Ideas for living rooms on a budget
Budget living room ideas: 20 ways to update without splashing the cash
Looking to create a super stylish living room on a budget? Living rooms are the hub of the home, where we relax, watch TV, spend time with family, occasionally eat, drink and generally spend most of our time at home. But if you are looking for a revamp and don’t have a lot of money, where do you start with budget living room ideas?
When considering simple living room ideas, think about putting up wallpaper; painting a wall; upcycling furniture or just adding new accessories. There are plenty of cheap ways you can get a wow new look without breaking the bank.
Budget living room ideas
As the saying goes, don’t move - improve, and with housing in short supply and the high cost of moving, staying put but changing up your interior has to be a better plan and can be totally transformative at very little cost.
Check out our inspiring living room ideas on a budget...
1. Be style-savvy with a luxe wallpaper
(Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Whitmore)
Wallpaper is an easy way of making a plain living room feel more plush, but opting for living room wallpaper ideas wall-to-wall can work out pricey. Using just a small amount of a pricier design is a canny trick that creates the impression of a rich, allover pattern, but for the price of just a roll or two.
Reserve a patterned wallpaper for a feature area, such as a chimney breast wall or in the alcoves either side. Colour-matching the wall colour to the wallpaper is a trick that stylists often use, that creates a tonal, complementary scheme. Just match your paint to the background colour of the wallpaper design and then try to work in extra accents of this colour around the room.
2. Double up with rugs
(Image credit: Future PLC/Jo Henderson)
Large, open expanses of floor can make a living room feel chilly over winter months, but covering up with an extra-large area rug can work out costly. Try doubling up, by using a combination of different smaller-sized rugs to make your living room feel extra warm and cosy.
Opt for two rugs in complementary colours and textures for a warm tonal, look or make a statement by choosing two contrast colours or patterns.
Circular rugs are great for small spaces and can help soften the lines of boxy furniture.
3. Fake a fitted look
(Image credit: Future PLC/Tim Young)
Built-in living room shelving ideas can solve a whole host of storage issues, but can be a big expense if you opt for a bespoke build. Buying off-the-peg floating shelves can work out a lot less-pricey and can be stacked one above the other to make full use of the height of living room walls.
If you have a large expanse of wall area to cover, consider buying extra-long floating shelves to span across, or try joining up several shelves to create a longline, linear effect. Butt the shelf ends together to give a neat, streamlined look.
4. Paint your own wall art
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Instead of splashing out on original wall art, cut costs by creating your own bespoke gallery. Create a colour grid by framing pieces of coloured card or paper, colour-matched to complement your living room decor.
You could even use tester pots of paints and paint your own papers or try framing remnants of fabrics in different colours or contrast patterns for a bolder look.
Use simple square-shaped picture frames - try Ikea for inexpensive click frames - or opt for front-loading album frames like these. Arrange the layout in a square or rectangular grid format, above your sofa or a living room sideboard.
5. Go dark for a plush look
(Image credit: Next)
Paint is one of the cheapest and easiest ways of updating a tired living room. And opting for an immersive colour-drenched scheme will bring an outdated living room bang up-to-date. For clever living room paint ideas, choose a wall paint colour that complements existing furniture and flooring, so that your room redo won’t work out too pricey and then accessorise with cushions, throws and lamps in a contrast shade or pattern.
Choosing a dark or dusky wall colour can help make a chilly living room feel super warm and cosy.
Opt for continuous colour on walls, skirting and woodwork for an on-trend look. Using the same colour throughout means that there are no harsh breaks in colour and can make a large space feel more enclosed and snug.
6. Cover-up the sofa with faux furs
(Image credit: Dunelm)
A shabby or tired-looking sofa can ruin the vibe in any living room, but can be easily remedied on the cheap. Investing in a few new sofa throws or fleeces is a less costly option than replacing a sofa or buying new loose covers, and if you take the time to style the sofa properly it can look a million dollars.
Just chucking on a single, extra-large throw is a definite ‘no no’ that’ll do your living room no favours. For a more polished look, consider layering up the sofa with a combination of throws and different cushions in toning colours and patterns that complement your sofa’s colour. Start with your main throw positioned centrally or just off-centre, taking time to fold it into a neat size, smoothing it down and tucking behind the sofa to secure it.
Then layer on cushions and a couple of extra throws draped casually over the arms or the back cushion. These extra touches are also a perfect way to work a cosy living room idea over the winter months.
7. Get classy with continuous colour
(Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore)
Give inexpensive off-the-peg storage a built-in look by painting it to match the wall colour. Painting walls and fixtures the same shade throughout will create a seamless, unified look that feels bespoke, rather than flat-pack.
A dark background is a clever way to hide a TV so that it isn’t the centre of attention in a living room. A black TV screen will blend in with a dark wall colour and not look so prominent. Likewise, dark colours can also make a striking backdrop for display pieces, with bright colours and bold shapes ‘popping’ against a dark background.
8. Use ledges for a changeable display
(Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore)
Switching around artwork season by season is an easy way of brightening up a living room if it’s feeling a little drab or lacklustre.
Instead of putting pictures up in a fixed position on walls, using narrow picture ledges offers more flexibility allowing for an interchangeable display, with living room wall art ideas easily shifted around or added to from time to time.
Opt for a single longline ledge behind a sofa with artwork propped against the wall and small ornaments dotted along and in-between to add extra colour. Alternatively, fill the wall space with an arrangement of shorter shelves, positioned at staggered heights.
9. Refurb budget basics
(Image credit: Crown)
Transforming a standard Ikea flat-pack buy into a one-off piece offers huge creative satisfaction and is a great way of saving some cash too. There are plenty of Ikea hacks to be found, some fairly straightforward and others requiring a bit more know-how and ingenuity, but they are a great way of changing a fairly ordinary piece into something more unique and exciting.
Upgrade a set of basic pine storage units by painting them a matt black colour and adding leather tab handles to give a smart new look.
Line-up several cabinets in a row (or mount on the wall) to create a longline bank of storage that will come in super handy in a living room or dining area.
10. Boost basic lighting
(Image credit: B&M)
A single light pendant can lose its impact in too-large a living room, but doubling up or hanging several standard pendants in a cluster is a great way of adding wow without costing a fortune. When planning living room lighting ideas, try mixing different size and shape pendants - woven pendants or coloured glass always look great together - and hang at staggered heights to create more visual impact.
11. Update your walls with artwork
(Image credit: Desenio; All prints and frames, from £8.95)
Have you got plain walls and don’t want to decorate? Then fill your walls with art. Buying prints and framing has really come down in price in the last few years, so you can dress your walls with very little money, it’s the ideal budget living room idea.
Choose a theme for your living room wall decor ideas, like this neutral palette and make sure you got the spacing right, about 5cm between each frame is a good benchmark. And if you are renting, use Command 3D picture mounting strips to put them up which peel off easily without leaving a mark.
12. Use plants to decorate
(Image credit: Future PLC/Joanna Henderson)
Plants are a lovely, and inexpensive way to add life to your living room, and they are proven to be good for our mental health and wellbeing too. Arrange them in corners, next to the sofa, on the sideboard, on shelves. Mix faux with real ones and add to them whenever you have some extra cash, or better still take cuttings and grow your own, or ask friends for cuttings of their plants that you particularly like.
13. Rearrange the furniture for free
(Image credit: Future PLC/ David Giles)
For a no-cost update try rethinking how to arrange living room furniture. It' amazing the difference simply moving the furniture around can make on the feel of your living space.
Better still, get someone else to do it for you, so you can step back and act as the curator. A fresh eye on your space could give you a completely different perspective.
14. Zone with a new rug
(Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore)
Rugs are the best way to zone a space to create a different perspective and there are plenty of designs that are inexpensive. Wayfair and IKEA have a good selection. In a plain white room with grey and navy sofas, adding colour really brings this room alive. Place the rug between the sofas to ‘anchor’ the space, then you can use the accent shade to add colourful cushions too for a quick room refresh and a great budget living room idea.
15. Paint the walls
(Image credit: Dulux)
Freshening up the walls with a coat of paint is such a simple thing to do for a new look and doesn’t cost the earth. These panelled walls have been painted in two colours, a café au lait colour, Brave Ground at the bottom and a pale blue, Faded Sky on the upper part, both Dulux.
Two soothing neutrals, there is just enough colour to make it interesting without being overpowering. It’s the perfect look for an alcove. The door and door frame are also painted in a matching shade to add further interest – without costing anything more.
16. Welcome a wall mural
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)
Go for the wow factor and paper one wall with a mural – a great way of decorating the wall behind the sofa. Choose a big design like this, to really make an impact, then pick out the colours from the wall for cushions and other accessories in the room.
17. Introduce warm wood
(Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Whitmore)
Wall panelling ideas and rustic wooden walls are big news in interiors right now, but they can be expensive. However, there is an alternative budget living room idea – sustainable, real wood wall coverings for the perfect quick-fix design update. Wooden wall panels are so on-trend right now and will give your living room instant style and character.
And there is now a really inexpensive way to get the look – real FSC Certified wood self-adhesive panels! Lightweight and easy to fit, you could have a new look in a day.
‘Choosing small areas to focus on can brilliantly transform the feel of a home. Your walls are the main feature of any room, by refreshing these you’ll instantly impact the look and feel.’ Says Olivia Crosher, lead interior designer of Naturewall. ‘Accent walls are great for emphasising the atmosphere. Use them to zone a space or create contrast, give them a dual purpose and you’ll immediately breathe new life into your room. We have on-trend slat wall options, 3D and Reclaimed wood panels that are stunning and less expensive than you think. But for an even better budget option, self-adhesive planks have to be the way to go.’
18. Jazz up your lighting
(Image credit: Future PLC/Mark Scott)
Dated lighting can really let a room down, so look at the latest styles and find inexpensive alternatives.
Places like Aldi, Wayfair and B&M have some great lighting styles that are bang up to date and more importantly super on budget.
If you have a floor lamp that looks a bit old- fashioned, just change the shade, or you could try making your own in a funky fabric with a lampshade making kit from Amazon. Even something as simple as changing light bulbs from warm white to cool white will make everything seem brighter or switch it around if you want a cosy feel.
19. Update with throws and cushions
(Image credit: Future PLC/Joanna Henderson)
Yep, one of the simplest, new cushions and throws can really change the look of a room, and again you don’t have to spend a fortune. Or maybe think about adding embellishments to cushions you already have? There are groups online who sell inexpensive trims, tassels etc. to add a personal design touch to your cushions or think about adding a bobble trim to a throw in a contrasting colour.
20. Create a cost-effective gallery
(Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore)
If you would love a library corner but are worried about the cost, you can do it yourself by cleverly using the classic Mosslanda picture ledges from IKEA.
For IKEA picture ledge ideas, the 55cm wide Mosslanda version is only £5 so it won’t break the bank. Stack them on a blank corner, and paint them the same colour as the walls so they blend in. Then fill with your favourite books, prints and small mementos that can be easily updated or changed around when you want to give it a refresh.
How can I decorate my living room on a low budget?
‘If you’re looking for a way to transform your living room on a budget, introducing a feature wall by using eye-catching, patterned wallpaper is a good option.’ Says Susie Spence, Trend Expert and Head of Interiors at B&Q .
‘We offer a wide range of styles that suit all tastes from contemporary to rustic, with brick-patterned wallpapers in particular being used as a clever way to bring an urban or rustic flair to interiors without breaking the bank. Some great options from include our Tanlay Red Brick Effect Smooth Wallpaper and Fine Décor Ledgestone White Stone effect Smooth Wallpaper.
'
'Another effective way to update your living room on a budget is to embrace the biophilic trend and bring more indoor plants to your space. From air purifying peace lilies to prickly cacti, B&Q has a large range of house plants to choose from that will bring a whole new meaning to the term ‘living’ room.’
And don’t forget local charities, The British Heart Foundation have shops that sell second hand furniture across the country. Also Sue Ryder is another charity with an online shop that sells new items at reasonable prices.
How do I make my living room cosy on a budget?
‘Create a cosy home that is both aesthetically pleasing and liveable in equal measures.’ Says Annica Wallin, Executive Creative Director at Desenio . ‘By using expressive paintings and illustrations in creamy beiges and warm colour tones then add family photographs to form a cosy and inviting space for friends, family and pets.’
Living Room Ideas on a Budget: Styling Affordable Furniture
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Styles
Check out these cozy living room ideas on a budget for refreshing your living room space on a budget.
Tip #1: Choose a Color Palette – and Stick to It
Before you start choosing pieces for your glamorous living room on a budget, pick the main palette of one or two colors, and keep the main furniture pieces within those color families. Consider sets – like these 2 piece living room sets – to make matching easier. Unlike busier, multicolor color schemes, sticking to one or two main colors will help create a clean, timeless aesthetic that will outlast trends – saving you time and money in the long run.
If your living room is on the smaller side, make your living room decor expand its storage capacity – instead of taking up precious space. From storage coffee tables with drawers to lift-top designs – and even day sofas that can double as nighttime beds – today's options for room-saving, budget-friendly furniture are endless.
Tip #3: Choose Durable Designs
When shopping for living room furniture, remember that 'budget-friendly' means nothing if the furniture isn't well-built, made with durable materials and designed to last. While furniture pieces of low quality will need to be replaced time and time again, costing you more in the long run, affordable furniture crafted from solid wood, thick wood veneers, 100% leather and high-density foam will keep you – and your wallet – happy and comfortable for years to come.
Tip #4: Incorporate Standout Decor
Once you've chosen your main living room staples – such as the coffee table and sofa – define the look with statement decor. Incorporating smaller pieces such as a table lamp or living room art canvas will give you a chance to express your style personality without breaking the bank. Other cheap decorating ideas for living room walls (that's cheap as in budget-friendly, not cheap in quality or style!) include clocks, sconces and tapestries.
Watch: Living Room Ideas on a Budget
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Living room interior by budget level
The most difficult thing in living room interior design is to combine the budget, features of the room and your preferences.
Each style of interior is good in its own way. This is a kind of set of ideas and their implementation. For each, there are characteristic features that represent a visual framework, stepping through which the style can change dramatically. So, for example, when decorating a bedroom, you can move from the classic style to modern by adding an inexpensive dressing room in the appropriate nuances.
Before you start renovating your living room, you need to decide on a budget and style that matches it.
To do this, you need to know the basic features of styles. Let's look at the three most relevant today.
Spanish living room interior
This interior style represents a cozy family atmosphere. It is dynamic enough for the city, but at the same time soft and uncomplicated.
The design of the room is based on simplified textures such as paint, laminate, smooth ceiling.
The furniture is modern, but the textures are as natural as possible. Upholstery imitates linen and cotton. Cabinet furniture highlights the wood structure more. Much attention is paid to comfort, which means that there are many different places to sit, and they can be different:
- Sofa;
- Armchairs;
- Puffs;
- Ottoman.
Small decor and textile elements are important. They will add comfort and homeliness.
The color scheme is close to pastel natural shades: white, beige, brown, pink, yellow, gray.
The cost of decorating a living room in this style is as reasonable as possible.
Furniture does not have to be selected in the headset. The main thing is to create a single harmony in the room. You can also save a lot on decoration.
Art Nouveau living room
Art Nouveau style suggests modernity and convenience. It is more functional for daily life.
Expensive textures are not used in the decoration of the room, but there are expensive systems, for example, sliding doors, transforming partitions.
Furniture in the interior can be different: from minimalism to retro. A blue living room or bright accent upholstered furniture may well become the main style elements.
The main idea is a light background and a contrasting or brighter theme in the rest of the design.
The cost of styling is slightly higher than the previous one due to the presence of expensive systems and elements.
Living room - chalet
The most expensive style of the above - Chalet. In fact, it is just as homey and cozy. Finishing elements become features.
Here it is stone, wood, decorative plaster, panoramic windows and a decorative beamed ceiling.
An interesting accent of the living room - chalet is the furniture in European traditions. Upholstery can be velvet or jacquard.
The room is full of decorative elements. But at the same time, they do not emphasize the elegance of furniture, but, on the contrary, simplify it. More natural options are used in the style of Boho and Rustic. As a result, the interior becomes homely and warming.
Decorated with natural colors and natural textures.
12 effective ideas - INMYROOM
Interior decor
Are you planning to renovate your living room at no extra cost? We will tell you how to carry out this venture
Living room - central room apartments, her soul, and it is important for us that her interior is not bored. However, funds are not always available to update the appearance. living room, but you still want something fresh and original.
Then comes the turn of simple and effective tricks that require almost no cost - it is about them that we will tell you today.
1. Change the contents of the shelves
Open shelving and hanging shelves are a great platform for the realization of your creative ideas. Change them content, expose your collection, experiment: for example, you can try to create a shelf-still life. You can also hang shelves on the wall behind picture or photo.
2. Change your lighting
Colored lampshades and more light diffusers, accent lighting, lamps of various types will help to significantly change the mood of the room. Don't forget about natural Lighting: Decide how much sunlight you need for your living room - whether it will be light or romantically darkened.
3. Rearrange the books
Lay your books on flat surfaces instead of hiding in cabinets. Neat piles of different books colors and formats attract attention and serve not only as functional, but also an original element of decor.
Can also be done a mini-library of low stools, putting them on top of each other and spreading out books on them.
4. Group accessories
Let's take candles as an example. Several candles of different sizes, put together, look much better, than standing alone throughout the room. They can be placed, for example, in glass container.
5. Repurpose furniture
which is scary to sit, can get a new life as a bedside table, and the tray lying on a flimsy stool will become a coffee table. Fantasize!
6. Add color
The living room can sparkle with new paints with just a few bright objects, and very small ones - colorful pillows on the sofa or a catchy accessory will significantly refresh the interior. Choose colors that contrast with the main color scheme of your living room.
7. Expand the space
Large mirrors. A win-win option is to put a long narrow table in front of mirrors: thus, the space will visually increase almost twice times.
