5 Ways to Upgrade Your Home Decor on a Budget

Whether you’re looking to spruce up a room for spring or are ready to put your home on the market, these easy upgrades will give your space that high-end look without a major expense. 

Repainting wood furniture, reupholstering your old couch or swapping out hardware like knobs and drawer pulls is a quick and affordable way to give your space a luxe makeover.  Having things in place like a home warranty can allow you to budget for upgrading your home in other areas. If you aren’t familiar with a home warranty or asking yourself What is home warranty when buying a house? – Cinch Home Services Guide can provide you with all the information you need to know. 

1. Paint Your Walls 

One of the cheapest and fastest ways to freshen up your home is by adding a new coat of paint. Whether you choose to go bold or stick with neutrals, this easy home decor idea can instantly transform your space. 

Before you start painting, make sure your workspace is clean by clearing out furniture and laying down a drop sheet. Then wash the walls with a solution of water and sugar soap to remove dirt and dust that could interfere with your finish. Masking trim with tape is important for a professional-looking result. And don’t forget to clean and scrub hard-to-reach spots like behind baseboards or ceilings. 

If you want to add a bit of drama, try using a picture-framing technique on an accent wall to draw the eye. Or, give your walls a paneled look with narrow strips of molding. 

2. Add a Rug 

A rug can change the whole look of a room without breaking the bank. It’s a great way to add texture and warmth, while still leaving the floor bare. 

Choose a rug that fits your furniture and the color palette of the room. For example, a round rug fits a circular table and works well with a dining room, while a long narrow runner made of foot traffic-friendly materials is perfect for entryways and hallways. 

Remember to follow the general rules for rugs, such as keeping around 18 inches of space between the rug and the wall. And if you’re looking to get even more bang for your decorating buck, layer a smaller, less-expensive rug over a larger, statement piece for added visual interest. 

3. Upgrade Your Fixtures 

Lighting upgrades are a simple and affordable way to give your home a more modern look. If you have a fixture that is outdated and just plain ugly, replacing it will instantly make your home look more expensive without the hassle of a full renovation. 

If your fixture is in good shape but you’d like a new color, consider painting it or covering it in a contrasting shade. You can also find sconces and shades that cover

naked bulbs and help to hide the fixture itself, creating an instant upgrade. 

Try layering your fixtures, especially in main rooms, to create a more sophisticated aesthetic. Just don’t go overboard or you could end up with a muddled look. Also, be sure to update your fixtures with energy efficient options that will save you money on electricity costs and reduce your carbon footprint. 

4. Swap Out Old Light Bulbs 

If you have old-fashioned incandescent bulbs, consider replacing them with energy efficient LED ones. Not only will they instantly brighten the room but also save you money on your electric bill. 

Make sure your new bulb is the right wattage for your fixture, and turn off the power before you remove the old one. You can check by observing the voltage supplied between the white wires at the bulb socket’s base or by reading the fixture’s wattage rating label. 

Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to grab the base of a bulb for easy extraction. If you break the bulb during extraction, set a towel on the floor beneath to catch any shards and wear heavy-duty gloves. Dispose of the broken bulbs in your regular household trash. 

5. Add a Statement Piece 

Whether it’s an area rug, bold patterned chair or large painting you picked up on your European vacation, adding a statement piece to your home decor helps pull a space together. However, finding a piece that stands out on your budget isn’t always easy. 

Start by looking around whatever room you’re trying to upgrade, and make a list of what you want to change. This may help you narrow down your options and save time on browsing for ideas online. 

Once you’ve found a potential piece, consider how it would fit into your existing color scheme. You can go either way with this – matching the piece to your color scheme will ensure it looks held together, or opting for a contrasting color palette can create an eye-catching effect.