How to Give Your Bedroom a Makeover in the Cheapest Way Possible

In the past year and a half, we have spent a lot of waking time in our bedrooms. It has been a place to relax, escape from work, and hide from the world (or small children). Maybe it suddenly seems drab or outdated — or maybe you’re just tired of looking at the same old space after so much time spent within its four walls. Even on a tight budget, though, there are some simple changes you can make to give your bedroom that new-to-you feel.

How to make your bedroom look bigger

Changing the bedroom curtains doesn’t sound like a major transformation, but how you hang them and the style you choose can actually give the illusion of a grander space (or not). IKEA design and spokesperson Janice Simonsen told Realtor.com that she advises customers to hang curtains as close to the ceiling as possible. The height of the curtains draws the eyes up, giving the feeling of taller ceilings. And you don’t have to opt for the expensive variety in order to achieve the goal — there are plenty of affordable options out there, if you do a little digging.

If we want to brighten up a space, sometimes we don’t need to look much further than the lighting itself — architectural site Arch2O suggests having multiple light sources to eliminate any dark corners that may be making the room feel smaller. Sconces and pendant lights, in particular, are a great way to bring light to the dark areas of your bedroom.

A little paint can go a long way

With all home updates, the simplest way to achieve a significant change is often to reach straight for the paint. Depending on the brand, type, and colour, a gallon of paint will run you about $US20 ($28) to $US30 ($42); if you’re painting all the walls of a larger room, you’ll probably need two cans to get the job done. If you want to limit the cost of paint even further than that, consider painting just one accent wall to create a focal point where one didn’t exist before.

Look beyond your walls, though, when you’re thinking about how a can of paint might spruce up the room — painting an old wooden headboard, a tired mirror, or even a basic dresser with an accent colour can add in a little whimsy.

Bring in new fabrics and accent items

And finally, focus on replacing soft accents that are affordable and easy to switch out, including pillows, linens, and rugs. For a cosy feel, opt for a new quilt, comforter, or accent pillows in deep, warm colours, and a coordinating plush rug. To jazz things up, look for brighter colours or bold patterns. The bed is almost always the main focal point of any bedroom, so start there, and work your way out.