Low-cost living room decor ideas: The complete guide

Creating a welcoming and stylish living room doesn’t have to break the bank. This article explores creative and budget-friendly living room decor ideas that anyone can implement. Whether you’re a renter, homeowner, or DIY enthusiast, these tips will help you transform your space without emptying your wallet.

DIY living room decor projects

Wall art on a budget

Adding wall art is one of the easiest ways to transform your living space. You can make your own masterpieces using affordable materials and everyday items. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Frame vintage scarves or textiles for a bohemian touch. Look for interesting patterns at charity shops.
• Paint abstract designs on large canvases for a modern look. You can pick up an A2 canvas on Amazon for £10.99.  
• Create a gallery wall using a mix of prints, photos, and small mirrors. Charity shop hunting is recommended. Vary the frame sizes and styles for visual interest.
• Use washi tape to create geometric patterns directly on your walls (like this mixed-colour set for 8.59 on Amazon). This is perfect for renters as it’s easily removable.

Image source: Pexels

Furniture glow-ups

Breathe new life into old furniture with these simple updates:

• Paint wooden furniture in trendy colours. A fresh coat can completely transform a piece.
• Reupholster chairs with vibrant fabrics. This is easier than you might think and requires minimal sewing skills.
• Replace old hardware with sleek, modern options. New knobs and pulls can update the look of dressers and cabinets.
• Add decorative legs to plain sofas or armchairs. This can elevate the look of budget furniture.
• Use contact paper to give flat surfaces a faux marble or wood grain finish. It’s an affordable way to mimic expensive materials.

You can buy furniture hardware, paint, fabrics, and contact paper cheaply at Amazon. Pre-loading an Amazon gift card is a great way to set a budget for these purchases and keep your spending in check.

More DIY living room decor ideas

Add a personal touch to your living room with these DIY projects:

• Customise plain cushion covers with iron-on transfers or embroidery. 
• Create a photo display using clipboards and fairy lights. This makes it easy to swap out photos regularly.
• Make your own scented candles in vintage teacups or jars. 
• Craft a unique wall clock using an old vinyl record or a slice of wood. 

Image source: Negative Space

Affordable living room furniture and accessories

IKEA essentials

IKEA is a treasure trove of stylish, budget-friendly living room decor ideas. Consider these options:

• The KALLAX shelving unit is perfect for storage and display. Its modular design allows for endless configurations. Prices start at £22. 
• POÄNG armchairs are comfortable and customisable with different covers. They offer a classic Scandinavian look at an affordable price. Prices start at £89. 
• LACK side tables are versatile and easy to paint or customise. Stack them for a unique coffee table arrangement. Prices start at £10. 
• BILLY bookcases provide ample storage for books and decor. They can be adapted to fit any space. Prices start at £25. 

Pro tip: Use an IKEA gift card to budget for your purchases and take advantage of sales. You can easily buy IKEA gift cards online from £25 to £100, making it simple to plan your shopping trip.

Image source: IKEA

Amazon bargains

Amazon offers a wide range of affordable items for your living room. Look for:

• Decorative cushion covers in various designs. You’ll find everything from tie dye spirals (£9.99) to Gustav Klimt artworks (£16.99) to contemporary cat-based cushion covers (from £11.96) on Amazon. 
• Floating shelves for displaying books and knick-knacks. They add storage without taking up floor space.
• Affordable area rugs to define your living space. This polka dot rug (£43.10) is a versatile option that would suit many spaces.
• LED strip lights to create ambient lighting. These can be placed behind furniture for a cosy glow.
• Wall-mounted planters for adding greenery without cluttering surfaces.

Pro tip: You can buy Amazon gift cards from £10 to £100, helping you stick to your budget while shopping for living room decorating ideas.

Image source: Amazon

Transforming your living room with fabrics

Textiles can dramatically change the look and feel of your living room. Here are some ideas:

• Layer rugs for added texture and warmth. Mix patterns and materials for a cosy, eclectic look.
• Hang floor-length curtains to make windows appear larger. Mount curtain rods close to the ceiling to create the illusion of height.
• Use sheer curtains for a light, airy feel. These work well layered with heavier drapes.
• Try a bold, patterned rug as a focal point. This can tie together different colour elements in your room.
• Use curtain tiebacks to add a decorative touch. These can be as simple as cheap brown rope. 

With cushions and throws, mix and match patterns and colours to create a cohesive look:

• Choose a colour scheme and select cushions in complementary shades. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns.
• Add texture with knitted or faux fur throws (like this one for £22 from Asda). These also provide warmth in cooler months.
• Rotate cushion covers seasonally for an easy refresh. This allows you to change your look without buying new furniture.
• Use oversized floor cushions for extra seating. These are perfect for casual gatherings.

Try making your own cushion covers from vintage fabrics or tea towels. This adds a unique, personal touch.

Making the most of small spaces

Multipurpose furniture

Make the most of your space with furniture that serves multiple functions. Here are a few examples:

• A stool or footrest with hidden storage for blankets or magazines. Asda sell one in cream for just £15.
• A sofa bed for accommodating overnight guests. It’s always worth looking on sites like Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace for items like this.
• A wall-mounted desk that folds away when not in use. Ideal if you work from home.
• A dining table with extendable sides. This adds flexibility to your living/dining area.

Image source: Asda

Living room storage solutions

Incorporate clever storage to keep your living room clutter-free:

• Use baskets to organise magazines and remote controls. You can find storage baskets for as little as £2 at IKEA.
• Install floating shelves (like IKEA’s £2 BURHULT) for books and decorative items. Stagger them for visual interest.
• Choose a coffee table with built-in storage compartments (like IKEA’s £60 HOL). This keeps essentials close at hand but out of sight.

Lighting and greenery

Lighting

Enhance the ambiance of your living room with affordable lighting options:

• Use floor lamps to create cosy reading nooks. IKEA has a great range of floor lamps for under £20. 
• Hang fairy lights for a warm, inviting glow. These work well draped over shelving or along walls. You can pick up a set for 9.99 at Amazon. 
• Use table lamps in varying heights to add visual interest. Mix and match styles for an eclectic look. You can find a surprisingly good low-cost selection at Asda. 

Indoor plants

Bring life and colour to your living room with low-maintenance plants:

• Place a large potted plant in an empty corner. Fiddle leaf figs (6 at IKEA) are a popular choice. 
• Hang trailing plants from the ceiling or high shelves. IKEA sells a nice assortment for just £4. 
• Group small succulents (£8 at IKEA) on a coffee table or windowsill. These require minimal watering and care.
• Try air plants for a modern look. These don’t require soil and can be displayed in unique ways. Here’s a set of 3 on Amazon for £12.95.
• Use herbs in pretty pots for a functional and fragrant addition. Basil and mint are great options. Check out this guide on how to keep shop-bought herbs alive.

Image source: Rightmove

Shopping tips for budget-friendly decor

Seasonal sales

Take advantage of sales to stretch your decorating budget:

• Shop end-of-season clearance for discounted items. 
• Look out for Black Friday and Boxing Day sales for major savings. 
• Sign up for newsletters to get early access to sales.
• Check outlet stores for designer items at reduced prices. 
• Don’t overlook January sales for great deals on home decor. 

Thrift stores and online marketplaces

Find unique and affordable pieces secondhand:

• Check local charity shops for vintage decor items. 
• Browse Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace for pre-loved furniture. 
• Explore car boot sales for one-of-a-kind finds. Arrive early for the best selection.
• Look for upcycling opportunities. A coat of paint can transform an old piece of furniture.
• Consider joining local buy-nothing groups. People often give away items they no longer need.

Gift cards and top-ups

Use gift cards to manage your spending and take advantage of deals:

• Buy IKEA & Amazon to set a clear budget for your living room decor shopping.
• Look for promotions offering discounts on gift card purchases. Some retailers offer bonus amounts during certain periods.
• Consider using top-up services like Recharge to gradually save for larger purchases. This can help you avoid impulse buys.
• Use gift cards to take advantage of sales without overspending. It’s easier to stick to a budget when you have a set amount to spend.

By implementing these low-cost living room decor ideas, you can create a stylish and inviting space without overspending. 

Remember to take advantage of gift cards and sales to make the most of your budget. Don’t be afraid to get creative with DIY projects. With a little imagination and effort, you can transform your living room into a beautiful space that reflects your personality. Whether you’re starting from scratch or just looking to refresh your current decor, these ideas should keep you busy. 

You may also like these articles

• The best voucher code browser extensions for the UK’s biggest online shopping periods
• How to use Black Friday sales to get a head start on holiday shopping
• 5 Apple Store products under £150: Great gifts for Apple fans