How to Make Home Decor Elegant on a Tight Budget

Trista - January 25, 2022

Photo: Shutterstock

Whether looking for affordable home decor for your new apartment or remodeling your house to meet a luxury aesthetic, purchasing high-end furniture might be difficult, especially when you don’t have an enormous budget. No worries – anyone can have a home that whispers elegance and sophistication without necessarily breaking their bank. If you are searching for affordable interior design, check out these unique home decor ideas. You can have elegant home decor without hiring an interior designer. These 40 budget-friendly yet practical home decor ideas will turn your dull house into a luxurious abode.

40. Clean and Organize the Room Before Adding New Home Decor

It may sound trivial, but trust us, this is one of the most important steps necessary for getting your home to its full aesthetic potential. Undoubtedly, while making the usual internet rounds, you’ve come across homes brought to life by interior decorators. While the exquisite furniture and accessorizing may be the stars of the show, you can agree that it would not look anywhere as good if the space was not properly organized (via MyDomaine). Constantly ensuring everything is in place and adequately put away will give your home a suave look and help alleviate stress (via MyMove).

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39. Add Crown Molding for an Elegant Ambiance

For centuries, crown molding has been employed for its simple yet powerful ability to give a room an elegant finish and emphasize the finer features of the room. Without crown molding, rooms tend to look cheap and incomplete. You can think of crown molding as a cosmetic for a room (via BeautyHomeLife). There are many types and styles of crown molding to choose from, based on the kind of look you want going throughout the room, and, with it being made from plastic, wood, and even polystyrene, you can afford to give your home an upscale look without denting your pocket (via MyMove).

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38. Invest in Pictures, Especially Hanging Paintings

Empty spaces are a huge no when it comes to design. Minimalism isn’t just blank walls, after all. Different pictures give off different vibes, depending on what you want your room to represent (via BeautyHomeLife). Even the type of frame encasing the image has a considerable role in contributing to the elegance of a room. You may put up pictures of scenery or abstract paintings, and it would make a world of difference. The great thing about hanging pictures is that there are so many to choose from, and no matter how little you put in a room, their impact is dominant, nonetheless (via IdealHomes).

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37. Get Potted Plants and Floral Arrangements

We can’t think of a simple home that would look complete without some form of greenery or fluorescence. Investing in indoor plants is a brilliant move to make if you want your home to look chic. Artificial plants are relatively inexpensive and readily available (via BeautyHomeLife). You don’t even have to do too much, a simple pot of flowers here, a hanging pot of overhead plants and voilà! You’ve successfully given your home a lavish change at minimal cost (via Nafha Home).

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36. Say Yes to Rattan and Wicker

Rattan is making waves in the design industry, and you know what that means. It’s something you’ll want to have in your home. There are many rattan and wicker furniture options and accessories you could add to your home. However, we would like to draw your attention to rattan mats and pieces that you could hang on your walls (via BeautyHomeLife). Whether you intend to hang three in a straight line or create an array of mismatched parts, rest assured that your home will thank you for the treatment (via Nafha Home).

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35. Enhance Your Room with an Elegant Mirror

Mirrors aren’t only for checking your reflection. They’re also instrumental in embellishing a room and creating the illusion of a grand, airy space (via BeautyHomeLife). Depending on what you’re working with, you can hang a mirror over a fireplace or a decorative table. You could also prop it against a wall in the hallway to make the space seem bigger and accentuate the space. Mirrors with a sunburst design or an attractive decorative frame are visually pleasing (via MyMove).

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34. Illuminate with Elegant Light Fixtures

Interior lighting is ultra-important when it comes to design. Every aspect of lighting, from the material and color of the lighting fixture to the bulb’s color, possesses the ability to set the mood. Furthermore, the proper lighting can even make the room appear more expansive than it is (via Country Living). You don’t need to get high-end designer lighting before your home looks like a top interior decorator designed it. A simple trip to a flea market or even an estate sale can fetch you a true gem (via Nafha Home).

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33. Accessorize Using Affordable Home Decor

Many believe that accessorizing one’s home can throw them off-budget, but that is not true. For a fraction of the cost, you can get items that add a massive touch of elegance to any room of your choice. Think gold mirrors, gold picture frames, or even furniture with golden legs (via Country Living). These gold elements are synonymous with luxury and wealth, so it is no wonder that you see a lot of them in showrooms or homes owned by celebrities and the crème of society. Just be sure not to overdo it (via MyMove).

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32. Decorate with Unique Window Treatments

We’re sure you can all agree that a home without any window treatment looks unfinished, not to mention naked, the exact opposite of what we’re aiming for. Other than providing privacy, window treatments can make your room look stylish (via Country Living). With a good eye and a little cash, you can pick out some great drapery to complement your windows. If you’re not a fan of those, you could as well opt for some blinds. With some of them being made from bamboo, wood, and even fabric, your windows are in good hands (via MyMove).

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31. Repaint Old Furniture

Repainting old furniture is another budget-friendly decor idea that is sure to give your home a crisp look. Instead of spending a vast sum purchasing some new furniture pieces, why not just give life to those you already have? After all, DIYs are the most effective way to decorate your home, especially when you’re not looking to spend too much (via Country Living). You could try repainting that coffee table of yours, or even just the legs on one of your side tables. The power of a fresh coat of paint is not to be underestimated (via MyMove).

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30. Add Some Glass for Some Class

Glassware is very powerful when it comes to decorating your home. It could come in the form of a small figurine or ornament adorning a shelf on a mantle, a series of drinking utensils beautifying a dining cabinet, or even a simple flower vase. Not only that, but it could also be a key element in a major piece of furniture, like a center table (via Country Living). Glass is a delicate material. Because of that, it is considered dainty and elegant. Wherever you decide to place it, it’s sure to add a breath of fresh air to the room (via Country Living).

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29. Remember That Pillows Aren’t Just for Comfort

While some may argue that decorative pillows are a triviality, we beg to differ. The type of throw pillows you use embellish your furniture and offer a sophisticated, well-groomed feel to whatever room they’re in. Decorative pillows and cushions are probably the most inexpensive item for interior decorating, and the choices you are presented with are seemingly endless (via IdealHomes). When accessorizing with pillows, try to pick a patterned material that goes well with the existing decor colors. You may even mix and match with a shag throw pillow (via MyMove).

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28. Repurpose a Mirror as an Elegant Tray

Want to know a top design secret? Mirror trays. Yup, you heard that right. Mirror trays are a subtle yet classy way to style a dresser, an end table, or even a coffee table (via IdealHomes). They’re also great because they don’t cost a fortune and still look elegant! If you want to save even more, you could simply just paint the frame around an old, small mirror with any color you choose, and boom, a DIY mirror tray guaranteed to have guests ooh-ing and ah-ing (via Country Living).

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27. Use Natural Light to Upscale Your Space

No, we’re not talking about electricity this time, and we mean natural lighting! No matter how well-endowed a home is with lamps and artificial lighting, it can never measure up to the sheer beauty and superior ambiance provided by light streaming through windows from the outside (via IdealHomes). In addition to making sure your windows are a good source of light, we also encourage you to keep the tone of window treatments you use bright and neutral, so the light can reflect off them, giving the room an airy feel (via Country Living).

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26. Repurpose a Ladder as a Unique Home Decor Item

Yes, ladders are handy when you need help reaching something you wouldn’t ordinarily be able to, but did you know they can be a functional design piece? Take an old wooden ladder, apply some polish or paint – whichever you prefer, it’s all up to you – and you’ve got yourself a new shelf! You could hang a host of plants, giving off an organic and refreshing vibe, or you could simply use it as a bookshelf or a unique clothing rack (via IdealHomes). Whatever you decide, this idea is golden in our books (via Country Living).

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25. Paint with Neutral Tones for an Elegant Atmosphere

It is common knowledge that for a room – or a building for that matter – to be truly complete, it has to have paint on its walls. And not just any paint will do. If you want your home to seem upscale even from the minute you walk in, then you’ll want to choose your paint color carefully. Neutral tones are always highly recommended by experts on what colors to use (via Country Living). Tones like eggshell, beige, and even white can genuinely make a room feel luxe (via MyMove). Then if you crave color, you can always add it in with your decor without worrying the space will become too busy.

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24. Introduce Sheepskin Rugs into Your Space

If you don’t already have a sheepskin rug, this would be a great time to go get one. They’re very affordable, and rugs never fail to deliver a plush and opulent look to whatever room they’re gracing (via Country Living). Sheepskin rugs are incredibly versatile. Plus, you can do more than simply place them on the floor. You could drape them over the side of a couch or on a single seat for an even cozier look and feel. The same treatment can also be given to your center table or an ottoman. There are multiple opportunities (via IdealHomes).

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23. Put the Finishing Touches on Hardware

Hardware finished is a core part of interior decor and should never be overlooked. Sleek finishes can incorporate an opulent and tasteful feel into any home by weaving together different design elements and bringing it all together (via Better Homes and Gardens). Replacing the handles on cabinets and drawers with brass or interesting, sleek metals can catapult the appearance of any furniture piece from average to expensive. You can even do the same for your door handles. Take a stop at your local antique or hardware store, and you’re sure to find elegant replacements (via MyMove).

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22. Rearrange Your Furniture

It’s possible that at a point, you’ve heard someone talk about how their home looked much different when they moved some furniture around and changed the overall layout of everything (via Country Living). You may even have experienced it yourself, walking into a friend’s house, and things looked different and fresh. When dealing with a shoestring budget, it’s best to work with what you’ve already got, and sometimes, you may even find that you didn’t even need a whole bunch of new additions to give your room the look you desire. Decluttering and rearranging go hand in hand. Try it, and you’ll be surprised at the results (via Better Homes and Gardens).

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21. Layer Those Rugs

Rugs are an essential factor to consider when decorating a space (via MyDomaine). The choice you make can either make or break the allure of the room as rugs act as anchors holding together most of the design elements present. With so much resting on a rug choice, it’s easy to understand that one might be apprehensive about adding one or even two extra rugs to the party but trust us, it’s worth it! Affordable rugs can be found at discount home shops, flea markets, or estate sales. Get a sizeable expressive rug as the main base and then a smaller, cohesive rug to add flair and complete the look and you’re all set (via Better Homes and Gardens).

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20. Get Thrifty and You Will Discover Unique Home Decor

Are you looking for cheap and affordable elegant decor? The thrift store and flea market are your best bets. Not only is this a simple and inexpensive way to obtain elegant furnishings and accessories, but it is also sustainable and environmentally friendly (via MyDomaine). Furthermore, the finds are limitless and customized to suit your style. So, the next time you’re stuck for home decor ideas or trying to find elegant decor on a budget, remember this. Visit the nearest thrift store and let your imagination run wild (via Better Homes and Gardens).

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19. Create DIY Home Decor with Mason Jars

When people think of an elegant home, they generally picture fancy living and bedrooms. A lot of thought is not put in the kitchen. The kitchen is just as part of an elegant home as the other rooms. Mason jars are a subtle way to add a luxurious appeal to the kitchen and pantry not only (via Better Homes and Gardens). Is there a fun lighting option that can help a kitchen appear more organized? Get them in all sizes, arrange things to fit perfectly, label them, and watch your kitchen transform from its disorganized state to a more elegant and organized condition (via BeautyHomeLife).

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18. Go with a Sophisticated Wallpaper

Nothing says elegance and refinement like an elegant wallpaper. This luxury home decor will save you money and add texture and theme to the house. While adding wallpaper to a room may be a tricky proposition due to the patterns and colors they come in, sticking to elegant designs that fit the theme or natural-looking colors is an easy way to upgrade it (via MyDomaine). Also, using a fun pattern in places like powder rooms and walkways can make it appear more dramatic (via Better Homes and Gardens). Additionally, if you’re a renter and can’t permanently alter your wall, there are many renter-friendly wallpaper options.

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17. Make Classy Countertops a Top Priority

Choosing elegant and luxurious-looking countertops is one of the most important aspects of kitchen and bathroom design (via MyDomaine). It’s also an addition to a bare house that could last for years to come. You must invest in countertops made with marble, granite, and quartz materials. Consider opting for polished woods or even granite and butcher block counters. Although this elegant home decor is quite expensive, they are more durable, last longer, and transform an entire space (via Better Homes and Gardens). It would be well worth the investment.

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16. Create Contrast for an Elegant Look

When it comes to making your home look more elegant and sophisticated, using just a little contrasting paint can make a huge difference. Nothing transforms a dull, old living space into a dramatic one faster than two contrasting colors and textures (via MyDomaine). Suppose you want to go from drab to fab, pair beige, forged steel, grey, and white with navy blue, brown, and black. When discussing texture, consider soft versus hard. This could be a wooden coffee table atop a furry rug or a cashmere blanket. Additionally, painting interior doors black is a great way to add contrast while making spaces appear more luxurious (via Country Living).

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15. Follow This Rule: the Bigger, the Better

Bedrooms are the perfect combination of luxury and personal style. Moreover, if you want to achieve elegance and sophistication, you’ll need a bed that speaks the same language; after all, it will be the focal point of the entire space. Increasing the height of your bed frame can instantly improve the appearance of your bedroom (via MyDomaine). The best part about this tip is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money; simply paying attention to these small details can make a big difference (via Better Homes and Gardens).

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14. Learn About Wainscoting

When we talk about details, we’re talking about wainscoting (via MyDomaine). Wainscoting is a characteristic of an elegant home and using it on walls can help visually break up long drywall, making them appear more expensive. Another benefit of this attractive home décor is that it is inexpensive and simple to implement. Wainscot is also available at home improvement stores, and it may be fitted almost any place in the home (via Better Homes and Gardens).

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13. Opt for Silk Plants

Every great room featured in magazines and tv has something in common: green. Not green walls. Plants. Decorating with houseplants has never been more popular; however, keeping said houseplants alive and thriving can be challenging. That goes double when dealing with minimal natural light inside. Say hello to silk plants! You can never go wrong with this plant as they are cheaper and easier to maintain than the real ones, but just as good (via MyDomaine). Silk Plants may be used in various ways, including arranging them on corner shelves and in bathrooms, kitchens, windows, and along the stairs, and planting them off the ground. You could also opt for more attention-grabbing geometric containers than standard pots to extend its charms (via Interior Design Hub).

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12. Invest in Fine Dining

Get a table with fascinating elements because it will be the focal point of your dining space. Elegant and fashionable dining room furniture can go a long way toward improving the dining experience. An excellent place to start is to make sure the dining table and chairs match. Scandinavian wood tables, in particular, are a durable option for an elegant table (via MyDomaine). Consider upholstery for the chairs, which is more stylish and pleasant than leather or fabric. Both of these are long-term investments that may be purchased at a discount at various thrift and low-cost retailers (via Better Homes and Gardens).

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11. Add a Little Gold

Everybody understands the effect of jewelry in making or breaking a look. Likewise, elegant home decor is essential in selling your luxe apartment (via Interior Design Hub). There are many affordable methods of accessorizing your apartment on a budget, but a single tip is to utilize the power of gold. Adding a little gold here and there adds the feeling of wealth to an apartment. Some subtle ways you could add gold into your apartment are on picture frames, modern tables, and shelves (via MyMove).

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10. Make the Difference with the Perfect Colors

Nothing alters a living space more quickly than the colors in it. Expert designers agree that the right paint can elicit emotions and change perceptions. If you want to go from drab to fab, use hues like beige, forged steel, grey, and white. When used in living areas, these soft and modest colors create a sense of elegance and relaxation (via Interior Design Hub). Also, painting interior doors black is a terrific method to add contrast while making spaces appear more luxurious (via Country Living).

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9. Simplify Your Room to Enhance Sophistication

Don’t go crazy with the decorations. If you want a more sophisticated look, make sure there are not too many things everywhere (via Interior Design Hub). Too much decor in a room may make it seem sloppy, untidy, cluttered, and cheap. Balance your standout pieces that enhance the traditional style and space. The aim is a minimalist, clean style with a few accents. An attractive home cannot be forced; it must appear natural and well-organized (via MyMove).

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8. Throw Some Paint on It

When In doubt, look inside. Instead of tossing out your old and tired furniture, or worst of all, keeping them. You can give your home another feel with repaired and refurbished old furniture. The pro of this tip is that not only do you get to keep your old furniture, but you also get to keep them looking more elegant and polished without breaking the bank (via Interior Design Hub). This can also be applied to the furniture obtained from second-hand stores and yard sales (via Nafha Home).

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7. Take Advantage of Vintage Bookcases

Books are not only a mainstay in interior design, but they are frequently used to display unique home decor. It’s worth noting that creative home decor settings nearly always include books. But adding an antique shelf with the book is the frosting on the décor cake. This next elegant home decor idea is similar to the lovely books in your collection (via Interior Design Hub). Another way for guests to connect with your area is to use the vintage piece of furniture as a conversational piece. Having an antique bookcase filled with lovely books in your living room is a terrific way to make it appear even more attractive, as it will highlight your distinct taste and sensibility (via MyMove).

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6. Upcycle Bottles and Jars

You can create an appealing impression with stained glasses and bottles. Instead of tossing out all of your old jars, use your creativity to create sustainable methods of living that are also fashionable (via Interior Design Hub). You may also put fairy lights in jars to provide a glowing accent that can be placed on bookshelves, near the windows, and even on a nightstand. However, the keyword here is simplicity, so you don’t wind up with a cluttered environment full of different-looking recycled vases (via Better Homes and Gardens).

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5. Take Another Chance with Plants

A few plants here and there may have a long-term impact on a space, and plants may give your home a distinct and lovely appearance (via IdealHomes). Plants are unique in that they may be placed anywhere and yet appear elegant. Plants may be used in various ways, including arranging them on corner shelves and in bathrooms, kitchens, windows, along the stairs, and planting them off the ground. You could also opt for more attention-grabbing geometric containers than standard pots to extend its charms (via Interior Design Hub).

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4. Consider Natural Furniture

Nothing says tacky like worn-out wannabe furniture clustering a room. It is important to note that the more natural content a room possesses, the more elegant it appears (via IdealHomes). This is directly applicable to the furniture. Furniture such as wood, marbles, metals, and stones tend to give a room a more elegant and alluring finish. Additionally, choosing wooden materials gives two options. To attain a softer, brightening, and calming look, use a lighter color wood. However, in creating a luxurious and more affluent appeal, it’s advised you for darker-colored timber (via Better Homes and Gardens).

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3. Silk or Velvet Sofas Are Always Elegant

In the spirit of sacrificing for luxury, you should consider investing in a more elegant sofa made of materials that speak sophistication and comfort (via IdealHomes). Although they are on the pricier side, they are more likely to last you longer than cheaper furniture and get you many compliments. Rather than using cotton and leather, take it a step further and utilize velvet and silk in adding a luxury dimension to your home (via Country Living).

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2. Think Texture When Creating an Elegant Space

Like lighting and color, texture can transform a room from a boring old traditional space to a contemporary luxe apartment (via Better Homes and Gardens). Everything from throwing a cashmere blanket on the couch to the Suede wall counts as texture. Some ways to add texture are by layering, using textured furniture, and adding contrasting fabrics all over the place. The plus side is that you do not have to spend so much on texture; merely having your eyes out for little pieces can make a huge difference (via MyMove).

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1. Remember That Cohesive Designing Is Important

Competing patterns and prints detract from the overall appearance of the house. With elegance in mind, designs should be typically kept to a minimum. It is critical to have a theme in mind and stick to it when decorating. When planning for elegance, select themes and colors that are appropriate for the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living space (via Better Homes and Gardens). It might even be a single theme intended to be developed for the entire house. It isn’t required to have a complex composition, and it might also be as basic as keeping to a single or a handful of colors (via Nafha Home).

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