Decor like paintings, vases, and blankets personalize a house and make it feel like a home. But buying these items on a budget can be difficult. At stores like Pottery Barn and Kirkland’s, a single accent pillow can cost $30 or more. Luckily you don’t have to pay these high retail prices if you’re willing to shop smart and get creative. Here are five ways to save on decor so you can spruce up your home on a budget.
Purchase Last Season’s Items
It’s amazing how much money you can save just by shopping at the end of a season instead of the beginning. Last summer, I found spring decor items in the clearance section at Hobby Lobby and Jo-Ann Fabrics that were 75% to 90% off.
I got several knitted throw blankets for $8 each, accent pillows for $5, and small vases for just $2 or $3 apiece. Although the items were labeled seasonal, they were neutral enough to be used year-round and are still on display in my house. So you can save a lot of money just by purchasing last season’s items, which are usually suitable for any time of the year.
Shop Vintage and Secondhand
There are lots of inexpensive home decor treasures at the thrift store, from brass candlesticks to vintage ceramic dishware. Some thrift stores have a better selection than others based on the donations they get. So be persistent and keep trying out new thrift stores in your area until you find one with the home decor you like. I’ve had the best luck with secondhand stores in more affluent areas.
If you’d rather shop at a store that has a curated selection of the best items, try visiting an antique mall. Although antique stores have a reputation for being expensive, most dealers have more affordable vintage items. The last time I went antique shopping, I was able to find a beautiful vintage rattan tray for $10. Similar items at stores like Anthropologie and Target were going for $30 to $60, so I saved a bundle by shopping secondhand.
Repurpose Decor Items You’re Tired Of
A lot of people get rid of home decor and furniture they’re tired of and replace them with brand-new items, which can get expensive. Instead, I try to repurpose and upgrade the decor I already have to save money.
A fresh coat of paint and some new hardware can transform a wooden side table into a completely different piece. If you’re bored of your wall art and want a new look, try swapping out the picture frames to give your paintings a new vibe on a budget. Sometimes I’ll use my sewing skills to recover one of my pillows or chair cushions in a vibrant patterned fabric to refresh my space.
If you have a piece you don’t know how to upgrade and need some design inspiration, there are lots of DIY and upcycling videos on YouTube. One of my favorite YouTubers is DIY Wife. She flips furniture and does low-cost home upgrades that always turn out stunning, which gives me lots of ideas to try out in my own home!
Use Natural Elements as Home Decor
One of the best ways to save money on home decor is to gather natural elements from the outdoors and bring them inside. Instead of buying fake flowers, I collect wildflowers from my lawn during the spring and summer to decorate my home with. During the fall, I use branches and acorns from outside as vase fillers. Dried apples, oranges, and cinnamon sticks also look and smell beautiful when displayed in a bowl or vase.
For Christmas, I make evergreen garlands and wreaths from my pine trees. I also decorate my Christmas tree with a garland made from inexpensive food items like cranberries and popcorn to save money.
Shop at the Dollar Store
Although dollar stores have a reputation for selling cheap items that break, I’ve had great luck with seasonal decorations I’ve purchased at Dollar Tree. A few years ago I bought some cute ceramic pumpkins and fall signs for a dollar each, which are still going strong. I also have some metal snowman and penguin figurines from two Christmases ago that hasn’t broken or bent. As long as you handle Dollar Tree home decor with care, it should last for several seasons.
What are your favorite ways to save money on home decor? Share your tips in the comments below!
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Vicky Monroe is a freelance personal finance and lifestyle writer. When she’s not busy writing about her favorite money saving hacks or tinkering with her budget spreadsheets, she likes to travel, garden, and cook healthy vegetarian meals.
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