Cheap decorating ideas for living rooms

Looking to refresh your living room without breaking the bank? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re after a simple revamp or a complete makeover, these cheap decorating ideas for your living room will help you transform your space without overspending.

From clever DIY projects to budget-friendly updates, we’ve rounded up the best low budget living room ideas to give your home a fresh look.

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• Go antique hunting
• Be smart with wallpaper
• Utilise artwork
• Plants are your friend
• Zone out spaces with a rug
• Update your textiles
• Switch up your lighting
• Pick up a paint brush
• Rearrange your shelving

Go antique hunting

When decorating your living room on a budget, it’s tempting to think everything needs to be brand new. However, if your space feels like it’s missing character or personality, adding antique pieces could be the perfect solution.

Antique hunting may seem overwhelming at first—some people even do it professionally—but it’s much simpler when decorating your home. The only things that matter is if you like the piece and if it fits your space. You can find charming antiques in second-hand stores, charity shops, or online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or eBay, offering endless options.

Be smart with wallpaper

Wallpaper is one of the easiest ways to revamp a space with minimal effort, but covering all your walls can be pricey. Instead, use a small amount of higher-end wallpaper to create a luxury feel on a budget.

A feature wall or framed samples can elevate your living room without denting your wallet. Just remember to get your landlord’s permission before hanging wallpaper if you’re renting. 

Utilise artwork

Got a plain wall you’re not motivated to decorate? Adding artwork is a simple, affordable way to bring your living room to life. Prints and frames are more budget-friendly than ever, making them a great option for low budget living room ideas.

We’d recommend that you choose a theme—whether it’s warm neutrals or a bold palette—and hang your artwork with about 5cm between frames. If you’re renting or want to avoid damaging the walls, command strips are an easy solution.

Plants are your friend

When revamping your living room on a budget, plants can make a big difference. They brighten up the space and boost mental wellbeing. Place them in corners, on sideboards, or shelves to create a natural, vibrant feel.

If you’re not great with plants, opt for faux ones or mix real, dried, and artificial options f or a lush, low-maintenance look. You can even grow your own from cuttings to save even more.

Zone out spaces with a rug

If your living room doubles as a dining or workspace, a rug is an affordable way to define areas within the space. Stylish, budget-friendly options can be found at stores like Wayfair and IKEA.

Position your rug under the sofa to "anchor" the space, then match it with cushions to inject colour and create clear zones in your living room.

Update your textiles

It’s amazing what a few new throws and cushions can make to your space. You don’t have to spend a fortune to make a big impact.

There are plenty of online and highstreet  shops that provide a wide range of textile options for your living room. You could save even more money by revamping your current cushions and throws with inexpensive tassels and trims from your local haberdashery. 

Switch up your lighting

Outdated lighting can really drag down the vibe of your living room, but with so many affordable options out there, there's no reason to stick with that old lampshade. Stores like The Range, Aldi, and Home Bargains have some great, on-trend lighting that can instantly refresh your space without costing a fortune.

Think about adding a few different light sources to your living room to create a cosy, layered feel for those chilled evenings in. Even if you can’t install permanent fixtures because of a tenancy agreement, you can still play around with ceiling lights, pendants, wall lights, floor lamps, desk lamps, and even under-cabinet lighting to add some drama and style.

And if you’ve got a lamp with a good base, why not just switch out the shade or try a new bulb? It’s a super easy way to change things up and give the room a fresh look!

Rearrange your furniture

It might seem like a simple fix, but sometimes simplicity is the way to go. Rearranging your furniture can instantly refresh your living room and give you a new appreciation for the pieces you already own. Plus, moving those larger items gives you the chance to clean those hard-to-reach spots!

Pink up a paint brush

A fresh lick of paint can instantly revive any space – plus. It's a cost-effective way to revamp your living room with minimal effort.

Your choice of colour can have a real impact on how your space feels. Deeper, moodier tones like ink blue or deeper grays can create a cosier and more intimate feel, while off-whites or creams can bring a light and airy sense to your lounge. 

Rearrange your shelving

Your shelving and bookshelves might seem like a purely practical element of your living room, but they can make a huge difference to the feel of your space. Minimal arrangements with a few carefully selected items can give the illusion of an ordered and bigger space, while shelving filled with trinkets and books can give the impression of a more lived-in and maximalist aesthetic.