15 Cheap Living Room Decor Ideas That Actually Work

The living room is one of the most important areas in your home where everyone gathers, spends time together, relaxes, and makes memories. It should feel warm, inviting, and reflect your personality. 

You don’t need a complete makeover—with just a little creativity and a few smart, budget-friendly changes, you can give your living room a fresh, beautiful look without spending too much.

In this blog, we’ll explore 15 affordable living room ideas that are easy to implement, eye-catching, and perfect for Indian homes. Let’s get started!

Quick Summary: 15 Budget-Friendly Living Room Ideas

1. Clear out clutter and rearrange your layout

2. Brighten things up with a splash of colour

3. Bring in some greenery with indoor plants

4. Mix cushions and throws for comfort and style

5. Add a rug to tie the room together

6. Change the lighting for a cosy mood

7. Go for light, breezy curtains

8. Use baskets and trays to stay organised

9. Add mirrors to open up small rooms

10. Create a focal point with art or décor

11. Include handmade pieces for a personal touch

12. Refresh old furniture with fabric or paint

13. Install floating shelves for display and storage

14. Try a bit of DIY décor

15. Make it truly yours with books, candles, and souvenirs

1. Start by Cleaning and Rearranging

One of the easiest cheap living room decor ideas is to simply clean up and rearrange what you already have. Clutter instantly makes a room feel smaller, so start by clearing surfaces and removing anything you don’t really need.

Once you’ve decluttered, play around with your layout. Move your sofa to a different wall, shift a chair to a new corner, or create a more open seating arrangement.

Sometimes, a small change in furniture placement can completely refresh the vibe of your living room — and it won’t cost you a single rupee.

2. Add a Splash of Colour 

Colour is another affordable way to breathe new life into your space. You don’t need to repaint the entire room — even a single accent wall can make a huge difference.

Try bold shades like mustard yellow, teal, or rust for a warm, modern feel. If you want to get creative, sponge painting or wall stencils can add texture and handmade charm without breaking your budget.

Not ready to commit to painting? No problem. Hang a colourful tapestry or wall textile instead. It’s an easy, renter-friendly option that brings personality and depth to your room while staying within budget.

Also Read: Rayon vs Cotton: Key Differences Explained

3. Use Indoor Plants for a Fresh Vibe

Plants have a magical way of transforming any room. They instantly make your home feel more alive, bring a sense of calm, and even help purify the air. The best part? Indoor plants are budget-friendly and easy to find, which makes them a great option if you’re decorating on a budget.

For a low-maintenance setup, go for classics like snake plant, pothos (money plant), or peace lily. They don’t demand much care but still add a refreshing touch of green to your space.

You can place them near windows, style them on open shelves, or brighten up an empty corner with a decorative planter.

Tip: Use our hand-painted ceramic planters to make your plants stand out.

4. Mix Cushions and Throws

Never underestimate the power of cushions and throws — they’re one of the easiest ways to change the mood of your living room without spending much.

Simply swapping out old cushion covers for fresh ones can make the whole space feel new again. Block-printed, ikat, or embroidered cushion covers are great options if you want a mix of tradition and style, while bold patterns or bright colours can instantly liven up a plain sofa.

To complete the look, add a soft throw to your sofa or armchair. It not only brings warmth and comfort but also adds a layer of texture that makes your living room feel more inviting.

5. Use Rugs for Warmth & Comfort

Rugs are one of those décor elements that instantly make a living room feel complete. A simple dhurrie or rug not only protects your floor but also defines different seating zones, giving structure to the room.

They add both comfort underfoot and a sense of warmth that makes the space more inviting.

And don’t think you always need a large rug — even a smaller dhurrie placed near the sofa or under a coffee table can change the way your living room looks. It’s a simple, affordable living room idea that ties everything together.

Also Read: 10 Surprising Benefits of Dream Catchers You Should Know

6. Change the Lighting

Another affordable living room idea is to change the lighting. The right lighting doesn’t just brighten up the space — it also sets the mood and makes evenings more comfortable and inviting.

Instead of relying on just one ceiling light, try layering your lighting. Add a floor lamp in the corner, a couple of table lamps on side tables, or even fairy lights for a dreamy glow. This creates different moods — bright enough for reading, but cosy when you want to relax in the evening.

The best part? You don’t need expensive designer fixtures. Even budget-friendly lamps or lamp shades can make a big difference.

7. Hang Stylish & Light Curtains 

Your choice of curtains can dramatically impact the look of your living room. Heavy drapes often make a space feel closed in, while lighter fabrics keep things bright and breezy.

Handloom cotton or Chanderi curtains are great picks — they’re breathable, elegant, and drape beautifully.

When choosing colours, match them with your existing décor to create a balanced look. Neutral shades like beige, ivory, or soft pastels will brighten the room, while bolder colours can add a stylish touch.

To make the space appear larger, hang your curtains slightly above and wider than the window frame — this creates the illusion of taller ceilings and broader windows.

If you want versatility, layer sheer curtains with thicker ones. During the day, let the sheers filter natural light; in the evenings, pull across the heavier fabric for privacy and a cosy vibe.

Also Read: Cotton vs Cotton Blend: Which Fabric Should You Choose?

8. Add Baskets and Trays for Organisation

Clutter can make even the most beautiful living room feel messy, but smart storage doesn’t have to look boring. Woven baskets and wooden trays are both practical and decorative as they help you stay organised while adding a warm, rustic charm to your space.

Hand-woven baskets are perfect for storing things like magazines, kids’ toys, or extra cushions and throws. You can tuck them beside the sofa or under a console table to keep everything neat but still within reach.

Wooden trays, on the other hand, are ideal for your coffee table. Use them to store everyday items like remotes, coasters, or candles. Not only do they prevent small items from scattering, but they also make your table look styled.

9. Use Mirrors to Open Up Small Rooms

Mirrors are one of the oldest and affordable living room ideas, and they always work. By reflecting both light and space, they instantly make a room feel larger and brighter.

Try placing a big mirror opposite a window to double the effect of natural light. You can also play around with decorative frames, round mirrors, or even a gallery of smaller mirrors for a chic look. The best part?

This little hack costs far less than a renovation but makes your home look instantly more stylish.

10. Create a Focal Point

Every living room looks more put-together when it has a clear focal point — a spot that instantly catches the eye and ties the space together. Without one, the room can feel a little directionless.

This focal point could be anything: a large piece of wall art, a bold sculpture, a console styled with a ceramic vase, or even your coffee table arranged with flowers and books. The key is to choose one main element and let it shine, instead of crowding the room with too many competing pieces.

For a simple yet stylish touch, hang wall art above a console table and complement it with a vase or lamp. It creates balance, draws attention, and gives your room a sense of personality without requiring a big budget.

It’s one of those cheap living room design ideas that instantly gives structure to your space.

11. Decorate with Handmade Items

Handmade items are a wonderful way to add authenticity and individuality to your décor. They often cost less than high-end store-bought pieces, yet they carry a richness that mass-produced products lack.

Hand-painted ceramics, embroidered table runners, or woven baskets are simple additions that make your living room stand out.

You can also bring in folk art prints or handcrafted sculptures for a cultural edge. These details create talking points for guests while keeping your space stylish and personal.

12. Reuse/Refresh Old Furniture Creatively

Who says you need to buy new furniture to upgrade your living room? Sometimes, all it takes is a little creativity to give old pieces a fresh new life.

Swap out tired fabrics for fresh ones — block-printed or embroidered textiles instantly breathe life into chairs, cushions, or table covers. Wooden furniture can be polished, painted, or even distressed for a rustic look.

You can also repurpose pieces in unexpected ways. An old trunk makes a charming coffee table with built-in storage, while a dining bench can double as side seating in the living room.

With just a few tweaks, you’ll save money, reduce waste, and end up with furniture that feels uniquely yours.

Also Read: Comforter vs Blanket: Which One Is Right for You?

13. Add Floating Shelves

If you want storage that doubles as décor, floating shelves are a fantastic option. They help you make use of vertical space, which is especially useful in small living rooms.

Style them with books, candles, or framed photos to give your space a curated, designer feel. For a neat and modern look, paint the shelves the same colour as your wall so they blend in seamlessly.

To keep things interesting, try installing two or three shelves at different heights instead of in a straight line. This little trick breaks the monotony and makes the display feel more dynamic.

14. Try DIY Decor

DIY décor is one of the cheapest living room ideas and a great way to personalise your space. It allows you to create pieces that reflect your taste and add a unique charm to your home.

Start with something simple — print out your favourite quotes or artwork and frame them for instant wall décor. Leftover fabric can be repurposed into cushion covers or even framed as textile art.

Another great idea is to create a gallery wall with family photos in different sizes and frames.

These little projects don’t cost much but instantly make your living room feel more personal, warm, and one-of-a-kind.

15. Make It Personal & Cosy

At the end of the day, décor isn’t just about style — it’s about creating a space that feels like you. Fill your living room with things that tell your story: books you, souvenirs from trips you’ve taken, and photos of the people you love.

Small details also make a big difference. A vase that reflects your personality, a scented candle that makes the room smell like home, or even your favourite bed cover can turn your living room into your happy place.

Don’t get caught up in following trends. The cosiest and most beautiful homes are the ones that focus on comfort, authenticity, and personal touches.

Final Thoughts

The best living rooms aren’t about big budgets; they’re about personality. By choosing the right colours, reusing old pieces, and adding décor that reflects your story, you can create a home that feels elegant, warm, and truly yours.

Whether it’s a simple rug, a wall decor piece, or lightweight curtains, these living room decorating ideas on a budget prove that style doesn’t always come with a heavy price tag.

At Eyaas, you’ll find handcrafted décor that blends tradition with modern style — all while staying budget-friendly. Let your living room tell your story, beautifully and meaningfully.

FAQs 

1. How to decorate a living room on a low budget?

You can decorate a living room on a low budget by rearranging furniture, adding indoor plants, using affordable rugs, and refreshing old furniture with paint or fabric. DIY wall art, floating shelves, and cushions or throws also give a fresh look without high costs.

2. How do I make my living room feel less cluttered?

To make your living room feel less cluttered, store items in baskets, trays, or hidden storage like ottomans. Keep only a few statement décor pieces on display and stick to light curtains and neutral colours for a clean, airy look.

3. What colours make a living room look bigger and brighter?

Light shades like white, beige, soft grey, and pastels reflect light and make a small living room appear larger. You can also use mirrors and pair these colours with sheer curtains to brighten the space further.

4. Where can I buy cheap living room decor items online in India?

You can shop for budget-friendly living room décor items online at Eyaas. Eyaas offers handcrafted, affordable décor pieces that blend modern style with traditional Indian craftsmanship.

5. Can I redecorate my living room for under ₹2000?

Yes, you can redecorate your living room under ₹2000. Simple swaps like new cushion covers, a plant with a beautiful pot, or pillow covers can refresh your living room for under ₹2000.