Budget Beautiful: My Favourite Affordable Interior Picks That Pack a Punch
With the ever-rising cost of living looming like an uninvited guest at a dinner party, I thought I’d jump online and share a few of my favourite budget-friendly finds. Because let’s be real — a gorgeous interior shouldn’t come with a side of financial ruin. You can have champagne style on a beer budget, and these little gems prove it.
1. The Humble Gladom Side Table – IKEA
The Ikea Gladom side table. The reigning queen of budget style.
Let’s kick things off with a classic: the Gladom side table from IKEA. This unassuming little number is wildly versatile — pop it beside the bed, next to the sofa, or even pair it with an ottoman or a lower coffee table for a luxe-looking nesting moment. The sky’s the limit, and at a tidy $19, it’s an absolute no-brainer.
They come in a variety of colours (bring back the bright red and yellow, please, IKEA gods), and they just work in so many spaces. Flexible, affordable, and kind of a design chameleon.
2. H&M Home Cushions — Stylish and Sturdy
H&M Home Cushions are bang-on trend and cheap enough for the dog to destroy.
Next up: H&M Home, specifically their cushion covers. With prices ranging from $15 to around $50, these are ideal if you’re after high-style, low-stress soft furnishings. Especially if you’ve got a dog like mine — Pedro the cushion destroyer — who likes to ‘nest’ in them. These ones I don’t mind him wrecking quite as much.
Pair them with their responsibly sourced feather-down inserts (also about $15) for a plump, designer look without the designer price tag. Polyester inserts are there too, if down's not your thing. And honestly, H&M Home is a bit of a goldmine for unique, interesting decor pieces — far more chic than your average “live, laugh, love” situation. (But hey, if that’s your vibe, I’m not here to judge.)
3. Hollowlight Pillows – Bed Bath & Table
The Bed Bath N Table HollowLight Pillow. The answer to every budget conscious stylist’s prayers.
While we’re still on the cushion train — I can’t go past Bed Bath & Table’s Hollowlight pillows. These are a styling essential in my book. I’ve probably bought hundreds over the years. No shame.
They’ve got that high loft for a plush, polished look and ring in at about $30 each. Totally fine for sleeping, but where they really shine is in your bed styling. You know, the excess pillow situation your partner complains about? “Babe, why do we need all these pillows?” Because we do, John. That’s why.
4. Paint – The DIY Power Move
Highlights from the Dulux 2025 Colour Forecast. Images courtesy of Dulux Australia
Finally, the ultimate bang-for-buck interior move: paint. A few tins and a weekend of effort can completely transform a space. Want drama? Go deep and moody. Need energy? Try something zesty and bright.
If you’re stuck for ideas, Dulux’s annual colour forecasts are worth a scroll. Bree Banfield and her team put together the most delicious palettes — a great launchpad if you want to be bold but don’t know where to begin. Dulux also breaks down all the how-tos: surface prep, paint types, tools — the lot. And worst-case scenario? If you hate it… just paint over it. You’re never more than a weekend away from a reset.
So there you have it — a few of my fave low-cost styling staples that deliver big impact. Interior design doesn’t have to be expensive to be beautiful — it just has to be clever. And if you’re looking for more budget-friendly tips or need help making a space feel special without splashing too much cash, you know where to find me.