The Best Materials for Decorating on a Tight Budget

Have I told you all that we're trying to save up to take our kidlets to Hawaii this year? Well, we are. That's part of the reason I'm so budget-focused right now. Of course, I still have expensive dreams...

(Like Jennifer Aniston's luxe purple velvet chairs here, for example. If you had a cool $42 mil lying around a coupla years ago when her house was for sale, she probably would've thrown the chairs in for free.)

 

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...but, for now, our family's financial priorities lie elsewhere. (ahem)

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So, in the spirit of budgeting and decorating my home, the first thing I do is shop my house. What do I already have? Could it be repurposed? If so, awesome. However, there are times when the interior decorator in me needs something else to add a little home decorating boost but can't quite afford to make my whole dreams come true. ($42 million, anyone?)

Therefore, I present to you, my lovely readers, my top list of budget-friendly (translation: free, or pretty close to it) decorating resources. They're not for every project, to be sure, but they'll do in a pinch for a quick pick-me-up.

Pallet boards.

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You knew I'd go here first, didn't you? Wood pallets are all the rage lately, and I've used them for several projects myself (like here and here). I've had the most success with finding quality pallets at my local Sears store. Just be sure to ask before taking, and be selective in choosing "safe" pallets to work with (what were they used for? were they chemically treated? are they moldy?). Also, keep those Tetanus boosters up-to-date!


Paint chips.


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I've totally taken advantage of this free decorating resource for paint chip projects. I just love that you can choose any color(s) you want and then create artwork or functional pieces with paint chips for next to nothing. Just as a courtesy, though...make sure that you don't abuse the priviledge. Purchase some paint on occasion, too. :)


Sheets.


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I've said it before, and I'll say it again: repurposing stuff (especially fabric) is a great use of resources. Using flat sheets as a fabric source, whether for curtains, bedding, or even artwork, is a great way to save money. Shop your own linen closet or get them inexpensively at supercenters. I think I'd bypass the thrift store on this one, though.


Mason jars.

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These glass jars are sturdy and available in a variety of sizes and tints (or you could tint or paint your own), which make mason jars a prime candidate for a variety of home decor projects - lighting fixtures, planters, vases, random decorative accessories, you name it. Admit it...you've got some of these lying around with the well-intentioned plan that someday you're going to learn how to can, don't you? No? Just me? Oh...okay. Regardless, put them to good decorating use.


Cotton drop cloths.



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Think beyond interior painting and how to paint a room when you look at drop cloths. These aren't free, but for a lot of yardage of heavy-duty cotton, they are a great budget option when sewing slipcovers, drapes, or anything, really, that could use a durable neutral fabric. You can purchase these at any hardware store starting at just $10. I just finished sewing a chair slipcover (my first one) using a 4'x15' drop cloth from Home Depot, and I'm pretty pleased with it (and the $12 price tag!).

Spray paint.


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Also, I know that spray paint technically isn't "free," but I couldn't create a home decorating budget resources list and leave it out. Because for what you can do with a can of this stuff, it's such a great budget-friendly option. (Or, if you're a spray painting junkie like myself, you probably already have a bunch of cans sitting around waiting to be used up.) Transform furniture, frames, lighting, or random objects with some spray paint, and it'll freshen up an entire space. As I'm sure you already know.


 Am I forgetting anything obvious?

xox

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{shared: A Little Knick Knack, A Vision to Remember, Chic on a Shoestring Budget, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Finding Fabulous, Fireflies & Jellybeans, My Romantic Home, The Shabby Nest, What-About}