How do you decorate a small space on a budget? 6 tips that save on space and money

No matter your home’s size or budget, you can create a stylish space that feels elegant, thoughtfully considered, and personal with clever decorating ideas and expert tips.

Even though it may seem like the only way to decorate a small room is to paint it white and let in as much natural light as possible, with some careful consideration of colour, proportion, and scale, you can apply many of the same decorating principles as you would to a larger space.

Decorating on a budget involves exploring one’s inner artist through painting, creative DIY projects, and clever design tricks that make a room feel luxurious despite costing much less.

HOW DO YOU DECORATE A SMALL SPACE ON A BUDGET?

We’ve compiled our best advice to finally answer the age-old question of how to decorate a small space without breaking the bank. It includes everything from mirrors to paint to ingenious storage solutions.

1. GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR PAINT IDEAS

White and neutral colour schemes are often the first choices people make when decorating a small room.

This is one way to make a room feel more prominent, but if you want to experiment with colour and pattern without breaking the bank, a small space is a place to do it.

It’s been said by paint expert Annie Sloan that “a coat of colour transforms the look of your home, and you don’t get much cheaper than a tin of paint; a small room is a perfect opportunity to go bold and be holistic.”

To add flair, whimsy, and personality to the bedroom shown here, paint was applied to the walls, the furniture, and even the lampshade.

“The basic principles of using stripes to make a space look larger are simple,” she says of the striped design. As an illustration, vertical stripes of any width have the effect of making walls seem higher. If you’re stuck on what colour to paint your walls, consider adding bars instead. Tonal colours are excellent for a tasteful, modern take on the trend.

Paint can provide endless creative fun and help generate unique design ideas for your small spaces, whether you upcycle old furniture or create a striking striped feature wall.

2. CLEVERLY DECORATE WITH MIRRORS 

Mirrors can be used for more than just checking your reflection when decorating your home; they can also be used as wall art or to reflect light and space around the room.

Mirrors and other reflective surfaces can make a small room seem much more extensive, as noted by designer Nic Shacklock. By reflecting the space and the light, the illusion of depth is created, giving the impression of more room than is present.

A mirror can serve many purposes as a decorative element in your home without breaking the bank, whether you choose to use a group of smaller mirrors or a single large design.

With the help of the enormous mirror, the cosy nook next to the fireplace looks much larger and more spacious. With the mirror’s strategic placement next to the window, this space instantly transforms into a comfortable vanity.

3. SAVE SPACE WITH WALL LIGHTS

Lighting up a room has never been easier than with a wall light, which comes in various artistic and fashionable styles.

LED wall sconces are a great space-saving option for rooms with limited square footage. Using lighting instead of expensive furniture to divide a small space into distinct, separate areas is more cost-effective and space-efficient.

The built-in wooden headboard in this bedroom is not only paired with a modern metallic wall lamp but also serves as a chic platform for both display and storage.

4. PLAN IN EFFICIENT STORAGE

With the proper storage solutions, even the smallest rooms can feel more open and airy.

A wide range of storage options exists, from inexpensive and compact items like hooks to more elaborate and space-consuming pieces of furniture like sideboards and shelving.

A single, large storage piece like a dresser, chest of drawers, or wardrobe in a compact room allows you to use the available floor and wall space better.

The tall unit in this bedroom is an excellent choice for a smaller space because it makes the most of the available wall space and conceals a lot of clutter.

According to Nic Shacklock, “you don’t want pieces of block furniture to keep the room airy.” Choose pieces with legs instead of those without so you can see the ground underneath the part. The room will feel less claustrophobic and more open if the ceiling can be seen clearly.

5. CREATE FOCAL POINTS WITH ARTWORK AND DECORATION

As we’ve seen, a coat of bright paint can do wonders for a drab room, and accessories like artwork, ornaments, and rugs can serve as the cherry on top by serving as eye-catching focal points.
Whether using antiques you found at a garage sale or creating a gallery wall out of your existing artwork, getting inventive when decorating a small room is a great way to give it more character and flair.
The designer at Brintons, Jodie Hatton, says that a patterned carpet is a brilliant way to highlight a compact space, much like dark walls or patterned wallpaper. It has the potential to liven up the room and make it more memorable.

6. STYLE YOUR SPACE WITH SYMMETRY

Decorating a small room with symmetry, a design principle that can help create an innovative and sophisticated scheme that feels balanced and harmonious, is a great option that doesn’t break the bank—an excellent alternative for thrifty family room redesigns.

Decorating a room with symmetrical zones is an excellent way to give the impression of increased space and cleanliness. You can make your balanced designs as big or as small as you like, using anything from mirrors on walls to matched furniture.

This inviting living room features a two-sofa sectional, matching storage cabinets, and a pair of table lamps. The symmetry between the room’s more extensive pieces of furniture creates the impression of more space and elegance in a room that is otherwise bursting with vibrant colour, luxurious materials, and stunning visual interest.

HOW CAN I MAKE MY HOUSE BEAUTIFUL ON A LOW BUDGET?

Just because your home is small does not mean it is ugly.

Artwork, cushions, and ornaments are easy ways to add a personal touch to your space, but you can also make a significant impact with paint and wallpaper.

These things need not cost a fortune. A fresh coat of paint can make any space feel like a brand-new haven, and adding in some new furniture and decorative touches can tie the whole thing together.

WHAT MAKES A HOME LOOK EXPENSIVE?

The cost of giving the impression that your home is luxurious does not have to be prohibitive.

If you plan on selling your home soon, you may want to invest in a high-end, carefully curated design to increase its value and desirability to potential buyers.

There are many factors to think about, but here are a few:

• You are removing unnecessary items to make your home more inviting and spacious.

• Carefully select your materials from the panelling you use to add visual interest to the furniture you pick for the room.
• Whether it’s through the addition of fresh flowers, artwork, or the curation of eye-catching tablescapes, the minor details can make all the difference in giving the impression of luxury and creating a more expensive space.