How I Made My Rental Look Like a Pinterest Dream on a $200 Budget
I transformed my bland rental apartment into a stylish space on a two hundred-dollar budget. I spent fifty dollars on a large, neutral-colored rug from a big-box store, which instantly defined the living area. I sourced a coffee table and a large mirror from Facebook Marketplace for a total of sixty dollars. The biggest impact came from adding lots of plants, which I got as cuttings from friends for free. The final ninety dollars went to cozy textiles like throw pillows and blankets from a discount store. It’s proof that you don’t need a big budget, just strategic purchases.
The Best “Peel and Stick” Upgrades That Are Landlord-Friendly
Peel-and-stick products are a renter’s best friend. My kitchen had an ugly, dated backsplash. I bought some high-quality peel-and-stick subway tiles online for about forty dollars. It took me one afternoon to install, and it completely modernized the look of the kitchen. When I move out, I can just peel them off. I’ve also used removable wallpaper to create an accent wall and peel-and-stick film to add privacy to my windows. These temporary upgrades provide a huge visual impact without risking my security deposit.
I Furnished My Living Room Entirely from Facebook Marketplace.
I furnished my entire living room from Facebook Marketplace and saved thousands. I started by saving photos of rooms I liked to create a vision board. Then, I set up keyword alerts on Marketplace for items like “mid-century coffee table” and “neutral sofa.” I was patient and waited for high-quality, brand-name items to pop up. I got a nearly new West Elm sofa for three hundred dollars (originally one thousand five hundred dollars) and a solid wood media console for fifty dollars. My living room looks curated and expensive, but it was all sourced secondhand.
The Best IKEA Products That Look High-End (And Which to Avoid)
The secret to IKEA is knowing what to buy. Their high-end looking pieces are often those made with natural materials. The BILLY bookcase is a classic that can be made to look like custom built-ins. I love their solid wood items, like the IVAR cabinet, which can be painted or stained. I would avoid their cheapest particleboard furniture, like the LINNMON tabletop, as it tends to look and feel cheap and doesn’t last. By focusing on their more classic, solid pieces, you can get a very high-end look for a low price.
How to Paint a Room Like a Pro (And Save $500)
Painting a room yourself is the most impactful DIY project, and you can get professional results by focusing on prep work. I saved five hundred dollars by painting my bedroom myself. The key was spending more time on preparation than on painting. I carefully taped all the trim, filled every nail hole with spackle, and laid down drop cloths. I also invested in a good quality paintbrush and roller. This meticulous prep work is what creates those crisp, clean lines and a smooth finish, making the job look like it was done by a pro.
The “TJ Maxx HomeGoods” Secret Shopping Strategy
My secret to success at HomeGoods is to go on a weekday morning, preferably a Tuesday or Wednesday. This is when the stores have typically processed their new weekend shipments, and the aisles are freshly stocked and organized, before the evening and weekend crowds arrive. I also go in with a specific list and a color palette in mind. This helps me stay focused and avoid being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of stuff. I always head to the clearance section in the back first to look for hidden gems.
How to Find Free Plants and Propagate Them
My apartment is filled with beautiful plants, and I got most of them for free. I joined a local plant swap group on Facebook. People in the group offer up “cuttings” from their own plants for free. I learned how to propagate these cuttings by simply placing them in a jar of water until they grew roots. I’ve grown entire, large plants from a single leaf cutting. This is a fun, rewarding, and completely free way to fill your home with greenery.
The Best Affordable Art and Prints to Fill Your Walls
You don’t need expensive original art to have beautiful walls. I’ve decorated my home with affordable prints. My favorite source is Etsy, where you can buy digital download prints from independent artists for as little as five dollars. I then get them printed at a local print shop or an online service. I’ve also found beautiful, large-scale art posters from museum gift shops. For frames, I always go to a thrift store or a craft store when they are having a 50% off sale.
I Built My Own “West Elm” Coffee Table for $40.
I fell in love with a simple, modern coffee table from West Elm, but it cost five hundred dollars. I was determined to build it myself. I found a DIY tutorial on YouTube for a very similar design. The plan required just a few pieces of common pine board and some wood screws from a home improvement store. The total cost of my materials was about forty dollars. It took me one weekend to build and finish. My homemade version looks nearly identical to the expensive one, and I get a huge sense of pride from it.
The Best Affordable Rugs That Don’t Look Cheap
An affordable rug can anchor a room, but you have to choose wisely. I’ve had the best luck with online retailers like Rugs USA and Wayfair, especially during their holiday sales. The key to making an affordable rug look good is to choose one made from natural fibers like jute or wool, which tend to look more expensive than shiny synthetics. I also always buy a rug pad. It not only keeps the rug from slipping but also adds a layer of cushioning that makes the rug feel thicker and more luxurious underfoot.
How to Upgrade Your Builder-Grade Home on a Budget
You can elevate a boring, builder-grade home with a few simple, cheap upgrades. The first thing I did in my home was replace all the generic, polished brass hardware on the kitchen cabinets and doors with modern, matte black hardware. This small change, which cost about one hundred dollars, instantly updated the look. I also replaced the basic, dome-shaped light fixtures with more stylish and interesting ones I found on sale. These small details make a huge difference in making a generic house feel more custom.
The Power of a “Thrift Flip”: Turning Junk into Treasure
A “thrift flip” is the art of turning a cheap, secondhand item into something stylish. I found an old, ugly, orange-colored wooden dresser at Goodwill for twenty dollars. It was solid wood but looked very dated. I took it home, sanded it down, and gave it a fresh coat of dark green paint. I replaced the old hardware with some modern brass knobs I bought online. The transformation was incredible. For a total investment of about forty dollars and a weekend of work, I had a unique, expensive-looking piece of furniture.
The Best Affordable Lighting to Change the Vibe of a Room
Lighting is the most powerful tool for changing a room’s atmosphere. My living room felt harsh and cold with just its one overhead light. I implemented a layered lighting strategy for cheap. I bought a stylish floor lamp from Target for forty dollars to place in a dark corner. I also added a small table lamp, which I found at a thrift store for ten dollars, next to my sofa for reading. This combination of different light sources creates a warm, inviting, and cozy ambiance that the single overhead light never could.
How to Create a Cozy “Hygge” Home for Less
“Hygge,” the Danish concept of coziness, is achievable on a budget. It’s not about buying expensive things; it’s about creating a feeling. I made my home more hygge by focusing on textiles. I went to a discount store and bought several soft, chunky knit blankets and some plush throw pillows. I also gathered all the candles I owned and grouped them together. The key is adding layers of soft textures and warm, flickering light. Dimming the lights and putting on some soft music costs nothing and instantly adds to the cozy vibe.
The Best Dollar Store Home Decor Hacks
The dollar store is a treasure trove for home decor if you have a creative eye. I bought a few simple glass vases and used a can of stone-effect spray paint to give them a high-end, textured, ceramic look. I also buy their plain white pillar candles, which look just as good as expensive ones. Their simple glass picture frames are perfect for creating a gallery wall. The key is to look for items with a simple, classic shape that can be easily customized or used as a base for a DIY project.
I Designed My Own Gallery Wall for Under $50
A gallery wall can be an affordable, high-impact feature. I created one for under fifty dollars. I started by collecting frames from thrift stores and garage sales over a few months. I didn’t worry about the color, because I knew I could paint them. For the art, I used a mix of personal photos, free prints I found online, and even some beautiful pages from an old calendar. I painted all the frames black to create a cohesive look. The result is a deeply personal and stylish focal point in my living room.
How to Organize Your Closet and Pantry on a Budget
Getting organized doesn’t require an expensive system. I organized my chaotic pantry using bins and containers from the dollar store. I took everything out of its bulky packaging and put it into clear, labeled containers. This not only saved space but also allowed me to see exactly what I have. In my closet, I used a simple trick: I turned all my hangers around backward. When I wear an item, I turn the hanger the right way. After six months, I can clearly see which clothes I never wear and are ready for donation.
The Best Affordable Bedding That Feels Like a Luxury Hotel
You can get that luxury hotel bedding feel for less. The secret is to focus on natural materials and a high thread count is not everything. I bought a set of 100% cotton percale sheets from Target’s Casaluna brand. They are crisp, cool, and feel incredibly high-end for their price. The other trick is layering. I use a simple white duvet cover and add a textured quilt and a few high-quality pillows. It’s the combination of crisp sheets and plush layers that creates that inviting, hotel-like experience.
How to Make Your Small Space Look Bigger
You can make a small room feel larger with a few strategic tricks. I have a small living room. I painted the walls a light, airy color, which immediately made the space feel more open. I also bought a large mirror and hung it on the wall opposite a window. This reflects the light and the view, creating an illusion of depth. I also chose furniture with exposed legs, like a mid-century modern sofa. This allows you to see the floor underneath, which makes the room feel less crowded.
The Best Affordable Outdoor Furniture and Patio Decor
For affordable outdoor furniture, my go-to is the IKEA “ÄPPLARÖ” series. It’s made of solid acacia wood, and you can buy different pieces to create a custom setup. It’s much more durable than cheap plastic furniture. For decor, I use outdoor string lights to create a cozy ambiance. I also use a large, colorful outdoor rug to define the space. For plants, I use simple, inexpensive terracotta pots, which are classic and durable. These elements create a stylish and inviting outdoor oasis on a budget.
DIY Headboard Ideas That Cost Next to Nothing
A DIY headboard can make a bedroom feel more finished for very little money. My friend created a beautiful headboard by finding an old, ornate door at an architectural salvage yard for twenty dollars. She painted it and mounted it horizontally on the wall behind her bed. Another simple idea is to use removable peel-and-stick wallpaper or a wall decal to create the shape and illusion of a headboard directly on the wall. This is a perfect, damage-free solution for renters.
How to Choose a Paint Color You Won’t Regret
To avoid paint regret, you must test the color in your actual space. I used to pick colors from tiny paint chips at the store, only to find they looked completely different on my walls. Now, I buy small sample pots of my top two or three color choices. I paint large swatches of each color on the wall and live with them for a few days. I observe how they look in the morning light, in the afternoon, and with my lamps on at night. This small step has saved me from many costly painting mistakes.
The Best Affordable Curtains and Window Treatments
Good curtains can make a room look more expensive, and IKEA is the best source for them. I bought their RITVA curtains, which are made from a nice, heavy cotton and come in a very long length. The trick is to hang the curtain rod high and wide—several inches above and beyond the window frame. This makes the window look much larger and more dramatic. Hanging inexpensive curtains in this professional manner is a classic designer trick that instantly elevates a room.
How to Hide Cords and Electronics for a Clean Look
Visible cords can make a room look cluttered and messy. I use a few cheap tricks to hide them. For the cords behind my TV, I use a simple fabric cord cover that bundles them all together into one neat tube. For my desk, I bought a cheap cable management box that hides the entire power strip and all the messy plugs. I also use small, adhesive cord clips to run lamp cords along the back of a table leg where they are out of sight. These simple solutions create a much cleaner, more peaceful space.
I Used Removable Wallpaper and It Transformed My Kitchen
My rental kitchen was boring and white. I wanted to add some personality without painting. I found a beautiful, patterned removable wallpaper online. It cost about sixty dollars to do the one main wall. The application was like putting up a giant sticker; it was easy to reposition and smooth out bubbles. The impact was immediate and dramatic. It added color, pattern, and a custom look to my kitchen. When I move, I can simply peel it off with no damage to the walls.
The Best Affordable Tools for a Beginner DIYer
For a beginner DIYer, you only need a few essential, affordable tools. The most important is a good quality cordless drill and driver. It will be your workhorse for countless projects. You also need a basic hand tool kit that includes a hammer, a set of screwdrivers, pliers, and a tape measure. A small level is also crucial for hanging anything straight. You can assemble this entire beginner’s toolkit for under one hundred dollars, and it will empower you to tackle most basic home projects and repairs.
How to Refinish Old Furniture Instead of Buying New
Refinishing old furniture is a rewarding way to get a high-quality piece for cheap. I inherited my grandmother’s old, dark wood end table. Instead of getting rid of it, I decided to refinish it. I used a chemical stripper to remove the old finish, sanded it smooth, and then applied a modern, light-colored stain and a protective topcoat. The process revealed the beautiful wood grain underneath. The table now looks like a modern, expensive piece, and it has a sentimental value that no new furniture could ever have.
The Best Affordable Houseplants for People Who Kill Plants
If you think you have a “black thumb,” you’re just buying the wrong plants. The best affordable and nearly indestructible houseplants are the snake plant and the ZZ plant. They both thrive on neglect, tolerate low light, and only need to be watered once a month. I have a snake plant that I have forgotten about for weeks at a time, and it still looks perfect. These plants are a fantastic way to add greenery to your home without the stress of a high-maintenance plant.
How to Style Bookshelves Like an Interior Designer
To style a bookshelf like a pro, you need to think about balance and variety. I restyled my cluttered bookshelf by first taking everything off. Then, I put back the books, but I varied their orientation—some standing vertically, some stacked horizontally. This creates visual interest. I then filled in the gaps with decorative objects of different shapes and sizes: a small plant, a framed photo, a unique vase I found at a thrift store. Leaving some empty “breathing room” is also key to preventing a cluttered look.
The Best Affordable Storage Solutions for Small Apartments
In a small apartment, the best storage is vertical and hidden. I use tall, narrow bookshelves to take advantage of wall height. For under-the-bed storage, I use inexpensive rolling bins to store out-of-season clothes and extra bedding. My most clever solution is a storage ottoman in my living room. It looks like a stylish piece of furniture, but it’s hollow inside and holds all my extra blankets and board games. These solutions help keep my small space tidy and functional without sacrificing style.
I Created a “Luxe” Bathroom for Under $100
I gave my boring bathroom a luxurious, spa-like feel for under one hundred dollars. I started by decluttering the counter and using a simple tray to corral my daily products. I bought a new, plush set of white towels from a discount store. The biggest change was swapping out the standard showerhead for a high-pressure, rainfall-style one, which cost about thirty dollars and was easy to install. Finally, I added a small plant and a scented candle. These small touches transformed the room’s entire feel.
How to Find Free Furniture on the Side of the Road (Safely)
Finding free “curb alert” furniture is possible if you’re smart about it. The best time to look is at the end of the month in more affluent neighborhoods, when people are moving. I always thoroughly inspect any piece for signs of bed bugs or major structural damage. I never take upholstered items like sofas or mattresses. Solid wood items like dressers, tables, and chairs are the safest bet. A good cleaning and a fresh coat of paint can often turn someone else’s trash into your new treasure.
The Best Affordable Throw Pillows and Blankets
The best place to find affordable and stylish throw pillows is often H&M Home or the pillow aisle at a discount store like HomeGoods. The trick is to buy the pillow cover and the insert separately. This allows you to get a high-quality, fluffy insert that you can reuse, and you can switch out the cheaper covers seasonally. For blankets, I look for a simple, chunky knit or a fleece throw from a big-box store. These items are the easiest and most cost-effective way to add color and texture to a room.
How to Make Your Own Wall Art
You can make beautiful, large-scale wall art for next to nothing. I created a piece for my dining room by buying a large, blank canvas from a craft store for twenty dollars. I then used some leftover house paint and a putty knife to create a simple, textured, abstract design. It was a fun, creative process, and the result is a unique, custom piece of art that looks very high-end. Another easy idea is to frame a beautiful piece of fabric or high-quality wrapping paper.
The Best Affordable Mirrors to Brighten a Room
A mirror is one of the best ways to make a room feel bigger and brighter. My favorite source for affordable mirrors is, surprisingly, the bathroom section of a home improvement store. They often have large, simple, frameless mirrors for a very low price. For a more decorative look, I always check thrift stores and antique malls. I once found a beautiful, large, ornate gold mirror for only forty dollars. It became the stunning focal point of my entryway.
I Staged My Home for Sale on a $500 Budget.
When I was selling my house, I staged it myself on a five hundred-dollar budget. The biggest impact came from decluttering and deep cleaning every single room, which was free. I then spent about two hundred dollars on fresh, neutral paint for the main living areas. The rest of the budget went to small, impactful details: a new, welcoming doormat; a bowl of fresh lemons in the kitchen; a new set of white towels for the bathroom; and lots of fresh flowers and plants. These small touches made the house feel bright, clean, and inviting.
The Best Affordable Kitchen Backsplash Ideas
An affordable backsplash can completely change a kitchen. The cheapest and most renter-friendly option is peel-and-stick tile, which has gotten incredibly realistic and stylish. For a more permanent solution, classic white subway tile is timeless and very inexpensive to buy. My friend created a unique backsplash by using a sheet of beadboard paneling, which she painted with a durable, semi-gloss paint. It gave her kitchen a charming, cottage-like feel for a fraction of the cost of traditional tile.
How to Create a Functional and Stylish Entryway
A functional entryway, even a small one, is crucial for an organized home. I created one next to my front door for under fifty dollars. I installed a few simple wall hooks for coats and bags. Below them, I placed a small, narrow bench I found at a thrift store, which serves as a place to sit and put on shoes. Above the hooks, I put up a small floating shelf to act as a “drop zone” for keys and mail. This simple setup keeps all the daily clutter contained and organized.
The Best Affordable Home Fragrance (That Isn’t a Cheap Candle)
The best affordable home fragrance is a simple reed diffuser you make yourself. I take a small glass jar, fill it with a neutral oil like mineral oil or safflower oil, and add about 20-30 drops of my favorite essential oil, like lavender or eucalyptus. I then place a few rattan reeds in the jar. The reeds soak up the scented oil and gently diffuse the fragrance throughout the room. It’s a continuous, subtle scent that is much cheaper and more natural than constantly buying air fresheners or expensive candles.
I Built My Own Floating Shelves. Here’s How.
I wanted floating shelves but found them expensive to buy. I built my own for a fraction of the price. I bought a few common pine boards and some long screws from the hardware store. The secret to making them “float” is to first mount a simple, hidden wooden support bracket directly to the wall studs. The hollow shelf that I built then slides perfectly over this support bracket. The result is a strong, beautiful shelf that appears to float on the wall, and the total cost was about thirty dollars.
How to Mix High and Low-End Decor
The key to mixing high and low-end decor is to spend on the items you touch every day and save on the rest. I splurged on a high-quality, comfortable sofa because it’s the most used piece of furniture in my living room. However, my stylish coffee table and side tables were all inexpensive finds from Facebook Marketplace and Target. By investing in the key “anchor” piece and surrounding it with affordable, stylish items, the entire room feels elevated and expensive.
The Best Affordable Minimalist Home Decor
Affordable minimalist decor is about focusing on shape, texture, and negative space. I achieve a minimalist look by decluttering relentlessly. My decor items are few but intentional. I have a simple, clear glass vase with a single green branch. My art is a single, large, black-and-white photograph in a simple frame. My textiles, like throw blankets, are in neutral colors but have interesting textures, like a waffle knit. It’s about creating a calm, uncluttered environment where each carefully chosen object can be appreciated.
How to Update Your Kitchen Cabinets Without Replacing Them
You can completely transform your kitchen cabinets for very little money. The most impactful update is a fresh coat of paint. My friend’s dark, dated oak cabinets made her kitchen feel small and old. She spent a weekend sanding, priming, and painting them a bright, modern white. The change was stunning. She also replaced all the old hardware with sleek, new handles. For about two hundred dollars in paint and hardware, she got the look of a brand new kitchen without the ten thousand-dollar price tag.
The Best Affordable Office Chairs for a Home Office
The best affordable office chair is often found used. Many businesses that are downsizing sell their high-quality, ergonomic office chairs for a fraction of their original price. I found a used Steelcase Leap chair, which retails for over one thousand dollars, on Facebook Marketplace for one hundred fifty dollars. It has more adjustments and provides better support than any new chair I could have afforded. For a new option, the IKEA MARKUS chair is a well-regarded budget choice that offers good ergonomic support.
I Decorated My Entire Balcony for Under $75
I turned my small, concrete balcony into a cozy outdoor retreat for under seventy-five dollars. I started with an inexpensive but colorful outdoor rug from a big-box store to cover the concrete floor. I found a small, used bistro set on Facebook Marketplace for twenty-five dollars. For ambiance, I added a string of solar-powered lights. Finally, I added a few pots of herbs. These simple, affordable touches created a charming and functional outdoor space for me to enjoy my morning coffee.
The Best Affordable Vases and Decorative Objects
Thrift stores are the number one source for affordable and unique decorative objects. I’ve found beautiful ceramic vases, interesting brass figurines, and unique wooden bowls, all for just a few dollars each. The key is to look for interesting shapes and textures, not to worry about the color. A can of spray paint can unify a collection of mismatched thrifted items and make them look like a curated set. This is how you get a home full of character without spending a fortune.
How to Create a “Statement Wall” on a Budget
A statement wall doesn’t have to be expensive. The cheapest and easiest option is to paint one wall in a bold, contrasting color. My friend created a dramatic accent wall in his bedroom with a deep navy blue paint, and it cost him less than forty dollars. Another great, affordable option is to create a geometric pattern using painter’s tape and a few different paint colors. For a non-permanent option, a single roll of bold, removable wallpaper can create a stunning focal point.
The Best Affordable Eco-Friendly Home Decor
The most affordable and eco-friendly home decor is secondhand. By buying furniture and decor from thrift stores, consignment shops, and Facebook Marketplace, you are diverting items from the landfill and giving them a new life. Another great option is to focus on decor made from natural, renewable materials like bamboo, jute, or cork. I also love to decorate with plants, which are natural air purifiers. Being eco-friendly in your home is often about buying less, buying used, and choosing natural materials.
I Thrifted All My Kitchenware. Here’s What I Found.
I decided to stock my kitchen almost entirely from thrift stores. It was a huge success. I found a full set of high-quality, durable Corelle plates and bowls for ten dollars. I also found a cast-iron skillet, which is a “buy it for life” item, for just eight dollars. My favorite find was a set of beautiful, heavy-bottomed drinking glasses that feel much more expensive than they were. By being patient and visiting regularly, you can find high-quality, durable kitchenware for a tiny fraction of its retail price.
The One Decor “Splurge” That’s Actually Worth It
The one decor splurge that is almost always worth the money is a high-quality, comfortable sofa. It’s the anchor of your living room and the piece of furniture you will likely use more than any other. A cheap, poorly made sofa will quickly start to sag and look shabby, and it will be uncomfortable. Investing in a sofa with a solid, kiln-dried hardwood frame and good quality cushions will pay off in both comfort and durability for years to come. It’s the foundation upon which all your other affordable decor can shine.