6 Inexpensive Cottage Wall Decor Ideas

Jessica Ackerman - If you have high-dollar tastes on a shoestring budget, don’t fret. There are many ways that you can dress up your walls without tapping into your child’s college fund or spending a small fortune. The tips that follow will help you to dress up your walls for less, while sticking with your love of cottage style decor. Yes, decorating your walls frugally yet beautifully is possible, and here’s how.

1. Think reflectively. 

Although there are definitely many expensive mirrors out there, there are an equally large number of inexpensive ones. You can also make your own mirror by having the mirror cut at a hardware store, and then frame it with whatever suits your fancy, whether that's old beads from a broken necklace, wallpaper remnants, or decorative trim.

2. Think artsy. 

You can invariably decorate your walls “on the cheap” by using a stencil. Stenciling is fun and easy and you can stencil nearly any design as a border on the wall. From vines to grapes to other designs, you'll love the look of stenciling in your cottage style space. Add some grapes wall hangings near the stenciling to add a French cottage feel to the room. 

3. Think functional. 

It's simple to make a DIY bulletin board that encompasses most of the wall. All you need is fabric, rickrack, buttons, ribbons, and embellishments. You can then use pins to tuck in various memorabilia, photos, or other items to bring your bulletin board to life. Or use magnetic paint to create a surface in the home office or elsewhere that is perfect for displaying your child’s artwork, report cards, and more. Another way to decorate your walls while keeping functionality in mind is to store a collection right on the wall, such as a quirky hat assortment.

4. Think simple. 

Use old postcards to create a collage on your wall, or frame your postcard collection for a fun look. An out-of-date calendar often provides just the needed artwork for framing and hanging on your wall.

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Fresh Touches Update Any Room

Jay Johnson - If you're looking for quick decorating tips, one tip is to add a fresh piece of furniture or art to any room. The overall effect will usually be dramatic if what you're adding makes a real statement, such as a sofa with unusual styling or a work of art that's dramatic and impactful.

In a recent visit to Cape Town, South Africa, I had the pleasure of visiting the showroom of Jo Carlin Interior Styling, and in the following video, you'll see some examples of sometimes startling chairs, sofas, and works of art that perfectly illustrate this point. You may not be able to afford a fabulous antique from Sotheby's or Christies that everyone will rave about when they sit down in your living room ... but a single work of art or a new upholstered piece of furniture can replace tired decorating elements and uplift your home's overall design energy.