Small Space, Big Difference: A Real Budget Living Room Makeover
If you live in a smaller home, it’s easy to assume that changing your space can’t really move the needle on how it looks or feels. I want to show you a real example that says otherwise. None of these changes were expensive, and the budget is broken down at the end, along with the after photo the client sent me (which, full disclosure, doesn’t always happen).
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The Space
This is a combined living and dining room. It’s narrow, doesn’t get much natural light, and the budget was tight. Here’s what I suggested.
1. Swap the Rug for Natural Fiber
A natural fiber rug ($179) was the first move. Natural fiber is durable, holds up well with pets and small children (this client has one), and it’s genuinely inexpensive. You’ll see it in high end homes just as often as budget ones. It’s one of the easiest upgrades to justify.
2. Add a Floor to Ceiling Curtain
There’s only one small window in this room, so privacy wasn’t the goal. Texture was. Adding a floor to ceiling curtain ($68) on the wall where the window sits softens the space and adds height, even though it’s not doing any functional window covering work.
3. Rethink the TV Stand
In the before photo, the TV wasn’t positioned well for actually watching from the sofa. I suggested a TV stand ($90) that’s easy to maneuver, push it against the wall when the TV’s not in use, pull it out when it is. I use one myself, and the best part is being able to clear the TV out of the room entirely for a bigger gathering. Depending on the size of your TV, some versions come on wheels; mine doesn’t, but it still moves easily.
If you want to upgrade this piece, there’s a nicer version ($1,247) that’s a nice splurge if the budget allows for it.
4. Bring in Two Poufs
We added two poufs ($94) that are easy to clean, an important detail with small children around.
5. Add Warmer Light Over the Sofa
A plug in lantern fixture ($287) over the couch gives the room warmer, softer light than what the ceiling fixtures put out on their own, and it doesn’t require any rewiring.
6. A Mirror in the Dining Area
In rooms without much natural light, a mirror is one of the best tools for bouncing around what light you do have. I added this round Stockholm mirror ($129) in walnut veneer to the little dining area.
7. A Lamp on the Cabinet
I finished the dining nook with this Stockholm table lamp ($80) on top of the small cabinet. The more layered lighting you can add to a space, the warmer it feels, and this is a simple, low cost way to do it.
The One Change I’d Still Make
A plant ($20) rounded out the greenery in the space, but if I had one more suggestion, it would be a piece of art above the sofa. It’s not a must. It doesn’t need to be expensive, thrifted works great here, but it’s an easy way to add a bit more personality to the room.
The Full Budget
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Lantern | $287 |
| Rug | $179 |
| Curtain | $68 |
| Plant | $20 |
| TV stand | $90 |
| Mirror | $129 |
| Lamp | $80 |
| Poufs | $94 |
| Total | $947 |
Under $1,000 for a room that looks and feels completely different. Small spaces respond well to a handful of intentional changes, you don’t need a full renovation or a huge budget to make a real impact.
If you’re working with a tricky layout or a small budget of your own and want a second set of eyes, that’s exactly what I help with over at Design Morsels. If you’re interested in working with me see the tab at the top.
