Do you feel like your living room is missing something? Maybe it desperately needs a little bit of love and attention. Or maybe it’s been around for a long time and doesn’t really work with the rest of your home any more.
Whatever your motivation, there are ways to add beauty to your living room without spending a dime.
All you need is a little creativity, a few tools and a little time. Here are 10 quick ideas to get you started:
A Little Bit of Paint Plus a Few Ideas
Since almost every living room object has been painted at some time in its past, it’s not hard to find paint that will work with your existing decor. If you’re feeling steady on your feet and have the basic tools of paint-prep-staining-priming, the results can be surprisingly good.
If you want to keep things simple and take a more relaxed approach, try a fun color on the walls. Choose something that will add depth and interest such as a textured finish or sparkly paint. If your furniture is in good shape, you can even just touch up the existing color with spray paint.
Go Back to Basics with Simple Lighting
Nothing adds drama to a room like great lighting. Try replacing all of your overhead lights with something new and classy – even if it’s just installing new light bulbs. If you have the power, you can also try installing a simple dimmer switch and adding a few lamps.
Use your imagination and think about what role lighting will play in your living room design. For example, if you want to create a cozy, intimate ambiance for movie night, then dim the overhead lights and install some accent lights on the wall behind your couch.
Or if you like a lot of brightness during the day to avoid eye strain, consider installing several standing lamps around the room rather than just one table lamp.
Be a Little Bold! Go for the Color
If you’re really looking to add a splash of color, there are two main ways to do it. Glow in the dark paint and bright colored tiles are both trends that have become very popular in recent years. If you want to go this route, be sure to do a little research first – there may be certain safety issues involved depending on the pattern and size of your flooring tiles.
Another option is to use paint, but on the outside of the furniture. Chances are, you already own a few pieces of living room furniture that aren’t quite your style but still bring a lot of value to your home.
To jazz up the appearance of your furniture and the overall room, try painting one or two pieces in a bold color. Make sure you don’t cover up the original finish, just add a little extra oomph.
It’s All About Accessories
Beyond paint, lighting and furniture, there are several other ways to add color and beauty to your living room without breaking the bank. For example, you can use light shades of paint on the walls or you can install a few wall hangings that have a similar texture to the existing decor.
The same goes for accents such as throws, area rugs, pillows and artwork. Just think about how you want to use your living room, then jot down a few ideas in a notebook before you leave the store.
If you see something you love and can afford it, don’t hesitate – just buy it and bring it home. Over time, you’ll find that your living room will grow around the new items that catch your eye.
Your Living Room is a Great Place to Bring Home a Pet
Your living room is also a great place to bring home an animal. If you’re thinking about getting a new puppy or kitten, remember that you have already created the space for them to live. Decluttering and organizing before bringing your new little friend home can help create the atmosphere that’s right for them to thrive.
Once your pet is settled in, consider adding a few throw pillows, blankets and toys that make it fun for them to stay. You will find that spending just a little bit of money on a few essentials can make a huge difference in your pet’s overall happiness and wellbeing.