Redesigning your home can be a costly affair. Aside from shelling out for things like paint, tiles, and new furniture, you’ll also have to pay a professional contractor if you’re looking to make more significant changes. All these costs can add up with Houzz’s research finding that the average home renovation sees homeowners spending up to $22,000. Even then, some parts of the home will be more expensive to redecorate than others.
The dining room stands out in this regard. Simply furnishing it will cost you upwards of $7,000, even if you’re only using cheaper pieces. If you’re looking to redesign this space during your next home renovation project and don’t want to risk your financial future in the process, you may be looking for ways to get things done without breaking the bank. Here are a few budget-friendly tips that can help:
Leverage furniture sets
Furniture sets come with all the essentials you need for a dining room, including a table, chairs—and, if it’s within your budget, additional ones like a buffet or sideboard. That means they’re cost-effective. Sets prevent you from buying pieces separately and paying more due to factors like individual chair prices and shipping fees. They’re even customizable, meaning there’s a set out there that will suit your unique dining needs. You can get them with different seating options depending on your preferences, such as whether you host guests often or how big your family is. Living Spaces’ dining room sets with benches and chairs are good examples, with models like the Mariko even coming with additional extendable dining tables that can be flexible depending on the number of guests you are hosting. You can also get something similar to the Tamy, which offers storage features that can come in handy for keeping dinnerware in smaller dining rooms.
Use repurposed pieces
Getting your dining room furniture secondhand can be a great way to stay within budget, but why stop there? If you have any old pieces on hand, consider repurposing them for your dining space. Give an old desk a paint job, for example, and you’ll have a great sideboard for storing utensils and fancy glassware. You can even turn it into a coffee station you can use in the mornings! If you want to save time and resources as well as cash, however, you can always get repurposed dining room furniture straight from the many local providers you’ll find across the country. That’s illustrated by the dining room sideboards and buffets from ReBorn Treasures, a Sanborn-based small business dedicated to only selling unique repurposed and upcycled pieces. The best part about using this strategy for redesigning your dining room is that it will instantly add a distinct character and charm. No two repurposed pieces are the same, meaning they can help you create a dining room aesthetic you can’t find anywhere else—and without breaking the bank, no less.
DIY your centerpieces
Decor is vital for bringing dining room designs to life, and centerpieces are arguably the most important ones you’ll want to consider. They’re great for infusing your own personality into the space. The best part is that they don’t need to be expensive because you can make your own. DIY centerpieces can be as simple as flower arrangements sourced from your garden or a cheeseboard-turned-tray filled with stylish everyday items like teapots and cups, topping a vibrantly patterned table runner that adds a splash of color to the room. Need something for special occasions? Try your hand at the more sophisticated floral centerpieces featured on Newsweek by gluing together some cheap candleholders, adding a plastic bowl on top, and spray-painting the entire thing gold. The final look can be great not just for weddings, but even birthday dinners and graduation parties. To cut costs further, consider using Home Depot’s credit card to take advantage of rewards points and financing offers.
Decorate the walls
Wall decor can greatly enhance the ambiance of your refreshed dining room, making it a more inviting place to enjoy meals. It can even serve as a great conversation starter when you have guests over. Though you can always hang up some classical or abstract works of art, that’s not your only option if you’re looking to redesign this area on a budget. Keepsakes can get the job done while simultaneously adding more character and personality to your dining room, so consider filling the walls with your favorite photos of family, pets, and friends, or paintings made by yourself or your kids! If you’ve got some funds left, you can even install some shelves where you can put some books or childhood toys up for display.
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AUTHOR BIO: AGNES JAMES is a freelance writer whose pieces aim to help readers manage their money more strategically—without them having to feel the pinch! In her free time, you’ll find her solving word puzzles or walking her two dogs.
