Small Bedroom Decorating Ideas On A Budget ~ Admiral Home Concept

Small Bedroom Decorating Ideas On A Budget

Jayme has been an online writer for over six years. She is an artist, blogger, and freelancer. She often writes about DIY home projects.

Floor to ceiling wall mural using acrylics and painters tape. Cost? $5!

sharkye11

A Few Wallet-Friendly Ways to Alter a Room

Do you have a room in your house that needs a little refreshing? Perhaps a room that makes you cringe when you turn the light on (or one you deliberately hide from company by swearing that it is inhabited by monsters)? Have you ever looked at ideas for redecorating and found that a site offers a "friendly budget" of $10,000 when you have a mere $20?

If so, don't despair. There are ways to temporarily (and even permanently) juice up a room without having to take out a loan during these hard economic times. The internet is full of creative ideas for turning everyday objects into artistic accessories for any room. If you are slightly crafty, have at least a few dollars to spend and plenty of junk lying around, you can accomplish an amazing transformation with just a little work.

These ideas might not turn your home into a magazine-worthy showplace. They can offer you a comfortable, affordable change while you are waiting for good times and winning lottery tickets.

$30 motorcycle themed bathroom. Salvaged shelf to hold husband's collectibles.

sharkye11

Metallic craft paint sponged over base coat

shakye11

Painting Walls and Furniture

First of all, consider the walls. Paint is expensive but can be the best overall investment if you are looking for an obvious change or hoping to rejuvenate shabby walls. If your walls are already painted a color you like, you might consider buying a small can of paint to use as an accent color rather than repainting the whole room.

Simply painting one wall of a room a bold color can change a room dramatically, as can painting trimwork so that it pops. Another option is to use stencils or painter's tape to create a pleasing design.

Simple geometric shapes such as stripes or squares can look nice in any room. A strong color can make the design a focal point, whereas using a color close to the wall color can create the illusion of relief.

Sponging a new color over existing paint can be a great money-friendly option as well. Try using a metallic paint similar to the base color to give the illusion of fancy wallpaper. Play with paint samples to see what you like.

If you decide to skip painting the walls, consider painting some of the other items in the room. Almost all furniture and accessories can be painted:

Moldings and trims
Chairs
Lamps
Picture frames
Side tables
Shelves
Wooden or metal trim on upholstered furniture
Outlet covers
Ceiling fan blades

Never underestimate the power of spray paint. Once, when I couldn't afford new mini-blinds to match my brown and black living room, I took leftover black spray paint I had in the garage and painted the mauve mini-blinds. The difference was amazing.

I simply cleaned the blinds very well then hung them outside to be painted. They looked so clean and shiny. I finished them off by sewing simple valences to hang over them, and they received many compliments.

Curtains repurposed from sheets

sharkye11

Free Fabric for Home Decorating

If you are looking to sew for your home, be sure to tell friends and family that you are willing to take any fabric scraps or unwanted linens. Many people simply give these away or throw them in the trash. You can use those:

Clothes
Old curtains
Sheets
Comforters
Pillow forms
Sewing scraps
Blankets

Sewing Ideas for the Home

If you have a sewing machine and like to sew, you can easily add fresh touches to a room. I have a simple Brother sewing machine that I love. It was very affordable and is easy to use. If your budget allows, I strongly suggest a sewing machine, as it can save you a lot of money and time in the long run.

Here are some things to do with fabric:

Dress up your windows by making your own curtains. This requires fabric, patience, and accurate measurements. Search for curtain patterns that will fit your windows, and calculate how much it will cost. The simplest curtains to make are plain panels with a rod pocket at the top. These are easy even for novice sewers.
A thrifty option is to re-purpose or "up-cycle" fabric from sheets for curtains. In a bedroom, this helps to coordinate the windows and bedding. Also, don't hesitate to search secondhand stores for curtains or fabric.
It isn't uncommon to find like-new linens in secondhand stores, usually donated by people who redecorate often or who received unwanted items for gifts. Be sure to check fabric for holes and mildew stains before buying. Use excess fabric to make throw matching pillows.
While you are browsing the secondhand stores, look for fabric remnants that might coordinate with your room. These can be used for a number of accent touches. Don't just look in the fabric and linen sections.
Browse through clothing as well. Larger items of clothing can be taken apart at the seams to provide material for a number of projects. I once found a brand new shirt that yielded enough fabric to create an entire baby layette. The print was exactly what I needed, and the material was butter-soft.

Lost and Found

Salvaging abandoned items is another way to add some unique touches to a house. People sometimes leave furniture and décor items on the curb for anyone to pick up. Maybe someone you know has some unused stuff they no longer want. Interesting items could include:

Candle holders
Wooden chairs
Shelves
Vases
Tables
Wall hangings
Picture frames
Mirrors
Lamps
Decorative brackets

With a little work and some creative painting, someone else's junk could easily become your most interesting conversation piece.

Secondhand Treasures

When you are in the thrift stores, look around at some of the furnishings and home décor items. Some can be had for only cents and may look like they are worth even less. Look at the piece closely.

Do you like the idea of that wooden peacock wall plaque, but hate the garish chipped coloring? Remember that almost anything can be cleaned and painted.

Many items seem hopeless and outdated, but can be turned into modern, unique décor with just a little time and love. Consider painting the peacock solid black for a sleek silhouette effect.

Other than thrift stores, flea-market and yard-sale finds can include:

tables,
chairs,
ottomans,
plant stands,
nightstands,
flower pots,
mirrors,
lamps,
magazine holders, and much more.

Discarded picture frames can be restored with little expense. A friend of mine loves to purchase cheap gold dollar store frames at yard sales and turn them into faux pewter. She does this by painting the frames flat black, then rubbing silver acrylic craft paint over the texturing with a dry paper towel.

It costs little and afterward, she arranges the frames into geometric configurations with black and white photos. The effect is very elegant.

Reclaimed conchos become wall art.

sharkye11

Dollar Store Décor

While we are on the subject of dollar stores, be sure to check out a few for decently priced décor items. As with thrift stores, remember to look beyond what you see.

A seemingly plain wooden shelf can be painted or covered in paper. (or with fabric if you are good with glue)

Metal lawn art can be altered to make intriguing centerpieces. Plain lamps can have their bases painted and their shades recovered for a new look.

Don't forget to look at the sheets for curtain ideas. Check out their selection of area rugs if you wish to disguise certain flooring. Other things you can find include:

Silk flowers and vines
Glass jars to decorate for unique canisters
Shelf liner to add color or texture
Cheap candles for tabletop arrangements

These stores also offer a wide selection of candles and holders. Return often to check for clearance items.

Sometimes damaged items can be bought at a great discount and can easily be repaired or re-created.

To dress up a small kitchen, buy a small cutting board and a set of 4 wooden spoons. Paint or stain the wooden items and add decorative trim. Install cuphooks and a wall hanger on the cutting board, and hangers on the spoons. The spoons can be hung from the cutting board.

If you paint the cutting board with chalkboard paint, you have just created a unique memo board for less than $5. Leave the spoons plain if you wish to use them, and they will always be hanging within reach.

Greenery

A beautiful addition to any room is a perky houseplant. Whether real or silk, a plant brings can bring inside a touch of the outdoors.

If you have a nice window, live plants are best as they purify the air. Hang plants from the ceiling, arrange them on tables, or line them up on a shelf across the sink.

Rather than using decorative plants in the kitchen, try growing some small pots of cooking herbs. These plants can have a delicious, spicy fragrance.

The plus side of growing your own herbs is you have fresh spices for cooking right at your fingertips. Basil, rosemary, oregano, and mints are a few easy-to-grow choices and have the added benefit of medicinal properties as well as culinary.

Don't Be Impulsive

When you begin re-decorating a room on a budget, don't worry about trying to finish it in one week. Give yourself time to make small changes, then spend time with each of them. If you like one change, consider reflecting it in your next project.

Don't run out and try to find all the accessories in one shopping trip or one store. If you do, the room will most likely look like you did just that and may end up reminding you more of that store than your home.

Try to find items that you actually like, not just things that fit in that last empty place. If you like ceramic cat statues, but you can't find one and buy a vase instead because it is the right size for the side table, you have just wasted your money on a piece of clutter that most likely won't enjoy and won't keep long.

Enjoy Expressing Yourself!

Lastly, you should have fun. Don't worry if you can't achieve the effect seen on a decorating program. Most likely, you can't without thousands of dollars.

You can, however, create a comfortable, beautiful room that reflects your personality and interests. A room that you are proud to show others. A room that makes you happy.

Jayme Kinsey (author) from Oklahoma on May 11, 2013:

@mohka---yes, prints are a cheap way to liven décor. But canvas prints can sometimes be outside of a person's budget, unless found second-hand. But there are tons of great ways to make art for your own home using simple, cheap materials. The internet is full of ways to make "faux" textures and techniques on paper, cardboard, cloth and other materials. And if you have canvas lying about, it can be painted or collaged. Its easy to print on too! Thanks for reading!

Jayme Kinsey (author) from Oklahoma on May 10, 2013:

@tirelesstraveler--thanks! Glad you liked the hub. The pillows from clothing are so much softer than ones made from cloth. They don't wrinkle as badly either if washed. :)

Cheyenne on May 10, 2013:

Love these ideas! I totally want to redo my room. Its been the same for years. I really want to try the metallic paint. Can you do that with a rag instead of a sponge? I saw something about rag painting on a DIY site once.

Sarah Carlsley from Minnesota on February 04, 2013:

Fun ideas! I totally agree with the many ways to save!

Jayme Kinsey (author) from Oklahoma on November 28, 2012:

@Deborah-Diane--Thank you for reading my hub! Yes, it only takes a few touches to really bling a room. Which is especially great for people who like to redecorate often! :)

MohkaUK on November 28, 2012:

I love a good old shop in the thrift store as well, also what about canvas prints? There cheap!

Jayme Kinsey (author) from Oklahoma on November 02, 2012:

@b. Malin--Thank you for the welcome and comment! I have definitely become attached already to so many other Hubbers. It is a wonderful community!

Judy Specht from California on October 29, 2012:

Love shopping the thrift stores. Great idea to look for colorful shirts to make pillows out of. Voted up, interesting, and helpful.

Also adding this hub to a couple of my home decorating hubs.

Deborah-Diane from Orange County, California on October 17, 2012:

I agree that paint, fabric and a little greenery can make a tremendous difference when you want to save money on decorating your place. Great tips!

b. Malin on October 09, 2012:

Hi Sharkye, I just loved reading your UPbeat and most Interesting Hub on Easy Budget Decorating Ideas. In this day and age with "Thrift" so important, it is certainly appreciated. Wonderful Tips, Thanks for Sharing!

I now look forward to Following your Hubs. A Warm Welcome to Hub Pages, we are like a "Family" of Writers here.

Jayme Kinsey (author) from Oklahoma on October 02, 2012:

@christy--Thank you very much. I appreciate that!

Jayme Kinsey (author) from Oklahoma on October 01, 2012:

@sminut13--Spray paint is very versatile. And for the most part, if taken care of well, it is very durable too. I spray-painted the front panel of our old metal bathtub. For a few dollars (paint and tape) it revitalized the bathroom.

Christy Birmingham from British Columbia, Canada on September 28, 2012:

What useful tips! I am voting up and sharing on Twitter. I can see that the usefulness and high quality of writing explain why this hub is a Hub of the Day.

sminut13 from singapore on September 25, 2012:

great hub, i didn't think of spray painting, definitely will consider that. the only main problem for me is cleaning. sigh that's a big headache, i just don't have the mood to do it.

loved your ideas and tips. thanks for sharing.

ignugent17 on September 23, 2012:

Congratulations! Great tips. :-)

Jayme Kinsey (author) from Oklahoma on September 21, 2012:

Thanks Nicole! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Nicole S Hanson from Minnesota on September 21, 2012:

Yes, yes, yes and yes. You have awesome ideas and tips here. Well done!

Jayme Kinsey (author) from Oklahoma on September 21, 2012:

@ Sherry--Yes! Very exciting to have HOTD. I didn't even know there was one. My mother called me to ask what it meant that my name was on the front page. I feel very honored too, because I was awarded one while still being so new.

I love making the curtains from matching sheets. My mom did that for me when I was little and I felt the same way your daughter did--like I was the riches kid on the block. :) Thank you for the great comment!

Jayme Kinsey (author) from Oklahoma on September 21, 2012:

@Peggy--wow, that is really nice thing to do! I imagine a lot of people appreciate that you were in the right place at the right time to find something that they needed.

I remember one of our most awesome finds. Someone had left a vintage 70's neon yellow leather loveseat by the dumpsters one day to be picked up. It was in fantastic condition, and we used it for years because it was so unique and funky! Thanks for everything!

Sherry Hewins from Sierra Foothills, CA on September 21, 2012:

I have used many of these tips myself. I remember how excited my daughter was when I made curtains to match her bed out of sheets. She said we were "just like rich people." Isn't it exciting to have a HOTD? It was very well deserved.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on September 21, 2012:

This is a fantastic hub! I can fully understand why it got a Hub of the Day award! I have done a lot of painting including faux painting techniques and like to re-purpose things when possible. I also love checking out thrift stores and have picked things up from the curb to either take to charity thrift shops or give to people I know want such things. Just recently a perfectly good dresser was out with a "free" sign posted on it and I knew someone who needed one. So with my hubby's help we got it into our garage until they could come and get it. They were delighted!!! Many up votes and sharing.

Jayme Kinsey (author) from Oklahoma on September 20, 2012:

Thank you Denise! I have a lot of donated furniture too, and some of it is cool! It makes for a unique house, and that suits me. I don't like the idea of having a home that looks exactly like it came off a particular store's show-room floor.

elle64 from Scandinavia on September 20, 2012:

Thanks a lot I need to redecorate my house.And you gave some wonderful tips thanks

Denise Handlon from North Carolina on September 19, 2012:

I LOVE this hub. I really enjoy bargain decorating. It makes me feel good getting a drab room spiffed up for mere dollars. Ah, the simple pleasures in life, haha.

As for 'salvaging'? Well, about 90% of my furniture in this rental has been gifts of love from donors and that is just fine with me. I don't intend to live here forever, so saving money on avoiding new furniture is the name of the game. I've gotten some pretty cool things for free!

Excellent hub-rated up/A/I and U

Jayme Kinsey (author) from Oklahoma on September 18, 2012:

Thank you Au fait. Yes, it is definitely wiser to wait and let a room come together. I watch the decorating shows sometimes and the rooms seem so impersonal when finished. The decorators chuck out everything and just bring in stuff because it matches the colors.

C E Clark from North Texas on September 17, 2012:

You are so right in that a creative person can jazz up a room or a whole apartment/house with very little cash. I especially liked your advice about taking one's time to put a room together with things that are truly appreciated so they make a better fit and give much more enjoyment.

Voted up and useful!

Jayme Kinsey (author) from Oklahoma on September 14, 2012:

Thanks Sommer! :)

Sommer Dalton on September 14, 2012:

What a great and useful hub! Voted up and more!

Jayme Kinsey (author) from Oklahoma on August 24, 2012:

Thanks for the comments and congrats. I'm glad the tips are useful. I know how frustrating it is to want to redecorate and be on a limited budget, and how boring it can be to live in a dorm or rental that prevents certain touches like painting.

In cases of rentals, the best thing to do is go wild with the accessorizing, which draws the attention away from the plain walls. Thanks to the new hardware available that doesn't leave holes in plaster, it is easy to decorate walls without angering a landlord.

FullOfLoveSites from United States on August 23, 2012:

Very useful hub! Creative and very resourceful. Thanks for sharing your tips! :)

Jayme Kinsey (author) from Oklahoma on August 22, 2012:

Thank you, DzyMsLzy! That is a great reminder for people with pets or small children. I have my collection of real houseplants out of reach of both children and pets. ( love hanging pots!). Some plants can't be hung though, and people do need to their research before buying.

As for fake plants, I am sure it isn't advised...but I have occasionally washed them in the dishwasher on the gentle setting. I usually have to reattach some of the flowers, but at least they are clean!

Liz Elias from Oakley, CA on August 22, 2012:

Congratulations on Hub of the Day!

You've rounded up a great collection of simple, budget-friendly ideas, here.

I've refinished furniture in my day, and re-purposed a few things, but on a small scale, one item at a time--I never tried to do an entire room. This gives food for thought.

(Although, before you add plants, if you have pets, be sure to check them out against a list of those that are toxic. I don't even try, as toxic or not, my cats think plants are salads. ..and I don't like fake ones, as they are just something extra to have to dust! LOL)

Voted up, interesting, useful and shared.

Jayme Kinsey (author) from Oklahoma on August 22, 2012:

@injured lamb-Thanks for the comment. Greenery just freshens up a room doesn't it? I love hanging having live plants as well as fake plants. Silk ivy especially is fun in the bathroom.

Jayme Kinsey (author) from Oklahoma on August 22, 2012:

@rebeccamealy-thanks! I try to use original photos whenever I possibly can. If I am not in the position to, then I do promise to try to add originals later as I get them. I agree it gives a better idea of what is being done. Thanks for the feedback!

Jayme Kinsey (author) from Oklahoma on August 22, 2012:

Lil Miss Reader-Thanks for the comment. Dollar store flowers are great because you can create a new spot of colour anywhere for only a few dollars. I never thought about putting the paper in the votives, but great idea!

Jayme Kinsey (author) from Oklahoma on August 22, 2012:

@comfort B, I love using pillows! They are so easy to make, but it seems like I never get around to sewing them. I have seen some great decorating ideas where they made huge throw pillows for the floor. They look so cool and comfy. Thanks for the comment, I will definitely read your hub!

Jayme Kinsey (author) from Oklahoma on August 22, 2012:

@Craig. Thanks! Good insight. I think a lot of people do forget that houses are homes. especially now when everyone is working on keeping them looking "re-sell" ready. They always look like showplaces, but are they really home? We have had to get creative to keep a good balance of masculine and feminine, and figure out how to merge his Harley décor with Star Wars collection!

Monty Hamilton from Austin, Texas on August 22, 2012:

Excellent! We have some would-be decorators in my family who will love checking this out. I'll be passing this on to them. Thanks! Great hub!

Jayme Kinsey (author) from Oklahoma on August 22, 2012:

Thank you Duffsmom! I am glad it was easy to read. I've learned a lot just in the short time since I published this hub!

Jayme Kinsey (author) from Oklahoma on August 22, 2012:

@Modern Lady-Thanks! It can be cheap if you shop well. I did that whole abstract wall mural for less than $10. Choosing colours that coordinated with the base coat saved me the cost of having to repaint the whole wall.

kelleyward on August 22, 2012:

Thanks for the useful hub! COngrats on the HOTD from one Oklahoman to another! Kelley

Injured lamb on August 22, 2012:

Nice and neat presentation...congratulations Sharkye11, thanks for sharing the great ideas and I personally opt for the greenery, well done job Sharkye11, keep it up and cheers!

Rebecca Mealey from Northeastern Georgia, USA on August 22, 2012:

Very nice! I really like the metallic craft painting, all of these ideas are nice, and I like the fact that these examples are done by the author of the Hub. I really hate it when I see decorating collections from other sources written about by a separate author. This is refreshing, and much congratulations!

JP Carlos from Quezon CIty, Phlippines on August 22, 2012:

Adding greens will definitely spruce up the room. It's eco friendly as well.

Stephany from Somerset New Jersey on August 22, 2012:

These are some great ideas. I love buying plastic flowers from the dollar store and making centerpieces. Plus bags or decroative rocks/pebbles can be put into old candle holders with come popurri to scent up any room.

Voted up Awesome and Interesting! Thanks!

Jayme Kinsey (author) from Oklahoma on August 22, 2012:

Thanks everyone for the congrats and the comments!

@ slackermom-I agree that creating your own accessories is fun, plus gives your home originality. Its nice to have some one-of-a-kind items for conversation pieces!

Comfort Babatola from Bonaire, GA, USA on August 22, 2012:

Very useful tips on home decorating on a budget. There's always something that can be revamped around the house. I just wrote a piece about using pillows for decorating, which you also mentioned. I also love your idea about using plants.

Congrats on the HOTD award. Great hub. voted Up and Useful.

galaxy1000 from Spokane, WA on August 22, 2012:

Great Hub!

Craig Hartranft from Southeastern Pennsylvania on August 22, 2012:

This is good hub for 'designing' your space on a budget with both practical and creative ideas. Your home does not have to be a candidate for House Beautiful; it just needs to be YOUR beautiful house! When we first got married our house was a cross between 'early dorm room' and 'urban country.' Over the years, it's evolved, but it has always been our comfy home. Well done hub. Congrats on HotD.

Catherine Dean from Milledgeville, Georgia on August 22, 2012:

Great Hub! Congrats on the Hub of the Day!

P. Thorpe Christiansen from Pacific Northwest, USA on August 22, 2012:

I love the way you set this hub up - very pleasing to the eye and very readable. Well done. I enjoyed this very much.

Linda Chechar from Arizona on August 22, 2012:

Great tips and inspiration for those of us wanting to decorate on a budget. Thank you for sharing your experience and photos. Congrats on being chosen HOTD!

Modern Lady from Chicago, IL on August 22, 2012:

Congrats on HOTD! I love using greenery to decorate. It can make a huge difference in a room and doesn't have to cost a lot. I enjoyed reading this!

RTalloni on August 22, 2012:

Congrats on your Hub of the Day award for a hub full of interesting decorating ideas that won't kill the budget.

Lisa Palmer from Attapulgus GA on August 22, 2012:

This hub had some great tips. I have spent the last twenty years recycling and refurbishing things I already have since I could never afford new plus I don't want to spend extra money on décor when there is so much more I need. Anyway creating your own décor allows you to be creative which is much more fun anyway. Loved it..

Natasha from Hawaii on August 22, 2012:

Great ideas! I just moved and need to spruce my place up a bit, but my budget is way lacking.

Vespa Woolf from Peru, South America on August 22, 2012:

Awesome ideas! Thank you!

Jayme Kinsey (author) from Oklahoma on August 18, 2012:

Thank you very much! I have some more ideas. Will have to get some pictures taken though for the next hub. There are so many cheap ways to decorate!

Michelle Simtoco from Cebu, Philippines on August 18, 2012:

A good friend of mine was the one who introduced me to cute ideas for decorating without breaking one's bank account. Love this tips and will share this with her as she absolutely enjoys this. :)

Congratulations on your Hubnuggets nomination. To read and vote, this way please https://pattyinglishms.hubpages.com/hub/HubNuggets...

Jayme Kinsey (author) from Oklahoma on August 09, 2012:

Thank you Bridalleter! There may be instructions for the machine online somewhere. There is a lot of money to be saved by sewing for your home, if you have access to reasonably priced or free fabric. I like to ask friends or relatives if they have any linens or curtains they want to toss out.

Brenda Kyle from Blue Springs, Missouri, USA on August 09, 2012:

The sewing would be nice, I have a brother sewing machine too. Since I moved over 3 years ago, I have not seen the book for it and can't thread it without the book. I love décor ideas and looking to save money from this month forward, so thank you for some great ideas!

Jayme Kinsey (author) from Oklahoma on August 09, 2012:

Thank you Tammy for the lovely comment. I suppose I should clarify in the article that I use metallic craft paint you find at Wal-mart. It is fairly cheap and goes a long way. It also comes in many colors these days!

I love thrift stores. I would probably shop there even if I were very rich! I love finding one-of-a-kind objects.

Tammy from North Carolina on August 09, 2012:

These are some really great ideas! I like the metallic paint. Almost everyone I know has been impacted by this poor economy. Many are shopping in dollar stores and thrift stores when they swore they would never do it. You are really off to a great start!

Jayme Kinsey (author) from Oklahoma on August 08, 2012:

Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed it.

A Simple Warrior on July 25, 2012:

Spectacular hub! I enjoyed the sewing instructions and the general good tips. I am always on a tight budget, so it is know that so much hassle can be eliminated by using what you already have.

Small Bedroom Decorating Ideas On A Budget

Source: https://dengarden.com/interior-design/Easy-Budget-Decorating-Ideas

Admiral Home Concept

Small Bedroom Decorating Ideas On A Budget