Five (More!) Ways to Decorate for Less

What is most important to you when you decorate your home? Finding beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces you love or decorating while staying within your budget? If your answer is “Both”–you're in luck! You CAN have beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces and still stick within your budget. Last week I shared five ways to decorate for less. Here's five more!

6. Use Coupons

If you only think of food or clothes when you think of coupons, you are missing out! Stores like Kohls, J.C. Penny and Macy's frequently send out coupons that you can use to get home decor pieces for super cheap or even free! You probably won't decorate your entire home this way, but you can definitely pick up a few pieces you'll love for less!

7. Upcycle

Upcycling has become really popular lately, and it's not hard to see why. Personally, I LOVE the idea of turning old things into new things are both beautiful and functional. I did this in my home by taking an old shutter, spray painting it white, and putting a cardboard backing on it. Now I have a mail sorter I love and use all the time. Not only was it super cheap and easy to make, but it adds a lot of character to my kitchen.

8. Buy Only What You Love

This simple idea is actually one of the biggest ways I save money on home decor: I don't buy something unless I absolutely CANNOT not buy it. If I'm hesitant, then I don't love it and it stays at the store. If I can't take my eyes off of it, it goes home with me. I buy a lot less this way, and I end up with pieces I adore, instead of a room full of pieces that are “good enough.”

9. Splurge on One Key Piece

This might seem counter-intuitive, but I'm going to suggest you actually SHOULD splurge on one key piece. Find something you adore that is worth every penny, and make it the focal point of your room. Then, you can fill the rest of your room with cheaper pieces and your whole room will still look great. I did this with a wall painting I just HAD to have, even though it was way more than I ever thought I would spend. Worth. Every. Penny.

10. Find Items on the Side of the Road

Okay, this last trick isn't for the faint of heart, but it really CAN work for you if you are brave enough. I wouldn't suggest picking up couches or mattresses, but sometimes you'll get lucky and find a table or dresser. We actually found my son's dresser by the side of the road. One small nick in the corner, and we got it for free. Some people just can't be bothered to haul things away. We needed a dresser, and now we have one for F.R.E.E!

Have you done any of these tips before? Do you have other tips to share? I'd love to hear them!