Cozy Living Room Makeover Ideas on a $700, $1350, and $2200 Budget
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A living room update doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch or one big shopping spree. With the right plan and smart budgeting, you can create a space that feels fresh.
The goal of a refresh plan like this is to show how you can update the look of your living room, without investing in big furniture pieces. Whether you’re working with $750, $1350, or $2100, here’s a makeover plan to get the most impact for your money.
Phase 1: Establishing the Color Palette
My favorite thing about this plan is that it can be done at your own pace. You can do this phase over a weekend, or take 3 months, it’s completely up to you. If your budget is tight to start, focus on high-impact updates that instantly shift the mood:
Paint the Walls – A gallon of Benjamin Moore paint ($60–$80) can completely transform your space. Choose neutrals like Ashwood on the walls and Swiss Coffee trim. Or vice versa.
Layer in Artwork – A large-scale tapestry ($160) creates a focal point and inspiration for the color palette.
Add an Area Rug – A 9x12 wool blend rug ($300–$400) creates instant coziness and anchors the room.
Total: Around $675
Pro Tip: Prioritize paint and rug. They give the biggest transformation for the least money.
Phase 2: Add a Few More Details
With a little more wiggle room, you can add in some furniture swaps along with decor layers:
Upgrade Window Treatments – Inexpensive curtains from Amazon ($50-60 per window) add warmth and height to your space.
Swap Out Lighting – Replace dated table lamps with a ceramic or glass base lamp ($130 for two) and swap out the lamp shades ($35) for a custom look.
Bring in Greenery – A classic vase ($20-25) of fresh or faux stems ($15–$20) adds life to the room.
Side Table – Swap in a pair of stylish side tables ($370). I love how the scalloped edge plays off the tonal detail in the rug.
Total: Around $1350 (including Phase 1)
Phase 3: Complete Refresh
At this phase, you can completely refresh the space with larger furniture swaps and still have room for the cozy styling details:
Accent Chairs – Add one or two accent chairs ($300–$500 each). I chose to bring in pattern with chairs in this design to balance the solid rug.
Finishing Touches – Style with pillows ($55 and $60) and candle holders for depth ($38).
Total: $2100–$2200 (including Phases 1 + 2)
Tip: Use this plan as a guide, but feel free to switch items from one phase to another to fit your needs and priorities.
And just for fun…
Here’s a full living room mood board for a little inspiration going forward. You can use this plan as a guide, or a template, swapping items in one phase for another to fit your needs and priorities. You may want your Phase 1 to include chairs, and push the rug and art to Phase 2. Make a list of what you need, then what you want, set a budget for each phase, and build from there.
SHOP the Mood Board
