How to Decorate Your Entire Home from IKEA for Under £500

25 Mar

Written By Daisy

When it comes to home decor on a budget, Ikea is the go-to destination for affordable yet stylish furniture and accessories. With its wide range of functional and chic options, you can transform your living space without breaking the bank. At Bellis Bellula, we believe that living in an elegant space doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. In this post, we’ll show you how to decorate your entire home from Ikea for under £500, with clever shopping tips and tricks to make the most of your budget.

1. Plan Your Space and Set Priorities

Before you dive into Ikea, take the time to plan out your space and decide what you truly need. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the vast selection, but being strategic will help you stay within your budget. Focus on essential pieces and aim to find multi-functional items that can serve multiple purposes.

Steps to plan your space:

Measure your rooms: Know the size of your space to ensure everything fits properly.
Set a priority list: Start by identifying the most important pieces of furniture (like a sofa or bed) and work your way down. Items like storage solutions, lighting, and accessories can come next.
Be mindful of colour schemes: Choose a neutral palette for larger furniture items, and then add pops of colour with smaller decor pieces like cushions, rugs, and artwork.

Once you’ve mapped out your needs, it’s time to start shopping!

2. Start with Essential Furniture

When decorating on a budget, it’s essential to invest in functional and versatile furniture. Look for pieces that are both affordable and high-quality, ensuring that they will last while still offering style and comfort.

Key furniture to buy from Ikea for under £500:

Sofa: A sofa is a central piece in any living room. The FÄRLÖV or KIVIK range offers comfortable and affordable options, with prices starting at around £300. Opt for a neutral colour that will blend well with various decor styles.
Bed: The MALM bed frame is a popular choice, offering clean lines and a simple design. Prices start at around £150, and you can find additional storage solutions within the MALM series, which is perfect for small spaces.
Dining Table: The LIATORP dining table is both stylish and practical, with prices starting at £80. If you’re looking for something even more budget-friendly, the LACK table is a minimalist option for just £15.
Storage Solutions: Ikea is renowned for its storage solutions, and you can find affordable items like the KALLAX shelving unit (starting at £40) to keep your space tidy and organised. The HEMNES series is great for adding rustic charm with storage drawers and cabinets, with prices starting at £100.

3. Accessorise with Affordable Textiles and Soft Furnishings

Once you have the core furniture pieces in place, accessorise with textiles and soft furnishings to make your space feel cozy and personalised. Ikea offers a wide selection of budget-friendly cushions, throws, and curtains that can completely transform the vibe of a room.

Budget-friendly textile ideas:

Cushions: Add comfort and colour to your sofa or bed with a variety of affordable cushions. Ikea offers cushions in different sizes and fabrics, with prices starting at £3 each.
Throws and Blankets: A cozy throw can elevate your sofa or bed. Look for soft, neutral throws like the RÖDTOPPA or the SINNERLIG collection for under £20.
Curtains: Curtains can add texture and privacy to a room. The RITVA curtains are a simple yet elegant option starting at £30 per pair. If you’re after something more playful, try the HILJA curtains for just £15.

4. Lighting on a Budget

Good lighting can make a massive difference in any home. Luckily, Ikea offers a variety of affordable lighting options that will enhance the atmosphere of your space without stretching your budget.

Lighting options to consider:

Floor lamps: The RANARP floor lamp, with its industrial look, starts at £35 and works beautifully in living rooms and bedrooms.
Table lamps: The SINNERLIG table lamp, made from bamboo, offers a natural, calming vibe, and is available for around £25.
Ceiling lights: A statement ceiling light can add drama to your room. The RANARP pendant light is a great option for £30.

By strategically layering different types of lighting—task lighting, accent lighting, and ambient lighting—you can create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

5. Decorative Touches and Accessories

Now that your larger furniture pieces are in place, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Accessories like artwork, rugs, and plants can make your space feel unique and inviting without breaking the bank.

Decorative items under £500:

Rugs: A rug can define a room and add warmth. Ikea offers a variety of rugs in different sizes and colours, such as the LOHALS jute rug, priced at £70.
Wall Art: Ikea has an impressive selection of inexpensive artwork and prints. The RIBBA frame collection is a great option, starting at £2.50 for smaller frames. You can also create your own art by framing fabric swatches, postcards, or even creating a gallery wall.
Plants and Planters: Add life to your space with some greenery. Look for budget-friendly plants like the FEJKA artificial plants, starting at £3.50, or real plants like the DRACAENA for £8. Pair them with stylish planters from the SINNERLIG or FEJKA series for added charm.

6. Be Creative with DIY Projects

One of the best ways to personalise your space and stretch your budget even further is by incorporating DIY projects. Ikea offers several pieces that are great for customisation, allowing you to add your own flair and style.

DIY ideas:

Upcycle furniture: You can give older Ikea furniture a fresh look by painting it or adding new hardware. For example, the MALM dresser can be customised with bold knobs or a coat of paint to match your style.
Create wall art: Use inexpensive frames from Ikea to display your favourite photographs, fabric, or even your own artwork. This adds a personal touch and enhances your space on a budget.
Transform storage solutions: Turn a basic KALLAX shelving unit into a chic and functional piece by adding fabric boxes or baskets for extra storage and style.

7. Stick to Your Budget and Prioritise

While Ikea is known for its affordable options, it’s easy to overspend, especially if you fall in love with too many items. To ensure you stay within your £500 budget, be mindful of your priorities and stick to your list of essentials.

How to stay on track:

Set a clear budget for each category (furniture, textiles, lighting, accessories) to ensure you allocate your funds wisely.
Shop during sales: Ikea regularly has sales, and purchasing items during these times can save you even more money.
Focus on quality over quantity: It’s better to invest in a few high-quality, timeless pieces than to purchase too many items that may not serve you in the long run.

With Ikea, it’s entirely possible to decorate your home stylishly and efficiently for under £500. By prioritising essential furniture, investing in affordable textiles and lighting, and getting creative with accessories and DIY projects, you can create a space that feels elegant, functional, and uniquely yours.

At Bellis Bellula, we believe that a beautiful home doesn’t need to come with a hefty price tag. With a little planning, savvy shopping, and thoughtful design, you can turn your house into a chic sanctuary without exceeding your budget.

Happy decorating!

Daisy