Decorating on a Budget? Yes, You Can!
Decorating and furnishing our homes can be one of the most intimidating, challenging, time-consuming, and expensive tasks we undertake. But, I’m here to tell you it can also be one of the most fun and rewarding! The number one question people ask me is how I manage to put it all together. Today, I’m sharing some of my favorite tips on how to seamlessly mix vintage, thrifted, and new decor in your home – all while staying on a budget.
I can remember shopping with my mom for home decor when I was just a little girl. We rarely started at the big box stores, and online shopping wasn’t a thing back in the 80s. My mom was always great at finding hidden gems at garage sales, flea markets, Craigslist, and through friends. We would paint furniture, recover, or repurpose items – all while sticking to a tight budget! In fact, we practically furnished my college townhouse with flea market finds.
So when I moved to New York City after college to start teaching, and had no money to furnish my apartment, I channeled my inner Tracy (my mom’s name) and scoured thrift stores, sales, and flea markets. And you know what? I scored some incredible pieces without having to spend a lot. It just takes a little work, searching, and patience. But you too can learn to seamlessly mix vintage, thrifted, and new decor into your home – and on a budget, too!
The best part is that thrifted and vintage decor is reasonably priced. So beauty on a budget can truly be a thing! Room by room, my mom curated our beautiful home, and a few of mine, on a shoestring. And I’ve learned some incredible tricks from her along the way. Most people had no idea that most items in our homes were not brand new!
Honing In On Your Style
Do you know what style or styles you enjoy or love? Do you have some colors that speak to you or that you find yourself gravitating towards? Sometimes this can be the hardest part for people when they decorate their homes. But it doesn’t have to be! Here are a few things I do to help me hone in on what I love, trends, and things that speak to me.
First, I start by pinning images on Pinterest that catch my eye. This helps me identify patterns, colors, and styles that I’m naturally drawn to. I also love scrolling through Instagram for design inspiration and saving posts that resonate with me. And don’t forget to check out home decor blogs like ABC Home for even more ideas.
Once you have a sense of your style, the next step is to start shopping! And that’s where the real fun begins.
Vintage, Thrifted, and New – Oh My!
When it comes to vintage decor, this term can mean so many different things. It can be antiques, salvaged architectural pieces, thrifted finds, or even family heirlooms. Being able to think outside the box will take you far when it comes to decorating your home. Don’t be afraid to look for old items to mix with your new pieces. It may seem strange at first, but once you start slowly adding in vintage decor, you’ll notice your home starts to tell a story.
My number one rule of thumb when looking for vintage decor and furniture is – does it speak to you? Do you get that special feeling when you see it? Do you find yourself thinking about it even after you leave the store? These are all signs that it’s a memorable and unique piece.
You can honestly find vintage decor in so many different places. Flea markets, antique stores, thrift shops, Facebook Marketplace, and even eBay are all great options. I’m a huge fan of shopping at a variety of stores to find those special pieces that make up a home. Here are just a few of my go-to places:
- Thrift Stores
- Consignment Shops
- Garage Sales
- Estate Sales
- Flea Markets
- Antique Malls
- Facebook Marketplace
- Craigslist
- eBay
When searching for vintage or thrifted pieces, I always keep an eye out for items with “good bones” or potential – things like old books, jadeite, shutters, windows, plates, drinkware, vases, art (like paint-by-numbers), and baskets. For larger items, I look for unique tables (usually with wicker or caning), pews, chairs, cabinets, and dressers. I always ask myself, “Will it look better painted or stripped, and do I have a spot for it in my home? Will it serve a purpose?”
For newer items, I like to search for pieces that are similar to designer ones but more affordable. For instance, the beaded chandelier in our kitchen is from World Market and was a fraction of the cost of the one sold at Pottery Barn. Searching and comparing prices can take time, but it’s worth it to save money without compromising on style.
Mixing It All Together
Now that you have a sense of your style and where to shop, it’s time to start adding those vintage, thrifted, and new pieces to your home. I tend to use my vintage finds mostly as accent pieces, while my larger furniture is generally newer items.
Let me give you a few examples from our home. In our entryway, the first thing you notice is our sweet little pew. My husband found this for me at a flea market, and I gave it a driftwood paint makeover. The grain sack beneath it was a 40th birthday gift from my parents and sister, found on Etsy. The faux fiddle fig tree and other decorative pieces are all new, from HomeGoods. It’s a seamless mix of vintage, thrifted, and new decor.
In our bedroom, the walls are painted in Farrow & Ball’s Inchyra Blue, which creates a calming, sanctuary-like feel. A vintage portrait I found at an antique mall adds character, while the modern touches, like the nightstands and lamps, keep the space feeling fresh.
And in our bathroom, I incorporated a clawfoot tub that I snagged on eBay for only £40 (after a complete refurbishment, of course). The freestanding vanity and subway tiles add a touch of contemporary style, while the antique mirror and carefully curated decor pieces tie the whole space together.
The Beauty of Blending Old and New
Basically, I want you to know that what you see in our home is something that you too can achieve! Does it take time? Yes. Does it take money? Yes. But can you do it on a budget? Absolutely! You just have to be willing to start and take a risk.
Will it be perfect right away? Nope. Our house has taken 14 years to get to this point. It’s definitely a journey, and one that I’m enjoying every step of the way. I hope this post has given you some helpful tips and starting points to get you started on seamlessly mixing vintage, thrifted, and new decor in your home – all while staying on a budget.
Remember, if it brings you joy, go for it! And don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way. This is such a rewarding process, and I’m excited for you to get started. Happy decorating!
