More Rooms
12 Thrifty Tips for Gorgeous Girls' Bedrooms on a Budget
If a room revamp is on the cards, before you break out the credit card, try some of these money-saving ideas
As a mother of four young children (three of whom are girls), I am always looking for cost-saving ways to either update or revamp my children’s rooms. So if you think a brand-new Incy-style bed, luxury wallpaper or the latest in pendant lighting might break the bank, don’t give up just yet. Here I will share some of my favourite tried-and-tested tips to revamp girls’ bedrooms on a budget.
There is no need to limit your creativity to a solid colour feature wall, either. You can create a striking feature wall (as seen above) by getting creative with your colour choices and design.
If coloured walls are not your thing, a crisp neural white shade will inject new life and light into any space.
Top tips for painting interior walls
If coloured walls are not your thing, a crisp neural white shade will inject new life and light into any space.
Top tips for painting interior walls
Search online secondhand stores
Everyone loves to have the latest in decor and design, but if your money tree is a little wilted, the perfect place to start looking for key furniture items like a bed or chest of drawers is a secondhand site like Gumtree.
I have found the best times to search are weekends (mornings and mid afternoons), which is perhaps when people have the most time to post their items.
Everyone loves to have the latest in decor and design, but if your money tree is a little wilted, the perfect place to start looking for key furniture items like a bed or chest of drawers is a secondhand site like Gumtree.
I have found the best times to search are weekends (mornings and mid afternoons), which is perhaps when people have the most time to post their items.
When searching for secondhand items, don’t let the colour put you off. Look for something that has a design you are after in terms of shape, size, functionality and style.
If you like the overall shape and lines of something but still can’t see past the colour, try taking a screen shot of the image, then turn it to black and white. This may make it easier for you to visualise what the furniture piece will look like after a fresh coat of paint.
TIP: To create the look of a metal Incy bed, like the one pictured here, just spray paint any ol’ secondhand metal pipe bed frame and voila – no one would know the difference!
If you like the overall shape and lines of something but still can’t see past the colour, try taking a screen shot of the image, then turn it to black and white. This may make it easier for you to visualise what the furniture piece will look like after a fresh coat of paint.
TIP: To create the look of a metal Incy bed, like the one pictured here, just spray paint any ol’ secondhand metal pipe bed frame and voila – no one would know the difference!
Revamp old furniture
The same goes for your old existing furniture. If you are in need of a change or want to inject a bit of life into your furniture, try giving it a new coat of paint.
When updating old furniture, always sand, prime then paint. It may take a little more time to prime, but it is well worth the extra effort, as primer will help correct uneven surfaces, making the fresh coat of paint look and wear better.
TIP: I love using spray paint as I find the application and clean-up time is easier and quicker. I purchase my spray paints from a ‘graffiti art’ store due to the incredible array of colour choices available.
The same goes for your old existing furniture. If you are in need of a change or want to inject a bit of life into your furniture, try giving it a new coat of paint.
When updating old furniture, always sand, prime then paint. It may take a little more time to prime, but it is well worth the extra effort, as primer will help correct uneven surfaces, making the fresh coat of paint look and wear better.
TIP: I love using spray paint as I find the application and clean-up time is easier and quicker. I purchase my spray paints from a ‘graffiti art’ store due to the incredible array of colour choices available.
Sell your unwanted items
If you sell your old items too, you can put that money towards the purchase of something else to lower the outlay of costs.
This is also a great way to get the kids involved in the de-cluttering of unused items while also teaching them the value of money.
TIP: Before hitting the stores to buy brand-new items, always check secondhand sites like Gumtree first. I add the store name, brand or style to the search fields – for example: ‘Ikea bed’; ‘Kartell storage’; or ‘peacock furniture’. You will be amazed at how many brand new, or near new items are available at a fraction of the price, either because someone has changed their mind and stores will not exchange, or because people simply need to relocate due to work or family and must sell their beloved items.
If you sell your old items too, you can put that money towards the purchase of something else to lower the outlay of costs.
This is also a great way to get the kids involved in the de-cluttering of unused items while also teaching them the value of money.
TIP: Before hitting the stores to buy brand-new items, always check secondhand sites like Gumtree first. I add the store name, brand or style to the search fields – for example: ‘Ikea bed’; ‘Kartell storage’; or ‘peacock furniture’. You will be amazed at how many brand new, or near new items are available at a fraction of the price, either because someone has changed their mind and stores will not exchange, or because people simply need to relocate due to work or family and must sell their beloved items.
Scour the clearance section of online and brick and mortar stores
My daughter recently became the proud owner of a stunning peacock bedhead similar to the one above. I had my eye on one for years but the pricetag had always been an issue. During the post-Christmas sales, they were marked down by more than 50 per cent, so I decided to bite the bullet and invest in a key furniture piece for my daughter’s room.
The only problem I encountered was the choice of colours. The colour I was really after was not in the clearance. I opted for a different choice in a lighter colour that I knew could be painted over.
The end result was a gorgeous peacock bedhead purchased on clearance (at more than 50 per cent off!), which I then spray painted to suit the space it was in. A much better option than forking out more cash!
More: Bedheads on a Budget
My daughter recently became the proud owner of a stunning peacock bedhead similar to the one above. I had my eye on one for years but the pricetag had always been an issue. During the post-Christmas sales, they were marked down by more than 50 per cent, so I decided to bite the bullet and invest in a key furniture piece for my daughter’s room.
The only problem I encountered was the choice of colours. The colour I was really after was not in the clearance. I opted for a different choice in a lighter colour that I knew could be painted over.
The end result was a gorgeous peacock bedhead purchased on clearance (at more than 50 per cent off!), which I then spray painted to suit the space it was in. A much better option than forking out more cash!
More: Bedheads on a Budget
Mix and match bedding
Another quick and easy way to transform a room is by changing bedding, throws and cushions. You will be amazed at the difference you can make to a space by layering a few throws or blankets on a bed.
In the image above, I love how a vintage-romantic look is achieved by the placement of an old comforter on the end of the bed. Take this away and you change the whole feel of the room.
If you have a few rugs, pillow cases or cushions hidden away, try dusting them off and use them for a mini room makeover. Try out different combinations to see what creates the nicest atmosphere for your child to sleep and play in.
Another quick and easy way to transform a room is by changing bedding, throws and cushions. You will be amazed at the difference you can make to a space by layering a few throws or blankets on a bed.
In the image above, I love how a vintage-romantic look is achieved by the placement of an old comforter on the end of the bed. Take this away and you change the whole feel of the room.
If you have a few rugs, pillow cases or cushions hidden away, try dusting them off and use them for a mini room makeover. Try out different combinations to see what creates the nicest atmosphere for your child to sleep and play in.
Throw rugs are often saved for lounge rooms but are actually the perfect size to drape over a child’s single bed.
Think outside the square; you can even use scarves as an alternative bed throw. This is a cheap, quick and effective way to change the look of bedding while keeping costs to an absolute minimum.
Think outside the square; you can even use scarves as an alternative bed throw. This is a cheap, quick and effective way to change the look of bedding while keeping costs to an absolute minimum.
Don’t overlook larger sized bedding
When visiting home bedding and linen stores, I always find many kids ‘double bed’-sized doona or quilt covers in the clearance section, as most people tend to buy single-sized sets for their children.
I used to overlook these brilliant bargains until I discovered that a double-sized doona looks amazing on a single bed as it drapes perfectly over the sides. The added bonus to this is that you also have two pillowcases that can be layered on alternative sides, or used for another room.
When visiting home bedding and linen stores, I always find many kids ‘double bed’-sized doona or quilt covers in the clearance section, as most people tend to buy single-sized sets for their children.
I used to overlook these brilliant bargains until I discovered that a double-sized doona looks amazing on a single bed as it drapes perfectly over the sides. The added bonus to this is that you also have two pillowcases that can be layered on alternative sides, or used for another room.
Think outside the box for artwork
Changing the artwork on the walls can also easily freshen up a space. If you have a large wall, I would opt for either one or two larger scale artworks; or the grouping of smaller artworks to balance the space.
As we know, bigger can equate to higher costs. If you have a print that you would love for your child’s room but cannot afford the bigger size, go for the smaller one. Mount it onto a piece of coloured, black or white card yourself before framing to create the illusion of a larger print.
Other cost-saving ideas for artwork include framing tea-towels; framing T-shirt designs; or framing pages out of a favourite story book. The only limitation here is your imagination.
Changing the artwork on the walls can also easily freshen up a space. If you have a large wall, I would opt for either one or two larger scale artworks; or the grouping of smaller artworks to balance the space.
As we know, bigger can equate to higher costs. If you have a print that you would love for your child’s room but cannot afford the bigger size, go for the smaller one. Mount it onto a piece of coloured, black or white card yourself before framing to create the illusion of a larger print.
Other cost-saving ideas for artwork include framing tea-towels; framing T-shirt designs; or framing pages out of a favourite story book. The only limitation here is your imagination.
Display your child’s art
To save even more money, another idea is to create a gallery wall out of your child’s own art.
This is a great way to develop your child’s sense of pride in their own creative talents. It also helps establish ownership of the space while really injecting personality into your child’s room.
To create a cohesive look, simply paint any frames you may have in a classic white shade or in various shades of the accent colours of your child’s room. If you do not own many of your own, thrift stores can be treasure troves for cheap frames.
More stylish ways to display your children’s artwork
To save even more money, another idea is to create a gallery wall out of your child’s own art.
This is a great way to develop your child’s sense of pride in their own creative talents. It also helps establish ownership of the space while really injecting personality into your child’s room.
To create a cohesive look, simply paint any frames you may have in a classic white shade or in various shades of the accent colours of your child’s room. If you do not own many of your own, thrift stores can be treasure troves for cheap frames.
More stylish ways to display your children’s artwork
Use low-cost lighting solutions
Lighting has a huge influence on the mood and atmosphere of a space. To change things up (without the hassle of installing pendants or lighting fixtures), you can use your existing Christmas lights to create a feature in your child’s room. Think stars or fairy lights to inject a warm and cosy vibe.
TIP: I would recommend the use of battery-operated lights in a child’s room for safety reasons, and always check that the light source is not omitting heat of any kind.
Lighting has a huge influence on the mood and atmosphere of a space. To change things up (without the hassle of installing pendants or lighting fixtures), you can use your existing Christmas lights to create a feature in your child’s room. Think stars or fairy lights to inject a warm and cosy vibe.
TIP: I would recommend the use of battery-operated lights in a child’s room for safety reasons, and always check that the light source is not omitting heat of any kind.
Marquee lights are also quite popular in kids’ rooms at the moment but they can be quite costly.
Fortunately, the big retailers have jumped onboard this trend and you can now pick up some gorgeous marquee-style lights at a very low cost from big department stores such as Kmart, Target and Typo.
If you are the creative type, you can even attempt your own with ready-made kits from stores such as Spotlight.
NOTE: Always approach lighting with upmost care and safety. NEVER install any electrical devices or light fittings without the use of a qualified electrician.
More delightful kids’ lighting ideas
Fortunately, the big retailers have jumped onboard this trend and you can now pick up some gorgeous marquee-style lights at a very low cost from big department stores such as Kmart, Target and Typo.
If you are the creative type, you can even attempt your own with ready-made kits from stores such as Spotlight.
NOTE: Always approach lighting with upmost care and safety. NEVER install any electrical devices or light fittings without the use of a qualified electrician.
More delightful kids’ lighting ideas
Make the most of what you already have
I love making little displays in my kids’ rooms. By carefully selecting a few of their favourite items, you can make a beautiful display with items you already have.
First, work out what your display will be. It may be a collection of items your child loves, a theme (such as bunnies) or your child’s favourite colour. Whatever you choose, make sure it reflects your child’s unique personality.
I love making little displays in my kids’ rooms. By carefully selecting a few of their favourite items, you can make a beautiful display with items you already have.
First, work out what your display will be. It may be a collection of items your child loves, a theme (such as bunnies) or your child’s favourite colour. Whatever you choose, make sure it reflects your child’s unique personality.
I would then look for objects related to your chosen collection in different heights, shapes and textures.
When arranging your items, it is best to start with the larger, taller items and place them at the back, then layer the objects as they decrease in size. Don’t be afraid to try out a few different arrangements such as an asymmetrical or symmetrical look. Move things around until you are happy with what you have.
You can use picture ledges or wall shelves to create a great feature wall, too. And by experimenting with the position of your items using the suggestions above, you can create an entire wall of functional, interchangeable art.
More: Make Love, Not War: How to Use Kids’ Toys to Your Advantage
When arranging your items, it is best to start with the larger, taller items and place them at the back, then layer the objects as they decrease in size. Don’t be afraid to try out a few different arrangements such as an asymmetrical or symmetrical look. Move things around until you are happy with what you have.
You can use picture ledges or wall shelves to create a great feature wall, too. And by experimenting with the position of your items using the suggestions above, you can create an entire wall of functional, interchangeable art.
More: Make Love, Not War: How to Use Kids’ Toys to Your Advantage
Apply decals to the walls
If repainting or wallpaper is out of the question (or budget), the application of decals can also create an instant update.
Packs of decals start from approximately $20 for a small pack. With the advances in technology, there are so many gorgeous designs and colour choices to choose from.
Some companies even make custom designs at a reasonable price so you can tailor make your own decals to suit your decor perfectly.
If repainting or wallpaper is out of the question (or budget), the application of decals can also create an instant update.
Packs of decals start from approximately $20 for a small pack. With the advances in technology, there are so many gorgeous designs and colour choices to choose from.
Some companies even make custom designs at a reasonable price so you can tailor make your own decals to suit your decor perfectly.
Every child needs a bedroom that suits their growing needs and reflects their personal style. Thankfully, these ideas prove that all you need is a little creativity, a dash of thrifty, and plenty of thought to be able to update an entire room … without it costing you the earth.
TELL US
Do you have any money-saving tips for kids’ rooms? Share your ideas with us in the Comments.
MORE ON GIRLS’ BEDROOMS
8 Gorgeous Girls’ Bedrooms and Not a Peek of Pink in Sight
Clever Kids’ Rooms: 15 Ideas for Girls’ Bedrooms That Shine
TELL US
Do you have any money-saving tips for kids’ rooms? Share your ideas with us in the Comments.
MORE ON GIRLS’ BEDROOMS
8 Gorgeous Girls’ Bedrooms and Not a Peek of Pink in Sight
Clever Kids’ Rooms: 15 Ideas for Girls’ Bedrooms That Shine
The colour of your walls can have one of the biggest visual impacts in a room. I do, however, always endeavour to paint the walls inside my home myself, to save money on expensive trade costs.
If you don’t mind picking up a paintbrush yourself, you can transform an entire space by painting the walls for approximately $100 (less if you have a small room or only one wall to revamp). Just remember to select the correct painting brushes and rollers to suit your needs – it can make a world of difference in both how long it takes you and the quality of the paint job.