Looking for low cost decorating ideas

Question

This is my formal room. I have a electric piano behind my small sofa. 
I like to decorate it. My taste is simple modern elegant. Please give me idea. I liked my wall color. Kind of hate the sofa but I can not buy another one. I'm looking for low cost, but not cheap.

Janet Pizaro · Answer

I would reposition the lamps first. Adding contemporary art work on both walls with a darker complimenting color of your walls. A simple small throw blanket would aid with the appearance of the couch.

Twyla J Boyer · Answer

Window coverings of some sort to frame out the gorgeous windows.  Some art on the walls, preferably larger pieces, even if you have to create them yourself with things like leaf prints or something.  Bigger scale lamps or at least bigger shades so they look like living room size.  If you could place some sort of narrow furniture or in some way mask the sides of the piano so it looks like a console table or something, that would be nice, too.  Pretty wall color!  And the couches aren't unpleasant, they just seem to dominate because there's no real decoration to distract the eye, so they sort of scream for attention.  Thrift stores often have unusual lamps that could be spray painted and given new shades for a pretty reasonable cost.  Even something like a long tapestry that would mask the ends of the modern looking piano would make it more elegant.  But you have a good start.

Cindy Hagemann · Answer

Find some artwork that is large and will bring in more colors - florals, landscapes. Find a painted accent table for the window area - no more metal or glass furniture - bring in something else to add more design texture. Find a sofa table for the blank wall behind the small couch and more the electric keyboard out of the room. The lamps could use new  white shades to update them and make the room lighter too. Good luck - I love that window and would not cover it with curtains, only blinds for privacy.

Kayo Frazier · Answer

Here's my 2 cents...The wall color really limits the colors you can use thru out the rest of the room. My suggestion would be to go w/ one of the following colors. This will brighten up the room & make it look larger. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/532621093412171 https://www.pinterest.com/pin/532621093409046 I would go w/ the lightest blue. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/532621093407445 https://www.pinterest.com/pin/532621093406456 https://www.pinterest.com/pin/532621093403889 I would add crown molding along the ceiling & floor. Then paint it white. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/532621093406456 https://www.pinterest.com/pin/532621093406456 Keep the lamps, but change the shades into a patchwork of colors to give it a small pop of a boho vibe. Then I would take measurements of the couches, find or make slipcovers in a deep jewel tone color. I would add throw pillows of complementary or contrasting colors. I would add 1-2 faux fur pillows too. For furniture I would mix wood & painted furniture. I would make an L-shape configuration facing the wall next to the window. Find a low dark wood credenza to store your TV and electronics. Along the other wall I would have white bookcases to store books & knick knacks. Trade out one of the side tables(put one in the spare bedroom) & replace it w/ stacked medium brown leather suitcases. You can use 1-2 of the top ones as storage for throw blankets or extra pillows.

One8414992 · Answer

SELL that couch!   It's very not good!

Jennifer · Answer

I know you love the color of the room but I would paint the room a neutral color.  Since you love the current color I would pick artwork with that color and some throw pillows in that color so you still have it in the room .  I also agree with someone who said bigger lamps.  Something with a larger, rounded base would be good.  It's hard to see in the pics but the tables looked good still.  The couch is dated but if you can't replace it just yet then maybe you could buy a cover for it.

Maureen · Answer

Have you thought of painting the wood on the  sofas?  Annie Sloan Chalk paint (I am addicted).  The wood is dark, and you could lighten it up.  If you like the paint color  on the walls, keep it, but lighten other areas.

Elaine · Answer

It's pretty difficult to answer or help you when we don't know your decorating funds.  If you really want elegance, I find a 'monochromatic' room works best.  By that, I mean you basically use one color but in varying shades of it.  If you can afford it, sell the couch and repaint.  A medium tone (or lighter if the room receives little light) would look more elegant.  A fantastic color I had in my last house was B. Moore's 'Venetian Plaster'.  It seemed to go with everything.  Add color in cushions and a throw or two.  Another medium-tone color is 'Ranchwood' - it's darker than F. Plaster.  Again, paint color depends on your lighting.

Johnchip · Answer

Inexpensive, modern, chic and quick?  I don't mind your wall color, there is just too much of it. Put up a large white framed mirror, or better, a set of mirrors or a couple large white frames with light airy art or fabric (should not be 'busy')on the large walls. Paint window alcove white. Paint wood on furniture light to lift it and make it less heavy. Consider moving piano with a couple plants into what is now wasted space of window alcove turning it into its own room space.  Consider a white area rug to center the main room space.  Change out lamps for more modern or shades to white simple rounds.

Jennifer · Answer

I know Target has them.  I'm not sure if they will have a size to fit but it's worth checking their website

Diana Deiley · Answer

If you have a small budget, visit your local thrift store, Salvation Army, Goodwill, and Habitat for great décor deals.  Their prices are affordable and often have 1/2 price days.  As far as color, I too suggest painting the room a more neutral color and then add splashes of your favorite shade with accessories.  Best of luck.

Pam · Answer

Definitely pull sofa toward room. Wall color is dark so lighten with mirror or pictures. Place colorful objects on piano that is behind couch. A couple of bright pillows on sofa  to soften color on wall and maybe a throw over arm of sofa. Check your other rooms for objects to be moved to living room....makes a big difference with no cost.

Lisa House · Answer

You might find an oversize painting at Goodwill or similar store for a cheap price then you could paint the frame white and even paint over the the original painting to make your own. I agree with moving the piano into the window alcove. If you can't find artificial greenery that fits your budget maybe you can find a large floor vase and fill with tree branches from your yard...these can be painted if you like. If you can paint the ends of your furniture white that will help but, light colored pillows will certainly help. I have purchased placemats at Dollar Tree, cut the seem on the end and inserted a pillow form in the past. I even stenciled some for added interest. Maybe you can shop your house for pillows you can restyle a bit to use here. Your lamps can be painted, as can the shades. Again, shop the Dollar Tree for items you can use for decor or use to make artwork for your walls. Try dropcloths for curtains! You will be on trend for sure! Don't stress, take your time, rushing the process will just end up costing you more, above all else...do what makes you smile, it's your home, and enjoy yourself!

Karen Dumont · Answer

I would put some fun art on those walls; it's way too bare. I think you need lighter colored accent pillows. You can buy material and reuse the ones you have if you want(cheaper than buying new)New, lighter and larger lamp shades would be great as well. I can't tell what the top of your table looks like, but perhaps it can be painted? You also need some kind of tall greenery or flowers near the smaller couch- something with some height because the wall is really big and bare! Good Luck!!

Jean Thompson · Answer

Soft Opaque drapes/Curtains framing the opening to the windows, Definitely some large framed Pictures to add something to the blank walls..  your lamps need  new shades- Try some Round Drum shades   and some soft Knit or Crocheted ( 1 color or many colors) throws to liven up the couches. How about some House plants to add a Homey touch and they would soften up and add Color and Texture to a very bland room.. can you move the electric piano some where else?  Are the coffee table and end tables made of Iron and glass topped?  You could add some nice Mats or doilies to soften them up too.. they are too stark.. How about a chair and ottoman and a nice Side table in the window alcove? Or a Really nice different larger Table lamp. Just suggestions... if you step back there is nothing there that says YOU. the room is just too blank. the wall color needs lots of Light Cream  or Antique White Accents like a Large  grouping of mixed sized Frames or even some shelves to add interest... then you can make arrangements of photos in frames on the Shelves, add some choice knick knacks or collections.. just dont fill the shelves completely.. ( vases , bookends, Small baskets or statues etc.

Ska6325059 · Answer

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