I decorated my home on a $500 budget - here's the best advice I can give you

I’ve painted a handful of my past apartments’ walls, but my current space was in pretty good shape when I moved in. As a result, I opted to use its white walls as a backdrop for displays of art and decorative objects, but any color background can work if done thoughtfully.

Some great resources for art on a budget include sites like Etsy, Society6, Minted, 20x200, and Artfinder. You can also check out local craft fairs where artists have just begun marketing themselves.

Easy-to-come-by things like abstract wrapping paper, wallpaper samples, and maps can be framed, too. I’ve made my own pieces in some cases, but if that seems too daunting to you, try reaching out to your more artistically-inclined friends and consider commissioning them to make something one-of-a-kind.

The display of functional objects can also qualify as decor when both your budget and space are limited. A bike is no longer an eyesore when it’s hung on a well-designed, wall-mounted rack, and stacked books can be a makeshift nightstand. Accessories like hats, jewelry, and bags can be arranged and hung on a wall, too — perhaps with the bonus effect of making getting dressed in the morning easier.

Plants are another great way to add significant visual interest without having to shell out. Case in point: I bought a potted plant last summer for $20 that’s tripled in size since I purchased it, and I can now take cuttings of it to put in other spots around my apartment. It’s like one plant for the price of, well, however many I can propagate. This budget-friendly approach to decorating with greenery means cleaner air, too.

When it comes to bigger-ticket items like furniture, start by asking friends and family who are moving or decluttering if they’re trying to get rid of anything that may fit the look you’re going for.

If you have certain items in mind, you can set eBay alerts to get notified when someone lists something that matches your search terms. Charitable thrift shops and local flea markets can also be a treasure trove. I’ve found a vintage iron patio set for $50 and a cane bentwood rocking chair for $80 from my local Salvation Army.

Also, don’t be afraid of things others have discarded — really! Pay attention to the local bulk item garbage pickup schedule in your neighborhood and take a nighttime stroll to see what you might find. One man’s trash has certainly been my own personal treasure — I snagged a mid-century wooden dresser in almost pristine condition for precisely $0 this way.

Just proceed with caution — I wouldn’t recommend bringing anything with upholstery into your home if you found it curbside.

With a little extra time, patience, direction, and resourcefulness, decorating on a limited budget is possible. Achieving your ideal domestic aesthetic can be cheap and fun if you know how to go about it.