by: M.Arch. Julio A ArcoPosted on:

The Best Aesthetic Room Decor for Under $50

Decorating your room doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, some of the best aesthetic room décor pieces cost less than $50 and can completely transform your space. Trust me, I’ve been there—on a tight budget but determined to make my room feel like a cozy Pinterest-worthy retreat. That’s when I discovered the joy of affordable yet impactful décor, from thrifted finds to budget-friendly DIY projects.

In this post, I’m sharing the best aesthetic room décor under $50 to help you elevate your space without spending a fortune. These ideas are stylish, versatile, and perfect for creating a room that feels personal, polished, and oh-so-aesthetic.

Why Budget-Friendly Décor Works

1. Affordable Doesn’t Mean Cheap

Affordable décor can still look high-end if you focus on quality and creativity.

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2. It’s Easy to Experiment

Spending less means you can try out new trends and styles without worrying about long-term commitment.

3. Small Changes Make a Big Impact

Even a few inexpensive additions—like a throw pillow or string lights—can completely change the vibe of your room.

1. Throw Pillows and Pillow Covers

  • Why They Work: Throw pillows are an affordable way to add color, texture, and personality to your bed or sofa.
  • Where to Buy: Amazon, IKEA, or Target often have trendy pillow covers for under $20.
  • Aesthetic Tip: Mix and match patterns and textures—think velvet, linen, or boho fringe.
  • Budget-Friendly Option: Buy pillow covers instead of full pillows to swap out designs seasonally.

2. String Lights

  • Why They Work: String lights create a cozy, magical ambiance in any room.
  • Where to Buy: Look for fairy lights or LED string lights on Amazon or Walmart, typically $10-$20.
  • Aesthetic Tip: Drape them along your bed frame, around a mirror, or over a curtain rod for a dreamy effect.
  • Pro Tip: Opt for battery-operated versions for flexibility with placement.

3. Plants (Real or Faux)

  • Why They Work: Plants instantly add life and color to your room.
  • Where to Buy: Pothos, snake plants, and succulents are often under $20 at Home Depot or local garden stores. Faux plants are affordable at Target or IKEA.
  • Aesthetic Tip: Use stylish planters, like woven baskets or ceramic pots, to elevate the look.
  • DIY Option: Upcycle jars or tins into planters for a custom touch.

4. Wall Art Prints

  • Why They Work: Art prints are an easy way to add personality and style to your walls.
  • Where to Buy: Etsy has downloadable prints for as little as $5. Print them at home or at a local shop.
  • Aesthetic Tip: Create a gallery wall with a mix of art, photos, and quotes. Use inexpensive frames from stores like Dollar Tree or Walmart.
  • DIY Option: Paint your own abstract art or frame pages from magazines or books.

5. Tapestries

  • Why They Work: Tapestries are an affordable alternative to large-scale artwork and add texture to your walls.
  • Where to Buy: Urban Outfitters, Amazon, or Wayfair often have trendy options for $20-$40.
  • Aesthetic Tip: Hang a tapestry behind your bed to create the look of a statement headboard.
  • Pro Tip: Use command hooks or thumbtacks to hang them without damaging your walls.

6. Rugs

  • Why They Work: Even a small area rug can tie your room together and add warmth.
  • Where to Buy: Check out IKEA, Walmart, or Wayfair for stylish rugs under $50.
  • Aesthetic Tip: Layer a smaller, patterned rug over a neutral one for a cozy, boho look.
  • DIY Option: Create your own rag rug using old fabric scraps for a personal touch.

7. Mirrors

  • Why They Work: Mirrors reflect light, making your room feel larger and brighter.
  • Where to Buy: Small to medium-sized mirrors are affordable at Target, TJ Maxx, or Amazon.
  • Aesthetic Tip: Hang a round mirror above a dresser or use a full-length mirror to make a statement.
  • DIY Option: Decorate a basic mirror with rope, paint, or faux flowers for a custom look.

8. Candles and Candle Holders

  • Why They Work: Candles add warmth and ambiance, while chic holders elevate their look.
  • Where to Buy: Look for affordable candles and holders at IKEA, H&M Home, or HomeGoods.
  • Aesthetic Tip: Choose candles in neutral or pastel tones to match your room’s palette.
  • Pro Tip: Use battery-operated LED candles if you want a safe, low-maintenance option.

9. Books and Magazines

  • Why They Work: Books and magazines double as décor, adding a personal, intellectual touch to your space.
  • Where to Buy: Thrift stores and secondhand shops are goldmines for inexpensive, aesthetically pleasing books.
  • Aesthetic Tip: Stack books horizontally on shelves or use them as a base for a small plant or vase.
  • DIY Option: Cover books with kraft paper and label the spines for a minimalist look.

10. Vases and Decorative Bowls

  • Why They Work: Vases and bowls are versatile accents for shelves, tables, or nightstands.
  • Where to Buy: Check out stores like IKEA, Target, or thrift stores for unique options under $20.
  • Aesthetic Tip: Use vases to display dried flowers, pampas grass, or eucalyptus for an elegant touch.
  • DIY Option: Paint glass jars or thrifted vases with matte spray paint for a trendy, modern look.

11. Posters and Wall Decals

  • Why They Work: Posters and decals are affordable ways to add color and personality to your walls.
  • Where to Buy: Redbubble and Society6 have artistic posters under $20. Decals are widely available on Etsy or Amazon.
  • Aesthetic Tip: Frame posters for a polished look, or create a collage wall with washi tape for a casual vibe.
  • Pro Tip: Use removable decals for a renter-friendly option that won’t damage walls.

12. Throw Blankets

  • Why They Work: A cozy throw blanket adds texture and comfort to your bed or sofa.
  • Where to Buy: Find soft, stylish options at Target, H&M Home, or Walmart for $15-$40.
  • Aesthetic Tip: Drape it over the edge of your bed or casually toss it on a chair for an effortless look.
  • DIY Option: Knit or crochet your own blanket for a personal touch.

13. Desk and Shelf Accessories

  • Why They Work: Small decorative items like trays, organizers, and figurines add charm to your workspace or shelves.
  • Where to Buy: Dollar Tree, HomeGoods, or Amazon have trendy options for under $20.
  • Aesthetic Tip: Group items in threes for a balanced, intentional look.
  • DIY Option: Paint mason jars or thrifted containers to create custom desk organizers.

14. Hanging Planters

  • Why They Work: Hanging planters are perfect for adding greenery to your room without taking up floor space.
  • Where to Buy: Check out Amazon, Urban Outfitters, or Etsy for macramé or metal hanging planters.
  • Aesthetic Tip: Hang them near windows for optimal light and a boho vibe.
  • DIY Option: Make your own macramé hanger with affordable cord and a tutorial.

15. Fairy Light Photo Displays

  • Why They Work: Combine ambient lighting with personal photos for a meaningful and aesthetic display.
  • Where to Buy: Amazon has clip-on fairy light sets for under $20.
  • Aesthetic Tip: Arrange photos in a grid or string them casually for a laid-back look.
  • DIY Option: Use clothespins and twine to create a budget-friendly photo wall.

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Tips for Finding Affordable Décor

1. Shop Thrift Stores

Thrift stores and flea markets are treasure troves for unique, affordable décor.

2. DIY It

Get creative with DIY projects—many materials can be found for free or at low cost.

3. Look for Sales

Keep an eye on sales at stores like Target, IKEA, and Urban Outfitters for trendy décor at discounted prices.

4. Focus on Impactful Pieces

Invest in small items that make a big difference, like a statement pillow or a stylish planter.

Conclusion

Decorating your aesthetic room on a budget is all about creativity and resourcefulness. With just $50 or less, you can add stylish, impactful pieces that transform your space into a cozy, personalized haven.

From throw pillows to fairy lights and thrifted treasures, these affordable ideas prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to achieve a Pinterest-worthy room. Start small, mix and match your finds, and let your personality shine through your décor choices.

So, grab your shopping list (or DIY tools) and start decorating. Your dream room is closer—and cheaper—than you think!

FAQs

1. Can I decorate my room for under $50?

Yes! Small changes like adding string lights, plants, or throw pillows can transform your room on a budget.

2. What’s the easiest way to make my room look aesthetic?

Focus on lighting, textiles, and wall art. These elements have a big impact and are easy to swap out.

3. Where can I find affordable home décor?

Try stores like Target, IKEA, Walmart, or secondhand shops. Online retailers like Amazon and Etsy also have great budget options.

4. How can I make my room look more personalized on a budget?

Display your favorite books, photos, and DIY projects. Incorporate sentimental items into your décor.

5. What’s the best way to update my room seasonally for under $50?

Swap out small items like throw blankets, pillow covers, and candles to match the season’s colors and vibes.

Julio Arco

About the Author

M.Arch. Julio Arco is an architect, interior designer, and urban planner with degrees from ITESM, McGill University, and a certificate in Architecture in Urban Context from LDM. Julio has designed interiors for over 1,200 clients and also teaches architecture at ITESM.

His go-to sites for inspiration include Houzz, Apartment Therapy, HGTV, Architectural Digest, and The Spruce.