Top 5 ways to update living room under $100
We’ve all been there, big dreams but little money. So what do you do? You make one (or 5) big changes that won’t break the bank!
Number One: paint, paint, paint.
Paint has absolutely the greatest impact on a room. If you can buy a few gallons of paint and do the work yourself, you could transform a dark space into light and airy! Here are some no-fail paint colors. Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee is a soft neutral that looks great paired with white trim. Here’s an example that the very talented Studio McGee designed using BM Swiss Coffee in the living room.
Another no-fail color is Sherwin Williams Repose Gray, a neutral “greige” that works well in every room. My favorite white is Sherwin Williams Pure White because it’s a warm white that goes well with any wood flooring, wood ceiling, etc. It’s the wall color done in almost every room in the Fain home!
Number Two: Buy a large area rug!
We are talking sizes like 8x10 or 9x12, depending on the size of the room. The golden rule is to have at least 6 inches of the furniture legs on the rug. This rule doesn’t apply to side tables. Also, keep rugs at least 6-12 inches away from walls. Here are some beautiful and budget-friendly (under $100) Wayfair rugs that will have you swooning in no time! Click on the rug to purchase.
Number Three: Fantastic artwork with sconce above!
There are so many options here. Some of my favorites are from Society6, which has a huge amount of framed prints like this one we used in a bathroom reno. Society6 also has fun wall hangings for any style like this Boho one made to look like a much more expensive Turkish wall hanging! I also love Hobby Lobby for incredibly affordable framed pieces like these. Target has a great variety as well like this framed landscape print! You can also frame your own canvas with these frames from Etsy and hang with twine for a unique look. These wall sconces look great, fit in the budget, and are cordless! This works great in older homes where there are less lighting options and dark corners. If you opt for just artwork, basket walls or hat walls make a large impact as well! Check out the Portfolio page to see examples of basket walls and framed art.
Number Four: Pillows galore!
New accent pillows can make a living room. If you already have pillows, buy a set of 4 like this from Amazon and cover the old ones up! Target has a great variety of accent pillows under $20 so you can update easily. Make sure you layer your sizes. The largest goes in the back, maybe a 20x20, then an 18x18 or a lumbar pillow size 12x18. With pillows, it looks great to mix big prints, neutral stripes, and smaller scale prints together. If you’re trying to make a dark couch look brighter, then do light and neutral tones. Pillows are where you can add an accent color you’ve been dying to try or bring in texture with a mud cloth or leather pillow.
Number Five: Bring on the light!
Update that chandelier from 1970 or add in recessed can lights (make friends with an electrician!) If a chandelier or pendant light is out of the question, then opt for two matching table lamps or one taller floor lamp. Floor lamps can help balance a space, put light in dark corners, and raise the eye up. Here are some fabulous options!
I’d be remiss if I didn’t add on the option of painting/refinishing furniture in the room. All too often, the bones of the side table or coffee table are good, it’s just the finish that is lacking. In this case, grab some cans of spray paint or Minwax stain and refinish these pieces yourself! Paint it white, paint it black, paint it gold! Now go make your rooms beautiful! If you need help, check out our design services.