How to Redecorate Your Bedroom on a Tight Budget

If you're tired of the same old look in your bedroom, there's a good chance you've thought about redecorating. Completely revamping a room can be an expensive undertaking, especially if going for a designer look similar to those featured in a magazine. Rather than shopping at high-end stores to create your ideal decor, whip up your own "thrifty chic" makeover using repurposed or inexpensive materials from salvage shops, craft stores and home improvement retailers.

Wall Paint

Repainting a bedroom is one way to give the entire space a fresh look, even without replacing any of the belongings within the room. Some designer paint brands are quite expensive, especially if you wish to paint the entire room one color. Instead, check your local paint or home improvement store for a "mistint" section. Many retailers sell paint that was not quite the right shade for another customer at a fraction of what that paint would cost off the shelf. Who knows, they may have a shade that is just right for you. Another way to cut down on paint costs is to not repaint each wall entirely. Instead, opt for stripes, chevrons or designs plotted out with painter's tape, cutting down on the amount of paint needed. Painting just one wall in a fresh color turns it into a focal wall for the space.

Decals and Stamps

Homemade decals and stamps can be customized to any theme you like, since you're the one making them. Sticky-backed shelf paper or contact paper provides the vinyl decal material; draw or trace your designs, such as apples or dragonflies, onto the backing paper, then cut them out with a craft knife. These decals can be placed on walls, furniture, lamps and vases -- just about any smooth surface -- and are easily removed if you tire of them. Thick craft or shipping foam serves as homemade stamp medium. Draw a design onto the foam, then carve it out with a craft knife. Fabric paint allows you to stamp onto throw pillows, rugs, curtains, sheets and pillowcases, turning plain fabric into custom room decor. Acrylic craft paint, which is available in small inexpensive bottles, provides the same effect for stamping on walls, doors or furniture.

Furniture

If the existing furniture in the bedroom is still functional but a little outdated or uninteresting, revamp it with a new coat of paint. Painting several pieces a light shade such as white freshens the look of the entire room, especially if the bedroom features some dark or bright walls or furnishings. "New" old furniture to revamp can be found at thrift stores, yard sales or salvage shops for far less than such pieces would cost new, even when adding in the costs of repainting. Repurposed materials can also be used as furniture, such as an old wooden door atop two filing cabinets for a large desk, ideal if you work from home or want to create a kids' craft project area in their shared bedroom.

Organization and Accessorizing

Sometimes, clearing the clutter out of the room goes a long way to giving the bedroom a fresh, peaceful atmosphere. Relocating anything that doesn't belong in the room, such as piles of unfolded laundry or stacks of magazines, creates a sensation of more space. Use the extra space to create a reading nook by moving in an armchair from a cluttered room, or by moving one already in the room to an area near a window for a more enjoyable atmosphere. If the bed lacks a headboard, fashion one out of a salvaged door or garden gate, or a large picture frame plus upholstery foam and fabric. Empty wooden crates such as wine crates double as wall-mounted shelves for a somewhat rustic or country vibe.

VIA sfgate