16 Thrifty Home Decor Hacks to Refresh Every Room

Refreshing your home’s decor doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. With creativity and some DIY spirit, you can transform each room into a stylish, welcoming space without breaking the bank.

This article unveils 16 thrifty home decor hacks and innovative solutions for every room. From painting an accent wall to layering rugs and updating cabinet hardware, these tips will help you achieve a fresh, updated look that reflects your style and makes your home feel brand new. Dive into these budget-friendly ideas and discover how small changes can make a big impact.

Paint an Accent Wall

Credit: Instagram/@magicdecor_com

To paint an accent wall, start by choosing a wall that naturally stands out, such as behind the bed in a bedroom, the wall behind the TV in the living room, or a wall that’s visible as soon as you enter the room.

Select a bold, contrasting color or a rich, deep hue that complements your room’s existing color palette. Prepare the wall by cleaning it and filling any holes or cracks with spackle. After sanding the surface smooth, apply a primer to ensure the paint adheres well.

Use high-quality painter’s tape to create clean edges where the wall meets the ceiling, adjacent walls, and trim. Consider using a semi-gloss finish for a slight sheen or try adding a subtle pattern with stencils or tape for a more dynamic look.

DIY Artwork

Credit: Instagram/@interiorspickle

Create your own artwork by purchasing blank canvases, acrylic paints, and brushes from a craft store. For a simple yet striking piece, use masking tape to outline geometric patterns, then paint over the taped areas. Remove the tape to reveal crisp, clean lines.

For abstract art, try the pour painting technique: mix multiple paint colors with a pouring medium and pour them onto the canvas, tilting it to let the colors blend and flow.

Another option is to create texture by applying paint with a palette knife or using materials like sand or fabric. Frame your completed canvases to give them a polished, finished look.

Repurpose Old Furniture

Credit: Instagram/@anniesloangreece

Repurpose old furniture by giving it a makeover. Start by sanding the piece to remove old paint or finish, then clean the surface thoroughly. Apply a primer before painting or staining to ensure even coverage and durability.

For a distressed, vintage look, apply two coats of contrasting paint colors and sand the edges to reveal the base color. If reupholstering a chair, remove the old fabric and replace the foam if needed.

Cut new fabric slightly larger than the seat or backrest, pull it tightly, and staple it securely. Add new hardware like brass or ceramic knobs to complete the transformation. Consider adding decorative touches like stencils or decals for extra flair.

Add Greenery

Credit: Instagram/@momagency

Enhance your space with indoor plants. Choose a mix of small, medium, and large plants to create visual interest. For low-maintenance options, consider succulents, snake plants, or pothos.

Place small plants on shelves, desks, or window sills, and use larger plants like fiddle leaf figs or monsters to fill empty corners. Decorative pots in various materials such as ceramic, terracotta, or metal can complement your decor.

Group plants together to create a mini indoor garden and use plant stands or macrame hangers for added height and dimension. Ensure your plants receive the right amount of light and water, and occasionally rotate them to promote even growth.

Update Cabinet Hardware

Credit: Instagram/@waterworks

Refresh your kitchen or bathroom by updating cabinet hardware. Start by removing old knobs and handles and measuring the distance between screw holes to ensure the new hardware will fit.

Choose hardware that complements your decor style, such as sleek brushed nickel for a modern look or antique brass for a vintage touch. Use a template to mark the placement of the new hardware accurately.

Drill new holes if necessary, but be sure to fill and sand any unused holes for a smooth finish. Install the new hardware, ensuring each piece is tightened securely.

Use Removable Wallpaper

Credit: Instagram/@kelly.klumpp

Removable wallpaper is a versatile option for adding pattern or texture to your walls. Ideal for renters or those who like to frequently update their decor, peel-and-stick wallpaper can be applied and removed easily without damaging the walls.

Choose bold patterns or textures that make a statement. Clean and smooth the wall surface before application. Start from the top and slowly peel and stick the wallpaper, smoothing out air bubbles with a squeegee or cloth as you go.

Removable wallpaper can also be used to line the back of bookshelves, inside closets, or on furniture surfaces for a surprise pop of color or pattern.

Thrift Store Finds

Credit: Instagram/@finegoodslifestyle

Visit thrift stores and flea markets to find unique and affordable decor items. Look for pieces with good bones that can be easily updated or repurposed. For example, an old wooden table can be sanded down and painted or stained to give it a new look.

Vintage picture frames can be painted and used to frame mirrors or as part of a gallery wall. Old suitcases can be stacked to create a unique side table or storage solution.

Mix and match thrift store finds with modern decor to add character and charm to your space. Be creative and think outside the box to see the potential in each piece.

DIY Shelving

Credit: Instagram/@sorenshouse

Install DIY shelving to add both storage and style to your home. Purchase wood planks and brackets from a hardware store. Sand the wood to remove rough edges, then stain or paint it to match your decor. Measure and mark the wall where you want the shelves, ensuring they are level.

Use wall anchors to secure the brackets, especially if you plan to place heavy items on the shelves. Floating shelves provide a clean, minimalist look and are perfect for displaying books, plants, and decorative items. For a rustic touch, use reclaimed wood and industrial-style brackets.

Layer Rugs

Credit: Instagram/@afhsguyana

Start with a large, neutral base rug and layer a smaller, patterned rug on top. This technique works well to define different areas within a larger space. For instance, place a large jute rug in the living area and add a colorful oriental rug on top in the seating area.

Mixing textures like a flatweave rug with a plush shag rug can add visual interest and comfort. Use this approach in living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms to create cozy, defined spaces.

Creative Lighting

Credit: Instagram/@continental_lighting

Update your lighting to change the ambiance of a room. Swap out old light fixtures for new ones, such as pendant lights, chandeliers, or modern ceiling fans.

Add floor lamps and table lamps to provide additional light sources and create a layered lighting effect. Use string lights creatively by draping them around windows, along shelves, or across a headboard for a warm, cozy glow.

Install under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen for functional and stylish task lighting. Consider DIY projects like turning a mason jar into a pendant light by adding a bulb and cord.

Rearrange Furniture

Credit: Instagram/@americanshutters

Start by removing smaller items and moving the largest pieces first. Experiment with different layouts to improve the room’s flow and make it feel more spacious. Try floating furniture away from the walls to create more intimate seating areas.

Use area rugs to define different zones, such as a reading nook or an entertainment area. Consider the room’s function and traffic patterns when planning the new layout. Sometimes, simply moving a piece to a different wall or changing its angle can make a big difference.

Use Mirrors

Credit: Instagram/@jabali_collection

Mirrors can make a room feel larger and brighter by reflecting light. Hang a large mirror opposite a window to maximize natural light. Decorative mirrors can also act as wall art, adding style and function.

Consider grouping several smaller mirrors together for a gallery effect, or place a large floor mirror in a corner for a dramatic impact. Mirrors with interesting frames add personality and can complement your room’s decor. Use them strategically to create the illusion of more space and enhance the overall aesthetic.

DIY Pillows

Credit: Instagram/@spoonflower

Create custom pillow covers to update your decor. Choose fabrics that match or complement your room’s color scheme. Cut the fabric to size, sew three sides together, insert a pillow form, and sew the final side shut. For a no-sew option, use fabric glue or iron-on adhesive tape.

Mix different textures and patterns, like pairing a velvet pillow with a cotton one, or adding tassels and fringe for a bohemian look. Change pillow covers seasonally to keep your decor fresh and interesting.

Decorate with Books

Credit: Instagram/@vintage_safe_keeper

Use books as decorative elements to add color and interest to your space. Stack books on coffee tables, arrange them by color on shelves, or use them as risers for other decorative objects. Vintage books add a touch of nostalgia, while coffee table books with beautiful covers can be displayed prominently.

Rotate your book displays periodically to keep the look fresh. Books can also be used to create unique displays, such as a stack of books topped with a plant or a decorative item.

Change Curtains

Credit: Instagram/@paparrigashomeaccessories

Choose fabrics that complement your decor and fit the room’s function. Light, airy fabrics like sheer or linen are great for letting in natural light, while heavier fabrics like velvet or blackout curtains provide privacy and insulation.

If you’re handy with a sewing machine, make your own curtains from fabric you love, adding unique trims or patterns. Hang curtains higher and wider than the window frame to create the illusion of larger windows and higher ceilings.

Accessorize with Throw Blankets

Credit: Instagram/@C4sElXICxKG

Choose throw blankets in various colors and textures to add warmth and coziness to your decor. Drape them over the back of a sofa, the arm of a chair, or the foot of a bed. They’re practical for chilly evenings and can be easily swapped out to refresh the look of a room.

Layering throws in different materials, such as a chunky knit over a lightweight cotton blanket, can add visual interest and comfort. Use them to introduce new colors or patterns to your space without making a permanent change.

In conclusion, creativity knows no bounds, and budget constraints need not hinder your vision. With the 16 thrifty home decor hacks explored in this article, you’ve uncovered a treasure trove of cost-effective strategies to refresh and revitalize every room in your home.

As you embark on your journey of home transformation, remember that ingenuity and resourcefulness are your greatest allies. With a little imagination and a keen eye for detail, you can turn your living space into a sanctuary that reflects your unique personality and style.