Do you love the warm, welcoming charm of farmhouse style but worry you can’t afford it? Good news: you don’t need a massive renovation budget like Chip and Joanna Gaines to create that cozy Fixer Upper look.
With a little creativity, smart shopping, and some DIY spirit, you can turn any space into a farmhouse dream — on a tight budget.
Below are 15 practical, low-cost ideas to help you decorate farmhouse style without breaking the bank.
🪵 1. Embrace Thrift Stores & Flea Markets
You don’t need to buy brand-new furniture. Hunt for vintage finds like old wooden chairs, rustic side tables, or metal buckets at thrift stores or flea markets. A bit of sanding or a coat of white paint can make them farmhouse-ready!
🎨 2. Paint It White
Farmhouse style loves neutral colors — especially white. Give old furniture or walls a fresh coat of bright white or soft grey paint. This instantly makes a space feel airy, clean, and farmhouse-chic.
🪚 3. Add DIY Shiplap (the Cheap Way
Love Joanna’s signature shiplap? You don’t need to hire contractors. Try peel-and-stick shiplap wallpaper or use plywood strips cut at your local hardware store. It’s affordable and renter-friendly!
🏺 4. Use Mason Jars for Decor
Mason jars are the ultimate farmhouse staple. Use them as flower vases, candle holders, or bathroom organizers. They’re super cheap and look charming everywhere.
🪴 5. Bring in Greenery
Houseplants or faux greenery add life to any room. Use simple glass bottles, old pitchers, or tin cans as rustic planters — all budget-friendly and easy to find.
🧺 6. Swap Out Hardware
Little details make a big difference. Replace cabinet knobs or drawer pulls with vintage-style handles. It’s a tiny cost for a big farmhouse touch.
🖼️ 7. Hang Vintage-Style Wall Art
Print out farmhouse quotes or black-and-white farm animal prints and pop them into thrifted frames. Free printables online make this even cheaper!
🪑 8. Use Slipcovers
Don’t toss that old sofa — hide it! White or neutral slipcovers can transform outdated furniture into farmhouse pieces for a fraction of the cost of new furniture.
🕯️ 9. Add Cozy Textures
Layer chunky knit throws, linen pillows, and soft rugs. Shop discount stores or make your own pillow covers to save money.
🪞 10. Decorate with Mirrors
A large rustic mirror can make a room feel bigger and brighter. Look for secondhand mirrors and DIY a distressed frame with sandpaper and chalk paint.
🕰️ 11. Repurpose Old Items
Farmhouse style loves upcycling. Turn old ladders into blanket racks, use crates for shelves, or repurpose barn doors as headboards.
🕯️ 12. Keep It Neutral
Stick to whites, creams, and greys. It’s cheaper to update small decor pieces than repaint walls every season.
🧺 13. DIY Wreaths and Centerpieces
Use twigs, faux greenery, or dried flowers to make your own farmhouse wreaths or table centerpieces. Pinterest is full of easy tutorials!
🪑 14. Mix Old and New
Don’t be afraid to pair new budget pieces with old vintage finds. The mix is what gives farmhouse decor its welcoming feel.
📷 15. Showcase Family Photos
Black-and-white family photos in mismatched thrifted frames look perfectly farmhouse. It’s personal, timeless, and totally free.
🌿 Final Thoughts
Farmhouse style is all about warmth, character, and that lived-in feeling — not about spending big money. With these ideas, a bit of DIY, and a good eye for secondhand treasures, you can turn your home into a Fixer Upper dream without breaking the bank.
So grab that paintbrush, check your local thrift store, and start decorating today!
