Home Decor Budget Calculator: Plan Your Spending
Plan how to spend a decorating budget, so you do not run out of money halfway through a room. Enter your total budget, and the calculator splits it across paint, furniture, textiles, lighting, decor and a contingency.
How this calculator works
The suggested split is a starting point based on typical decorating budgets: furniture 40 percent, paint and wall finishes 10 percent, textiles 15 percent, lighting 10 percent, decor and art 15 percent, and a contingency of 10 percent. Adjust the split for your room: a kitchen needs more for paint and less for textiles, while a bedroom needs more for bedding and less for furniture. The contingency is for surprises, such as a repair or a delivery charge, and it should not be spent unless it is needed.
Related guide: Budget Home Decor Ideas: Beautiful Rooms for Less
How to use this calculator
- Measure your room carefully — length, width and height — and note doors and windows.
- Enter the numbers above and check the result.
- Round up to the next pack or tin size, and add about 10% for waste and touch-ups.
- Read the full guide: Budget home decor ideas — it explains the measurements, the mistakes to avoid and the FAQs.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I budget to decorate a room?
It depends on the room and what you already have. A refresh with paint and textiles can cost a few hundred dollars; a full redecoration with new furniture costs several thousand. Start with the free changes, then budget for paint and textiles first.
What should I spend the most on?
The furniture and the rug, because you touch them every day. Spend less on decoration, which can be bought second hand or made yourself.
Should I keep a contingency in my budget?
Yes. Keep 10 percent for surprises, such as a repair, a delivery charge, or a mistake. Do not spend it unless you need to.
How do I decorate on a small budget?
Start with rearranging and decluttering, which costs nothing, then paint, then textiles, then second-hand furniture. Spend slowly, and spend on what matters.