Looking for wall decor ideas to refresh your space? Those empty walls are filled with possibilities—and a few additions can make a house feel like a home. If you're ready to turn those stark, bare walls into stylish centerpieces, keep reading. No matter your style, we've got the tricks that can amp up your walls and bring out your personality and taste. Whether you’re an art collector, a nature enthusiast, or a book lover, your walls can be customized so that you can be surrounded by the things you adore. Discover 20 wall decor ideas that are sure to add style to your home.
Add Texture With a Weaving.
Those ’70s macramé wall hangings have come back in a big way. The weavings add texture and warm up stark walls. Shop for them on Etsy, or try your hand at making your own.
Add Removable Wall Art.
Minted has an incredible collection of grown-up, sophisticated removable wall art. The adhesive murals have a luxurious matte finish and come in a variety of styles. Removable wall art is perfect if you're renting and don't want to damage the walls.
Hang an Oversized Calendar.
A large calendar works especially well on an office or kitchen wall. Keep track of your events while also adding a standout element to enliven your room! Try bright and bold calendars with sans serif fonts to create a modern look and add a pop of color.
Add a Giant Whiteboard or Chalkboard.
A big board is a perfect functional addition to an office, playroom, or even kitchen. A chalkboard lends a rustic air to any room, while a whiteboard is the contemporary alternative—and you don't have to stick to just white (they're available in a variety of shades and prints). You can even take it to the next level and paint an entire wall with WriteWallPaint, which creates a writeable surface.
Create a Basket Wall
Bet you haven't considered this wall decor idea: Add baskets to your wall! Whether you want to go colorful or neutral, you can liven up any wall with an assortment of baskets in different sizes and textures.
Hang a Personalized Map.
Add a large word map to your room's decor. You can order a personalized map of a city, state, country, or the world in just about any color palette. You can make it ultra personal by adding pins to the places you've visited or plan to visit.
Mount Your Television.
Another way to go? Mount your television. Adding a flat screen to your wall can be a great way to free up space on top of your media cabinet, enhance your wall, and update the entire look of your living room or bedroom.
Add Shiplap Wall Paneling.
Shiplap paneling will infuse your space with a fresh coastal feeling—and it works in any room. Whether your dining room, bedroom, entryway, or even bathroom walls need a refresh, consider adding the wooden boards typically used as exterior siding.
Mount Your Bikes on the Wall.
Creating a stylish and sleek wall-mounting system for your bikes will give you more floor space and create an eye-catching focal point that will transform your blank wall. This is one of the most fun and functional wall decor ideas out there.
Use the Wall for Storage.
Short on closet space? Why not show off your finery and create a striking and practical display? Install hooks or a pegboard and hang hats in a cluster.
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When decorating your home office on a budget, try to be as creative and resourceful as possible. Make your own shelving to inexpensively create storage and workspace areas. Look around your home and repurpose furniture you already own. Customize those pieces to maximize their use-value and aesthetics. If you do need to buy new pieces, look for gently used items at consignment shops, estate or yard sales, and surplus stores. Maximize your efficiency and make your office a pleasing place to work with inexpensive accessories and organizational habits.
Method 1 Choosing Affordable Office Furniture.
1. Repurpose furniture from other areas in your home. Office furniture typically makes up the bulk of the decor budget. Do your best to reuse pieces from other areas in your home in order to increase savings. Look for customizable items that can offer both design solutions and a personal touch.
For example, you can use a sturdy coffee table to provide a seating area that doubles as storage space. Find inexpensive cushions or even a pet bed large enough to cover the tabletop in the clearance section of a home decor store. Place woven baskets or other storage bins you might have on hand under the coffee table to store files, books, or other necessities.
If you have an extra dresser on hand, put it in the office to store supplies and paperwork. Consider downsizing your wardrobe to free up a storage piece in your bedroom.
Or, repurpose a kitchen or dining table as a desk. This will give you plenty of space to arrange your equipment (computer, printer, etc.) and work materials.
2. Use shelving to solve storage, workspace, and cost limitations. Create your own shelving with affordable wood panels and brackets from the hardware store if you have basic woodworking skills. Alternatively, you can look for deals at department stores or online. Inexpensive shelving can not only offer storage solutions, it can also provide you with desk space, which can be among the costliest office furniture pieces.
Run shelving horizontally along an entire wall for multiple workstations. Use the area underneath for storage containers, a trash bin, and office equipment like a printer or shredder.
To create bookcases, stack shelves horizontally on top of one another 12 inches (30 cm) apart. Add file folders, baskets, and other storage containers along with your books.
3. Purchase gently used furniture to cut your budget. If you do need to purchase a desk, file storage, or other office furniture look around for good second-hand pieces. Search online for estate sales in your area, and look for local organizations that host estate sales. Check websites for options to sign up for email lists so you won’t have to drive around your city looking for sales.
Look around consignment shops, thrift stores, and furniture surplus stores in your area for deals on items that fit your taste and needs.
Make sure you have your space’s measurements on hand, and bring a tape measure with you to be sure you purchase items that fit your office.
Get creative with your use of second-hand items. For instance, use a buffet table to house your printer or turn a large basket into a decorative trash can.
4. Remember that an ergonomic chair is important. If there’s one office furniture item to spend a bit of money on, it’s the chair. Sitting for long periods of time is tough on your back, legs, and overall health, so look for an ergonomic office chair that fits your budget.
You may be able to great a great deal on an ergonomic chair from a company that’s going out of business, such as an office building or doctor’s office.
Look for a form-fitting chair that offers both sturdiness and flexibility. Go for height adjustable options that offer lumbar, neck, and head support.
A new ergonomic chair can cost thousands of dollars, but with some patience, you can find a secondhand option for a fraction of that price.
Using a kitchen chair or other uncomfortable option might be a decent solution while you look for a good budget-friendly piece, but it’ll compromise your productivity and health in the long run.
5. Mix up pieces instead of purchasing a matching set. Purchasing a matching office furniture suite might offer a quick decor fix, but will drastically increase your cost. Be patient as you furnish your office using a mix of repurposed and secondhand items. It might take a matter of months, but you’ll end up saving hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
In addition to drastically reducing your budget, avoiding a matching suite will also give your workspace a more personal feel.
Method 2 Accessorizing Your Home Office.
1. Avoid splurging on accessories. There’s really no need to spend much money on office accessories, if any at all. Look around your house for items like framed photographs, houseplants, and knickknacks to add some personality to your workspace without spending money.
This is another opportunity to repurpose items. For example, use a pretty rock as a paperweight and cut a few flowers from your garden to put in a vase on your desk.
Given a little time, you’ll probably accumulate more accessories than you need. You might receive a gift like a stress ball or Zen garden to place in your office on your next birthday or holiday. If you have kids, they might make you something in school you can put on your desk.
2. Create your own large-scale wall designs. Instead of spending hundreds on office art, you can paint your office’s walls a bright color, and create a focal wall using painter’s tape to make stripes or by putting up wall decals. Consider designating a large wall area as a blackboard brainstorming area, using inexpensive chalkboard paint to create it.
Affordable wall decor options also include your diploma or certificates. You can also print out and frame inspirational quotes or sayings.
Check out second-hand stores for inexpensive framed art or prints that match your taste.
Choose patterns and colors that both motivate and relax you. Avoid using too many dark colors, which can lead to decreased productivity.
3. Prioritize function when choosing lighting accessories. Ensure you have enough light to see well so you don’t strain your eyes. To improve both efficiency and aesthetics, you’ll need lighting options other than the room’s overhead light. However, you don’t have to break your bank by purchasing top of the line lighting accessories.
For your desk, consider reusing a small lamp from elsewhere in your home.
Look around consignment shops or home decor or department stores’ clearance sections for reduced-price floor and desk lamps.
Try to provide two to three lighting accessories so you can customize the room’s light levels. Including more lighting options is better for your eyes and improves the room’s feel. Warmer, shaded sources of light like desk and floor lamps are preferable to fluorescent overhead lighting.
Method 3 Maximizing Efficiency on a Budget.
1. Make sure that you only have to spend money on decor. The first way to stick to a low budget when designing an office space is to choose a room that doesn't require a significant amount of structural work. There are only so many design solutions you can achieve through decor alone. Think about how the room’s layout and level of finish will contribute to your efficiency.
For example, when you choose your office space, make sure the room has enough electrical outlets for your needs. Two outlets and affordable power strips should allow you to plug in your computer, printer, cell phone charger, at least two light sources in addition to the overhead light, and any other objects that require electricity.
An interior room without a window might make you less likely to want to work in that room, thus decreasing your productivity. Likewise, budget-friendly decor options can’t do much for an unfinished basement room. Make sure your space is clean and free of leaks or structural issues in order to encourage efficiency.
Even a nook in your bedroom or living room can offer more inexpensive, ergonomic, and efficient options than a larger spare room lacking outlets, insulation, multiple light sources, and other necessities.
2. Go for budget-friendly storage options instead of minimalism. From planning your budget to picking out furniture and accessories, your number one priority should be storage. A minimalist office look might be trendy, but splurging on stylish decor options that lack storage will max out your budget, decrease your efficiency, and limit your ability to keep the space organized.
Take the time to declutter and organize your things so you only store what you actually need.
Keep your budget in check by optimizing the storage space you already have available. If you're using a spare bedroom as an office, use the closet for storage to hide clutter. Install shelving for better organization if there aren’t any already present.
Ensuring everything in your office has a designated place and keeping your spaced organized are among the easiest and most affordable ways to maximize your efficiency.
3. Improve productivity with inexpensive candles and air fresheners. Making sure your office smells nice is among the most budget-friendly ways to increase efficiency. Believe it or not, recent studies suggest a more fragrant office not only improves comfort, but encourages productivity.
Experiments show that scents including lavender, rosemary, jasmine, and lemon encourage efficiency.
Remember inexpensive candles, oil diffusers, and other fragrant accessories can also be visually pleasing additions to your home office. You can choose scents that relax you or energize you, depending on your preferences and mood.
If you’re on a budget, it might seem impossible to redecorate your home. After all, home furnishings and decor can be very expensive if you buy everything all at once. Luckily, though, there are plenty of ways to save money as you freshen up your home’s appearance. Try buying items a little at a time, and buy second-hand or find great sales whenever you can. Also, look for creative ways to repurpose items you already have, or even upcycle things you find while you’re shopping!
Method 1 Adding Personality with Small Details.
1. Display your favorite items out in the open. Showing off something you already have is a great way to decorate without spending any money at all. If you have a piece that always makes you smile, like a special heirloom or a painting you love, put it somewhere you spend a lot of time, like your bedroom, kitchen, or living room. As you’re choosing other items for that room, try to think of what will go with the pieces you love the most.
For instance, if you hang up a painting in your living room, look for throw pillows or a rug that have some of the same colors as the painting.
Get rid of items you don’t love and just display the decor that you really like. Your favorite items will become statement pieces, and you’ll appreciate what you do have more.
2. Choose brightly-colored items to draw attention to an area. If there’s a feature in your home that you really like, such as a mantle with interesting molding or a bookshelf where you keep your books, draw attention to it with bright colors. Your eye will automatically be drawn to the brighter shades, making that area really stand out.
For instance, you might put a bright glass vase on a shelf to add a pop of color, or you could hang a colorful painting on the wall above your fireplace to show it off.
Look through the things you already have to find bright colors, or buy accent pieces on sale or at secondhand stores.
3. Arrange items in odd-numbered groups. For some reason, people find odd numbers of items more pleasing to look at than even-numbered groups. As you’re deciding where to place decor around your home, you can elevate the styling by sticking to odd-numbered arrangements.
For instance, you might try stacking 5 books together on a shelf, flanked by 2 heavy bookends, or you could use an odd number of picture frames if you create a gallery wall.
You could also make a tableau out of different objects, such as a vase, a painting leaned against the wall, and a small bowl filled with pretty rocks.
This is a simple trick that you can use to freshen up your decor without buying anything new!
4. Buy sheets and bedding on sale to update your bedroom. Look for seasonal home sales throughout the year, and when you find a good one, buy new sheets, pillowcases, and a comforter for your bedroom. This small change can make your bedroom feel more luxurious and can pull the room together, and if you find a good deal, it doesn’t have to cost very much money.
If you have a sewing machine, you can even make your own sheets!
Just buy throw pillows or a throw blanket in a fun new pattern or color if you can’t afford to buy a whole set of bedding at once.
5. Buy or make new throw pillows for your couch to personalize your living area. Throw pillows make your couch seem more inviting and comfy, and they can also help pull the design of your room together. Choose pillows in a color that’s used somewhere else in the room, or find them in a design that goes with the theme of the room.
For instance, if your room has a nature theme, you might choose pillows with a design featuring leaves, trees, or birds.
You can even recover your old throw pillows to give them a new look. Buying pillow covers is cheaper and can change the look of items simply and inexpensively.
6. Make your own curtains to add a pretty touch to any window. Curtains add a touch of elegance to a room, but buying drapes can be very expensive. If you can’t find a good sale on curtains you love, try making your own. Just sew a pocket into the top of a long strip of fabric, hem the other end, and run a curtain rod through the pocket.
You can also make your own shower curtain to freshen up your bathroom! Just make sure you use a waterproof shower curtain liner so the fabric doesn’t get water-stained.
Shower curtains and sheets can be fashioned into curtains as well. If you find a pattern or color you love, don't hesitate to use these for drapery.
7. Update your cabinet pulls, faucets, and other small hardware. The knobs on your cabinets and drawers, the handles on our sink and bathtub, and the knobs on your appliances can all get grimy and dull over time. Replace them to freshen up the look of your bathroom and kitchen without spending a lot of money.
Tip: If you like the hardware you already have, but it’s seen better days, try giving it a good clean with melamine foam or oxygen bleach.
8. Add a touch of nature with houseplants, flowers, and fruit. Houseplants are calming, beautiful, and good for the environment, making them a perfect addition for indoor decor. However, if you’re afraid you don’t have a green thumb, you can fill a vase or a bowl with fresh flowers or fruit, and change it whenever they start to turn brown.
You can even use artificial plants or flowers, but remember to dust them regularly!
9. Make your own art with inexpensive picture frames. Framed art doesn’t have to be expensive to look amazing. Buy several inexpensive frames that are the same color, shape, or size. Then, frame photos of your loved ones, pressed flowers, old calendar pages, or even pictures you print out from online!
Group several frames together to create your very own gallery wall.
If you have small keepsakes you’d like to display, place them in a shadow box and hang them on your wall.
Method 2 Finding Cheap or Free Items.
1. Rearrange the furniture you already have in your house. The easiest way to refresh your home is to rearrange your furniture and move your decor around. Think about how you’d like your space to look when you’re finished decorating. Then, go from room to room, looking at each piece of furniture or decorative object. Try to imagine how you could re-use each piece, and you might be surprised what you can come up with!
Sometimes just moving a big piece of furniture, like your couch or your bed, can give you a whole new perspective on a room!
With a little imagination, you might find that the nightstand in your spare room would make an awesome TV stand, or an old trunk could become the perfect coffee table!
Try to keep as many of your current possessions as you can. You’ll spend a lot more money redecorating if you try to replace everything at once.
Use things that you wouldn’t normally use for different purposes - like an old trunk as a coffee table or a scarf as a wall hanging.
2. Ask your family and friends if they have furniture or decor they don’t want. Reach out to your network and let them know you’re trying to change things up around your house. Keep in mind, however, that you shouldn’t take anything unless you really like or need it. Otherwise, you’ll just be adding clutter to your home.
If you know anyone who is moving, they might be happy to get rid of some items and you could take them off their hands. Even they aren't perfect, you can paint items or change them up to fit your style.
You can even post on social media asking if anyone has a specific item that you’re looking for.
3. Shop secondhand to find pieces you love at a deep discount. If you’re shopping on a budget, thrift stores, secondhand stores, yard sales, flea markets, and estate sales can be a great way to find items you wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford. Sometimes you can even find new or like-new items at a huge discount.
Secondhand shops tend to have a lot of turnover in their inventory, so you may want to visit the same shops a few different times through the redecorating process, especially if you like the kind of items they carry. If you need to, travel to shops in nearby neighborhoods to find a wider selection.
Shopping after the holidays and during the spring is a good idea, because people tend to clean out their homes then.
Don’t be discouraged from buying something that has chipped paint, a dent or is slightly worn - this can all be easily fixed and adds character.
If you notice that an item has been at a certain shop for a while without selling, ask the manager if they’d be willing to sell it to you at a discount. This can be especially helpful if you’re buying large furniture, since the store will sometimes be eager to reclaim their floor space.
Tip: Pay attention to the prices of items, even in a secondhand shop. Some shops, especially those specializing in antiques, can still be quite pricey.
4. Look for sales if you’re buying new items. Don’t feel that everything you buy needs to be secondhand. Many retailers offer big sales throughout the year, especially around holidays. Look in your local newspaper, watch for TV commercials advertising sales, or check the stores’ websites so you’ll know when a sale is coming up.
You can also sign up for emails from some of the stores you like so you can be notified when a sale is coming up. There are even websites that are dedicated to finding deals, and you can sign up for email alerts from them as well.
Check your favorite stores online - there is usually a discount for online shopping and it will save you time as well.
Also, don’t forget to check the clearance section once you’re in the store. Often, shops will put a steep discount on merchandise that’s left over from a seasonal promotion or an older collection. These sales are typically not advertised.
5. Refinish or reupholster furniture to give it a new look. When you’re shopping, especially if you’re looking at secondhand items, pay more attention to the shape of the furniture than the color of it. You can sand away the existing stain on wood furniture and restain it or paint it to give it a whole new look. You can also reupholster fabric-covered furniture, like couches, recliners, and dining chairs!
Sometimes, you can save a lot of money by buying unfinished wood furniture. That means the wood is still in its natural state, and it hasn’t been sealed or stained. Try looking online to find a store near you that specializes in unfinished furniture.
Try changing out the drawer pulls on a dresser to give it a fresh, updated look. Even better, you can buy inexpensive drawer pulls from a home improvement store for just a few dollars!
You can even replace the foam in worn-out cushions to make the piece seem as good as new.
6. Don’t try to redecorate everything at once. If you’re on a budget, it’s not practical to try to buy everything all at the same time. Instead, try to embrace the idea that redecorating your home is a long-term project. Make a little time on the weekends to hunt for a great deal or a unique treasure that you’ll love.
It might help to focus on one room at a time, but don’t let that keep you from buying something for another room if you see a great deal. If you're redecorating your living room first but you see the perfect comforter on clearance, for instance, you might want to buy it if you can.
If shopping isn’t your favorite thing to do, find a friend who’ll be happy to go with you. That will help make the experience more fun for you.
Don’t feel like you have to finish one space at a time. Especially if you're on a budget, it can be hard to wait for the perfect piece to go on sale or to find it second hand. Pick up things when you find a good deal and it will all come together eventually.
Method 3 Making Cheap Updates.
1. Paint the walls with a new coat of paint to freshen up a room. If you own your home or have permission from your landlord, painting is an inexpensive way to brighten everything up and make it look newer. Take everything out of the room that you can and cover the floor with a drop cloth. Then, cover the wall in 1-2 coats of primer, let those dry, and go back over the walls with your chosen paint color.
Light colors will make a room look larger, so avoid very dark colors in a small room.
Cool colors like blue and green are relaxing, so they’re a great choice for bedrooms. Warm colors are very inviting, so they’re great for living areas and kitchens.
You can even get creative by painting one wall a different color or by adding stripes,chevrons, or chalkboard paint to your walls.
If you love the look of wallpaper but don’t have room in your budget, use a stencil to paint a pattern on your walls instead!
If you have dark trim or wooden doors, you can paint those too for a fresh, updated look.
2. Change the light fixtures in a room for a quick upgrade. Dated or ugly light fixtures can bring down the look of a room, even if you don’t consciously pay attention to them. If you can find a good deal on a new light fixture, changing it yourself is usually pretty easy. Just turn off the power to the room at your circuit breaker, remove the old light fixture, and rewire the new one. Take care to match up the negative and positive wires, then attach the new fixture to the ceiling with the provided brackets and screws.
Don’t feel that you necessarily have to buy new light fixtures. Sometimes, all it takes it a good cleaning or a coat of spray paint to bring new life to the light fixtures you already have.
Adding a new shade or cover is inexpensive and can quickly update the look of older fixtures.
If you don’t feel comfortable working with wiring yourself, it might be worth it to save up and have an electrician do the job.
Tip: If you have a lot of lamps, try updating your lamp shades!
3. Cover the back of a bookcase with contact paper to give it a new look. Bookcases provide a lot of practical storage, so even if you’re not in love with yours, it might be best to keep it. Luckily, you can give it new life by covering the back walls with colorful contact paper, wallpaper scraps, or even fabric. This will brighten up the bookcase and will provide a nice contrast to show off whatever you’re displaying on the shelves.
You can also paint your bookcase, if you’d like. Paint it a different color from the walls to make it stand out, or paint it the same color if you want it to look like it’s a part of the wall.
4. Add architectural trim to your walls. Architectural trim, also called molding or decorative trim, can make a room look expensive, but it doesn’t necessarily cost a lot. Try installing it around your ceiling or floors, on your cabinets, or around your windows to create an upscale look on a budget.
You can even find stick-on molding, making this project easy and cheap!
To mimic the look of moldings, add trim 6 inches above your floor trim and paint the gap to match the trim. This will give you the look of architectural trim for less than half of the usual price.
5. Add rugs to bring warmth to a room. Carpeting and rugs create a cozy, warm feeling, but replacing your carpet can be very expensive. Instead, look for sales on area rugs that match your theme or color palette for each room.
If buying a new rug is too expensive, visit a flooring store and ask if they have vinyl remnants. These are pieces of vinyl left over from previous projects that are too small to re-use, but are often large enough to use as an area rug. To personalize the look even more, paint a design on the remnant with acrylic paints and seal with concrete sealer.
6. Hang mirrors to make a room feel larger. Look for large mirrors at secondhand shops and home improvement stores, then install them wherever you need more space. Mirrors help create an optical illusion that a space is larger than it really is, so wall mirrors are a great touch in smaller rooms or narrow hallways. In addition, the mirrors will reflect any light that’s in the room, making it look brighter.
If you like the shape of a mirror but not the frame, try painting it!
If you have an unframed mirror in your bathroom and can’t afford a new one, you can frame your mirror in by attaching moldings around all four sides.
Tips.
Look for DIY design ideas for fun projects to decorate your home that you can do yourself!
Warnings.
Whenever you're painting, priming, or sanding something, make sure the room is well-ventilated, and take regular breaks to get fresh air.
If you’re on a budget, it might seem impossible to redecorate your home. After all, home furnishings and decor can be very expensive if you buy everything all at once. Luckily, though, there are plenty of ways to save money as you freshen up your home’s appearance. Try buying items a little at a time, and buy second-hand or find great sales whenever you can. Also, look for creative ways to repurpose items you already have, or even upcycle things you find while you’re shopping!
Method 1 Adding Personality with Small Details.
1. Display your favorite items out in the open. Showing off something you already have is a great way to decorate without spending any money at all. If you have a piece that always makes you smile, like a special heirloom or a painting you love, put it somewhere you spend a lot of time, like your bedroom, kitchen, or living room. As you’re choosing other items for that room, try to think of what will go with the pieces you love the most.
For instance, if you hang up a painting in your living room, look for throw pillows or a rug that have some of the same colors as the painting.
Get rid of items you don’t love and just display the decor that you really like. Your favorite items will become statement pieces, and you’ll appreciate what you do have more.
2. Choose brightly-colored items to draw attention to an area. If there’s a feature in your home that you really like, such as a mantle with interesting molding or a bookshelf where you keep your books, draw attention to it with bright colors. Your eye will automatically be drawn to the brighter shades, making that area really stand out.
For instance, you might put a bright glass vase on a shelf to add a pop of color, or you could hang a colorful painting on the wall above your fireplace to show it off.
Look through the things you already have to find bright colors, or buy accent pieces on sale or at secondhand stores.
3. Arrange items in odd-numbered groups. For some reason, people find odd numbers of items more pleasing to look at than even-numbered groups. As you’re deciding where to place decor around your home, you can elevate the styling by sticking to odd-numbered arrangements.
For instance, you might try stacking 5 books together on a shelf, flanked by 2 heavy bookends, or you could use an odd number of picture frames if you create a gallery wall.
You could also make a tableau out of different objects, such as a vase, a painting leaned against the wall, and a small bowl filled with pretty rocks.
This is a simple trick that you can use to freshen up your decor without buying anything new!
4. Buy sheets and bedding on sale to update your bedroom. Look for seasonal home sales throughout the year, and when you find a good one, buy new sheets, pillowcases, and a comforter for your bedroom. This small change can make your bedroom feel more luxurious and can pull the room together, and if you find a good deal, it doesn’t have to cost very much money.
If you have a sewing machine, you can even make your own sheets!
Just buy throw pillows or a throw blanket in a fun new pattern or color if you can’t afford to buy a whole set of bedding at once.
5. Buy or make new throw pillows for your couch to personalize your living area. Throw pillows make your couch seem more inviting and comfy, and they can also help pull the design of your room together. Choose pillows in a color that’s used somewhere else in the room, or find them in a design that goes with the theme of the room.
For instance, if your room has a nature theme, you might choose pillows with a design featuring leaves, trees, or birds.
You can even recover your old throw pillows to give them a new look. Buying pillow covers is cheaper and can change the look of items simply and inexpensively.
6. Make your own curtains to add a pretty touch to any window. Curtains add a touch of elegance to a room, but buying drapes can be very expensive. If you can’t find a good sale on curtains you love, try making your own. Just sew a pocket into the top of a long strip of fabric, hem the other end, and run a curtain rod through the pocket.
You can also make your own shower curtain to freshen up your bathroom! Just make sure you use a waterproof shower curtain liner so the fabric doesn’t get water-stained.
Shower curtains and sheets can be fashioned into curtains as well. If you find a pattern or color you love, don't hesitate to use these for drapery.
7. Update your cabinet pulls, faucets, and other small hardware. The knobs on your cabinets and drawers, the handles on our sink and bathtub, and the knobs on your appliances can all get grimy and dull over time. Replace them to freshen up the look of your bathroom and kitchen without spending a lot of money.
Tip: If you like the hardware you already have, but it’s seen better days, try giving it a good clean with melamine foam or oxygen bleach.
8. Add a touch of nature with houseplants, flowers, and fruit. Houseplants are calming, beautiful, and good for the environment, making them a perfect addition for indoor decor. However, if you’re afraid you don’t have a green thumb, you can fill a vase or a bowl with fresh flowers or fruit, and change it whenever they start to turn brown.
You can even use artificial plants or flowers, but remember to dust them regularly!
9. Make your own art with inexpensive picture frames. Framed art doesn’t have to be expensive to look amazing. Buy several inexpensive frames that are the same color, shape, or size. Then, frame photos of your loved ones, pressed flowers, old calendar pages, or even pictures you print out from online!
Group several frames together to create your very own gallery wall.
If you have small keepsakes you’d like to display, place them in a shadow box and hang them on your wall.
Method 2 Finding Cheap or Free Items.
1. Rearrange the furniture you already have in your house. The easiest way to refresh your home is to rearrange your furniture and move your decor around. Think about how you’d like your space to look when you’re finished decorating. Then, go from room to room, looking at each piece of furniture or decorative object. Try to imagine how you could re-use each piece, and you might be surprised what you can come up with!
Sometimes just moving a big piece of furniture, like your couch or your bed, can give you a whole new perspective on a room!
With a little imagination, you might find that the nightstand in your spare room would make an awesome TV stand, or an old trunk could become the perfect coffee table!
Try to keep as many of your current possessions as you can. You’ll spend a lot more money redecorating if you try to replace everything at once.
Use things that you wouldn’t normally use for different purposes - like an old trunk as a coffee table or a scarf as a wall hanging.
2. Ask your family and friends if they have furniture or decor they don’t want. Reach out to your network and let them know you’re trying to change things up around your house. Keep in mind, however, that you shouldn’t take anything unless you really like or need it. Otherwise, you’ll just be adding clutter to your home.
If you know anyone who is moving, they might be happy to get rid of some items and you could take them off their hands. Even they aren't perfect, you can paint items or change them up to fit your style.
You can even post on social media asking if anyone has a specific item that you’re looking for.
3. Shop secondhand to find pieces you love at a deep discount. If you’re shopping on a budget, thrift stores, secondhand stores, yard sales, flea markets, and estate sales can be a great way to find items you wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford. Sometimes you can even find new or like-new items at a huge discount.
Secondhand shops tend to have a lot of turnover in their inventory, so you may want to visit the same shops a few different times through the redecorating process, especially if you like the kind of items they carry. If you need to, travel to shops in nearby neighborhoods to find a wider selection.
Shopping after the holidays and during the spring is a good idea, because people tend to clean out their homes then.
Don’t be discouraged from buying something that has chipped paint, a dent or is slightly worn - this can all be easily fixed and adds character.
If you notice that an item has been at a certain shop for a while without selling, ask the manager if they’d be willing to sell it to you at a discount. This can be especially helpful if you’re buying large furniture, since the store will sometimes be eager to reclaim their floor space.
Tip: Pay attention to the prices of items, even in a secondhand shop. Some shops, especially those specializing in antiques, can still be quite pricey.
4. Look for sales if you’re buying new items. Don’t feel that everything you buy needs to be secondhand. Many retailers offer big sales throughout the year, especially around holidays. Look in your local newspaper, watch for TV commercials advertising sales, or check the stores’ websites so you’ll know when a sale is coming up.
You can also sign up for emails from some of the stores you like so you can be notified when a sale is coming up. There are even websites that are dedicated to finding deals, and you can sign up for email alerts from them as well.
Check your favorite stores online - there is usually a discount for online shopping and it will save you time as well.
Also, don’t forget to check the clearance section once you’re in the store. Often, shops will put a steep discount on merchandise that’s left over from a seasonal promotion or an older collection. These sales are typically not advertised.
5. Refinish or reupholster furniture to give it a new look. When you’re shopping, especially if you’re looking at secondhand items, pay more attention to the shape of the furniture than the color of it. You can sand away the existing stain on wood furniture and restain it or paint it to give it a whole new look. You can also reupholster fabric-covered furniture, like couches, recliners, and dining chairs!
Sometimes, you can save a lot of money by buying unfinished wood furniture. That means the wood is still in its natural state, and it hasn’t been sealed or stained. Try looking online to find a store near you that specializes in unfinished furniture.
Try changing out the drawer pulls on a dresser to give it a fresh, updated look. Even better, you can buy inexpensive drawer pulls from a home improvement store for just a few dollars!
You can even replace the foam in worn-out cushions to make the piece seem as good as new.
6. Don’t try to redecorate everything at once. If you’re on a budget, it’s not practical to try to buy everything all at the same time. Instead, try to embrace the idea that redecorating your home is a long-term project. Make a little time on the weekends to hunt for a great deal or a unique treasure that you’ll love.
It might help to focus on one room at a time, but don’t let that keep you from buying something for another room if you see a great deal. If you're redecorating your living room first but you see the perfect comforter on clearance, for instance, you might want to buy it if you can.
If shopping isn’t your favorite thing to do, find a friend who’ll be happy to go with you. That will help make the experience more fun for you.
Don’t feel like you have to finish one space at a time. Especially if you're on a budget, it can be hard to wait for the perfect piece to go on sale or to find it second hand. Pick up things when you find a good deal and it will all come together eventually.
Method 3 Making Cheap Updates.
1. Paint the walls with a new coat of paint to freshen up a room. If you own your home or have permission from your landlord, painting is an inexpensive way to brighten everything up and make it look newer. Take everything out of the room that you can and cover the floor with a drop cloth. Then, cover the wall in 1-2 coats of primer, let those dry, and go back over the walls with your chosen paint color.
Light colors will make a room look larger, so avoid very dark colors in a small room.
Cool colors like blue and green are relaxing, so they’re a great choice for bedrooms. Warm colors are very inviting, so they’re great for living areas and kitchens.
You can even get creative by painting one wall a different color or by adding stripes, chevrons, or chalkboard paint to your walls.
If you love the look of wallpaper but don’t have room in your budget, use a stencil to paint a pattern on your walls instead!
If you have dark trim or wooden doors, you can paint those too for a fresh, updated look.
2. Change the light fixtures in a room for a quick upgrade. Dated or ugly light fixtures can bring down the look of a room, even if you don’t consciously pay attention to them. If you can find a good deal on a new light fixture, changing it yourself is usually pretty easy. Just turn off the power to the room at your circuit breaker, remove the old light fixture, and rewire the new one. Take care to match up the negative and positive wires, then attach the new fixture to the ceiling with the provided brackets and screws.
Don’t feel that you necessarily have to buy new light fixtures. Sometimes, all it takes it a good cleaning or a coat of spray paint to bring new life to the light fixtures you already have.
Adding a new shade or cover is inexpensive and can quickly update the look of older fixtures.
If you don’t feel comfortable working with wiring yourself, it might be worth it to save up and have an electrician do the job.
Tip: If you have a lot of lamps, try updating your lamp shades!
3. Cover the back of a bookcase with contact paper to give it a new look. Bookcases provide a lot of practical storage, so even if you’re not in love with yours, it might be best to keep it. Luckily, you can give it new life by covering the back walls with colorful contact paper, wallpaper scraps, or even fabric. This will brighten up the bookcase and will provide a nice contrast to show off whatever you’re displaying on the shelves.
You can also paint your bookcase, if you’d like. Paint it a different color from the walls to make it stand out, or paint it the same color if you want it to look like it’s a part of the wall.
4. Add architectural trim to your walls. Architectural trim, also called molding or decorative trim, can make a room look expensive, but it doesn’t necessarily cost a lot. Try installing it around your ceiling or floors, on your cabinets, or around your windows to create an upscale look on a budget.
You can even find stick-on molding, making this project easy and cheap!
To mimic the look of moldings, add trim 6 inches above your floor trim and paint the gap to match the trim. This will give you the look of architectural trim for less than half of the usual price.
5. Add rugs to bring warmth to a room. Carpeting and rugs create a cozy, warm feeling, but replacing your carpet can be very expensive. Instead, look for sales on area rugs that match your theme or color palette for each room.
If buying a new rug is too expensive, visit a flooring store and ask if they have vinyl remnants. These are pieces of vinyl left over from previous projects that are too small to re-use, but are often large enough to use as an area rug. To personalize the look even more, paint a design on the remnant with acrylic paints and seal with concrete sealer.
6. Hang mirrors to make a room feel larger. Look for large mirrors at secondhand shops and home improvement stores, then install them wherever you need more space. Mirrors help create an optical illusion that a space is larger than it really is, so wall mirrors are a great touch in smaller rooms or narrow hallways. In addition, the mirrors will reflect any light that’s in the room, making it look brighter.
If you like the shape of a mirror but not the frame, try painting it!
If you have an unframed mirror in your bathroom and can’t afford a new one, you can frame your mirror in by attaching moldings around all four sides.
Question : Can I use a blanket as a rug?
Answer : If it is a tightly woven blanket it might work, but make sure it can be walked on without sliding around a lot. Also make sure it can be cleaned well and won't be torn or unraveled if used as a rug. There are certain bath mats that can be used for house rugs, too. It's great if it can be machine washable.
Tips.
Look for DIY design ideas for fun projects to decorate your home that you can do yourself!
Warnings.
Whenever you're painting, priming, or sanding something, make sure the room is well-ventilated, and take regular breaks to get fresh air.
How to Decorate a Teen Girl's Bedroom on a Budget.
Decorating a teen girl's bedroom doesn't have to mean spending a ton of money on new furniture and accessories. All you need to do is choose a theme and colors, buy or modify furniture, rearrange a bit, and tidy up. Be creative, and a great room can be yours (or your daughter's) with a modest budget.
Part 1 Planning Your Design.
1. Choose a theme. The theme of your room can be just about anything, from a fairy princess theme to an underwater theme. If you don't want to go too crazy with a theme, just pick a color theme consisting of two or three complementary colors.
If you need some help choosing colors that go well together, you can try consulting a color wheel. Depending on how much contrast you want, you can choose colors that are near each other or across from each other on the color wheel.
You can also choose a colorful piece of fabric or art to inspire your color choices for the rest of the room.
Keep your theme in mind when purchasing and repurposing items for the room. Everything doesn't have to match perfectly, but it should all coordinate.
2. Keep function in mind. Before you overhaul the room, take a minute to think about what is and what is not working for you. For example, if you have no place to study in your room, you may want to consider adding a desk. If the room feels claustrophobic, you may want to remove some furniture.
Measure the room so you will know exactly how much space you have for new pieces before you buy them. You should make sure you have enough room to comfortably walk around each piece and open all doors and drawers.
It's a good idea to keep these measurements written down somewhere or stored in your phone so you can consult them if you find a piece of furniture you like.
3. Declutter and assess your storage needs. Clutter can keep your room from looking the way you want it to, so find a way to minimize it.
Donate clothes and other items you no longer use to a local thrift shop. You can also try selling some things online or at a consignment store if you want some extra money to spend on your room.
Once you've gotten rid of everything you don't need, determine if you still have clutter, and if so, how to deal with it. You may need to add things like shelves, hooks, a dresser, or a storage ottoman to your room, depending on the kinds of items you need to store. Baskets and canvas bins are also great for making clutter disappear!
You can also rearrange furniture, or clean out the room and store some unwanted items in the attic or basement. This will make it somewhat easier to see what the shape and size the room is.
Part 2 Decorating Walls.
1. Paint your room. Painting is one of the most affordable ways to instantly change the look of your space. Choose a color that goes well with your theme, and make sure it's something that you think you will like for a long time.
Make sure to measure your room and check how many square feet the paint you are buying will cover. You will almost definitely need two coats of paint, no matter what kind you buy.
If you are painting over a dark color, you may need to prime the walls before you paint.
If you are using more than one gallon of paint, it's a good idea to mix them together in a large bucket just in case they end up being slightly different.
Don't forget to give the ceiling and trim a fresh coat of paint if they are looking dingy.
2. Create patterns. Painting your walls a solid color can look great, but if you want something a little more unique, there are lots of ways to add some more interest to your walls.
Paint three walls a neutral color and one wall a very vibrant color for an exciting accent wall.
Use wallpaper for an added punch. Temporary wallpaper is also available if you don't want to have to worry about removing it later. If you can't afford to do your whole room, add wallpaper in strategic locations, like behind your bed or under a chair rail.
If you're looking for a cheaper alternative to wallpaper, try painting on a design. You can use painter's tape to create simple designs like stripes, or use a stencil for a more elaborate design.
Faux painting with a sponge or rag is also an option if you want to give your walls some texture.
You can also use painter's tape to create abstract patterns or geometric designs on your walls. Don't be afraid to be creative!
3. Decorate with photos. Photos of your friends, your pets, or your favorite places can make great additions to your decor. Be creative and use your photos to express yourself.
Frame several photos and hang them to create a gallery wall.
Hang photos from a piece of string or fishing line with clothespins.
Have your photos printed on canvas, glass, or fabric.
Arrange your photos on a poster board for a unique collage.
In lieu of frames, mount photos to colorful pieces of paper and stick them to your walls with double-sided tape.
4. Put up posters or wall stickers. Putting up posters of your favorite band or actor can be a great way to express your interests. Better yet, wall stickers are meant for walls and won't rip paint.
Just don't over-crowd the walls, because then the room will look messy.
5. Make your own art. You can hang just about anything on your walls, so use your imagination and create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece!
If you have a collection of any kind, whether it's guitars or baseball caps, try displaying them all on one wall together.
Try your hand at painting a canvas. You can paint a realistic portrait or an abstract design, depending on your skills and preferences.
You can create colorful wall hangings by wrapping fabric tightly around a canvas or square piece of wood and stapling it in the back. You can add a frame to make your fabric art more dramatic.
Purchase wood pieces in various shapes, like circles, letters, or stars. Then paint them to go with your theme and hang them in groupings around your room.
Part 3 Creating New Items from Old Items.
1. Recognize good quality furniture. Just because a piece of furniture looks ugly, doesn't mean it has to go! With a little work, you can give most pieces an amazing makeover, especially if they're solid wood or metal.
Solid wood is better quality than particle board or MDF.
Check to make sure all pieces are secure and do not wobble. If you find something that is broken, look to see if it could be repaired.
Drawers and doors should open and close nicely.
Look for joints that are tight and secured with dowels or dovetails. Be wary of joints that are only nailed or glued together.
Metal pieces should be held together by neat, consistent welds that are free from cracks.
2. Paint your items. Painting is a relatively quick and easy way to completely change the look of your furniture and accessories.
If you want a glossy finish, consider using spray paint. Make sure you choose a paint that is appropriate for the material you are painting, and always use spray paint an area that is thoroughly protected and ventilated, preferably outside.
If you want a more antiqued or distressed look, try using chalk paint.
You can also find specialty paints that have metallic or glittery finishes. Look around at your local home improvement store for inspiration.
Remember that in addition to furniture, you can paint things like picture frames, lamps, mirrors, and trash cans. The possibilities are endless!
Fabric can be painted too! If you have some boring white curtains or pillow cases, you can use a stencil to paint on a fun and colorful design. Be sure to use paint that is appropriate for fabric.
You can turn almost anything, from a piece of furniture to a wall, into a chalkboard with some simple and inexpensive chalkboard paint. Be creative and make a custom message board for your room.
3. Embellish your items. If your piece of furniture doesn't need an entire coat of paint, you can make some small changes that will have a big impact.
Try stenciling a design on the fronts of your dresser drawers or decoupaging them with colorful fabric. You can also use temporary wallpaper if you don't want to make a big commitment.
Change out the knobs on your dresser and nightstand for an instant makeover with almost no work.
Use Mod Podge and your favorite fabric or patterned paper to give flat surfaces, like tabletops, a completely unique look.
4. Create a headboard. If your bed doesn't have a headboard, consider making one yourself to make your bed the focal point of your room.
Hang a tapestry or another large item above your bed to mimic the look of a headboard.
Make your own upholstered headboard by wrapping a wood pattern in batting and fabric, stapling it in the back.
Hang an old door horizontally on the wall above your bed. You can paint it any color you like.
5. Make curtains, duvet covers, and pillows. These are easy projects, and you can even make them with fabric you already have, like a sheet.
These projects require a few simple, straight stitches. If you really hate sewing, you can even use iron-on tape for your seams and hems.
You can create a new cover to put over an old pillow, or, if you don't have an old pillow, simply fill the new pillow with polyester fluff from your local fabric store.
Sewing in a zipper is the hardest part of making a pillow, but this is only necessary if you need to be able to wash the cover. To keep duvet covers closed, you can use buttons, snaps, or even ribbons.
If you don't like the fabric on a chair or sofa, you might want to invest in a slipcover, which is still much less expensive than buying a new piece of furniture. You can also make one yourself, but you will need to have some sewing skills.
6. Jazz up your lighting. If you have lamps and ceiling fixtures that are a little too boring, there are lots of ways to make them more interesting. Depending on the materials, you could paint the base or the shade, embellish the shade with garland or beads, or even create a new shade with fabric.
You can also add creative lighting to your room with strings of holiday lights.
Part 4 Buying New Items.
1. Buy wisely. There's nothing wrong with buying a few new pieces to decorate your room, but try to spend your money wisely.
If you buy new furniture, make sure the quality is good enough that it will last you for a long time. You don't want to have to replace it in a few years.
Don't spend a lot of money on pieces that are extremely trendy or that you may grow out of. Instead, try to make sure your core pieces are versatile so you can still use them even if your style changes. Less expensive accessories, like pillow cases and curtains, can be as trendy as you want.
2. Keep your lifestyle in mind. When buying furniture, it is important to think about how you plan on using the room. If you have a lot of friends over, for example, make sure you have enough seating. If you have a ton of clothes and not enough closet space, make sure to look for pieces that can store your extra items.
If you're short on space, consider looking for pieces of furniture that serve multiple purposes. For example, a few cube ottomans can provide seating and storage. If you would love a couch in your room but don't have room for a both a couch and a bed, consider purchasing a daybed, which looks more like a seating area.
3. Arrange your furniture properly. There's no absolute rule for how to arrange your furniture, but there are a few helpful guidelines.
Try not to place all of your furniture against a wall. If you have a seating area, have the seats facing each other.
You should also think about colors when you're arranging your furniture and accessories. Try to scatter your accent colors around the room instead of having all of your colorful items on one wall.
Create a focal point. For bedrooms, this is usually the bed, so anchor it with a headboard, a large piece of art, or a colorful accent wall.
Try to have a designated area for each activity you plan on doing in your room, like studying, for example. This will help keep you more organized and help you make better decisions when buying furniture.
4. Think about proportion. Make sure you know how big your room is and how big a piece of furniture is before you buy it. Your furniture needs to be appropriately sized in order for it to feel cozy, yet comfortable. You also need plenty of space to walk around!
If you're buying a rug. Make sure it is large enough to extend beyond the bed on both sides.
5. Check the house first. Before you buy anything new, check to see if there are any pieces of furniture in other parts of the house that could be used in your room.
You can also try asking around to see if any friends or family members have furniture that they're looking to get rid of.
6. Buy used. Now that you know how to make over nearly any piece of furniture with paint, you can start shopping for affordable used pieces that you can customize to your own liking. Try shopping at antique stores, garage sales, thrift shops, and flea markets.
There might even be a few pieces of furniture in the attic or basement that you aren't using. Repurpose those if possible!
7. Search for deals. If you plan on buying new items, always look for deals. Comparison shop if you find an item you like, and never purchase anything online without first searching for a coupon code.
Tips
Be creative and resourceful when looking for accessories and you'll save a lot of money.
It is a good idea to have a dirty laundry hamper and trash can in your room. Try putting them beside your desk.
It's best to have three colors in a room theme. Two main colors, and splashes from a third. For example, a room can be mainly black & white, but have splashes of purple.
Keep the walls and furniture of your room pretty neutral, and then add decals and a bedspread in a bright color of your choice. You can swap those out when you don't love them anymore and it will change your whole room.
Add some accent pillows on your bed to make it more of a focal point. They should be the same color as your bedspread or match something in your room in a way. Matching the bedspread is better. The bedspread should match the accent wall. If not, the accent pillows should match the accent wall.
When choosing a theme, choose one that's close to your heart. Then the room will be your favorite place to be.
Warnings
If you are painting inside, open a window for better ventilation.
If you need to use a power tool for any projects, make sure you use the appropriate safety equipment. If you are a minor, ask your parent for help.
Painting can be very messy, so do it outside or make sure your floors and any other surfaces that you don't want paint on are completely covered.
Whether someone is seeking a more minimalist lifestyle or a small space is all that's in their price range, it's very common for people to live in small apartments. You might be wondering how you could possible fit all your belongings into such a small space. Luckily, with some smart creative organizing, you can maximize the space available in your living area, closets, bedroom, and kitchen.
Part 1 Avoiding Clutter in Your Living Area.
1. Attach hooks to the wall in your entryway. Jackets, purses, and bags can take up a lot of space if they’re thrown around. By installing hooks just inside the front door, you’ll have a designated spot for these items. That way you and your guests can leave your jackets and bags here, freeing up space in the rest of the room.
You could also use a standing coat rack for the same purpose. That way, you won’t have to worry about drilling holes in your wall.
There are also sticky hooks you could use that attach to the wall without the need for screws or nails.
2. Hang shoe organizers inside your closets to free up space. You might not realize that the inside of your closet doors have tons of space for storage. Hanging shoe organizers give you storage pockets for all your footwear that might otherwise clutter your floor or closet space.
Mount these organizers inside all your closets to get even more storage space.
Remember, shoe organizers don’t have to only hold shoes. They’re great for storing all kinds of things that might be cluttering your home!
3. Place space-saving corner shelves throughout your apartment. Maximize your storage room by using all of the corner space available in your apartment. Installing these shelves will give you more room for storage, or for displaying decorations to give your apartment some character.
You can either use shelves mounted to the wall, or get a few corner shelf stands.
4. Use floor-to-ceiling bookcases to take advantage of vertical storage. In a small apartment, all your storage must be done vertically. Tall bookcases are a great investment because they take advantage of this and let you store items from your floor all the way up to your ceiling.
Remember, bookcases aren’t just for books. They can store electronics, video games, file folders, or just about anything else that might otherwise end up in a drawer.
5. Find a pop-up coffee table to maximize your space. This type of coffee table opens up to reveal storage space inside. Some types also extend, allowing multiple people to use a seemingly small table.
You can also find a coffee table with drawers. This will still conceal storage space in a functional piece of furniture.
6. Get rid of things you don’t need to prevent clutter. One of the keys to living in a small apartment is minimizing the amount of things you have to store. You might organize your apartment perfectly but still not have enough room. In this case, it’s time to take a look at what you own and decide what you can live without.
Remember to donate things that are still in good condition. Homeless shelters, veterans’ organizations, and other charities would love to have your old clothes and other items.
Part 2 Making Space in Your Bedroom.
1. Get a bed with storage space. Some beds come with built-in storage space. This is a huge space saver in a small bedroom. If your bed has enough storage, you could avoid the need for a dresser or cabinet and increase your available floor space.
Some bed designs have built-in drawers. You could use these as a replacement for a dresser.
You could also invest in an Ottoman bed. With this design, the mattress lifts up to reveal storage space underneath. This space is perfect for clothes and linens.
If a bed with storage is out of your price range, you could also get a raised bed and use the space underneath to slide boxes.
2. Consider a Murphy bed if you live in a studio apartment. Your bed could take up a lot of space in a studio apartment. Murphy beds are designed to fold up into a compartment that looks like an ordinary cabinet. This frees up the space the bed was using saves a lot of room in a studio apartment.
Remember that Murphy beds can be expensive. Even cheaper models can be around $1,000. Consider your budget before making this investment.
3. Mount shelves above your bed for additional storage and décor. There is plenty of space above your bed for one or more shelves, avoiding the need for night tables that take up room.
Remember to test the height of any shelves you install above your bed. You should be able to sit up comfortably in bed without hitting your head, so make a mark on the wall where your head reaches up to.
Make sure any shelves above your bed are installed properly and the items you place on them are secure. You don’t want anything falling on your while you sleep!
4. Add a door hanger to your closet to free up closet space. You can maximize your closet space by installing a hanger rack on the inside of your closet door. This instantly doubles your space by allowing you to hang clothes on the normal closet rack and the door rack.
There are several models of door hangers available. The simplest just hook over the top of the closet door, making installation and removal easy.
5. Hang a full-length mirror on your door. A flat mirror can easily hook to the top of your bedroom door. This takes up very little space, and will make getting dressed a lot easier.
The added bonus here is that mirrors help rooms look bigger. If you're feeling cramped in your tiny bedroom, this addition could do the trick.
Hanging mirrors throughout your apartment could also make the rest of the space look bigger.
6. Get a laundry hamper and keep your dirty laundry in it. In a small bedroom, dirty laundry will accumulate fast. Designate a space for your dirty clothes with a hamper in your bedroom. This will prevent you from leaving clothes on your floor.
Also remember to do your laundry often! Your hamper will fill up quickly and you don't want the clutter to overflow.
Put your clean laundry away quickly too. Don't let a laundry basket take up your space.
Part 3 Maximizing Space in Your Kitchen.
1. Install wall hangers for your pots and pans. These take up a lot of space and you'll probably need your drawers and cabinets for storing utensils and cooking supplies. Take advantage of your kitchen's wall space by storing pots and pans vertically instead.
You could use screws to hang these hooks, or if you’d rather not drill holes in your wall, there are hooks that use sticky backs to attach to the wall.
The added bonus here is that your pots and pans will be easily-accessible, and you won't have to dig for them in a cabinet.
2. Mount spice racks to the wall to save space. You’ll probably run out of drawer space quickly in a small kitchen. Spice racks on the wall will give you room to store all your ingredients and keep your drawers free for utensils.
You probably have room for several spice racks, so feel free to install more than one for even more storage.
You can also use spice racks to store other things like napkins, cups, or salt shakers.
3. Use stackable shelves in your cabinets to stay organized. Cabinet space is precious in a small kitchen, so you have to make the most of what you have. By installing shelves in your cabinet, you can add two or even three rows of storage space that you didn't have before.
When stacking items, remember to organize them by weight. Heavy items like a crock pot should be on the bottom, and lighter items should be on the top.
4. Attach a folding table to your wall. If your kitchen or living area is too small for a table, there are models that hook to your wall and fold up. Like a Murphy bed, these tables free up space when not in use.
Some folding table models also include even more storage space inside the cabinet that houses the table. You can use this to store away any glassware or silverware that you might not know what to do with.
To further save space, consider pairing stackable chairs or stools with this table. Like the table, these can store away when not in use.
5. Store items above your refrigerator. There is more room up there than you think! The unused space above your refrigerator can add some more storage or decoration to your kitchen. For example, you could install shelves there and store cups, dishes, or even cookbooks.
A wine rack could also be a nice addition above your fridge.
6. Utilize the space above your cabinets for storage. Rather than collecting dust, this area can maximize the storage in your kitchen.
Extra pots and pans could fit nicely in this space. This would be convenient while you cook.
If there is enough space, you might even be able to install more shelves up here. This can store more silverware, or you can use it as an overflow area for some of the things in the rest of your apartment.
It's tempting to view these spaces as a junk area where you just throw things you don't need. Avoid that temptation! Keep these areas was well-organized as all your other spaces.
Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival that honors the Hindu deity Ganesh. Each year, at the culmination of the festival, Ganesh murti, or idols, are immersed and dissolved in water. To make your own murti, sculpt a natural clay, such as terracotta, into the form of Ganesh. Create a makhar, or a throne, for the idol, then adorn it with craft jewels, flowers, colorful fabric, and candles. Throughout your home, celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with decorations such as diyas, strings of lights, and beautiful door hangings.
Method 1 Making Your Own Ganesh Murti.
1. Sculpt the murti with natural, biodegradable clay. Immersing murti in water sends Ganesh, who has resided in the idol to listen to your prayers, back to his heavenly abode. Terracotta clay and other natural choices will dissolve during the immersion ritual. Not only is this consistent with the ritual’s spiritual meaning, it’s better for the environment.
During Ganesh Chaturthi, hundreds of thousands of idols may be immersed in a single city. Idols made of materials that don't dissolve, such as plaster of Paris, pollute the bodies of water in which they’re immersed. In some areas, laws require Ganesh murti to be made of natural clay.
Furthermore, undissolved idols are often removed from bodies of water, gathered into piles, and destroyed, which disrespects Ganesh.
2. Roll out 3 large balls of clay for the body, base, and head. Make the balls roughly the same size between 1/3 and 1/2 of the height you want the idol to be. For instance, if you want a 9 in (23 cm) idol, make each large ball about 3 to 4 in (7.6 to 10.2 cm) in diameter. Squish the first ball between your palms to make a flat, 1⁄4 in (0.64 cm) thick circular base, then blend the bottom of the ball for the body onto the base.
After smoothing the ball for the body into the base, attach the ball for the head onto the body. At this point, it should look a bit like a snowman sitting on a flat circle, with the joints between the clay balls blended together.
Dab your fingers in a small cup of water to moisten the clay and make it more pliable.
If you have trouble keeping the sculpture stable, insert a toothpick halfway into the top of the ball for the body. Then place the ball for the head onto the body; the other half of the toothpick goes into the head. The toothpick acts like a frame and holds the 2 balls of clay together.
3. Make 2 long cylinders for the legs. Roll 2 pieces of clay into 2 to 3 in (5.1 to 7.6 cm) long tubes with diameters of about 1 1⁄2 in (3.8 cm). Then attach 1 end of each tube to the rear and bottom of the body to form the legs. Bend the legs so they curl around the front of the body in a sitting position, then smooth 1 end of each leg to the back of body to form the hip joints.
Remember that toothpicks or small sticks can help you attach the body parts to each other if you have trouble keeping the idol stable.
4. Attach the arms and the trunk to the idol. Make 2 more 2 to 3 in (5.1 to 7.6 cm) tubes with 1 1⁄2 in (3.8 cm) diameters. Attach 1 end of each one to the top of the body to make the arms. Roll a final 2 to 3 in (5.1 to 7.6 cm) tube with a diameter of about 1 in (2.5 cm), and blend it into the front of the head for the trunk.
With wet fingertips, smooth each of these joints. Blend the arms where they meet the body to make shoulders, and smooth the clay all around where the trunk meets the face.
Pinch the ends of the arms to slightly flatten them into hands. Bend one arm upward at the elbow and wrist so the palm faces forward to represent a mudra, or a symbolic hand gesture. Position the other arm so its palm faces up.
5. Sculpt an object associated with Ganesh for your murti to hold. Make a ball of clay about 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) in diameter. Mold it into a symbolic object associated with Ganesh, such as rope or uneaten sweets, and place it in the upward facing palm. To make a rope, simply roll the small ball of clay into a long, thin cylinder. Next, curl it into a loop and place it on Ganesh's palm.
Make uneaten sweets by dividing the clay ball into 3 or 4 smaller balls, then place them in the upward facing palm.
6. Blend the ears onto the head. Make 2 balls about 1 in (2.5 cm) across, then squish each one between your palms to make smooth, flat ears about 2 in (5.1 cm) and 1⁄4 in (0.64 cm) thick.
Place the ears on the sides of the head, then blend the joints between the ears and the head.
7. Add the tusks and a crown. Place 2 small tusks on either side of the trunk, then make a crown by stacking 2 or 3 clay cylinders about 2 in (5.1 cm) in diameter and 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) thick on top of the head.
Ganesh has a broken tusk, so make one about 1 in (2.5 cm) long and the other about 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) in length. Both tusks should be tubes about 1⁄4 in (0.64 cm) thick, and the longer one should taper to a point.
Get creative and make small balls and other shapes to adorn the crown with jewels.
8. Draw eyes and markings with a toothpick and safety pin. With the point of the toothpick, draw small eyes above and on either side of the trunk. Then add the Aum symbol to the forehead with the pin. Even with the pin, it might be tough to draw the symbol so small, but just do your best.
You can also make lines to add details to the crown, ears, belly, and other body parts. Visualize Ganesh or look at an image, and fine tune the murti until you’re happy with your representation of the deity.
The idol will be immersed and dissolved in water, so there’s no need to bake it or otherwise set it.
9. Use vegetable-based pigments if you choose to paint the murti. Painting the murti is optional; many people now prefer the natural look of an unpainted clay idol. If you do paint it, go for natural, vegetable-based paints instead of metallic or chemical-based products.
Vermilion, which is a deep red, would be a good color choice. It's associated with Ganesh and religious festivals.
Vegetable-based paints are eco-friendly and won’t harm the body of water in which you immerse the murti. In some areas, idols are required to be unpainted or colored with non-toxic pigments. Search online for your city's government website to check your local ordinances, or look for newspaper articles on regulations related to Ganesh Chaturthi.
Things You’ll Need : Terracotta clay, Toothpicks, Small cup of water, Sculpting blade (optional), Vegetable-based paints (optional), Paintbrush (optional).
Method 2 Creating a Ganpati Makhar.
1. Cut out a cardboard circle that’s larger than the murti. Trace a circular object, like a plate, over the cardboard as a guide. Just make sure it’s large enough to be a suitable backdrop for the murti. Cut out the circle using scissors or a utility knife.
The circle will be a backdrop, so it needs to be bigger than the murti. For instance, if your idol is 8 in (20 cm) tall, make the circle at least 10 to 12 in (25 to 30 cm) in diameter.
If you’d like, decorate the circle’s perimeter with small scallop shapes, triangles, circles, or any design you find pleasing. Use your imagination! Cut designs directly into the circle’s edge or cut out shapes and glue them around it.
2. Create a base by cutting designs into a cardboard box. Choose a cardboard box that’s at least 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5.1 cm) wider than the idol's base; a shoe box would probably work well. To add visual interest, cut decorative arches, triangles, or other designs into the bottoms of each side. Again, get creative and come up with designs that you find beautiful!
If you're using a box without a lid, cut a piece of cardboard to fit the opening, then paste it over the top. This part of the makhar is the base or platform upon which Ganesh will sit.
3. Paint the circle and base or cover them with colorful paper. Choose vibrant paints or construction paper to color the makhar. Sky blue or pale turquoise would work well for the circle and top of the base, as the murti would stand out well against a light color. Ganesh enjoys the color red, so that’s a good choice for borders and other details.
If you’re using construction paper, cut the paper to fit the circle and the base’s sides and top. Use a glue stick to attach the paper to the cardboard.
If you’re painting the cardboard, allow it to dry for 6 to 8 hours before decorating it with craft jewels and beads.
You won't be immersing the makhar in a body of water, so it's okay if you use paints and other craft items that aren't biodegradable.
4. Glue beads and craft jewels to the cardboard. Using a hot glue gun, place large, colorful jewels around the edge of the circle and perimeter of the base. Create patterns around the larger jewels with rhinestones and other smaller ones. Then glue jewels and chains of beads around the platform’s edges to create a decorative border.
Leave most of the circular backdrop blank; just make a jeweled border about 1 in (2.5 cm) thick around the circle’s perimeter. If you’d like, glue a few beads or rhinestones to the backdrop here and there to make stars.
5. Attach the circle to the base and stabilize the joint with cardboard. Cut a rectangular piece of cardboard about 4 to 5 in (10 to 13 cm) long to secure the circle to the platform. Hold the bottom edge of the circle on one side of the platform. Then place the cardboard rectangle on the back of the makhar so it overlaps the joint where the circle and base meet. Once you’ve lined up the pieces, glue them together with the hot glue gun.
Hold the circle to the base for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the hot glue to set. Give it 30 to 60 minutes to completely dry.
Since it’s on the back of the makhar, the cardboard piece that holds the circle to the base won’t be visible. Although it won’t be seen, you can still paint it or cover it with colorful paper if you’d like.
Things You’ll Need : Cardboard box, Utility knife or scissors, Hot glue gun, Craft jewelry, Craft beads, Paint (optional), Paintbrush (optional), Construction paper (optional).
Method 3 Decorating Your Home.
1. Hang colorful dupattas around the makhar. Use thumbtacks to secure the dupattas, or colorful scarves, to the wall behind the makhar. After hanging the dupattas, place a small table in front of the wall, and set the makhar on the table.
If you don’t have dupattas, use lengths of any colorful fabric.
Place the murti on the makhar after you’ve set the table in place.
2. Adorn Ganesh and the makhar with flowers. Scatter flowers on the table around the makhar, and place vases with flowers on either side. Weave together a small garland of flower, ribbon, or paper, then place it around Ganesh’s neck.
Remember that Ganesh is fond of the color red; red hibiscus flowers are often used to adorn Ganesh idols. Erukku flowers and banana leaves are also associated with Ganesh.[20]
3. Place diyas, candles, and strings of lights around your home. Diyas are oil lamps that are lit during puja (prayer) and are typically made of brass. Place a diya by the makhar, and light it before you perform puja to Ganesh. No Hindu festival is complete without light, so decorate your entire home with candles and strings of LED lights to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi.
Your decorations can be as ornate as your budget and time allow. If you’d like, simply place diyas and votive candles around your home. You can also go all out and run strings of light all around doorways and the edges where walls meet the ceiling.
4. Welcome family and friends with vibrant door hangings. Purchase store-bought beaded door hangings, or make your own. You could tie and hang long strands of beads from the craft store, or string together ribbons, flowers, and lights. Hang your decorations on your entrance and, if you'd like, on doors throughout your home.
Use thumbtacks or small nails to attach your door hangings to the top of the door or jamb.
Wind chimes could also make an interesting addition to your door hangings.
Tips.
Remember the murti is part of a spiritual ritual. You should show reverence and contemplate Ganesh while making the idol.
While making your own murti is an act of devotion, you can also purchase store-bought idols and thrones. Keep in mind it's best to choose eco-friendly options.
Warnings.
Be careful when using sharp blades or a hot glue gun. Do not touch the tip of the glue gun while it’s hot. Allow it to cool completely before putting it away.
Decorating bedroom shelves can be one of the most enjoyable parts of interior design. Whether you've bought a brand-new home or just want a change of pace, there are plenty of ways to decorate without making your shelves look cluttered or out of place. Once you have an idea of how you want the shelves to look and what you’ll be using, you can let your creativity flow!
Part 1 Deciding on a Style.
Pull out all the items you need to store on the shelves. For example, you may have a huge collection of DVDs or photo albums that definitely require shelf space. Your shelves can serve a purpose and look stylish at the same time, but giving objects that need a home priority can help guide your process.
Choose colors that complement the existing décor. You want to try to match the colors or materials the bedroom already has. You may have to pass on neon decor in a room with dark, wood-paneled walls, but it could do well in a white or already colorful room.
Limiting yourself to 2 or 3 colors to decorate with will help prevent your shelves from looking too busy.
Use a tape measure to determine the size of your shelves if necessary. Shelves come in all different shapes and sizes, and each one has different potential for decoration. If you have something bigger you'd like to place, or you're going out shopping for decorations, it's good to know the exact amount of space available. Use a tape measure.
Measure from one end of the shelf to the other to get the width. If the shelf is enclosed or there is something above it, measure from the bottom of the shelf to the top to get the height. Then, measure from the front edge to the back wall to get the depth. Write all of these numbers down.
Part 2 Picking out Your Decorations.
Stack books together for an academic or hobbyist look. You might want to show off your collection of romance novels or store a set of psychiatry textbooks. Books are a great choice to decorate with as they are a natural complement to other items. You can alternate between placing them horizontally and vertically to create different effects.
A horizontal stack of books becomes a base for another object to rest on.
A series of titles standing up can be held in place by a sculpture or bookend.
Removing covers from books or facing them spine-first can completely change how they look on the shelf.
Decorate with plants to bring more “life” to your shelves. Flowers, succulents, and bonsai will warm up your room and make give it a more homey feel. Having plants in your home can even improve your mental health, as they can help ease anxiety or symptoms of sickness and make you feel relieved.
You can make your own terrarium by filling a small glass container with potting soil, stones, and tiny plants.
Choose flowers for a pop of color.
Add a stronger touch of your personal style with artwork. Whether you’ve bought them or made them yourself, art pieces can be a great addition to your shelves. Paintings, sketches, sculptures, and pottery are all good choices.
If your art is two-dimensional, you can place it behind other objects to create more depth.
Hide loose or extra objects in attractive storage bins. You might want to stow away certain items to keep them around but out of sight. This is a perfect time to use organizational bins. Many storage bins are made of cloth or plastic with built-in handles so you can slide them on and off of a shelf with ease.
Items that are practical but not aesthetically-pleasing, such as extra headphones or charging cables, can be placed in these bins.
These bins can also house shoes, makeup kits, linens, or whatever else you might like to have in your bedroom.
Part 3 Arranging Items on Your Shelves.
Group together items that look similar. Once you’ve got all of your decorations ready, set them all in one place near the shelf. Try to keep items of the same color or shape grouped together so you’ll have a good idea of where you want them as you go along.
Place similar items in a triangle or “zigzag” pattern. If you have a lot of shelf space, you'll want to spread things out. Alternating which shelves you place similar items on will help balance out the overall appearance.
If you have many objects that look similar, group them in odd numbers.
These patterns are often chosen by designers because they follow the "rule of thirds," or the principle that elements in groups of 3 are the most visually appealing.
Choose pieces that have meaning to you as the focal point of each shelf. Try to draw attention to whatever you like best. You can achieve this by placing one piece in the direct center, or setting several beside objects with eye-catching colors.
Draw the eye to photos of you and your loved ones for a sentimental feel.
Art pieces are great as focal points.
Move anything that looks out of place. If you feel anything is "not quite right," feel free to move objects around. Make sure to pay attention to what the space around each shelf or compartment looks like in addition to what it contains. If you feel you’ve achieved a good visual harmony, then you’re finished!
Tips
Painting the back of your shelves, or the wall behind them, before placing your decorations can really make them pop and further elevate your bedroom’s style.
