How to Decorate Within a Budget without Sacrificing Style

Decorating a room on a budget is entirely possible; it's easy to elevate a space with an air of class and sophistication without spending big bucks when you know the right tips and tricks. Affordable interior design is all the rage in 2025, and making the most of your money is very on-trend. You don't have to sacrifice style to be successful at budget home decorating, either. Some of the latest looks are easy to achieve with the right products and a creative touch.

At Mor Furniture for Less, we believe every family should have access to stylish, comfortable, and affordable home furnishings that make their living space feel like a true reflection of their unique personality and lifestyle. We're here to bring you a comprehensive list of our favorite inexpensive home decor tips to liven up your space without hurting your pockets.

There are many myths surrounding budget decorating. It's hard, you have to be an artist, and affordable interior design looks cheap, to name a few. But there are low-cost ways that you can have a high impact on the look and feel of your home. Follow along as we review the most budget-friendly upgrades you can make to your decor, discuss the best places to find hidden gems, and provide styling tips that look expensive (but aren't!).

Understanding Budget Decorating

Budget decorating is all about finding creative ways to enhance your home without breaking the bank. Decorating a room on a budget becomes easy and fun when you prioritize essentials, repurpose items, and make thoughtful choices that blend style with affordability.

Myths About Decorating On a Budget

We're debunking three common myths regarding decorating a room on a budget. Many people hesitate to take on a renovation or decorating project because they fear it will be too expensive, that they'll get in over their heads, or that they'll somehow make a mistake. This isn't the case. Affordable interior design is accessible for all with the right tips and information.

Myth #1: It's hard to find worthwhile decor and accent items when you have a budget.

Truth: You can find affordable home products and decor in many places. From places like thrift stores and estate sales to local "buy nothing" groups on social media, hidden gems are just waiting for you to find and repurpose. Scope out the local second-hand scene and wait for those vintage pieces to pop up. When it comes to scoring the perfect furniture and decor this way, patience is a virtue.

Be willing to overlook minor, fixable flaws in things like antique furniture. These flaws often add character and, at other times, are easy to remedy with simple supplies. Additionally, check out budget home decor stores that offer unbeatable pricing and year-round sales.

Myth #2: You must be good at DIY projects to successfully decorate on a budget.

Truth: Decorating a room on a budget is possible with zero DIY elements at all. Of course, if you have an artistic flare and want to get your hands dirty, you can get into as many projects as you like. Some find DIY-ing home decor too time-consuming and prefer to bring home ready-to-display pieces. There's no wrong way to decorate.

There are ample YouTube and TikTok clips that depict easy-to-DIY projects for those looking to dip their toes in the water. Or, stick with budget-friendly purchases you can unbox and enjoy immediately. It's up to you!

Myth #3: Affordable interior design looks cheap.

Truth: Perhaps the biggest myth when decorating a room on a budget is that inexpensive items look cheap. This isn't the case. In the end, many people pay more for "name brand" items or products with luxury logos that are of the same quality as no-name items.

Instead of focusing on logos, brands, and price tags, focus on the more important facets of design and construction, like materials and hardware. It's also okay to splurge on some things. When you select a few must-haves and prioritize them on your list, it becomes easier to accessorize the rest of a space without spending a fortune.

How to Prioritize Spending

Some things are worth splurging on, while others aren't. It's up to you which items become a priority. Typically, making larger and more significant pieces the items you invest in is best. Things that you'll either use frequently, like a high-quality bedroom furniture set, or that tend to draw the eye, like an amazing area rug.

A room's most expensive item (or set) should take up approximately 1/3 of your total budget. Look for these more prominent and meaningful pieces first to know how much money you have left to allot toward other purchases. It also becomes easier to find complementary accent pieces that tie a room together when the space's focal point is already established.

High-Impact, Low-Cost Ways to Transform a Space

They say that the smaller things in life are what we grow to love and appreciate the most, which holds with affordable interior design. You can make an enormous impact on the look and feel of your space by focusing on the less expensive details. When you elevate your home accents, the rest of the space feels grander and more luxurious by association.

Here are our favorite high-impact, low-cost upgrades to make in your home.

Paint, Lighting, and Textiles

Paint, lighting, and textiles are some of the simplest yet most effective things you can change in a space if you're looking for a refresh. These are all budget-friendly ways to make a big difference.

First, set the mood with some soft, ambient lighting. By now you've probably seen that bright, overwhelming overhead lights are out, out, out. They can be abrasive to the eyes and create a feeling of sterility in a space. Instead, bring in a gentler shine with accent lamps and under-cabinet lighting. The result is a calmer, more inviting feel that looks cozier and more elegant.

Second, break out the paintbrush. Paint is relatively cheap, with your average gallon costing just $20-$70. You can add an accent wall in your bedroom or living room for an extra decor element, refresh the trim along your walls, or even paint your front door to make a statement. Consider yellow to signify optimism, turquoise for calmness and tranquility, or red for welcoming hosts.

Third, invest in high-quality textiles. Flowy curtains, high-quality linens and throws, and luxurious bedding are excellent options when redecorating a space. For curtains, think of light fabrics like sheer cotton that reach down to the floor. When buying towels or blankets, look for natural fibers that stand the test of time. When it comes to bed sets, consider the longevity of materials.

Statement Pieces

The purpose of decorating a room on a budget is to make a statement. You want your space to reflect your style and personality while meeting your functional needs. This is where selecting a few statement pieces for an area becomes essential.

Spending a little extra on items that mean the most to you is okay. If you're totally in love with a media console, for example, that's priced a little on the higher side, it's typically a good investment. Larger pieces become focal points within a room, setting the tone for how a room feels. It's important to pick large pieces that you genuinely adore.

Other examples of worthwhile statement pieces can include wall art, area rugs, and more prominent sets like dining room furniture. These pieces get a lot of use and attention within a home.

Budget-Friendly Upgrades

You can drastically change your home by implementing a few of our inexpensive home decor tips.

First, upgrade your home's hardware. Examples of hardware in your home include curtain rods and fixtures, cabinet and drawer handles, and bathroom fixtures. These are small details that make a huge difference. They're also relatively low-cost and easy to upgrade but instantly give your space a facelift.

Get rid of grommet curtains, which can give off a "cheap" appearance as they mimic shower curtains. Upgrade to curtains with rod pockets, back tabs, or tension mounts for a modern, streamlined appearance. Next, replace your basic bathroom hardware with oversized, luxury shower heads and add accents like fresh lavender or eucalyptus hanging down. Lastly, consider your drawer and cabinet handles — pick sleek, timeless options instead of trendy fad fixtures.

Second, get rid of the gallery wall. Instead, choose wall art intentionally and let it have its moment. Pick pieces that speak to you and that reflect your feelings and values. Great artwork is an investment that you'll carry with you for a lifetime, from home to home.

Instead of generational pieces or trendy designs, pick more lasting works to hang. They don't have to be formal or traditional; an amazing abstract piece is great if that's your style.

Third, minimize clutter with multi-functional furniture. Select furniture pieces that double as storage. Consider key places like entryways, mud rooms, hallways, and dens. Anywhere that stuff tends to accumulate. There's nothing more inviting than stepping into a home and feeling a sense of peace from stellar organization. Your guests don't want to guess where to put their shoes or coats. Adding strategically placed hooks in crucial spots, like on the back of doors, is also a good idea.

Go for ottomans that feature lift-tops with hidden storage, bed frames with under-drawers, and accent poufs with inside compartments. The less clutter in your home, the more upscale it will look.

Lastly, enhance the look of the smallest accents in your home. Adding things like fancy hand soaps in artistic bottles, high-quality hand towels, kitchen mats, and greenery in nice planters around your home are excellent ways to make an impact if you're on a budget. These smaller items aren't large investments, but add a sense of refinement to a space.

Where to Shop for Home Decor

When shopping for affordable home decor, look for stores that offer a wide range of stylish pieces at budget-friendly prices, such as discount furniture outlets, online marketplaces, and local thrift shops, where you can find hidden gems that fit your aesthetic.

Smart Shopping at Mor Furniture: Stylish Picks on a Budget

Mor Furniture for Less is proud to bring our customers an array of stylish picks on a budget. We have complete collections of bedroom, living room, and dining room furniture and a wide selection of home accents. We carry area rugs, wall art, bedding, linens, home decor, and more, all at unbeatable prices.

Mor Furniture for Less is home to the exclusive Double-the-Difference Guarantee*. This guarantee ensures you get the lowest price in town on each item you buy — every time. If you find an identical item available at another local retailer for less, we'll refund you the difference — times two. We make budget home decorating a breeze.

DIY vs. Store-Bought: When to Spend and When to Save

"Should I spend money on this?" It's a question as old as time. The answer is — if you want to! The more detailed explanation is — can you DIY it, and is it worth it to you? Some people take great pride in completing DIY projects, and decorating a room on a budget is a true labor of love. Others prefer to pick it out, pay for it, and set it out. There's no wrong way to go.

However, some things nearly always pay to be DIYed, and others where purchasing a ready-made product is almost always the right choice. Something big like a bedroom furniture set? Buying it is the way to go unless you're an expert wood craftsman. Smaller items like floral arrangements and layered decorative trays? Let's try your hand at creating pieces yourself!

Shop the Collection at Mor Furniture for Less Today

Visit a local Mor Furniture for Less showroom or shop our collection online today. We offer customer perks like white-glove delivery available at affordable pricing, flexible financing plans for those who qualify, and SafeGuard Mor Protection plans to keep your investments looking new for years.

At Mor Furniture for Less, affordable interior design is our specialty. Visit a showroom today and allow our expert associates to guide you through the buying process.