7 Budget Ways to Make Your Living Room Look Expensive

If your living room is beginning to look a little worn around the edges, it’s time for an update — and a chic update at that. An expensive look doesn’t have to tear a hole in your wallet; getting that classy appeal is about being creative in enhancing your home, even if you’re spending no money at all! Try these seven budget-friendly design ideas from thrifty Hometalk bloggers to make your inexpensive living room look like something out of a designer magazine.

Hide Your TV

Project via Amanda @Dixie Delights

As happy as you are to have your TV smack in the middle of your living room come movie night, it does put a damper on your overall design. Instead of letting that hulking screen crowd your décor, cover it when it’s not in use by hanging a large canvas over the front. Add hooks to the top of the canvas so it can sit easily on your screen and leave your walls hole-free!

Hang Large-Scale Art

Project via April @House by Hoff

Large-scale pictures and art are a surefire method to draw attention away from the less polished parts of the room. Choose a piece that represents your style, or has the right colors to pull the room together, and display it on a prominent wall. For a budget DIY option, create a split canvas using an inexpensive engineer print and foam boards to make big-impact art that’s lightweight and easy to hang.

Style Your Coffee Table and Bookcases

Project via Angela @Number Fifty-Three

Isn’t it strange how those glossy magazines have living rooms filled with things, but they never look cluttered? That’s because belongings only turn into clutter when they’re not properly displayed. With some strategic styling, you can make your coffee table piled with books and your bookcase filled with details look tastefully arranged.

Add an Inexpensive Area Rug

Project via Christina @The DIY Mommy

There’s no floor on Earth that can’t be covered up with a nice-looking rug. If you’re searching for a quick way to fancy up your space, lay down a large area rug to add instant color and style. To keep to your budget, try decorating a cheap rug yourself or create your own faux cowhide rug with this tutorial! For more awesome DIY ideas, check out the DIY section on ForRent here.

Bring In Greenery

Photo via Kimberly @Quirky Cool Living

Plants may be the speediest way to turn your home from plain to polished. Bring in a small tree, some hardy succulents or some leafy greenery to add a splash of life to your space and enhance your décor. If you want to take this tip a step further, try decorating your pots or transferring your plants to interesting and unexpected containers.

Fill Your Couches With Throw Pillows

Photo via Ashley @Bigger Than the Three of Us

OK, even if this would have no impact on the living room’s look, who wouldn’t want to fill their couches with cozy throw pillows? Luckily, throw pillows do impact the look by adding patterns and colors that can highlight your existing décor. Pillows will give your living room a grander appearance and make your seating areas look undeniably inviting.

Upgrade Your Lighting

Project via Amanda @Hammer and Heels

You’d be surprised how much of a difference elegant lighting can have on a space! By simply changing the shade, color or entire fixture of your living room lighting, you can turn up the class instantly. And with a drop of creativity, you can change your lighting with a simple DIY, like this hanging planter turned chandelier!

For more inspirations and how-tos, check out Hometalk’s living room ideas page!

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