How do I make my screen room great on a budget?

Jennifer Cotten
by Jennifer Cotten
I have a limited budget and would like new floors. Have been qouted $500 to $2000 for tile, coating, etc. And that is not something I can do.
Also want furniture. Feedback would be great!
  14 answers
  • A A on Jul 23, 2017

    You can paint and stencil the floor and it will look great. You didn't mention if the room has heat/air - that will make a difference in the type of furniture you use. Look like a really neat room.

  • Holly Kinchlea-Brown Holly Kinchlea-Brown on Jul 23, 2017

    If you don't want to remove the carpet and paint the floor, can you purchase an area rug to go on top of the existing carpet to add some colour and cosy up the space? visit goodwill/habitat restore/second hand shops to get some quality furniture pieces (you may have to fix them up a little) and you could do wonders with some design added to the (Frosted?) vertical panels to pull it all together.

  • Marie Marie on Jul 24, 2017

    This is a great time to do this. Stores are already marking down seasonal items. We just bought an 8x10 indoor/outdoor rug for $40! It made such a difference. I suggest you first shop your house for furniture. (Think of it as another room). Then shop Craigslist.


  • Suzie Shipman Lmt Suzie Shipman Lmt on Jul 24, 2017

    Don't be afraid to pick up furniture and other stuff from the curb! It's amazing what a coat of paint and some new pillows and accessories from garage sales and thrift stores can do to make a warm, inviting space.

  • Brilingra3 Brilingra3 on Jul 24, 2017

    I agree with Marie, Holly and Suzie. How about an indoor-outdoor rug with a white or light-colored background to anchor the room? Don't be afraid of getting some second-hand furniture that you can paint, if needed. Add color with cushions, throws, pillows and accessories to brighten up this space into a fun and cozy room. Depending upon the size of it, you might even consider putting a small bistro table with a couple of chairs at one end to use for snacks or games. There are no set rules in using your creative imagination to make decorating reflect your personality, so just be carefree and have fun it!

  • Jennifer Cotten Jennifer Cotten on Jul 24, 2017

    . Thank you for the suggestions. I should have mentioned that mt husband is disabled and we are not able to do anything diy.

    We need to have someone do the work.

    I do like the idea to rip up the carpet and paint the floor


  • cook and have family and friends come over and help...


  • Linda Abbott Linda Abbott on Jul 24, 2017

    What I plan to do is add a self contained water feature on one end and heavily plant around it using cemment blocks or something else to elevate some of the plants in the background so that the plants look like they are cascading. I also plan to hang plants so that the screen room becomes a garden oasis. What I have also done in a situation like this is buy one of the formed plastic tubs that are used to make in-ground pools, (Home Depot has ones in different sizes) add a filter pump, with or without a fountain, put koi or goldfish in it and heavily plant around it to the height of the tub. I think that nothing beautifies any room like plants do. Make sure you pick easy to grow plants and that you have water catching dishes under your plant pots. The added benefit is that the water and plants make your room smell fresh and awesome.

  • Laura Laura on Jul 24, 2017

    we bought porcelain tiles 6x24 and rented a tile cutter. You can do this, you don't Need any real skills, I have done a lot on my own since my husband died. Start at the outside wall and work toward house. I know they say start in middle, too much trouble. Just make sure your lines are straight on floor, you can put floor trim on edges to cover up small gaps from end to end. They sell the adhesive premixed. You can buy grout in color you want for accent. Use -4-6 foot level to make sure floor is level before starting. You can rent tools from ace hardware. And ask your friends and relatives. If a guy knows he'll give you advice as long as you don't expect them to do it for you. And you tube is awesome tpp.

  • Janiel Phillips Janiel Phillips on Jul 24, 2017

    Can I ask what is wrong with the carpet. From the photo, it looks in good condition and if your winters are cold, it's added insulation. I'd keep it if it were me.

  • Sunny C Sunny C on Jul 24, 2017

    Hello Jennifer; From the picture that you posted, your space has an Asian feel to it.

    If I were working on your space, I would go that route.

    If you no longer want the carpet, You can take it up and paint the Concrete. Please go to Ace Hardware, Home Depot. There are some Beautiful kits available that can completely transform any area.

    On another note, I helped a Friend of mine that has a Hair Salon. We redid his floor. Between he and I we made them look like Marble.

    What I would suggest doing is to have a Painting party, and invite Family or Friends.

    I have done this before. You supply the foods and drinks.

    If that is not feasible, Please consider hiring an older teen, who is looking to make some $$$ They will work hard, and you will be happy as they will be, also.

    I hope that this helps you!!! Take Care!

    • Barb Barb on Jul 24, 2017

      You hit nail on the head!! Check carpet stores they have left over reminets in back that can be cut to size and edges bound. Or kohls has a nice on line selection. Black wicker love seat and chair at one end with end table and round coffee table and large corner tree. The other end dining wicker table set and if you find one on Craigslist, Salvation Army, goodwill, consignment stores,yard sales or offer up and the color is not right spray paint it black. Add cushions accent pillows. Here's a few photos to help you pull it together ⛩

  • Laurie Sherman McPherson Laurie Sherman McPherson on Jul 24, 2017

    Painting the floor and/or adding an area rug is always great. Wayfair and Costco both have great prices on outdoor furniture. Wicker has come a long way!! IKEA has long, unhemmed curtains that would be great on the windows with nature material blinds underneath. Do it over time and save some money by getting what you like on sale!

  • Doni G. Doni G. on Jul 25, 2017

    You don't have to remove the carpet. You can paint it like I did mine. I have a screened deck that I carpeted with large area rugs. I painted large flowers on one of the rugs with acrylic craft paints. I have seen beautiful patterns done this way. Look on Pinterest for "how to paint rugs/carpet". I also have a tight budget and was able to get a nice square patio table and chairs for the area. And I stacked pallets, covered with large pet beds and lots of pillows. All for under $300.

  • Diane Cilluffo Diane Cilluffo on Jul 25, 2017

    We had weatherproof vinyl installed for wood look for under $1,500 but I'm sure if you're handy you can do it yourself.. a big difference and easier to clean than indoor/outdoor carpet. We got a great buy for a seating group at Big Lots, but you could probably shop garage sales and get new cushions..all the stores are having clearances now.