How Much Does it Cost to Decorate a Room? A Guide to Setting an Interior Design Budget

Are you eager to spruce up your interior but left wondering, “How much does it cost to decorate a room?” The good news is you’re off to a great start! Being well-informed about your budget allows you to make your space truly yours. So, without further ado, let’s find out the average design cost per room.

How to Set and Stick to an Interior Design Budget

Before we explore the costs associated with decorating different rooms, here are some essential tips to help you set and maintain your interior design cost per room.

• Invest time in making your design choices: Rushing decorating without careful planning can lead to regrets and costly mistakes. Instead, create an inspo-board filled with your interior design ideas, list what you need (furniture, decor, and structural updates), and set a timeline. 
• Avoid the urge to begin with a clean canvas: Starting from scratch can be costly. Rather, reimagine your space and try to see your current elements as inspiration. You can use a different layout as well as spruce up existing items.

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• Allocate your budget to rooms that endure heavy wear: Prioritize investing in durable elements, especially in heavy-use areas. As a result, you’ll be budget-savvy without compromising on quality.
• Gather multiple quotations: If you’re hiring professionals, get quotes from multiple designers or contractors. This allows you to compare costs and choose the best fit for your interior design budget.

Designer Breakdown of Interior Design Cost Per Room

Before you embark on your decorating journey, educate yourself on the costs of furnishing a room. While taking the do-it-yourself approach is tempting, consider the costs of hiring a decorator because you often save money in the long run with their expertise. 

How much does it cost to furnish and decorate a living Room?

The average cost to decorate a living room ranges from $2,000 to $18,000. This estimate is based on basic lounge interior design ideas, like a rug, sofa, coffee table, and lighting. A small loveseat, for instance, can range upwards from $200 at Wayfair and up from $2,000 at William Sonoma. More extensive decorating can include accent chairs, shams, curtains, etc.

How much you need to decorate and your chosen vendors also greatly impact the cost. Keep in mind that your picks should also be durable to ensure a greater return on investment and years of use. These often have a bigger initial price tag. 

Budget-Friendly Living Room Ideas (Under $2,000)

• Revive Your Space: Refresh existing furniture through creative repurposing or refinishing, adding a touch of charm to your home. Painting the walls can also substantially impact the feel of the room. You can set aside $100-200 for paint or reupholstering.
• Thrifty Finds: Hunt for unique second-hand furniture in thrift and vintage stores and online marketplaces to infuse character into your space. There’s a good chance of finding a stunning mid-century media console or unique coffee table. A high-quality item sure to stand the test of time will range between $100-300.  
• Affordable Decor Boost: Elevate your design with budget-friendly decor like stylish throw pillows, affordable artwork, and a chic lighting fixture. These pieces are usually inexpensive, so you can set a budget of $200 to spend on a few select items. 

Moderate Budget Living Room Ideas ($2,000-7,000)

• Quality Sofa Investment: Prioritize comfort and longevity with a quality sofa that ticks style and durability. Such an item ranges between $1,500 and $3,000.
• Custom Shelving: Opt for custom-made shelving or storage tailored to your living room’s needs that maximize function and aesthetics without overspending. A bespoke shelving solution can range between $500 and $1,500.
• Decor Harmony: Mix high and low-budget decor for balance. Think a statement artwork, chandelier or accent chair and affordable details like shams or clayware. You can set aside $500-1,000 for a beautiful selection of decor and artwork.

High-End Budget Ideas for a Living Room ($5,000+)

• Custom Luxury: Create exclusivity with bespoke furniture meticulously tailored to your exact specifications. Custom and handcrafted items exude an air of exclusivity. Set aside $2,000 to $5,500 for an exquisite piece.
• Opulent Materials: Include high-quality materials and sumptuous fabrics that exude elegance, comfort, and a luxurious tactile experience. If you want plush curtains or upholstery, plan on spending between $300 to $1,500.
• Artistic Luxury: Lift your high-end living room’s ambiance with carefully selected artwork and one-of-a-kind designer decor items. Designer items come at a higher price tag, so budget for upwards of $1,000. 

How much does it cost to furnish a bedroom?

Next, it’s on to find how much it costs to decorate a bedroom. The average expenditure ranges between $2,000 – $15,000, depending on what you need to create your ideal space. Bedroom costs come down to a rug, curtains, a bed base/frame, mattress, bedding, curtains, pedestals, and lighting. Extras may include a dresser, foot bench, and mirror. A minimal bed frame ranges upwards from $100 at Target and $2,000 and up at Arhaus. 

Budget-Friendly Bedroom Ideas (Under $2,000)

• DIY Headboard: Create a custom headboard using reclaimed wood, fabric, or even old doors to add a stylish focal point. Other projects can include crafting wall art, sewing custom curtains, or building simple shelving. DIY project costs depend on what you need, but you can set aside a budget of $50 to $200.
• Invigorate with Greenery: Bring life into your bedroom with ever-budget-friendly houseplants in beautiful pots and baskets. Plants and beautiful planters are on the affordable side, ranging from $10 to $100. 
• Budget-Friendly Bedding: Invest in bedding sets and mix and match pillows and throws to create a cozy atmosphere. Bedding is where you can splurge a little in the bedroom, so plan on up to $1,000 for a great bed and covering. 

Moderate Budget Bedroom Ideas ($2,000-5,000)

• Quality Over Quantity: Opt for fewer but high-quality furniture that will stand the test of time. Prioritize the bed, rug, and bedside tables. Set aside $1,000-3,000 for essential furniture. 
• Mid-Range Decor: Mid-range decor items like trendy lighting fixtures, decorative rugs, and stylish bedding strike a balance between affordability and aesthetics. $2,000 is a good framework for beautiful decor and bedding. 
• Coordinated Color Palette: Focus on creating a cohesive look by selecting a carefully coordinated color palette for your bedroom. In this way, you’ll rein yourself in by keeping to your desired look. This may include repainting, which is an inexpensive addition. 

High-End Budget Ideas for a Bedroom ($5,000+)

• Bespoke Luxury: Elevate your bedroom with a designer or custom-made bed and handmade bedding. You can also splurge on premium materials like rich hardwoods, luxurious fabrics, and elegant finishes. $4,000 is a healthy budget for designer pieces and plush bedding.
• Statement Lighting: Add layered and extravagant, statement lighting. Consider installing a stunning chandelier or pendant lights with intricate designs. A stunning fixture can range upwards from $1,000. 
• Elevated Comfort: Invest in state-of-the-art technology and indulgent amenities like a high-end mattress and advanced climate control. High-tech items come with a higher price tag, so set aside at least $3,000. 

How much does it cost to furnish a kitchen? 

The kitchen, the heart of the home, is a space where culinary creativity meets daily life. So, how much does it cost to decorate a kitchen? You can expect to spend between $1,000 to $30,000. Of course, if you need to get all the appliances, you’ll be looking at a bigger price tag but decorating a kitchen that’s already built can be very affordable.

The updates can include lighting, eat-in furniture (like a breakfast table and chairs), kitchen runner rug, crockery, cutlery, utensils, artwork or planters, shelving, basin, fixtures, and hardware, or a complete built-in kitchen. A fridge, stovetop, oven, and dishwasher may also play a role in financing. Prices for kitting a kitchen vary greatly, but you can look into Ikea’s budget-friendly modular options and, for more customized rooms, Lago and SieMatic offer modular designs too.

Budget-Friendly Kitchen Ideas (Under $3,000)

• Paint and Refresh: Transform your kitchen on a tight budget by applying a fresh coat of paint to walls and cabinets, instantly giving the space a new look and feel. This can range between $400 and $1,000.
• Open Shelving and Modular Design: Opt for open shelves instead of costly upper cabinets, allowing you to display dishes and glassware. If you’re starting from scratch, you can opt for premade modular cabinets to configure the space. The last option can range between $300 and $1,500.  
• DIY Backsplash: Create a customized feature backsplash using affordable peel-and-stick tiles or paint. This can range upwards from $300. 

Moderate Budget Kitchen Ideas ($3,000-10,000)

• Upgrade Appliances: Allocate a portion of your budget to invest in energy-efficient appliances, this can range from $2,000 to $5,000.
• Countertop Refresh: Choose cost-effective yet elegant countertop materials like laminate, butcher block wood or quartz. A new countertop can cost upwards of $1,500.
• Stylish Lighting: Enhance your kitchen’s ambiance with pendant lights or under-cabinet lighting for a touch of luxury. On the affordable side, kitchen lighting ranges from $500 to $2,000.  

High-End Budget Ideas for a Kitchen ($10,000+)

• Custom Cabinetry: Splurge on custom-designed, high-end cabinetry with premium finishes and innovative storage. These can range upwards from $10,000. 
• High-Quality Countertops: Invest in top-tier countertop materials like granite or marble, providing a timeless look. These can range from $1,500 to $6,000.
• Smart Home Integration: Invest in smart home tech for your kitchen, including state-of-the-art appliances with smart features, automated lighting and climate control, and voice-activated systems. Set aside a budget of at least $4,000 for a high-tech appliance. 

How much does it cost to furnish a dining room? 

Serving as a cherished spot for get-togethers, the dining room is a pivotal part of a home. The average cost to decorate a dining room requires a budget of around $3,000 to $20,000. The basics include a dining table, dining chairs, rug, and lighting. Further additions can include a sideboard, mirror, artwork, and bar. Dining tables and chairs will be the biggest investment for the space. A table ranges upwards from $300 at AllModern and $2,700 at RH.  

Budget-Friendly Dining Room Ideas (Under $2,000)

• Affordable Dining Sets: Shop for affordable dining sets to save on the cost of individual pieces while achieving a cohesive look. Set aside $1,000 for a good set. 
• Budget-Friendly Wall Art: Decorate your dining room walls with cost-effective artwork or DIY wall decor. Depending on your materials, this can range from $20 to $100.
• Upcycled Furniture: Seek out vintage or inexpensive furniture pieces and transform them into unique dining room treasures. You can create a custom dining table on a budget by repurposing old doors, pallets, or reclaimed wood. Allocate between $300 and $800 for your project. 

Moderate Budget Ideas for a Dining Room ($2,000-5,000)

• Upgrade Dining Table and Chairs: Invest in a set of stylish dining chairs that strike a balance between affordability and quality. Choose a mid-range dining table with durable materials and an appealing design, providing a solid centerpiece without excessive costs. Set aside $2,000 for high-quality chairs. 
• Quality Lighting Fixtures: Splurge on elegant yet moderately-priced lighting fixtures such as chandeliers or pendant lights. These can range upwards from $500. 
• Artistic Accents: Incorporate decorative accents like framed artwork, stylish tableware, and unique centerpieces to elevate the overall ambiance of your dining room. A budget between $500 and $1,000 is a good starting point. 

High-End Budget Ideas for a Dining Room ($5,000+)

• Designer Dining Table or Sideboard: Splurge on a designer dining table or sideboard that showcases unique design elements and premium finishes. Budget on upwards of $2,000 for a designer table. 
• Luxurious Seating: Choose opulent dining chairs with premium upholstery and finishes, providing utmost comfort and adding a touch of elegance. A set ranges upwards from $2,500. 
• Architectural Enhancements: Consider investing in architectural details like custom-made wainscoting, coffered ceilings, or decorative molding. In this way, you gain a sense of grandeur and refinement. Your budget will depend on the changes but a starting point of $2,000 is a safe bet. 

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