When you walk into a home design store, it’s easy to get caught up in the thinking that you have to have all of the latest trends displayed on the shelves. Unfortunately, these things are often overpriced. Looking for ways to redecorate without overpaying? Today’s tips can help whether you want to relax, work, or spend time with the family in your space.
Use Rewards Points and Coupons
If you have a credit card, look to see if you are eligible for rewards points. This can help you get gift cards and even merchandise that you can use to decorate your home. Quarterly Ledger recommends Capital One Venture and Chase Sapphire Rewards. You can combine these rewards with store rewards programs to save even more.
Just remember to use your credit card responsibly; this is a very easy way to go over budget.
Beyond rewards, you can also look into different types of coupons and promo codes that can help alleviate the cost of decorations and materials.
For example, websites like Groupon and Slickdeals offer coupons for many major retailers, allowing you to shop for decor while saving money and, in some cases, earning cash back on purchases. Also, stores such as Home Depot and Bed Bath & Beyond offer coupons directly to their customers; this way, you can get savings directly from the retailer and easily apply it during check-out.
Renew, Don’t Replace
Have a sofa with stains that refuse to come out? A quick search for “furniture cleaner near me” can help you find an upholstery cleaner that can make your worn-out pieces look new again.
Keep in mind that these independent companies have their own pricing structures, and you should read online reviews and ask about the types of cleaning tools they use (make sure it’s a specialty tool) as well as current specials. Renewing your items is much cheaper than replacing them, and, if you have kids at home, it’s a good idea to have a cleaner on speed dial anyway.
Paint Everything
Paint is one of the least expensive and most effective ways to update any space. Something as simple as painting a mural or geometric design on an accent wall can change the entire look and feel of a room. Fortunately, you can slap a coat of paint on just about anything in your home, including floors and cabinets.
Home Depot recommends knowing the type of surface that you are painting and choosing paint that will adhere to the material. If you’re renting and can’t paint, peel and stick wallpaper, flooring, and tile are beautiful, temporary options that won’t break the bank.
Plus, if you have a home office, painting can help you visually separate this from your living space and may also boost your productivity.
Host an Exchange
Bartering was the first currency, and there is no reason that you can’t trade with your friends and neighbors now. The Mom Prepares blog notes that you can barter for home renovations, food, and even babysitting.
You might also consider hosting a neighborhood home decor exchange. Another important benefit of hosting a neighborhood exchange that shouldn’t be overlooked: you get to meet the neighbors. This can help you create a network of people you can fall back on the next time you need a home overhaul.
Set a Budget
While budgeting is not the most exciting part of decorating your home, it’s a crucial step toward ensuring that you don’t overspend. Start by making a wish list. You can then scour the internet to figure out how much these items cost.
Next, outline your priorities and complete your most pressing projects first. Chances are, you’ll be tested to ignore your budget and splurge on an item, but resist this temptation. After all, the more money you spend on one particular project, the less you’ll have when it’s time to shift gears and focus on something else.
Check the Clearance Aisle
Even if you’re acclimated to online shopping, you can’t beat the clearance section of your favorite store. For home decor, we like Hobby Lobby.
Why?
Because you can snag discounts of seasonal merchandise at up to 90% off — if you’re patient. Walmart, Target, Ross, and most other nationwide stores also have a rotating inventory of red stickers that can help you save money on your next home decorating endeavor.
Clearance is also a great place to find seasonal plates and table covers if you plan to have friends and family over for the holidays.
Don’t Be Afraid to Shop Second-hand
Thrift stores, flea markets, and second-hand shops will quickly become your best friend when you’re trying to design on a budget.
Here, you can often find a wide variety of different items to help dress up your space. And while flea markets and second-hand stores may offer more expensive options, chances are you’ll get a little more for your money if you dig a little deeper into what the vendors have to offer. A restored dresser might look good in your bedroom, but the cheaper, less polished option can look just as good with a little TLC.
Not sure where to begin looking for flea markets and second-hand shops? Fortunately, the internet has plenty of directories and listings to help you get started.
Flea Market Zone, for instance, can help you search for local flea markets within a certain distance from your home.
The Thrift Shopper offers a similar search, except with a focus on thrift stores. Who knows? There may be a great second-hand store on the other side of town that you haven’t found yet.
You do not have to have a big budget to make your space cozy and comfortable.
Prioritize these money-saving tips, including cleaning what you already have and dipping into the clearance aisle when you go out shopping, and you may be able to create an entirely new look and feel without draining your bank account.
