Email to a friend  Printer friendly version Related Resources • Decorating FAQs Index About Interior Decorating Subscribe to the Free Newsletter Your Email Address:

Get creative and save money

We all have a budget. But when it is tiny we have to be even more creative at figuring out how to get the look we want for our homes.

These questions have ideas on how to unite mismatched furniture, where to buy architectural salvage, and creating artwork on a budget.

BUDGET DECORATING FAQs

Q. I inherited some furniture when I moved into my first apartment. However, it has ugly gold floral upholstery and I like contemporary. What can I do?

Find out more about slipcovers, see tips and how-tos on making a slipcover, or browse our page of online sources for slipcovers. You'll find this a fairly affordable solution, whether you buy a ready-made cover or opt for a more expensive custom-made cover. Also invest in one of the "tucking tools" that will help keep ready-made covers in place.

In the alternative, on a very small budget you might consider buying a large canvas dropcloth made for painting. Wash it in a commercial laundromat to soften it up. Then drape over your sofa. Hold the cloth in place underneath with duct tape or staples. This is a very temporary solution since it is entirely unfitted, but it will give you a neutral sofa that will go with nearly anything.

Q. Do you have any suggestions for a very cheap bedside table?

See examples and get more ideas in the article "Fashionable Skirted Tables". You can easily buy a pre-cut plywood tabletop at a home center store. Choose from either a rectangle or round shape in a size that fits your space. Fit the top with ready-made legs or simply set it on top of a sturdy file cabinet, trashcan, or boxes. Next, to soften the edges of the wood top, add a small tablecloth cut from felt. Now, measure and sew a fabric tablecloth large enough to reach the floor all around. In the alternative, simply drape fabric or use a large sheet as a tablecloth. Add a square topper (smaller tablecloth) if desired. Upgrade your table by placing a piece of glass over the tablecloth.

Q. How can I decorate my new "old" home on a budget?

There are lots of ways to save money. HGTV's show, "Decorating Cents" makes over at least one room on every show for only $500 or less. Here are some ideas on budget decor and finding bargain furnishings: "Furnishings on a Budget", and "Tips for Flea Market Shopping", and links with Frugal Decorating Ideas.

Q. The walls in my home are bare. I can't spend a lot but I love art. Any suggestions?

You won't have to live with bare walls anymore. Try these ideas and browse the links that offer tips on hanging and framing artwork as well. See: "Artwork on a Budget", and "Decorative Solutions Using Art", and links on Arranging and Hanging Art

Q. I love to shop at flea markets but now it seems like I have a lot of mismatched furniture pieces. I'd like a more cohesive look.

Try to unite your pieces. The easiest way may be to paint them all the same color -- white or black is popular, but ivory, pale blue, red, or dark green can also look great. Once the pieces are all one color they will "look" as though they belong together in the room. Be sure to repeat the color in your fabric choices as well. You may not want to paint some pieces that have a wonderful old crackle finish or patina. Use those as accents here and there, or gather them in one room. See also "Flea Market Shopping" and Flea Market Tip Links.

Q. Where can I buy some of those architectural pieces I see in decorating magazines in the room layouts?

Decorating with old building parts, garden ornaments, and vintage pieces is extremely popular. Look in the telephone book for "salvage yards". Many junk, consignment, and antique stores will also have pieces from time to time. These links have more information and sources for Architectural Salvage.