How To Interior Decorate On a Budget: Designer's Advice

Okay, so times are getting tough. Every day there’s more talk about depressions, recessions, and tariffs. Read: Trade Wars: How Tariffs Are Impacting The Interior Design World. Naturally, most people are thinking about how to decorate and refresh their homes on a budget. As someone who has been decorating interiors for years (mostly for clients on a budget), I know a thing or two about making a space look great without overspending. Today, I’m sharing my best insights on budget-friendly decorating. So, let’s get into it; the guide to interior decorate on a budget!

Step One: Decide What’s Worth the Investment

When working with a budget, the first thing I do is figure out which pieces are worth investing in, and which aren’t.

For example, let’s take a living room and home office:

Living Room:

Take the sofa, for example. I never recommend skimping here. Most people spend a lot of time on their sofa, and comfort + durability is essential—it’s worth the investment.
On the other hand, your coffee table or ottomans? These don’t need to be high-end. Yes, there are beautiful (and pricey) options out there, but at the end of the day, your coffee table’s main job is to hold a few things. So, save your money here.

Home Office:

In an office, invest in a good chair and desk. You’ll be using them often and need comfort and function. But bookshelves, guest chairs, or extra decor? These don’t necessarily need to be top-dollar pieces.

So, the first step in decorating on a budget:
👉 Prioritize. What do you need to be high quality, and what can you get creative with?

Step Two: Buy Investment Pieces First

Once you’ve identified your investment pieces, whether it’s a sofa, dining table, or desk; shop for those first. Be picky. This is where you’re splurging, so make sure you’re happy with the quality and look.

Work these prices into your overall budget, and then use what’s left to furnish the rest of the space.

Step Three: Time to Hunt

This is where the real fun begins.

I source and design for a living, so I know where to find great deals—but here’s the truth: the best finds come from the hunt.

Check multiple vendors. Don’t skip expensive stores—always browse their sale sections. You’d be surprised how often I find beautiful, high-quality pieces at amazing discounts.

Here are a few of my go-to vendors for budget-friendly interiors:

Budget-Friendly Vendors I Love:

Wayfair – A classic. They offer a huge range of furniture and decor at various price points. Just be mindful: their delivery estimates can be off, so plan accordingly—especially if you live in a building with delivery restrictions.
Etsy – A treasure trove for custom, handmade, vintage, and second-hand items. I often find one-of-a-kind pieces and great deals here. It’s perfect for small decor, art, or unique accents.
AllModern – A step above Wayfair in style and feel. Still budget-friendly, but with a more curated, modern selection.
Facebook Marketplace, Thrift Stores, and Second-Hand Shops – Seriously underrated. Vintage and second-hand furniture can stretch your budget and add serious personality to a room. Depending on your style, these pieces might just be the secret sauce.

How Style Come Into Play To Interior Decorate On a Budget

Here’s the biggest budget hack: the style you choose affects how far your money goes.

Eclectic Style: One of the most affordable styles to achieve. It embraces mix-and-match, second-hand, vintage, and bold character. The flexibility makes it super budget-friendly. Read: A Guide to the Vibrant World of Eclectic Decor
Minimalist Style: Fewer items, more impact. By default, this style is cost-effective because it encourages buying less and doing more with the basics. A great way to stay within budget.

Read: Interior Design Styles Simplified: What’s Your Style?

So ask yourself:
– Does your style play well with second-hand or budget pieces?
– Can you find affordable options that suit your aesthetic?

Plan Ahead

One of the biggest things that can eat up your budget fast is a lack of planning. Don’t go in with a blind eye and start buying the first pieces of decor and furniture you see at HomeGoods. You might think you’re saving time and effort by just grabbing what looks good in the moment, but really, it’ll cost you more in the long run. Without a clear plan, you’re more likely to end up with pieces that don’t fit your space or your vision. Then what? You either have to live with it or spend more money replacing it, if that’s even an option. Plan first, shop second. Always. Read: Expert Interior Design Advice You Need Before You Decorate

Consider Slow Decorating

Consider adopting a slow decorating and furnishing mindset to help with budgeting, finding deals, and creating a more thoughtful overall approach to decorating. This means entering your project with a clear vision for the space, but taking your time to gradually procure each item over the course of months, or even years. As a result, your space comes together more organically and intentionally, allowing you to stumble upon great finds at great prices without rushing or overspending.

Read: Slow Decorating: The Best Way to Furnish

Bonus Tip: Consider eDesign

Of course, you can always work with a designer like me to make the most of your budget. And before you say, “Aren’t interior designers expensive?” — they can be, but not always.

Thanks to services like eDesign, interior design is more accessible than ever. Virtual interior design lets you work with a real designer (like me!) to get expert advice, a full room plan, or whatever level of support you need—without the traditional price tag.

Interior Decorate On a Budget – Summary

In short, here’s your decorating-on-a-budget game plan:

Prioritize what’s worth the splurge.
Shop for investment pieces first.
Hunt down deals for the rest.
Choose a style that supports budget-friendly sourcing.
Don’t be afraid to seek professional help to avoid costly mistakes.

So yes, decorating on a budget can be more challenging, but it doesn’t have to mean compromising on quality or style. It simply means you need to be a little more clever, patient, and thoughtful in your approach. It’s a process. A process I truly love and enjoy every step of. I hope this helps you interior decorate on a budget!

Happy decorating ✨