Decorating A Girl's Bedroom On A Budget: Creative Tips

Decorating a girl's bedroom can be a fun project, but it can also be challenging, especially if you're on a budget. However, with some creativity and resourcefulness, it is possible to create a beautiful space without spending a fortune. Here are some tips to help you get started:

- Choose a theme and colour scheme: Decide on a theme that your girl will love, whether it's a fairy princess theme or something more subtle like a colour theme. Pick two or three complementary colours that go well together and use them throughout the room.

- Keep function in mind: Consider what is and isn't working in the current space. For example, if your girl needs a place to study, you may want to add a desk. Measure the room and furniture to ensure everything fits comfortably.

- Declutter and assess storage needs: Get rid of items that are no longer used and donate them or sell them online. Determine if additional storage solutions are needed, such as shelves, baskets or canvas bins, to minimise clutter.

- Paint the room: Painting is an affordable way to transform the space. Choose a colour that complements your theme and colour scheme. Consider painting an accent wall or creating patterns with painter's tape or stencils for a unique touch.

- Display photos and artwork: Create a gallery wall with framed photos, or hang photos from a string with clothespins. You can also arrange photos on a poster board or mount them on colourful paper.

- Update furniture: Look for good quality furniture at thrift stores, garage sales or online marketplaces. Repurpose old furniture by painting it, changing knobs or adding stencils or decoupage.

- Create DIY decor: Make your own curtains, duvet covers and pillows with fabric you already have. Sew simple straight stitches or use iron-on tape for seams and hems. You can also make your own headboard by wrapping a wooden frame with fabric and batting.

- Add lighting: Jazz up boring lamps or ceiling fixtures by painting them or embellishing the shades. You can also add string lights or fairy lights for a magical touch.

- Buy wisely: When purchasing new items, spend your money wisely. Look for versatile pieces that will last and avoid overly trendy items. Consider your girl's lifestyle and needs when buying furniture, and don't forget to check second-hand sources first!

Choose a theme and colour scheme

Choosing a theme and colour scheme is the first step in designing a bedroom. This will set the tone and atmosphere for the space, so it's important to pick something that reflects the personality and interests of the girl whose bedroom it is. Here are some tips and ideas to help you choose a theme and colour scheme for a girl's bedroom on a budget:

• Decide on a colour scheme: You can base this on the girl's favourite colours, or choose a colour palette that creates a certain mood or vibe. For example, soft and muted colours with beige-pink accents can create a calm and feminine space, while bolder colours like turquoise can add a fun and vibrant energy to the room.
• Pick a theme: The theme can be anything from a fairy princess or underwater world to something more subtle like a colour theme or a particular style such as modern farmhouse, bright and simple, or modern boho. If you're working with a tight budget, consider a theme that can be created with paint, such as an underwater theme with blue walls and ceiling, or a fairy princess theme with pink or purple accents.
• Use inspiration pieces: If you're struggling to decide on a colour scheme, you can use a piece of furniture, bedding, or wallpaper you love as a starting point and build the colour scheme around it. This will help you create a cohesive look.
• Be creative with colour: Don't be afraid to experiment with colour, especially if you're working with a small space. Darker colours can make a small room feel cozier, and you can always change it if you don't like it. You can also create an accent wall with a bold colour to make a statement without overwhelming the space.
• Consider complementary colours: If you want to use multiple colours, you can use a colour wheel to choose colours that complement each other. You can pick colours that are next to each other on the wheel for a harmonious look or go for colours that are across from each other for more contrast.
• Keep it coordinated: When choosing a theme and colour scheme, remember that everything doesn't have to match perfectly, but it should all work together. This will help create a cohesive and stylish space.

Remember to involve the girl whose bedroom it is in the decision-making process, and have fun with it!

Create new items from old items

Creating new items from old items is a great way to decorate a girl's bedroom on a budget. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Repurpose Old Furniture

If you have any old furniture that's still in good condition, consider repurposing it for the bedroom. For example, an old end table can be given a new lease of life as a nightstand, or a vintage card catalog can be used for storage. You could also look out for second-hand furniture at thrift stores, on Facebook Marketplace, or at auctions and estate sales. Vintage case goods like dressers and nightstands are often better quality than new furniture and can be found at a lower price. Plus, they can be customized to match your decor.

DIY Headboard

Instead of buying a new headboard, you can create your own using rugs or curtains. For example, you could use MDF board and IKEA Sanela curtains to create a unique headboard. This is a cheap and creative way to add some personality to the bedroom.

Revamp Old Accessories

You can give new life to old accessories by changing their purpose or appearance. For example, if you have an old chair with stains, you can get a new cover to make it look like new again. You could also add some glamour to the room by setting up a vanity table, which can double as a desk.

Mix Old and New

When incorporating vintage pieces, it's important to mix old and new items to avoid the "grandma's house" look. Find a few large vintage pieces to build the room around, and then add smaller vintage accents and art. For example, you could include some vintage-style mirrors, china, or ornate frames.

Paint

A fresh coat of paint can completely transform a room, and it's a relatively inexpensive update. You can experiment with different colors and techniques, such as painting clean lines for a modern vibe or creating a scalloped border for a more whimsical look. Leftover paint can be used for other projects, so it won't go to waste.

By combining creativity, DIY projects, and second-hand finds, you can decorate a girl's bedroom on a budget while adding unique touches that reflect her personality.

Make your own art

Creating your own art is a fun and imaginative way to decorate a girl's bedroom on a budget. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Display a collection: If your girl has a collection of any kind, whether it's guitars, baseball caps, or something else, try displaying them together on one wall to create a unique feature.
• Paint a canvas: Depending on your skill level, you can try painting a realistic portrait or an abstract design. Abstract art is a great option if you're a beginner, as there are no rules and you can simply have fun with colours and shapes.
• Create fabric wall hangings: Wrap fabric tightly around a canvas or square piece of wood and staple it at the back. You can add a frame to make the art more dramatic.
• Purchase and paint wood shapes: Buy some wooden shapes, such as circles, letters, or stars, and paint them to match your chosen colour theme. Hang them in groupings around the room for a cohesive look.
• Create a gallery wall: Print and frame several photos, or mount them to colourful pieces of paper and stick them to the walls with double-sided tape.
• Hang posters or wall stickers: Posters of your girl's favourite bands, actors, or other interests can be a great, affordable way to express their personality. Wall stickers are also a good option, as they are designed for walls and won't rip off paint.

Buy wisely

If you are buying new furniture, make sure it is good quality and will last a long time. You don't want to have to replace it in a few years, so it's worth investing in core pieces that are versatile and can be used even if your style changes. Less expensive accessories like pillowcases and curtains can be as trendy as you like and changed more frequently.

When buying furniture, think about how you plan to use the room. If you have friends over, make sure there is enough seating. If you have lots of clothes, look for pieces that can store your extra items. If you are short on space, consider multi-purpose pieces like cube ottomans, which provide seating and storage.

Before buying anything new, check if there are any pieces of furniture in other parts of the house that could be used in the bedroom. You can also ask friends and family if they have any furniture they are looking to get rid of.

If you are buying new items, always look for deals. Comparison shop and never purchase anything online without first searching for a coupon code.

Create a focal point

Creating a focal point in a girl's bedroom is a great way to anchor the space and make it feel cohesive. Here are some tips to achieve this on a budget:

Choose the Right Furniture

Select a focal point for the room, such as the bed, and arrange the furniture to highlight this area. A hanging hammock swing or a trundle bed can be a great, affordable way to create a fun and functional space. If you want to add a canopy to the bed, consider hanging a mosquito net above one corner to create a soft and dreamy atmosphere.

Play with Colours and Patterns

You can create a focal point by incorporating a colourful accent wall or a bold headboard. If you're feeling creative, try making your own headboard by wrapping a wooden frame with batting and fabric and stapling it at the back. Alternatively, hang an old door horizontally above the bed and paint it a vibrant colour.

Get Creative with Lighting

Lighting can be a great way to draw attention to a specific area of the room. Consider adding fairy lights or string lights to create a magical atmosphere. You can also jazz up existing lamps or ceiling fixtures by painting the base or embellishing the shade with garlands or beads.

Display Art and Photos

Creating a gallery wall or displaying a large piece of art above the bed can instantly draw the eye and create a focal point. You can also make your own art by painting a canvas or creating a collage of your favourite photos. Displaying a collection, such as vintage mirrors or guitars, can also be a unique way to create a focal point and express your interests.

Frequently asked questions