If you are looking for ways to upgrade your living room for less, then you have come to the right place.
The living room should be a focal part of any home, providing a place to relax after a long day, spend time with your loved ones, and entertain guests. That being said, as an area which is used frequently, it can be all too easy for this room to become tired-looking and outdated.
Fortunately, you don’t need to spend a fortune to create a welcoming and cozy living room space. All you do need is a little bit of imagination and a pinch of determination.
From investing in removable wallpaper to adding greenery and finding low-cost but high comfort furniture, we have the best tips on how to transform your living room without breaking the bank.
Overhaul your seating
If your sofa is looking more than a little worn out around the edges, then there are ways that you can overhaul your seating. If you are really strapped for cash, you could choose to purchase a few new throws to place over your existing sofas for a complete transformation on a shoestring budget.
However, you can buy new furniture without having to use all your savings or rely on hire purchase. Take this amazing 6ft bean bag, for instance. This is so much cheaper than buying a new three-piece suite, plus, it can comfortably fit two adults on it. Just perfect for bingeing boxsets on.
Create a feature wall
Rather than re-paint the entire room, which you could do without having to spend much money, why not instead create a stunning feature wall using removable wallpaper?
The beauty of removable wallpaper, especially for those who are either renting or prone to changing their mind, is that you can easily take it down if you no longer like it or you fancy a change.
You can find lots of great removable wallpaper online in a wide variety of different prints, styles, and sizes that can fit any space.
Bring the outdoors in
If your living room is lacking in natural light or it is on the small size, one of the simplest and cheapest ways to make the area appear more spacious and airy is to invest in a house plant or two.
Not only will some bright greenery uplift the mood of the room, but it will also help to improve the air quality in the space, which is highly beneficial for your overall health.
Some of the most popular house plants include:
- Peace lily
- Spider plant
- Aloe vera
- Chinese money plant
- Lucky bamboo
Don’t feel that you have to invest in large house plants that can be expensive. Buying several smaller plants can be just as effective in uplifting your home.
Create a gallery wall
Who doesn’t love showcasing their favorite artists in their home? Having the ability to instantly make you feel more positive, you could choose to use photos, record covers, prints, and so much more.
All you need to get started is a blank wall; you may want to give it a fresh coat of paint to make the artwork really pop and a selection of artwork and simple (cheap) frames.
How you decide to arrange your chosen artwork on the wall is up to you. However, for a more interesting display, avoid just putting each frame in a straight line, right next to each other, and get a bit more creative with your chosen layout.
Add textures
A must-have for any welcoming living room, adding different textures to your home furnishings and home accessories will instantly make you and your guests feel more relaxed. In fact, textures have the unique ability to make a room feel lived in, in a good way.
Try adding a fur pillow or cushion to your sofa, or add a woolen rug to wooden flooring for a luxurious feel underfoot.
Alternatively, if you are after a more contemporary look, adding a metallic feature is the perfect solution. Just don’t go overboard, or you run the risk of the room appearing cold.
Use candles
A small touch but a highly effective one, adding a selection of different colored and sized candles around your living room will instantly create a feeling of coziness. If you need some candle décor inspiration, then Pinterest is the place to look.
Don’t forget that you can also buy (or even make your own) scented candles. Perfect for evoking certain feelings and for celebrating the seasons, cinnamon, peppermint, and winter spice are all ideal for this colder time of year.
Clear out clutter
This tip costs absolutely nothing but is crucial if you want to create a welcoming living room. Although you don’t need to go full-on minimalist, you should try to limit the amount of clutter, as this will ensure the space stays feeling clean and fresh.
Not sure where to start with decluttering? Check out Marie Kondo on Instagram for some invaluable tips on organizing your home. Plus, remember that when it comes to clutter, it is better to stay on top of things rather than leave them until they become too overwhelming.
Put up shelves
If you struggle with storage in your living room, then the simplest solution is to put up some multitasking shelving units. With options to suit all size spaces, you could choose to create some bookcase shelves which can be used to store so much more than just books. Or you could opt for building some space-saving shelving in an unused alcove.
The beauty of shelving is that not only is it practical, but it can also be used to add aesthetics to your living room. You can even inject some of your personality into your shelving by displaying your personal trinkets or maybe your kid’s artwork from school.
Conclusion
Updating your living room doesn’t have to cost a fortune. By simply adding a few accessories, upgrading your storage solutions, and keeping the space tidy, you can transform a barren room into a thing of beauty.
Just be warned, you may struggle to get your guests to leave your new and improved cozy living space!
