It’s no surprise I love to save money wherever possible. Sure, I like the occasional splurge (like my favorite Anthropologie curtains) but I can’t afford to buy from there allll the time. So, when it came to decorating our living room for the One Room Challenge I knew the budget was pretty tight. With some serious deal digging and a little shoppers luck I was able to save so much money!
Here are some tips on how you can save when decorating too!
I know this isn’t rocket science advice, but honestly when I first start thinking about furniture or decor for a room this is the first place I look. There are tons of diamonds in the rough just looking to be brought back to life and for a fraction of the cost of new. Looking through thrift stores is one of my favorite things to do! I look for books, frames, furniture, decor, lamps…you name it! For the books-look beyond the dust jacket. You can always remove it as a fun way to bring color and height to end tables, bookcases, and console tables. Here are a few I picked up along the way throughout this project and most for $1 to $2. I try to find titles that are interesting but sometimes if the spine speaks to me I don’t care what the book is about!

Great tips Colette!! I'm amazed at how budget friendly your whole makeover was – it looks straight out of a magazine! Those accent chairs really went through such a transformation and evening paying someone for the upholstery kept them in budget!
I love your tips Colette and even more so your room turned out. My favorite place to find things are definitely yard sales and craigslist. With a little diy you can make everything look pretty! Thanks for sharing your great tips!
Looks like you've scored some really good deals. I've heard about upholstering costing a bit more than expected. I'm learning to accept that decorating a home takes a while and shopping around to find great deals has always been something I love doing. Online is even better!!
you're right Zan…it really does take time! I felt like I collected items for months and months before putting it all together!
Thanks Sabrina! Gotta love Craigslist!
Thanks Sarah! *blushing*
You made some BEAUTIFUL choices. I think $40 a cushion is awesome!! It makes me seriously re-consider some craigslist/thrift purchases that I've passed up. Books are always so helpful in decorating shelves, and you found some beauties. Lastly, that curtain rod is a great deal!! I scoured the internet for gold rods when we did our bedroom and the affordable options are few and far between.
Oh wow, I honestly wouldn't have thought that you stayed on a budget with this makeover – it just looks so perfect! Straight out of a magazine, like Sarah said.
Thank you so much for showing us some details about the makeover and how you saved on $$.
XO! Vanessa
These are all great ideas! I bought two very comfy chairs last spring at a garage sale for $10. The fabric is this hideous yellow and I have the intent of upholstering them myself (with my mom's help too, aren't moms the best?). I am hoping it doesn't prove to be too challenging! But you are so right, $160 for two chairs is not bad at all!
Best,
Kelly