Don’t we all dream of the day that we can decorate and furnish our own space? It’s a time when we can truly express ourselves and show our creativity! But how do you even get started? What do you need in your living room versus what you want in it? There’s also the matter of budget, too. It’s surprising how quickly the cost of decorating can add up. Here’s a list of affordable essentials for your living room.

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Lighting

Beautiful bright lighting can really make a dark, cave-like living room feel totally different. There are a lot of options out there for lamps, floor lamps, or table lamps that can fit any budget. If your pocketbook allows for something extra, check out recess lighting ideas too. The right lighting can really show off a gorgeous design! Not only that, but floor and table lamps can easily be used as a statement piece.

Shading

Living rooms need not only bright light but also proper shading. Most homes have blinds or something of that nature already installed when you move in, but the beauty of being in your own home is being able to change things. Adding something like Lutron shading systems doesn’t just add value to a home, it creates a comfortable space to live in! Shading systems are a great option for today’s modern lifestyle and add to the “smart home” phenomenon. The next time you host a movie night, you can show off the precise control, dim the shades, and create an awesome cinematic experience!

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Nature

Houseplants not only bring nature indoors but add a fresh pop of color to any space. They also help purify the air and have lots of health benefits too. If you don’t have a green thumb, don’t worry. There are houseplants out there that are hardy and can handle a missed watering here or there!

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Personality

When you walk into someone’s living room, you can get a real feel for who they are as a person. Not only that, but you can also see who they are too! Most people display pictures of themselves and loved ones throughout their house. In today’s modern world, we definitely take a lot of pictures. Unfortunately, not all of us take the time to get those actually printed, leaving fond memories in our phones and devices instead, which can fill up internal storage quickly. You can safely store your images, and have your images from social media sites and google photos backed up using free online photo storage! That way when you’re ready to print and hang some of your favorite memories up in your living room, they’ll be there.

Surfaces

This is something most people don’t think about, but surfaces are essential for living rooms. How else can you display your new houseplants, or conveniently put down your drink while watching TV? Coffee tables, side tables, and accent tables can bring a room together! No matter what your style or personal taste is, you’ll find something within your budget.

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Comfort

No living room is complete without something of comfort in it, like a soft throw blanket or some throw pillows. If you’re a person who gets cold a lot, this can definitely help! If not, having a blanket handy for your guests who do get cold easily can be very handy. Blankets also give a new layer of texture and complexity to your space.

Accents

Last, but definitely not least, are those fun little decor accents that show off your personality. If you’re not sure of what to get, here’s a great tip—find things of similar color! You can create an interesting vignette of items and display them on your coffee table. When you group things that have the same color palette, it makes it feel like a collection and yields a bigger design impact.

No matter what your budget is, there are always affordable options out there to spruce up your living room!