Styling a living room on a budget is fun and rewarding. With a few clever tricks and some creativity you can refresh the room without spending much. Start with what you already own, because some of the best changes cost nothing at all. Here are ten steps.
1. Set a budget
Decide what you can comfortably afford before you begin, after the essentials are paid for and without dipping into savings you need. Write the figure down, and keep a little back for things you have not thought of. A clear limit is the best protection against overspending.
2. Declutter
Take out what the room does not need. Go through the furniture and ornaments and decide what to keep, what to give away and what to throw out. A clearer room looks cleaner and more inviting at once. Baskets, shelves and cupboards keep the rest tidy and to hand.
3. Rearrange the furniture
Moving the sofa and tables can make a room feel new. Try pulling furniture away from the walls, or turning the seating towards a window or the fireplace. It costs nothing and can transform how the room works.
4. Upcycle what you have
A coat of paint or varnish gives an old piece of furniture a new life. A tired coffee table can become a feature in a strong colour, or with the textured finish of chalk paint.
5. Make your own
Make wall art from rope, fabric or natural materials. Sew cushion covers, curtains or a throw. Home-made things save money and make the room your own.
6. Choose a calm wall colour
A soft, neutral colour on the walls is a versatile background that goes with almost any accent colour. Paint is one of the cheapest ways to change a room completely.
7. Add texture
Bring in texture with cushions, throws and rugs. Mixing fabrics adds depth, such as a velvet cushion beside a woven throw. A rug adds warmth and ties the room together. For curtains, light fabrics let the daylight through and make the room feel bigger.
8. Frame some pictures
You do not need original paintings. Prints, your own photographs and home-made artwork all look good once they are framed. Several smaller pieces hung together make a gallery wall, which gives the room a focal point and a professional finish.
Small accessories help as well. A vase, a bowl or a few candles add charm for very little.
9. Hang a mirror
A mirror reflects light and makes a room seem larger. Look for a vintage find, or have a plain mirror put into one of our made-to-measure frames to give it character.
10. Layer the lighting
Lighting sets the mood. Use more than one kind: a central light for general brightness, table or floor lamps beside the chairs for reading, and something softer for the evening. Dimmers, fairy lights and candles all give a cosy glow.
Should you ask an expert?
An interior designer costs money, but can save it too, by steering you away from expensive mistakes and suggesting cheaper alternatives. If you consult one, be clear about your budget from the start. For most living rooms, though, the ten steps above will take you a long way.
EasyFrame offers a wide range of made-to-measure frames, and with long experience we can advise on the right frame for your pictures. Call us on 01234 856 501 or email sales@easyframe.co.uk. We are always happy to talk, whether or not you want to buy.