The question isn’t whether you can create a beautiful home on a budget. It’s whether you know where to look. Whilst scrolling through perfectly curated feeds might leave you feeling like you need a designer’s salary, the reality is far more encouraging. Low-budget home design isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about making strategic choices. It’s the art of knowing when to splurge, when to save, and when to get creative. The homes that truly captivate us aren’t built on endless budgets, but on smart decisions, resourceful thinking, and an understanding that style is more about curation than cash.
Low-budget home decor cost breakdown
| Product | Cost |
| Vissencia | 100% cotton woven cushion cover | ₹899 |
| Nonna’s Home | Tuscan-inspired table runner | ₹999 |
| Nonna’s Home | Tuscan-inspired cotton table napkins | ₹1,199 |
| Pelushe | solid readymade curtains | Set of 2 | ₹6,999 |
| Fluted Grace bedside table | ₹18,799 |
| Hayden Home | Pouf cum coffee table with storage | ₹20,099 |
| Hudson slipper accent chair | ₹22,599 |
Tips for low-budget home design
#1: Vissencia 100% cotton woven cushion cover
Soft-spoken, but always on cue.
Let’s start with something that seems almost too simple: cushion covers. The Vissencia 100% cotton woven cushion cover in sand might look modest, but its geometric pattern and sandy tone are quietly doing the work of a much more expensive piece. It’s the kind of thing that grounds a room without announcing itself. The magic happens when you layer different textures. Pair this structured geometric with something softer, maybe a chunky knit. Suddenly, your tired sofa has personality, and you’ve spent roughly the same amount as a decent takeaway meal.
#2: Dress up your dining table with a table runner and napkins
OekoTex Certified | Soft & Absorbent | Micro Poly Backing | Easy Maintenance | Fits 4 & 6-Seater Tables
There’s something transformative about a properly dressed dining table—it turns Tuesday night pasta into an event. The Coppery Ferns table runner, with its rust tones and botanical vibes, does exactly this. It’s not trying to be the star of the show; it’s setting the stage.
Nonna’s Home | Tuscan-inspired cotton table napkins
OekoTex Certified | Soft & Absorbent | Easy Maintenance
Add the Vintage Baroque napkin set in that warm golden yellow, and even your most basic weeknight dinner feels worth lingering over. This is low-budget home design at its finest: investing in pieces that make your daily rituals feel special.
#3: Fluted Grace bedside table
Good furniture should work as hard as you do, and the Fluted Grace bedside table gets this assignment completely. Those curved edges and fluted panels aren’t just pretty details—they’re doing the emotional labour of making your bedroom feel calm and considered.
#4: Low-budget home design with multifunctional pouf
When it comes to saving bucks, the most genius thing to do is look for items that love to do double duty. Better yet, triple duty. The Hayden Home premium pouf is over here living its best life as a coffee table, ottoman, and secret storage all rolled into one textured package. The materials are a beautiful trifecta of MDF, plywood and solid wood. And you have over 28 upholstery designs to pick from! Something for everyone.
#5: Pelushe misty rose curtains
Light Filtering | Rust-Free Metal Eyelets | OekoTex Certified | Set Of 2Window treatments are the eyebrows of interior design—get them wrong and everything else looks off. The Pelushe readymade curtains in misty rose bring that perfect blush tone that makes a room feel lived-in rather than staged. They’re doing double duty too: filtering light during the day and creating cosiness at night. The matte finish means they play well with others, never competing for attention. Sometimes the best design elements are the ones that make everything else look better.
#6: Hudson slipper accent chair
Some furniture makes a statement by shouting; the Hudson slipper accent chair makes a statement by being exactly what a small space needs. That pleated backrest and fluted shape pack serious style into a compact frame. It’s proof that you don’t need oversized pieces to make an impact—sometimes the perfect accent chair in the right corner does more for a room than an entire sectional sofa ever could.
- Solid rubberwood frame and legs
- Buffers on legs to prevent abrasion
- Cushion with ample padding in various density foams
- Available in multiple upholstery options
#7: Plants that bring life indoors
Houseplants are the closest thing we have to decorating magic. They’re affordable, they clean your air, and they make you look like someone who has their life together (even when you definitely don’t). Start with the nearly indestructible varieties—pothos, snake plants, ZZ plants—that forgive your occasional neglect. Group them at different heights using whatever you have around: books, plant stands, even upturned pots.
#8: Low-budget home design with plates wall art
Gallery walls are intimidating until you realise they don’t need to come from galleries. Vintage plates make unexpectedly compelling, artistic wall decor ideas. They have dimension, they catch light, and they tell stories that mass-produced prints simply can’t. Hunt through charity shops or raid your own kitchen cupboards. Mix different sizes and patterns, but keep the arrangement balanced. It’s like curating your own mini museum, except this one reflects your actual taste rather than what someone else decided was trendy.
#9: Make your own decor with hand-woven baskets and macrame
Hand-woven baskets and macrame wall hangings might sound like crafts from a different decade, but modern versions are surprisingly sophisticated. The key is starting simple—a basic wall hanging or storage basket that you can actually complete without losing your mind. YouTube University offers endless tutorials, and the materials won’t break your budget. The slight imperfections that come with handmade pieces are features, not bugs. They add character that you simply can’t buy.
#10: Leverage shelves as a multifunctional display unit
Transform ordinary shelves into something that looks deliberately curated by mixing books, plants, and objects that actually mean something to you. The trick is creating visual rhythm. Vary heights, leave some breathing room, and remember that empty space is just as important as filled space. Use books as risers for smaller objects, group things in odd numbers, and resist the urge to fill every single inch. Good wall shelf design looks effortless, but it’s actually quite strategic.
#11: Get creative with lighting
The difference between flat lighting and atmospheric lighting is often just a matter of layering. Overhead lights are fine for seeing what you’re doing, but they’re terrible at creating ambiance. Add table lamps, floor lamps, even string lights (yes, even as an adult) to create pools of warm light throughout your space. Good lighting can make budget furniture look expensive, whilst bad lighting can make expensive furniture look cheap. It’s the ultimate low-budget home design hack.
#12: Make utilitarian items charming
Utilitarian spaces like kitchens benefit enormously from thoughtful styling. Install shelving with hanging rails for your tools—suddenly your ladles and wooden spoons become part of the décor. A chalkboard wall serves as both a function and a design element. Display the beautiful everyday items you actually use rather than hiding everything away. It’s about celebrating the tools of daily life rather than treating them like shameful secrets.
#13: Rustic knick-knacks that add texture
Natural elements like rattan balls, dried flowers, and woven textures add warmth without adding cost. Collect interesting branches on walks, dry flowers from your garden, gather beautiful stones from the beach. Nature provides endless free décor that changes with the seasons and connects your indoor space with the world beyond your walls.
#14: Add character to your tabletops with unique vases
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about table decor? In most cases, you might immediately conjure up images of a vase. This is because vases have been an age-old decor staple and are only getting better with time. Moreover, they’re a constant when it comes to affordable interior design. From accent pieces to contemporary designs, there’s a vase to suit every interior design style. Prop them on a table or add them to your shelves for a unique look.
How can Livspace help you?
Achieving low-budget home design is no feat. The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone, and you definitely don’t need to make expensive mistakes that’ll haunt you every time you walk into your kitchen.
Looking for tailor-made costs for your home? Hit our Cost Calculator to jump into your financial planning.
Need inspiration beyond your current Pinterest spiral? Check out Design Ideas for professionally curated looks that actually translate to Indian homes and lifestyles.
Want to see what real people think? Browse through Livspace reviews from customers who’ve survived the renovation process and lived to tell the tale.
Ready to take the next step? Find an interior designer near you and let’s get started.
Disclaimer: All contents of the story are specific to the time of publication. Mentions of costs, budget, materials, finishes, and products from the Livspace catalogue can vary with reference to current rates. Talk to our designer for more details on pricing and availability.
