LIVING ROOM FURNITURE ON A BUDGET

The nature of current property prices are putting many people off making a move, and more and more of us are having to make the most of where we currently live. Everyone is tightening the purse strings and a night infront of the box has never seemed like a better idea…and that’s where a beautiful living room can be the perfect asset. If your budget is tight, how can you create the space you are really after? It can be done, and here’s how…

What currently exists?
Before making any changes, ask yourself a few questions. What has to stay, what can be thrown out and what can be revamped? Make a list of everything in the room, from the curtains to the cushions. Everything that stays will form part of the new scheme of the room and will need to be worked into the design. You don’t need to be too ruthless with throwing things out, some items of furniture can simply be moved out of the living room to elsewhere, which could mean more space for new items.

Can anything be repaired?
If your living room furniture is looking a bit worn around the edges, a couple of small DIY jobs can make a huge difference. Sanding and smoothing walls and woodwork before giving them a fresh coat of paint is a simple but effective way to give the interior a facelift. Similarly, changing the light switches, sockets or door handles is another quick and easy change.

Flooring
Changing the flooring in your living room will make a huge difference simply because it’s such a large area of colour and a major focal point. If you’re lucky, you might have floorboards underneath the old carpet, that you can polish up. If not, you don’t have to break the bank by updating the carpet or putting down an artificial floor. If the budget won’t stretch to a new floor, make the most of the one you’ve got. Get your carpet professionally cleaned or steam clean it yourself; polish up or paint floorboards and fix the ones that squeak and buy a rug for a splash of colour.

Painting
The cheapest way to change a room completely is to paint it, or try a spot of wallpapering. Adding a feature wall in a bolder colour is also a great way to create atmosphere or brighten a room without having to buy paint for the whole room. Try mixing your own colour by adding sample pots to white matt emulsion. One word of warning - budget paint can be a false economy.

Seating
Moving furniture around can create a totally different space. If that doesn’t stop your need for new furniture, don’t get seduced into putting an expensive new sofa on credit. Think about revamping the one you already have. Get it reupholstered in a fab new fabric or, if it’s got washable covers, dye them a different colour in the washing machine. Think throws and cushions to give your chairs a lift or artwork to focus the eye away from little imperfections.

Lighting
Changing the way you light a room can change the mood dramatically, even if that just means buying new lampshades or cleaning the ones you’ve got! Bring in lights from other rooms and if you’ve got one that doesn’t match the décor, hide it behind a piece of furniture so you can still take advantage of the light. Spots, uplighters, table lamps, standard lamps, fairy lights and reading lamps can all be combined to great effect and provide just the right amount of visibility where you need it.

It really is quite simple to give your living room a revamp and completely change the look and fee, even if you have a very tight budget!