It’s not easy to decorate your home on a budget in a tasteful manner, but it’s definitely possible if you choose the right pieces. However, don’t cheap out too much because otherwise, your home will end up looking tacky. For guidance, here are 19 poor home decor choices that scream “Low-Budget.”
Mismatched Hardware
Even if you’re low on funds, you will still inevitably regret installing mismatched door knobs, cabinet handles, and other fixtures in your home, as it will lead to an uncoordinated and chaotic aesthetic. Stick to a consistent style and finish for these small but significant details; there’s really no excuse not to because there are plenty of budget hardware options out there.
Excessive Use of Fake Plants
There’s nothing wrong with the occasional fake plant; in fact, they can be quite trendy. However, don’t overload your home with them, as this will quickly make your decor look cheap and uninviting. If you lack a green thumb, choose a few high-quality fake plants and mix them in with real ones, helping to bring a more authentic and lively feel to your environment.
Over-the-Top Themes
While themed rooms can be fun, especially for kids’ rooms, going overboard with a specific theme can make your home look tacky and low-budget. If you insist on using decor themes in your home, you should incorporate them subtly, restricted to specific elements, enhancing your decor without overwhelming the space.
Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
Back in the day, having wall-to-wall carpeting was a sign of class, but that’s not the case nowadays. It can make your home feel dated and cheap, as if you’ve kept decade-old carpets installed just to save a few bucks, so we recommend replacing them with hardwood flooring. However, if you can’t afford to do this, there is hope–House Beautiful claims that wall-to-wall carpeting could be coming back into fashion.
Plastic Furniture
It’s never a good idea to use plastic furniture inside your home. It might be tempting due to its affordability, but it will look flimsy and out of place in most home settings. It’s perfectly suitable for outdoor furniture, but for indoors, it’s best to go for second-hand wooden furniture instead if you’re on a tight budget.
Poorly Hung Art
There’s really no excuse for hanging art in your home incorrectly, which will make your home decor look haphazard and unplanned, even if the selection is tasteful. Just take a few minutes to use a spirit level and ensure your artwork is at eye level and properly spaced. It’s not difficult at all, so just get on with the job.
Cheap Lighting Fixtures
You should never cheap out on inadequate or unattractive lighting fixtures in your home, which can drastically reduce the perceived quality of a room. Instead, invest some cash in stylish yet affordable lighting options, such as pendant lights or vintage lamps. You’ll be spending plenty of time at home, so the amount you’ll save on low-quality lighting will never be worth the dinginess.
Outdated Window Treatments
Old, worn-out curtains or blinds can date your entire home decor, so put a bit more effort into them. Replace outdated window treatments with modern, affordable options like sleek roller blinds or simple, elegant drapes to instantly refresh your windows and give your rooms a more contemporary feel. It’s really not that expensive to do.
Cluttered Spaces
Be careful not to clutter your home with too much random decor because this could make even the most well-designed room feel chaotic and cheap. Have a declutter and organize your space properly, keeping only essential and meaningful items on display. This minimalistic approach can make your home look cleaner and more upscale; you’ll be surprised how much of a difference it will make.
Too Many Small Rugs
Some people scatter their home’s decor with multiple small rugs, which isn’t a good look–it can easily make a room look disjointed and cluttered. Instead, opt for a single, larger rug that ties the room together and creates a cohesive look. There’s no denying that rugs can be expensive, but check out thrift stores, and you’ll most definitely find some appealing bargains.
Outdated Wallpaper
If you want to make your home feel outdated and cheap, keeping your overly busy wallpaper from the ‘80s is a great way to achieve this. It will make your home feel stuck in the past, so just remove it and replace it with a fresh coat of paint. This will instantly update your space and open up your options for other pieces of decor, preventing nasty clashes.
Overuse of Bright Colors
There’s nothing wrong with adding a splash of color to a room, but don’t overdo it. Many people overuse bright hues in an attempt to brighten up their room, but in reality, they just make it feel chaotic and cheap. Stick to a neutral base and add color through accessories like pillows, throws, and artwork, making your home feel more sophisticated and curated.
Visible Wires and Cables
Nobody likes the look of exposed wires and cables, so you shouldn’t put up with them in your home. They give your home an unfinished and cluttered look, and they can even be safety hazards. Just take a few moments to set up a cable management system; it’s super easy to do, and you’ll find that your home looks so much tidier when it’s complete.
Cheap, Mass-Produced Art
A lot of people buy cheap, mass-produced art when they’re moving into a new home, but instead of adding the sophistication that they hoped, all it does is make a space feel impersonal and generic. Instead, head to a thrift store or visit some local artists; you’ll be able to pick up some cheap pieces of artwork that will be unique to your home–you don’t have to break the bank.
Neglecting Curb Appeal
Another poor home decor choice that screams “low budget” is when you don’t make any effort to take care of your curb appeal. It doesn’t matter how well-decorated your home’s interior is–if you leave the exterior a mess, it will look ugly. So, mow your lawn, add some plants or flowers, and ensure the exterior paint is in good condition, and it will do wonders for your decor.
Oversized Furniture
A lot of people attempt to squeeze furniture that’s too large for a room into their home, making the space feel cramped and cluttered. This is a ridiculous thing to do; measure your rooms and choose appropriately sized furniture, allowing for ample movement. You’ll breathe a sigh of relief when you can actually move around in your home without stubbing your toe.
Low-Quality Bedding
These days, there’s really no excuse for buying cheap, low-quality bedding because standard quality options are so affordable. There’s no need to go overboard and spend a fortune, so just head to the store and invest in some good quality sheets, pillows, and a comforter to create a luxurious and inviting bed. It will look so much better, and your sleep hygiene will improve, too.
Ignoring Lighting Layers
If you’re relying on a single light source for a room, it will feel flat and uninviting, so try to incorporate multiple layers. You could use one main light, along with a couple of ambient lamps, adding depth and warmth to your rooms. The upgrade won’t cost you much, but we can guarantee you’ll notice a big difference.
Uncoordinated Furniture
Just like with the rest of your decor, you shouldn’t clutter your home with uncoordinated furniture that doesn’t match up. It will make your home feel disjointed and poorly planned, so take some time to consider how you would like your home to look. Even if you need to save up for a while, you’ll thank yourself later when your home furniture has a unified, coherent style.