Renovations are an excellent way to freshen up your space and increase your home’s value when you’re ready to sell. Once all the work is complete, it’s time to get to the fun part — decorating. It gives you a chance to put your personal touch on your project. Here are some tips for those on a budget.

1. Start With a Plan

The first step when decorating is to come up with a solid plan. You don’t have to tackle the project all at once. It’s best to start piece by piece and consider what is most essential. If you get cold easily, then throw blankets should be one of your priorities. If you enjoy entertaining, a coffee table is a must-have.

Along with function, consider the cost. Research the price of common furnishings, like couches and window treatments. For example, you could pay between $1,000-$3,000 for a well-designed sofa. Try to spread out high-priced item purchases — you can always do more shopping down the line.

2. Embrace Cheap, for Now

You can start with a function and add glamour later. Buy larger items, like dining room tables, through secondhand stores or budget-friendly retailers. You can make updates when you have plenty of money in the bank. In addition, consider temporarily installing paper blinds.

Starting cheap gives you time to do your homework and figure out which items you want, although it may take time to nail down your ideal style. Starting with affordable items creates less of a hassle when replacing them.

3. Reuse Household Items

When it comes to decorating, you don’t need to start over completely. Before running to the store, look around your house. You may find something in one room that would work best in another.

You can also consider repainting. For example, you could give an old bedroom dresser a fresh coat of paint and place it in the living room to create extra storage for your children’s toys. Remember to check your garage, as well. You might find some lights or posters you can easily hang on the walls.

4. Check Out Antique Shops and Estate Sales

Antique stores are great for finding affordable deals and unique pieces. Plus, many sellers don’t have fixed prices and welcome negotiation. Research the items and start with a low offer to secure the best deals. Looking at online price guides like Kovels is an excellent place to start.

Antique shops are great for discovering beautiful decor, such as vases and art. You can even find larger pieces, like furniture or mirrors. Before heading to the shop, make a list of the things you need and want.

5. Add Some Paint

Paint is a cheap and easy way to add your style to any room. It can be a DIY project, saving you even more money. There are many colors to choose from, depending on the mood you want to create.

Using natural hues, like whites and blues, can produce a calming atmosphere. On the other hand, brighter tones, like reds and yellows, can liven up the space. Navy, green and peach are popular living room colors for homeowners.

If you don’t want to paint every wall, consider just painting one. It is a design technique known as an accent wall. You can paint it the same color as the rest of the room and just go a shade lighter or darker, or go for a completely different shade. Consider using the accent wall to highlight a unique feature, such as your fireplace.

6. Incorporate Some Greenery

Sprucing up your space with plants is another budget-friendly decoration trend. It can brighten the room and bring in natural elements. Being surrounded by nature can make you feel calmer, and plants can even improve your concentration and productivit y by 15%. That makes them ideal for decorating your home office.

Try to find prepotted plants to save even more money. There are various easy-to-care-for plants, such as lady palm, available. If you don’t have a green thumb, fake versions are a simple alternative. If you’re looking for more eco-friendly decor, add some homemade candles or crystals.

7. Hang Wall Art

Bare walls can make your space feel less inviting. Filling them with fun artwork can liven up the room and showcase your personality.  Look for cheap art pieces at thrift stores or student galleries.

You can also shop online at retailers like Esty and Society6. Hanging family photos is another cost-effective way to personalize a room. Even framing a meaningful postcard can be a cheap and unique way to fill your walls.

Here are some other wall decoration ideas:

Whatever you decide to hang, make sure it speaks to you. You want to find items that make you smile when you enter the room.

In addition to revamping your walls, consider adding some new flooring. Add solid wood flooring, which is easy to repair and can increase your home’s value.

8. Update Your Light Fixtures

Lighting is essential in making your space feel bright and airy. Updating modern fixtures is a simple fix that won’t break the bank. You can find affordable pieces at retailers like Ikea.

It is also essential you know the right type of lighting for each room. In your living room, use cove or valance lighting, which will bounce off the ceiling. You may also want to add some lamps for task lighting, such as when you’re reading at night. Use a central, ceiling-mounted fixture for ambient lighting in the kitchen, and incorporate undercabinet lights for illuminating countertops. Also, if you have an island, consider hanging a pendant light above it.

9. Buy Large Items Secondhand

Do you know a friend who wants to get rid of their couch? This is a cheap way to obtain larger furniture. You can also shop thrift stores or search online sites, like eBay. Besides just getting a  lower price, keep in mind your style may change over time. Buying secondhand gives you more flexibility to replace items in the future.

10. Rearrange the Furniture

Sometimes doing some simple rearranging can make your space feel brand new. Try different layouts to see which you prefer. If you’re into a more open concept, you can spread out your chairs and place coffee tables next to the sofa. This way, you have more room to move around. It’s also a good idea to arrange the furniture around a focal point , such as your television.

Tips for Decorating on a Budget

Outfitting your home is a fun way to personalize your space, although it can be tempting to splurge on high-end decor. Before you go crazy, try out these decorating tips that won’t break the bank.