5 Cheap Living Room Decor Ideas: Budget-friendly living room decorating tips that make small spaces sing

I once convinced a client that painting the ceiling sky-blue would make their tiny living room feel like a vacation — they almost refused until guests started asking about the ‘resort vibes’. That little risk taught me: small spaces are often the best playgrounds for big ideas. In this article I’ll share 5 cheap ideas to decorate your living room, based on real projects where I squeezed style out of a shoestring budget.

1. Thrifted Finds with a Purpose

I love hunting for thrift-store treasures — a mismatched lamp or a vintage coffee table can become the room’s focal point with a light coat of paint or new hardware. The upside: you get personality for pennies; the downside: inconsistency in scale sometimes needs a little DIY to fix. Pro tip: measure first and imagine the piece painted the same color as your trim to create cohesion. If you want to visualize layouts before buying, I sometimes use an online room planner to test scale and placement.

save pin

2. Removable Wallpaper Accent

Removable wallpaper is my go-to for renters or indecisive clients: bold pattern, zero commitment. It instantly upgrades a wall without a big budget, though aligning patterns on textured walls can be finicky. I once used a botanical removable paper behind a slim bookcase — guests thought it was custom millwork. Want to see how a patterned accent wall fits into your floor plan? Try a free floor plan creator to map the impact beforehand.

save pin

3. Lighting Layers on a Budget

You don’t need an expensive chandelier to make a room feel luxe. Mix floor lamps, string lights, and plug-in sconces to create warm layers. The challenge is avoiding tangled cords — use cord covers and route them behind furniture. In one studio project, strategic low-cost lamps transformed a windowless living room into a cozy reading haven by creating pockets of light that felt intentional.

save pin

4. DIY Art and Gallery Ledges

I often recommend creating a gallery ledge: inexpensive frames or canvases can be swapped seasonally and make the room feel curated. Making oversized abstract art with leftover paint is a great weekend project — it looks designer but costs next to nothing. The downside is that proportions matter; too many small frames can feel cluttered, so balance large and small pieces.

save pin

5. Textiles for Instant Warmth

Throw pillows, rugs, and curtains are the fastest way to change mood. Layering textures adds depth without breaking the bank, though low-quality textiles can pill or fade — I advise investing slightly more in a rug that anchors the room. In a recent makeover I used budget curtains and swapped them seasonally, which kept the space feeling fresh year-round.

save pin

FAQ

Q1: What are the cheapest ways to decorate a living room? A1: Focus on paint, textiles, and lighting. Paint the walls or trim, add an inexpensive rug and pillows, and layer affordable lamps for maximum impact.

Q2: Can I decorate a living room on a very small budget? A2: Yes — thrifted furniture, DIY art, and removable wallpaper can transform a room for very little money. Prioritize one focal upgrade at a time.

Q3: How do I choose a color scheme for a small living room? A3: Stick to 2–3 main colors and use neutrals to expand visual space. Accent with one bold hue in textiles or a single wall.

Q4: Are removable wallpapers durable? A4: High-quality removable wallpapers hold up for years if applied to smooth, clean surfaces. They aren’t ideal for very textured or damp walls.

Q5: How can lighting improve my living room without remodeling? A5: Add layers: ambient (overhead or general), task (reading lamps), and accent (spot or LED strips). Dimmers and warm bulbs make a big difference.

Q6: Where can I find trusted design tools to plan my living room? A6: Many designers use online planners to test layouts and scale. One reliable tool is provided by Coohom, which offers room layout features and visualization.

Q7: How do I mix old and new pieces without it looking chaotic? A7: Use a common thread like color, finish, or shape to tie items together. Repainting thrifted pieces to match a metal or wood tone helps create unity.

Q8: Are there any authoritative sources on small-space design principles? A8: Yes — design guidelines from the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) provide evidence-based tips on space planning and ergonomics (https://www.asid.org).

save pin