Spruce Up Your Table & Mantel on a Budget
There’s nothing quite as nice as looking around a room that you’ve just redecorated and spruced up. A fresh look can make it feel like you have a brand-new house. Redecorating an entire room can be tough on the wallet, though. You can create a new look on a budget without skimping on style just by giving your dining room table and fireplace a facelift.
Dressing Up the Dining Room
The table is typically the centerpiece of every dining room, and although it often gets some special attention during the holidays, sprucing it up other times of the year can really brighten up your entire dining room and give it a new look. Here are a few budget-friendly ideas for making your table shine:
Add a Table Cloth – Of course, some people choose to hide their table with a table cloth, but a table cloth can add a lot of charm to your décor. One that is brightly colored for the season can add a lot, or a little color, or choose one that is more muted to make other décor pop.
Think in Layers – When decorating your dining room table, think in layers. Remember the last tip we mentioned a muted color for your table cloth? Here is a chance to add placemats on your muted table cloth that add color. You can also mix up patterns and fabrics, and add elements such as paper, glass, metal, and florals.
Simple Centerpiece – Big pillar candles can add height to your table centerpiece, as do plants on a cake stand or flowers in a vase. You can also use garlands straightened out the length of the table or wrapped into a circle as a base for other décor.
Plants and More Plants – There are so many options when it comes to plants, and whatever you choose they will bring color and life to your dining room. Think outside the box when choosing a container for your plants. A cute basket, an old pitcher, an antique lantern, a rustic watering can, or even a simple Mason jar can make great containers for your centerpiece.
Freshening Up the Fireplace Mantel
Often the fireplace is in the family room and is a focal point for the home. Many people, just like the dining room table, dress up the mantel for special occasions, but it can be beautiful other times of the year too. It can be costly to decorate a fireplace, but you can show it a lot of love just by using things from your yard and around your home so you can make it stylish on a budget.
Display Artwork – While many people choose to hang a television above the fireplace, this isn’t a requirement! Instead, consider placing an oversized piece of artwork or photo on your mantel instead. The artwork can contain the same colors as other pops of color in your house to make it really stand out.
Go All Out with Greenery – If you have garland that you use at Christmas time, it can be repurposed to use the rest of the year. Simply add some other florals, candles, or touches to it and you have décor that will last year-round.
Go Classic with a Clock – This may seem a bit traditional, but an oversized clock can make a great backdrop for family photos, artwork, and a bit of greenery. The extra touches can make the mantel feel more personal and pulled together.
Let a Mirror Speak for Itself – A mirror is a classic addition to the mantel because it will beam natural light around the room and make it feel bigger. Add a few photos and succulents and you have perked up your room for next to nothing.
Show Off Your Collection – Your mantel is a perfect spot to showcase your collection. Whether you like vases, sculptures, pottery, or even books, go for it. Your favorite pieces can be arranged front and center, just be sure that your collection is small enough it doesn’t overwhelm the space.
As you can see, just a few small touches, even with objects around your home and yard, can go a long way in making your home feel refreshed and new. So, why wait until Thanksgiving or Christmas rolls around to make your home feel new?
