic paint, and a bit of creativity. Experiment with different colours, brush strokes, and techniques to create unique pieces that reflect your personality.
Print Your Own Art
Printing your own art is another cost-effective way to decorate your bedroom. You can find free printable art online or use software like Canva to design your own digital artwork. Simply print your creations at home or at a local print shop.
Use Fabric and Textile Art
Consider creating fabric or textile art using fabric scraps, yarn, or embroidery to add texture and depth to your walls. You can even repurpose old clothing or linens to create something new and beautiful. This is a sustainable and budget-friendly option that adds a tactile element to your space.
Hang Artwork with Budget-Friendly Methods
There are several ways to hang art without spending a fortune on framing or mounting. Try using clothespins, artist clips, or pant hangers for a unique and inexpensive display. You can also use Command strips to hang artwork, which is a great option if you have toddlers or live in an area prone to earthquakes.
Remember, when hanging artwork, it's important to consider the placement and size of the pieces in relation to the surrounding furniture and walls. Don't be afraid to go bigger with your artwork, as it can make a bold statement and fill up blank wall space. Enjoy the process of curating your bedroom and expressing your unique style!
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Add houseplants
Houseplants are a great way to add a pop of colour and texture to your bedroom, and they can also have a calming effect on your mind and body. They are one of the cheapest ways to upgrade a bedroom. Here are some ideas for decorating your bedroom with houseplants:
Accent a wall or window
Line up some long rectangular planters or small pots filled with lush foliage on a bare wall. This will add a touch of natural charm and soften the look of your space, making it feel more inviting. You can also try mounting larger shelves to give your plants more room to grow and thrive, or add some petite, decorative planters.
Create a stunning green nook
Turn an awkward corner into a stunning green nook with some low-maintenance plants. Mix things up with a variety of sizes and colours, and consider creating different levels with some cute step-stools. Play around with plant placement, opting for cascading leaves that reach the floor or arranging them by hue to create an ombre effect.
Hang some trailing plants
Make use of unused key and coat hooks by hanging some gorgeous trailing plants on them. You can also opt for small, delicate planters or cute little succulents for a bit of low-maintenance charm. If you have larger plants, consider using strong hooks to hang them from the ceiling and create a stunning vertical display. Use decorative cords to hold the planter and make a statement.
Bedside table accent
Adding some lush greenery to a side table is a quick and easy way to spruce up your bedroom. With so many different planters and plants to choose from, it’s easy to find the perfect match for your decor style, whether you prefer something modern or more rustic and bohemian.
Create a wall of greenery
Try creating your very own plant wall by using a planter with a trellis inside to support your vining plants. If you're not ready to take on the responsibility of maintaining live plants, you can opt for high-quality fake plants or even a modern moss wall.
Use your headboard
Place a few carefully chosen plants on your headboard to add a touch of nature to your bedroom in a unique and eye-catching way. If your headboard is wide enough, a large plant in the centre can create a stunning focal point, accented with smaller plants and decorative items. Alternatively, a series of smaller plants in varying heights can create a more uniform and sophisticated look.
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Frequently asked questions
Painting is the most common and effective way to change the look and feel of your bedroom walls. You can either paint them a new colour or put a fresh coat of the same colour on. Alternatively, you can use wallpaper to cover up a door, such as your bedroom door or closet door, to make it match the décor.
You can repurpose old items, such as a wooden crate, and turn it into a support for your mirror. You can also use concrete blocks to make a nightstand with a storage compartment for books and magazines.
You can buy a new comforter, duvet, or bedspread, or invest in high-thread-count sheets and pillow shams. You can also make your own bed canopy using curtains.
Display your books on a cute shelf, or install floating shelves. You can also hang wall art, or make your own using yarn or fabric.
