Interior design ideas are available for all budgets. Decorating a living room on a budget gives you the same charming look with expensive projects. You need to know the right way to create a balanced look, regardless of the style you adopt.
Balance is important in a living room design. It gives the feeling of stability and visual comfort. You must calculate the scales of your furniture and decorative items. For example, if one side of the room has a heavy cupboard, the other side must also have something heavy, such as a bookshelf.
Height variations create a diverse look in one room, even with a low budget. You should balance a tall object with something shorter nearby. For example, a tall and thin floor lamp looks great when placed next to a pair of seats.
Colors play an important role in interior design. Your goal is “blending” things perfectly, not “matching” to get identical looks. For example, instead of using the same shade thoroughly, pick several shades of the same color (from dark to light). Pair bold patterns with solid colors to balance the look.
Finally, go easy with the small decorative elements. Amateur decorators often too focus on small elements and forget to leave breathing spaces. Create a flow between walls and rooms to make them feel welcoming.
Here are some ideas you can apply in a living room, without breaking the bank.
1. Accessories for an Accent Wall
Creating an accent wall is a quick way to create a focal point. It draws the eyes immediately and gives a character to a living room.
The key is to combine several similar accessories with different sizes, in a balanced way. The easiest example is arranging several frames photos on one wall, above a sofa or fireplace.
Another example is arranging decorative plates on the wall. You can also use several framed illustrations, or natural elements like dried twigs, seashells, and pebbles.
2. Choose Unique but Essential Furniture Item
If you only have a little budget for a living room, focus on the main furniture items. Choose unique furniture that adds characters to the room.
For example, you can buy a modern bookshelf with asymmetrical shelving units. You can also buy a patterned sofa as the main living room feature, surrounded by smaller armchairs in solid colors.
Many stores now sell refurbished products you can use as furniture items. Barrels, large milk cans, and wooden chests are sold as coffee tables and bar stools. You can choose one of these products to add characteristics to your living room.
3. Use Large Shelves as Decorative Displays
If you have a large cabinet with several shelves, use them as decorative displays. Create an arrangement that consists of 70 percent books and 30 percent decorations.
Don’t arrange the books in tight rows. Create different ways to arrange your books, such as placing several hardcover books in horizontal positions and placing others in standing positions.
Don’t forget to create breathing rooms between the shelves. Combine one large accessory with one small trinket in one shelf. Samples of shelf content include several books with a small figurine, a ceramic plate with small porcelain trinkets, and a framed photo with mini potted plants.
4. Create a Clutter Spot
Creating a designated clutter spot in a living room will make the other parts clutter-free. This is the place where you can place various objects.
The clutter spot can serve as the additional decorative element. For example, you can place a small floor cabinet with a pair of laundry baskets.
Turn the cluttered spot into a decorative element. Choose a beautiful cabinet that complements the entire room. Place trinkets, small potted plants, or a lamp on top of the cabinet.
5. Place Main and Additional Lighting Sources
Don’t stick on one ceiling lamp. Add several functional lamps with softer light to create atmosphere. The smaller lamps can be decorative conches or table lamps.
Choose lamps with smaller wattage and softer shades. Pick lamp designs and materials that complement the entire living room.
6. Cover One Side of the Wall with Wallpaper
Wallpaper can create a dramatic look in a living room, but it can be expensive. Use it to cover just one side of the room, creating a focal point. The covered wall should become the central vision of the room. You can arrange artworks, a large mirror, or sofa sets in front of this decorative wall.
Another solution is to decorate the wall with a decal. Unlike wallpaper, you can cover small parts of a wall with decal stickers. Choose a design that complements the living room’s tone, such as solid colored-flowers or wavy lines.
Conclusion
The key to a beautiful living room decoration is not luxury, but balanced and proportional design elements.
Decorating a living room on a budget can bring you the same beautiful look as a luxurious house. Just make sure you know the best way to combine all the decorative elements.