Does your room look like the 80s? Does your house need to be redecorated? Here are some ways to decorate your home well without having to spend a lot of money.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Decorate by Shopping for Used Materials
Step 1. Plan the theme of the room
If you shop secondhand to collect new decor materials, you have to accept the fact that it is impossible to find the perfect item for your room. If you plan to decorate room by room instead of using a specific theme for a single home, then you are very open to many design options and have a better chance of finding at least one or two items that you can use every time you shop.
-
Don't overlook secondhand sales events. During the warmer months, you usually have a better chance of getting the perfect item.
Sometimes, you can even find good prices at stores that sell antiques and antiques, but don't rely too much on one shop. As a general rule, you can certainly find more attractive offers elsewhere
- Themes don't have to be different for every room, but the more themes you use, the more items you are likely to buy. On the other hand, you don't need to choose conflicting themes to maximize your chances. The theme should reflect your taste.
- While there are plenty of contemporary items in thrift stores, you may have better luck with vintage or retro forgings. Try mid-century modern, with soft geometric designs and warmer colors, for a timeless look; consider a maritime theme with dark wood, brass, and glass accents, and a map or painting of a large ship. Other easy themes that are easy to find include Art Deco, pictures of houses in a French village, and Victorian.
Step 2. Plan your spending
Set up two routes for second-hand shopping. One route contains about three or four thrift shops close to your area; and the other about thrift stores in your area that you can spend about a day shopping at. (including the shops on the first route). You'll use the first route if you only have an hour or two, and prepare for a longer route during the day at the end of the week. Make a list of shops in your area, and use Google Maps to get to that address with a route that you have prepared so as not to waste time and fuel.
- You can visit a thrift shop guide like The Thrift Shopper for a list of thrift stores in your area by typing in the postal code (you'll be surprised at how many there are). Take note of any shops that seem promising; at least approach the stores you've noted down, and adjust based on what you've learned.
- Not all thrift stores are listed on The Thrift Shopper or similar sites. Expand your list with Google or the Yellow Pages to find thrift stores in your area.
Step 3. Prepare what you need
For long journeys, it is important to prepare drinking water. If you're planning to visit a thrift store where you have to dig and sort scraps, have leather gloves on hand to protect your hands. Bring a shopping bag too, just in case you don't have a basket and you want to do a lot of shopping. Items like wet wipes or hand sanitizer are fine, but not always necessary, unless you plan to eat on the go.
Don't bring too much stuff. It's good to have everything ready, but remember our goal is shopping. The goal is to make you comfortable enough so you don't get frustrated
Step 4. Fill out the donation
Anything you no longer need can be put in your car and taken to a nonprofit thrift store, such as ARC (Vallue Village), Goodwill, or the Salvation Army. They'll pick up your used items for free, and even provide a receipt, as the donation is usually tax-deductible. Don't donate items that need to be replaced on the same day, as you may not be able to find a replacement quickly. In exchange, donate items you've already found a replacement for.
You can also hold a sale of your used goods, but by donating it will be faster, easier, and more efficient to get them out of the house. Consider holding a sale first, and then donating what's left
Step 5. Budget
Give yourself a daily money or time limit, as you wish, and stick to it. Consider setting a financial limit that sets the maximum budget you're willing to spend on each item. With that, you can spend 45 dollars which the original price is 60 dollars, you can expand your budget without feeling guilty.
- Buy and pick up ASAP. It's important to have a fairly flexible budget because good stuff at thrift stores never lasts long. If you see something you like but costs more than your budget that day, come back the next day and hope it's still there.
- Some thrift stores offer discounts that vary from week to week on certain items. Goodwill, for example, uses color coding on its tags and sells certain color tags at a 50% discount every week; Vallue Village often also uses one day (usually Monday) to give 25% off the price. Know which stores are holding discounts and when, try to include them in your activities.
- At home sales, you can get better prices, especially on items that are usually more expensive and above average. Feel free to bid; at worst at least just rejection.
Step 6. Shop with an open mind
You usually can't find a specific item when shopping for second hand, but if you have a particular theme, then you can find other items that fit the theme. It doesn't really have to be exactly what you want, but at least it doesn't look cheap or sloppy. Cheap goods are usually sold at a high price in secondhand stores. Don't forget to shop for furniture as well as accent pieces, paintings, and knick-knacks.
- Check the items you are going to buy carefully, even if you have to sit on the floor and pick them up. Often, prices that are too good usually have defects in the goods. There is nothing wrong if there are a few defects that are not too visible, but pay attention if there are defects that are too visible.
- Imagine the possibilities. Oftentimes, items that have no decorative value can be turned into very useful by making simple changes or even by turning them into decorative items. An antique cake mold, for example, usually looks like an old box that looks great in a kitchen fireplace. Fabrics with certain patterns can be framed and become wall art. Try to imagine how a particular item might fit into your theme before you go through with it.
Step 7. Place the items carefully
Start by making sure that the room is clean and that there is no trash on the floor. Hang wall objects using scales to ensure a good side; heavier objects must be hung with boards, if necessary buy a stud finder (the price is not expensive). Furniture and lighting can be adjusted when everything is in order. Don't be afraid to move things you already have and try out new configurations for best effect.
Don't arrange items on shelves or tables until you're completely satisfied with where they are. There's nothing more annoying than filling a new bookshelf with books and then you change your mind 10 minutes later
Method 2 of 3: Using Old Objects for Different Functions
Step 1. Paint the walls to depict life in the room
Nothing can change the look and feel of a room better than fresh paint. While paint isn't always cheap, it's an investment that can last for years; Over a decade, the average bedroom painting cost was about $1 and it changed slightly each month. Visit a paint shop and borrow some paint color samples to take home so you can visualize the final color of your room. Use light, subtle colors to give the room an open, airy, and peaceful feel, or use bold colors, or dark colors to make the room seem darker and more dramatic.
- Usually, paint that is the final base color is used for the ceiling. While the final colors are more diverse used for the walls, ranging from basic, such as eggshell and satin to a bit glossy, which is bright but displays a lot of sunlight. If you have pillars, carved ornaments, or other architectural features, use contrasting colors to make them stand out.
- In addition to paint and primer, you'll need plenty of time, space to move furniture around while painting, roller brushes, angle sash brushes, sandpaper, and paint containers. Plan everything out before you start painting.
- If you can't find the right color, most paint shops are willing to lighten, darken, or mix colors for you to get a custom color. Don't be afraid to ask.
Step 2. Add fabric to make it easier to coordinate
While black curtains and heavy curtains are expensive, there are lighter options that can make a big difference in styling a room without having a huge impact on your savings. Kitchen and dining room windows can be framed with inexpensive mosquito nets; sheer curtains also have a variety of patterns and can be used in rooms or study rooms.
If your windows are already equipped with mini blinds, don't worry: attach the ropes slightly above the curtains, and let the curtains hang there. Add inexpensive additional upholstery to open, half-open, or close curtains to control the shape, size, and level of lighting
Step 3. Repurpose old furniture
With a little effort, an old wardrobe can be used as a shoe rack or storage cupboard in the kitchen. Use the coffee table as a patio table, or repaint it to give it a new look. A repainted nightstand can be moved next to the sofa and used as a place to put magazines. If the sofa is still in good condition, buy (or even sew) new leather to give it a different look.
- Old utensils and cooking utensils can be used as wall displays. Be sure to hang it securely so it doesn't fall off and injure others.
- If you have a few pieces of furniture, you can make almost anything square or flat new again by removing tables and chairs and securing them. Try a metal V-wire frame for a medieval look, or wooden legs for a worn touch,
-
Used wood is available at building materials stores, and can bring a unique touch to a room because of its weathering. Turn it into a coffee table by adding bolts underneath, or create a couch or wall decor with crumpled, complex-looking boards. Old shelves can provide a great display for displaying accessories.
Install thick, shatter-resistant glass on the wood surface to revitalize it without hiding its obsolescence
Method 3 of 3: Homemade Creations
Step 1. Sew your own pillow
Square pillows and covers are easy to sew, if you have experience. Choose a thick foam and sew into a tight seam two similar stain-resistant bag fabrics. Sew three sides first, insert the foam, check to see if it's enough, then sew the last side. Slipcovers are a great way to add touch and character to your new pillow. Choose interesting fabrics to decorate the room.
More complex slipcovers (such as those with lace or textured) can be made with patterns available online or at fabric stores. If you want it to be more interesting, add worn Americana pillows to add nuance to the room, and it's easy to make a mix of leftover fabrics with a little patience
Step 2. Redesign the cot in your room
Wooden cots are basically a great palette for your taste buds. Sand, fix, and repaint as you wish, or sew with fabric for a quick change of color and reflectance. Using stencils add shapes with contrasting colors, such as leaves or birds.
Even if you want a more unique design, use luxurious-looking fabrics and craft tools. Try gluing shells and a little craft sand to the board, and lining the top with netting to create a sea look for example
Step 3. Add cheap and dramatic lighting
Certain lamps are usually expensive and time-consuming to install, but other, portable and temporary solutions can also redecorate a room. Use light sticks to light up your kitchen or cupboards with the touch of your hand, or string lights hanging from the ceiling for elegant and fun lighting as a great choice when watching a movie, having a romantic dinner, or spending time with loved ones in the bedroom. String lights are also useful for kitchen spaces and cabinets from above the door frame.
-
Simple Christmas lights can also be used to light up a wreath by adding a touch of class to a living room or vestibule. Use small, colorful lights; white is good if you want to be neutral, but other colors are fine too. Go to a craft shop and buy garden decorations, especially those with wire. Loop the lamp in the garland and nail it to the wall around the frame or to the ceiling.
Change the wreath according to the season. Using a pattern of pine branches with berries and pine trees for winter, red and orange maple leaves for fall, and so on. Stick it on the wall for an instant and dramatic effect
Step 4. Associate the room with a homemade rug
Lace rugs are difficult to make, and can be combined in any color you want for a comfortable, customized look. It's also good for recycling old t-shirts or bed sheets. Alternatively, try to make a pattern in the empty area of the carpet with a special paint for the fabric to make it more dramatic and eye-catching.
Whenever you create a pattern on a rug or doormat, be sure to lightly paint it first - it doesn't have to be too difficult for an interesting effect
Tips
- Clean all items thoroughly before placing them in the room. Sand the room to be painted, then clean with water to remove dust. Let it dry before you apply the primer.
- Items obtained from second-hand sales (furniture, paintings, etc.) can be very inexpensive and can be used for your home. You can repaint or spruce it up if it doesn't really suit your taste.
- Don't stop here! There are many ways to incorporate your signature into home décor – murals on old t-shirts, framed old comic covers, repainted ceramic lamps, and so on. Be creative and always explore new ideas.
