14 Simple Ideas to Decorate Your Room on a Budget (Safely)

Lamps, paint, shelves and pillows can change a room fast. Hang each piece at the right height, and anchor anything tall.

The fastest room upgrades are cheap. Swap a plain light fixture, paint a shape on the wall, add a ledge for art and fluff your pillows. Apartment Therapy’s list of 20 budget bedroom ideas backs all four.

Most cost little and take an afternoon, even for a beginner.

But hang art at the right height. UGallery says the center of a piece should sit 57 to 60 inches from the floor. It also says hanging art too high is a common mistake.

Mind safety too. Command says to wait 7 days after painting before you use its strips, and not to hang them over beds. The CPSC says to anchor tall furniture.

These 14 ideas give you steps, a style tip and a safety note for each one. Pick two, and finish them in a weekend.

How Do You Decorate a Room Without Spending Much?

Start with what you have. Apartment Therapy says to look at the items you already own before you spend. Books, a guitar or a favorite chair can all become decor.

Then fix the big things first. Light, color and height change a room more than small trinkets.

Use this table to match a goal to an idea. The skill levels are our own guess.

Goal	Best idea	Skill	Renter OK
A new focal point	Paint a shape	Easy	Ask first
A softer room	Pillows and a throw	Easy	Yes
More light	New lamp or fixture	Medium	Plug-in only
A taller room	Raise the curtains	Easy	Yes
Wall art	Art ledge	Easy	Yes
Texture	Baskets and sheepskin	Easy	Yes

If you rent, start with textiles, lamps and a ledge. They leave few marks.

What Safety Rules Apply to Room Decor?

Small projects can still go wrong. Read these rules first.

Wait before you stick. Command’s picture strip page says to wait 7 days after painting before you use the strips. It says to wipe the wall with rubbing alcohol first. It also says not to hang strips over beds or on wallpaper.

Air out new paint. The EPA’s painting guide says to keep windows open about 2 to 3 days after painting. It says to keep young children and people with breathing problems out of freshly painted rooms.

Anchor tall pieces. The CPSC says 459 children died in furniture, TV and appliance tip-overs from 2000 to 2018, and 93 percent were age 5 or younger. It says to anchor furniture. A tall ladder shelf or bookshelf counts, which is our own view, since the release names furniture and not ladder shelves.

Hire a pro for wiring. Plug-in lamps are safe for renters. For a new wired fixture, hire an electrician. That tip is our own.

1. Swap the Light Fixture or Add a Lamp

Light is the quickest upgrade. Apartment Therapy says to replace a builder-grade fixture with a drum pendant, a sputnik lamp or a small chandelier. It also suggests sconces on both sides of the bed.

1. Pick a new fixture or a plug-in lamp in a style you like.
2. For a wired fixture, turn off the power at the breaker, or hire an electrician.
3. Hang it, and test the light.
4. Choose a warm bulb for a cozy glow.

Style tip: use matching lamps on each side of the bed.

Safety: keep cords off the floor and away from the bed.

More: see our bedroom lighting ideas.

2. Paint a Shape on the Wall

Paint is the cheapest big change. Apartment Therapy says a renter painted a faux headboard right onto the wall, which looks chic and costs little.

1. Mark the shape with a pencil, such as an arch or a rectangle.
2. Press painter’s tape along the lines.
3. Roll on two coats of paint.
4. Pull the tape off while the paint is still damp.

Style tip: pick one color from your bedding.

Safety: open the windows for 2 to 3 days, as the EPA says.

More: see our bedroom accent wall ideas.

3. Washi Tape Frames and Faux Paneling

Washi tape makes frames with no cost. Apartment Therapy says you can make faux wall paneling with washi tape. The old page used it to frame prints.

1. Hold the print or photo on the wall with a bit of tape.
2. Add a washi tape border around it.
3. For paneling, tape long rectangles on the wall.
4. Press the edges down, and check that the lines are straight.

Style tip: use black tape for a sharp, graphic look.

Safety: test a small strip first. Some tape can lift paint.

4. A Ledge for Leaning Art

A ledge holds art and trinkets with no holes in the frames. Apartment Therapy says a shelf lets you lean art prints and knick-knacks, which looks better than small prints on a big wall.

1. Pick a narrow shelf or ledge.
2. Mount it into studs, or use rated anchors.
3. Lean two or three prints, with the largest at the back.
4. Add one small object, such as a candle.

Style tip: overlap the frames a little for a layered look.

Safety: keep glass frames low. Use light frames if the ledge is over a bed.

5. Floating Shelves for Books

Shelves turn books into decor. Apartment Therapy says to display your books, with a DIY shelf, a cheap bookshelf or a floating shelf.

1. Find the studs with a stud finder.
2. Mark a level line.
3. Mount the brackets into the studs.
4. Stack books on their sides, and add one plant.

Style tip: group books by color for a calm look.

Safety: books are heavy. Keep the load light, and use studs.

6. A Dry Branch as Decor

A branch costs nothing and looks sculptural. This idea comes from the old page, and the steps are our own. Stand it in a tall vase, or hang it on a wall.

1. Pick a branch with a nice shape, and make sure it is dry.
2. Shake off bugs and dust outdoors.
3. Set it in a heavy vase, or hang it with a nail.
4. Add a few small bulbs or paper tags, if you like.

Style tip: use a white vase so the branch stands out.

Safety: keep dry branches away from candles and heaters.

7. Raise the Curtains

High curtains make a room feel bigger. Apartment Therapy says to raise the rod two to three inches below the ceiling line. The room feels loftier, and the windows seem larger.

1. Measure from the ceiling down 2 to 3 inches.
2. Mark the rod height on each side of the window.
3. Mount the brackets into studs or anchors.
4. Hang long panels that reach the floor.

Style tip: pick light curtains for a tall, airy look.

Safety: choose cordless styles if kids live in the home. That tip is our own.

More: see our bedroom curtain ideas.

8. Hang Art at the Right Height

Height changes how a wall feels. UGallery says to center a piece at 57 to 60 inches from the floor, and large pieces should hang at least 6 to 12 inches above furniture.

1. Measure 57 to 60 inches up from the floor.
2. Mark the center point of the piece.
3. Check the distance to the furniture below.
4. Hang the piece with a hook that matches its weight.

Style tip: treat two stacked pieces as one big piece.

Safety: Command says not to hang strips over beds.

9. Plump Pillows and a Chunky Throw

Pillows and a throw dress a bed fast. Apartment Therapy says to buy inserts slightly bigger than the covers, such as 20-inch inserts for 18-inch covers. It says a chunky knit throw can take the focus off a tired duvet.

1. Measure your pillow covers.
2. Buy inserts about 2 inches bigger.
3. Stuff the covers, and fluff them.
4. Drape a chunky throw across the foot of the bed.

Style tip: use two or three colors, not five.

Safety: keep small decor pillows off a baby’s sleep space.

10. Texture With Sheepskin and Baskets

Texture makes a plain room look rich. Apartment Therapy says a faux fur throw on a chair, a sheepskin rug and rattan baskets all add layers. It also suggests a faux sheepskin on a plain bed frame.

1. Pick two textures, such as wool and rattan.
2. Add a sheepskin to a chair or the floor.
3. Set a basket by the bed for blankets.
4. Keep colors in one family.

Style tip: a bright faux sheepskin adds fun.

Safety: don’t put a rug where it can slip. Use a pad.

11. Style a Tray on the Nightstand or Vanity

A tray makes small items look planned. Apartment Therapy says a vanity tray can hold perfume, creams and jewelry. A nightstand tray needs only a candle and a glass of water.

1. Clear the surface first.
2. Pick a tray that fits the space.
3. Add three items of different heights.
4. Swap the items with the seasons.

Style tip: use a lamp, a plant and a tray on a nightstand.

Safety: keep candles away from curtains and pillows.

12. A Thrifted Mirror

A mirror opens a room. Apartment Therapy says to try a brass or curvy mirror, and to look at a thrift store or flea market. It says a can of paint can fix a finish you don’t like.

1. Search thrift stores and online markets with specific terms.
2. Check the glass for cracks.
3. Paint the frame if you want a new finish.
4. Hang it with a rated hanger into a stud.

Style tip: a round mirror softens a boxy room.

Safety: a big mirror is heavy. Anchor it well. See our mirror decoration ideas.

13. New Hardware on Furniture

New knobs refresh a dresser in minutes. Apartment Therapy calls hardware jewelry for your room, and says copper handles or crystal knobs can add luxe.

1. Measure the distance between the screw holes.
2. Buy knobs or pulls with the same spacing.
3. Unscrew the old ones, and fit the new ones.
4. Tighten them by hand.

Style tip: use one metal across the room.

Safety: don’t overtighten screws, or the wood can crack.

14. A Blanket Ladder or Ladder Shelf

A ladder holds blankets and plants. It was on the old page too, and it is a nice quick idea. It can tip, so anchor it.

1. Pick a ladder with a flat, steady base.
2. Lean it against a wall, or screw it to the wall.
3. Hang two or three blankets.
4. Keep it away from doors and walkways.

Style tip: use a wood ladder in a tone that matches your floor.

Safety: the CPSC says to anchor furniture. A ladder shelf is our own example.

What Does Room Decor Cost?

Costs vary by store. The ranges below are our own guess, since the sources didn’t list prices.

Idea	Cost	Time
Washi tape frames	Low	1 hour
Paint a shape	Low	A day
Pillow inserts and a throw	Low to mid	30 minutes
New hardware	Low	1 hour
Art ledge	Low to mid	1 hour
New light fixture	Mid	2 hours

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Hanging art too high. UGallery says to center it at 57 to 60 inches.
• Using strips over the bed. Command says not to.
• Sticking right after painting. Command says to wait 7 days.
• Skipping the airing. The EPA says 2 to 3 days.
• Not anchoring tall pieces. The CPSC says to anchor furniture.
• Buying many small things. Focus on light, color and height first.

Your Weekend Plan

Friday evening: Look at what you own, and pick two ideas.

Saturday morning: Paint the shape or hang the curtain rod.

Saturday afternoon: Add the lamp, pillows and throw.

Sunday: Hang the art, set up the tray and step back.

FAQ

How can I decorate my room cheaply?

Start with light, paint, pillows and a throw. Apartment Therapy says to use what you already own first.

How high should I hang art?

UGallery says to center it at 57 to 60 inches from the floor.

Can I use Command strips right after painting?

No. Command says to wait 7 days after painting.

How long should I air out a freshly painted room?

The EPA says to keep windows open about 2 to 3 days.

Do I need to anchor a ladder shelf?

Yes, if it is tall. The CPSC says to anchor furniture to prevent tip-overs.

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