Living room upgrades on a budget in 2025 prove you don’t need thousands to refresh your space — just smart, creative ideas under $100 total. From paint to pillows, these DIY-friendly, thrift-smart, and sustainable upgrades use Walmart, Target, thrift stores, or Amazon to create a cozy, stylish living room. Inspired by Apartment Therapy, Better Homes & Gardens, and The Spruce, these 10 upgrades are beginner-level, renter-friendly, and photogenic. Let’s upgrade your living room for less!

Core Supplies (Shop Once, Upgrade All!)

Item

Price

Where

Paint (1 gallon)

$25

Walmart

Throw pillows (2)

$20

Target

Thrifted frames

$10

Local thrift

LED string lights

$10

Amazon

Peel-and-stick wallpaper (1 roll)

$15

Walmart

Plants (3 small)

$15

IKEA

Rug (5x7)

$50

Target

Tools: Paint roller, scissors, command hooks ($10 total, Amazon)

10 Budget Living Room Upgrades – Step-by-Step

1. One-Wall Accent Paint

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Apartment Therapy’s $25 mood booster!

  • Pick a bold color (emerald, terracotta)

  • Paint one wall with 1 gallon — tape edges, 2 coats
    Cost: $25 Time: 2 hrs 

2. Thrifted Gallery Wall

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$15 art upgrade!

  • Buy 5–7 mismatched frames at thrift store

  • Fill with family photos or free printables

  • Hang in grid with command strips
    Cost: $15 Time: 1 hr 

3. Pillow & Throw Refresh

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Target’s $30 cozy hack!

  • Swap old pillows for 2 new textured ones

  • Add a chunky knit throw
    Cost: $30 Time: 5 mins 

4. Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper Accent

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Walmart’s $15 renter-friendly trick!

  • Apply 1 roll behind TV or sofa

  • Smooth with credit card, trim edges
    Cost: $15 Time: 1 hr 

5. LED String Light Glow

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Amazon’s $10 ambiance!

  • Drape fairy lights over curtain rod or shelf

  • Plug in or use battery-powered
    Cost: $10 Time: 10 mins 

6. Plant Corner Upgrade

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$15 green refresh!

  • Buy 3 small plants (snake, pothos)

  • Place in thrifted baskets or on stool
    Cost: $15 Time: 15 mins 

7. Budget Area Rug Layer

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Target’s $50 floor fix!

  • Layer 5x7 rug over old carpet

  • Choose neutral or bold pattern
    Cost: $50 Time: 5 mins 

8. Sofa Cover or Slipcover

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$40 transformation!

  • Buy fitted slipcover or large blanket

  • Tuck tightly, add throw pillows
    Cost: $40 Time: 10 mins 

9. DIY Coffee Table Tray

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$10 thrift flip!

  • Find wooden tray at thrift store

  • Paint or stain, add handles
    Cost: $10 Time: 1 hr 

10. Curtain Swap

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$30 light & height hack!

  • Hang floor-length curtains high

  • Use tension rod (no drilling)
    Cost: $30 Time: 20 mins 

FAQs

Renting?
All upgrades are removable — no damage!

Under $50 total?
Do #2, #3, #5, #9 — total $45!

Small space?
Focus on #1, #4, #10 for big impact.

 

Conclusion: Upgrade Your Living Room for Less!

These 10 budget living room upgrades for 2025 prove style doesn’t need a big budget. From $10 lights to $50 rugs, refresh your space for under $100 total. Ready to transform? Shop at Walmart, Target, thrift stores, or Amazon, save this guide, and start with one upgrade today — your living room will thank you!