Decorating on a Budget: Dining Room

Here's another post about frugal decorating using a single snapshot from my home.

1. Give old furniture a paint job.

The hutch was my grandparents and the small table was my great grandmothers. Both had some water damage and weren't too easy on the eyes. I sanded both down and gave them a few coats of glossy white paint. Now I love them and they make the room feel so much lighter while providing some much needed storage! Cost: $8 for paint.

2. Use seasonal vegetation for centerpieces

Currently we are in the midst of our Apple Harvest, so we have used them as a centerpiece in our dining room. Check with family members who may grow fruits or veggies or the local farmers market. Cost: FREE

3. White dishes

When registering for our dishes as a soon-to-be newlywed I chose white because I figured they could be paired with festive chargers and decor to change the look. 3 years later I am still thrilled with that decision. Pick dishes that are simple and timeless and they will match *everything* for decades. Cost: Varies

4. Family Art

Our dining room is another showcase for Mr. Free's art. It displays many of his pottery pieces as well as a painting. Utilize family members art.... no other home will have it!

Cost: FREE

5. Frame paper

For a little added texture I framed a piece of black and white damask scrapbooking paper. It adds just a little more texture without any more color. We already had the frame anyways. Cost: $.25 for paper.

6. Holiday Clearance

The mercury glass bowl on our dining table was actually 75% off after Christmas at Target. It doesn't even look Christmas-y on its own. When perusing after Christmas sales for discounted wrapping paper, make sure to look at the Holiday decor and think outside the season on pieces that could be used year-round. Cost: Varies

There ya have it....shoot me a comment if you enjoy these little segments or not... I'm trying to figure out if I should continue it into a series.

Thanks!