You don’t have to spend big to brighten up your living room. All it takes is a bit of know-how and some design savvy. However, if you’re struggling for living room ideas then you’re in the right place, as we’ve brought together some of our favourite money-saving tips to help you upgrade your living room – without breaking the bank.

1. Spruce up your sofa with a cushion or two

A good place to start is with what often takes up the most space – your sofa. Try adding or swapping out colourful cushions to give your living space a new look. It’s amazing how transformative new tones and textures can be, especially when you have a neutral baseline to work from.

2. Rearrange what you already have

Perhaps the most underrated but best way to save money on your living room is to rearrange what you already have. You’ll be surprised at how different a room can look after moving a few pieces around, and don’t be afraid to simply take items away too. Over the years a space can become cluttered and removing furniture, accessories and redundant items can make the space feel lighter and more airy.

3. Invest in a statement rug

You may be drawn to investing in furniture or decorating the walls with art and pictures, but that can often take up space in your budget. Instead, opt for a sizeable rug and be bold with your choice. A rug can have a big impact on a space, helping you to change the theme and colour scheme of a room.

4. Drape a throw for maximum impact

We love the versatility of throws. They’re inexpensive, really comfy and can be easily moved to where you want them. These work especially well in neutral settings, allowing you to add pops of colour that draw the eye.

5. Brighten up your space with a new light fixture

Bigger is better if you’re looking to update your living room with a light fixture. The aim is to draw attention away from your furniture with an eye-catching or oversized accessory. A large floor standing lamp is a great idea if you want to be bold and add colour to a neutral setting.

6. Do things differently with a gallery wall

Perfect for living rooms that have a spare wall, gallery walls provide maximum impact without taking up any floor space – avoiding potential “cluttering” of the room. Just measure up and choose a batch of your favourite frames.

7. A new lick of paint

A great money-saving way to update your living room is to add a new lick of paint. Be bold and go for something different – the great thing about painting the walls is you can always paint over them.

8. Choose multi-functional furniture

If you’re looking to make a big change to your living room then choose something that serves more than one purpose. Modern sofa beds are beautifully designed and can be just as stylish as they are practical, especially if you frequently have family over to stay. Many also incorporate additional storage space for surplus bedding – an added bonus.

9. Swap curtains out for blinds

Or vice versa. Or if you’re not quite ready, maybe just update your window coverings with a different design. Curtains should be changed seasonally to reflect what you need from a room; thinner, lighter curtains are great for making a space feel fresher and brighter during the summer months, whereas thicker curtains can help to keep the heat in through winter.

10. Add some candles

Now, as a go-to gift for many, you may have a batch of these stacked up already! However, candles are great for bringing romance to a living room. Choose an unused spot and light a few candles to bring an emanating warmth to the surrounding space.