7 Ways to Decorate Your Home for Free
Let’s face it. Home decor and styling isn’t usually at the top of the list when it comes to the budget. There are so many other things like food and that pesky mortgage payment that seem to take priority. By the time you go down the list, the home decor budget can be slim to none.
Don’t worry. I’ve got your back. I’ve never let a lack of funds stop me from styling my home to feel cozy, comfortable, and personal. After you check out these seven ways to decorate your home for free, you won’t have to let it stop you either.
Decorate your home for free
Rearrange the furniture. My family knows about this one all too well! We live in a two story and let me tell you those stairs have seen some furniture action. If Rob complains I just say, “it’s cheaper than moving.”
I rearrange furniture, accessories, curtains, and anything else that isn’t nailed down, pretty regularly.
Just changing up where your couch is and the pictures on the wall can make a really big impact. This is one of the main reasons that I like most of my furniture in neutral colors.
Chairs can work in a bedroom or living room. Dressers can hold clothing in the bedroom, or as a tv stand or buffet in the living area. Take a look at what you already own and get creative.
Trade with friends Do you have a friend or family member that might be up for trading out some decor with you?
You could even host an informal swap party with a few friends. Everyone brings several items that they no longer want and then chooses a few to take home.
It could be a fun afternoon and your trash might be someone else’s treasure! Of course you could end up with a treasure yourself.
Sell something to buy something This is a great option especially if a lot of your furniture and decor is thrifted to begin with.
Selling something on places like Craigslist, Marketplace, Letgo, or even Ebay is a practical way to raise funds for the purchase of something different. I’ve held garage sales and sold on just about every platform more times than I can remember!
Another option is to put your furniture and decor in a consignment shop or flea market. The advantage to this is that you don’t have to deal with the buyer coming to your home. For a small amount of the price, the shop or flea market handles the entire transaction for you.
I’ve done both direct selling and flea market booths. I can’t say I prefer one or the other. These are all fantastic ways to flip furniture and decor.
Natural elements If you have a yard/garden or access to one, this is a great place for free decor. Especially seasonal decor.
In the fall you’ll find branches, leaves, flowers, pumpkins , gourds, and acorns. Winter is a great time for pinecones, evergreen branches, and berries. Spring brings flowers, blooming branches, mosses, and fern fronds. Summer is abundant with flowers, fruits, greenery of all kinds, and found objects such as rocks, interesting sticks, or Antler sheds.
Even a tree stump can be cut and used inside or on your patio. Leave it natural or painted for a beautiful plant stand or side table.
Free printables
Many blogs, including this one, have free printables that you can frame or use in a number of ways. Decoupage it onto a tray, or add free labels onto jars, to use as canisters in your kitchen. Check your city recycling center for free jars and other items. I picked up a free vintage wheelbarrow that I painted and turned into planter!
I’m working on some new printable to add into my resource library. But in the meantime, here are some of my favorites.
Paint something
Do you have any extra paint hanging around? If not, ask around and someone might have some left over in a can that they would be happy to get rid of.
Check out some of my painted furniture makeovers. A little effort and paint can take an ugly duckling piece of furniture and make it look like it cost a fortune!
“Found” furniture
We used to call it “dumpster diving”! I never actually dived into any dumpsters but I have picked up a lot of beautiful furniture that someone had left on the curb for trash pick up.
If you’re really determined, check out your city (and other close by cities) large item pick up dates. They should be posted online. Then you’ll know when to go cruising for the road side goods.
Trust me, you’ll find some treasures. I’ve found everything from antiques to lost causes! You’ll learn with experience what to pick up and what to leave there.
If you want some tips, read my post 7 Thrifted Home Decor Items You Should Never Buy. I was writing about thrifted home decor and furniture, but it will definitely make sense when looking for free decor too.
Also consider using free materials to upcycle into useful furniture and decor. Usually free pallets are available and there are so many ideas online to transform them.
Get creative and you might even surprise yourself with the end result!
Conclusion
With the change of season, a lot of us get the urge to change some of our home decor and furniture. If it’s not in the budget, consider these 7 ways to decorate your home for free!
You can achieve a cozy, personal , and beautiful space with a lot of free items in the mix. Try it out and see.
Let me know in the comments what you’re favorite free decor find has been.
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I have so many fun projects coming up to share with you and you don’t want to miss them.
Until next time, keep free ranging friend!
