Redesigning On A Budget

Remodeling a living room has several benefits. It can change the atmosphere of a home and make it more welcoming. Often people choose to remodel the living room, because this is the room company will see the most. There are several ways to remodel a living room. Here are some ways to do it on a budget.

Area Rug ($40 - $300)

People often tackle the floor when they remodel the living room. After all, it is the biggest surface in the room. Instead of replacing carpet with hardwood flooring, which can be expensive, keep the floor carpeted. To reduce costs even further, do not replace the carpet. Rather, simply place an area rug over it. Area rugs vary widely in price, but usually an attractive one can be found for a couple hundred dollars. If you are on an extremely tight budget, shop clearance sales for one under $100.

Clean ($50)

Cleaning the living room is not exactly remodeling it, but it can have profound effects. Deep clean everything in the room. Vacuum under the couch cushions, dust the tops of picture frames and clean the lamps. Renting a carpet steamer will make the carpets look much better, without the cost of replacing them.

Redecorate (Free)

When redecorating the living room, remember this adage: “Less is more.” The décor of a room can be drastically changed, without purchasing anything new. Group the decorations in a living room into several sets. Then, rotate these sets throughout the year. This will continually renew the living room’s décor, and the elegance of simplicity will help each decoration shine.

Book Shelf (free - $200)

Having a bookshelf in the living room adds a level of sophistication. Even if the books on it are never read, guests will presume that you read. When decorating the bookshelf, divide each into short sections. In each section, place books, a photograph or a decoration. No section should have the same thing that is directly above, below or beside it. Also, books can be laid horizontally or aligned vertically. Thus, there should be empty space and the books will weave through decorations and photos. 

Furniture (Free - $1,000s)

Replacing the furniture in a living room can easily break a budget. For cheap furniture, shop garage sales, estate sales and second-hand stores. Also, ask friends if they have any unwanted items. However, the furniture does not need to be replaced in a living room to revitalize it. Simply rearranging the couch, chairs, coffee table and television can give the room a new look.

Lamps ($20 - $400)

When shopping for furniture, lamps offer a great value. They are practical, yet decorative. A quality lamp can be bought for only a few dollars, or people can invest hundreds in a truly unique ornament. Best of all, there are lamps to fit any décor.

Entertainment Center ($100 - $1,000)

If you have money to invest in furniture, consider a better entertainment center. Televisions are ugly and all the cords needed for the DVD player, gaming systems, speakers and other electronics are unsightly. A good entertainment center will conceal all of this behind doors, so they do not detract from the living room’s atmosphere.

All of these ideas can help give the living room a new look, but they do not all need to be used. Naturally, fully remodeling a living room will have the most impact. Yet, just cleaning can make a significant difference. Any of these will be a great start to remodeling the living room in your home.

Author Bio: James Zachary writes for Design 55, a UK-based, online, contemporary furniture shop that carries TV tables and other living room furniture.