Decorating Your New Space without Breaking the Bank

Nothing can be more inspiring than having your own space to decorate as you please, but how do you do this on a budget?

Shopping is really exciting, but it can also be really expensive.  Popular stores like Pottery Barn and Pier 1 have a great way of putting their products together to make a room truly unique, but the price tags are hard to handle. Instead of begging mom to buy you that really cool shelving unit or using your entire paycheck on a picture, here are some easy ways to get what you want without breaking the bank.

While you shouldn’t actually spend your money on the pricey things at stores like Pier 1 or Pottery Barn, you should go in and take a look at what all they have. When you find a room or space that you think they’ve designed perfectly make a list of the items that you think make it special.

Next, look through your list and do some research. Chances are, the cute vase and fluffy pillow you found in the expensive stores can be found on the Internet for a lot cheaper on sites like Overstock or Amazon. Even Target has a huge variety of items to offer on their website.  Plus, you can sign up for a Target Redcard that gives you a 5% discount on anything online and in-store and also gives you free shipping. The best part? Signing up is free! All you have to do is link the card to your bank account.

If you can’t find exactly what you are looking for there, then hit the stores. Places such as Hobby Lobby and Joann Fabrics have thousands of items to choose from, all of which are mostly inexpensive.  Hobby Lobby is constantly having 40-50% off sales on most of their products. If you find what you are looking for, hold off on buying it. Chances are, it’ll be half price a week later.

If you’re a DIY kind of girl, then Joann Fabrics is your kind of store.  This place is full of fabrics perfect for pillows, a new throw, or even a homemade rug.  They offer college discount cards that allow you 10% off your purchase every time you shop and even send out exclusive emails offering up to 40% and 50% off select fabrics.  With some of the money you’ll save you’ll easily be able to pick up one of their books or magazines that give you step-by-step processes on how to create your own masterpiece.

Just because your couch and floors might be covered doesn’t mean we can forget about the walls.  Hit up CVS for all of your picture needs.  Canvas prints are becoming more and more popular than just your average picture in a frame, but they can also be a lot pricier.  CVS stores offer a great alternative. Take in your favorite picture of the Eiffel Tower that you took while studying abroad, or the one of you and your besties at the beach last spring break and make it into your very own canvas print.  Starting at only $12.99, CVS will have your canvas done by the end of the day.

While shopping is always a blast, the things that really make your place special are the ones that hold a memory.  Just because things are cheap that doesn’t mean you have to buy it!  Check out Pinterest for thousands of pins related to decorating. Whether you want to paint a few used wine bottles or refurnish mom and dad’s old bench, this site won’t disappoint when it comes to different and unique approaches in the DIY section.  Find a project and pick a night with your girl friends to create something truly special.

The best part about decorating is that it never stops. Whether you find a new style you like or you’re the kind of girl that decorates for the seasons, don’t be afraid to change things up!