As mom of two children, I don’t have much time, money, or energy to spend on decorating my home, but I do have a desire to make it comfortable and attractive for my family. Through years of experimentation, I have found some really nifty ideas to do this without filing for bankruptcy.
One big lesson I have learned is that young children can wreak havoc on the fabric of couches and chairs, and stains can quickly ruin their appearance. The best and most inexpensive way I’ve found to remedy this problem is by using slipcovers. Modern ones come in some great styles, fit well, and can be easily removed for laundering. By using then, I’m sure I’ve added several extra years to the usefulness of my furniture. Besides that, I’ve also been able to change the look of my rooms more often. Slipcovers are a little change which can make a big difference.
Other small, inexpensive changes can add up as well. The following are some ideas that have worked effectively for me when the redecorating bug has bitten:
• After working a large puzzle, glue to a mat, coat with a sealant, and place in a frame for wall art.
• Enlarge photos of family members, pets, personal vacation scenery or important moments and frame to make a wall collage to line a hallway.
• Add new mirrors or put mirrored tiles on a small area to make it look more spacious.
• Use whatever leaves, blossoms, herbs, fruits, vegetables, or flowers available during a particular season to make pretty table arrangements in old crockery or baskets.
• Distress old furniture even more by using some paint remover and a hammer and pick. Then coat with a clear polyurethane.
• Buy a few inexpensive ferns or other green plants that are easy to care for to fill empty spaces and bring the home to life.
I like to make use of old items as long as possible. This makes me feel like a more responsible citizen of Planet Earth and helps me save a few dollars. Here are some ways that I’ve found to do some eco-friendly decorating:
• Pot some herbs in chipped coffee cups and set on the windowsills in colorful groupings.
• Hang old, outdated kitchen wear on pegs on the wall or on an old coat rack.
• Cover an old trunk with a tablecloth and use as a bedside nightstand.
• Sponge paint a wall in the kids’ room using paint colors left over from other projects.
• Use cracked teapots or crockery bowls to hold fresh flowers.
After surveying my own furnishings and materials, I often ask friends and family for their unneeded castoffs, or offer to swap, when I fancy a change of look for my home. Most are glad to share because these items are just taking up precious storage room around the house, but they give me more inspiration for my own decorating efforts; they are free, and they are new me and to the eyes of my family.
I get great satisfaction from finding creative ways to make my home look nice without spending lots of money on brand new items. These are just some of my tips for moms looking for cheap ways to decorate their homes.
This is a guest post from Caroline Smith, who has a website where you can find more tips for using sofa covers to give your furniture a makeover. She likes the challenge of finding thrifty ways to brighten up her home for less and loves giving pre-used items a new lease of life.
The ideas presented in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions and beliefs of Just Our Thoughts.
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