Here's How to Get the Bedroom of Your Dreams on a Budget

A tin of paint is such a simple way to get maximum impact for little spend – opt for a really striking bold hue for a sumptuous and cosy feel. Pantone’s new Colour of the Year, Ultra Violet, is a great choice if you’re feeling brave, or try a mid-grey or blue tone for an on-trend look. Hanging art against this dramatic backdrop will really make it pop and make sure your lighting is spot-on for a softer look.

Can’t paint your walls because you’re in a rented apartment? An easy way to change the look of a room in a flash is with brand-new bedding – it’ll instantly add character and give your bedroom a total refresh. If you lust over sophisticated linen bedding that’s on trend right now, H&M is a great place to find it at a fraction of the price, or try somewhere like West Elm for bold and bright designs.

A clever way to make an interior look expensive is to layer multiple fabrics. Can’t afford one massive rug? You can criss-cross the floor with cheaper woven rugs from the likes of Urban Outfitters to add warmth and texture, and pile on the blankets, throws and cushions onto the bed to give it a boutique hotel look – Made.com offers designer cushions from as little as £10, or take a look at IKEA’s cushion covers for a real bargain.

Bedside tables are often one of the more expensive pieces of furniture in the bedroom and might feel more like a luxury than a necessity. Instead of the conventional nightstand, opt for a simple chair or a stool to store your stash of bedtime books and a lamp. A good example is IKEA’s Frosta stool, which works especially well if you’re in a tiny flat, as this can then be used for additional guest seating as and when required. It’s a steal at under £10.

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A great way to add character to your bedroom easily is to incorporate an antique piece of furniture into your scheme. A flea market or charity shop find is going to be way cheaper than buying a new piece from a high-street store. ‘Brown’ furniture, such as pieces in mahogany or oak, will be pretty inexpensive given that they’re not as popular as some pieces. To bring it into the 21st century, give it a new look with some furniture paint to tie it in into your existing décor.

This is a great way to get a big transformation from your small change – a tired old wardrobe or chest of drawers will benefit hugely from a quick update. Whether you go for an elaborate antique design or a cutting-edge contemporary fitting in copper or brass, new hardware will add charm and interest to your space. Look out for companies like Superfront, which actually specialises in new handles, legs and even cupboard fronts for IKEA units.

There are so many health benefits to introducing houseplants into the home, not to mention the lush greenery adds zest and vitality to your space. If you’re not exactly green-thumbed, go for on-trend terrariums with succulents that need little maintenance, and if you’re short on surfaces, incorporate plants in cool macrame plant hangers – if you’re feeling extra creative, you can even make your own.

Whether you’re lighting your room artificially or naturally, lighting can make a huge difference to your space. When decorating your bedroom, think about the ambience you want to achieve – ditch the glaring bare bulb overhead and instead layer smaller bedside lights, bell jars filled with fairy lights and candles to create a soft, warm glow that will make your bedroom feel like a calmer place to be. If your bedroom is north-facing and lacking in natural light, a clever trick is to prop up or fix a large mirror opposite a main window to reflect the daylight back into the room – essentially you’re creating a second ‘false’ window.

Want more affordable pieces to transform your space? Here are 20 design icons that won’t break the bank, plus 15 clever space-saving design ideas for small apartments.