18 Quick and Easy Home Decorating Ideas for a Fast Refresh

If you’ve never installed a headboard before, it may seem daunting. But it’s truly a beginner-friendly DIY that you can handle. (We promise!) It’s totally worth tackling because it’s quick and easy, and it’ll completely transform your bedroom—not to mention, up the cozy factor. Anyone hoping for an impactful change in a few hours or less will find this project super satisfying. 

A bland shelf or empty corner can always benefit from a stack of books. Of course, you don’t have to go overboard. If you don’t already have a collection, the goal isn’t to add clutter. But a thoughtful display of your favorite titles can integrate personality, color, and a lived-in feel without any cost at all. (If you’ve just moved or do need a few more books, however, Etsy, Ebay, and sites like PangoBooks are treasure troves for secondhand finds.) You can also move your stacks from room to room as you switch your decor, which will change up the feel of the space instantly.

Does your room design feel like it’s missing something? Want to cover up some of that couch you’re sick of, but not ready to replace? A throw blanket is what you need. They’re inexpensive, beautiful, and (obviously) ultra-cozy. This black-and-white find would liven up all types of living spaces, from a modern living room to a traditional bedroom. But if you’re not in the mood to buy new, you can simply take one from another room in your home. 

One of the quickest and easiest home decorating ideas is swapping out your bedding. Whether it’s your primary suite or a guest room, simply replacing the duvet or layering in a quilt can integrate pattern or color into the space right away. This three-piece set comes in over 12 shades, so you could switch up your look every season if you wanted.

Refresh you room with the flip of a switch? Absolutely. Updating your lighting enhances your decor, sure. But lamps like this Drew & Jonathan model can also add much needed ambience, too. Plus, if you install smart blubs, you can also control the color and brightness from your phone, which will make it even easier to set the mood. (Or turn them all off when you’re ready for your nap.) 

This may not sound exciting, but camouflaging your everyday items into uniform containers instantly elevates your bathroom decorating. (Though, you could use these in the bedroom, in a closet, or in the kitchen, too.) Having the same-size boxes and bins will make it easier to organize everything, and you’ll just love how it makes you feel like you’re living in a spa.

There’s a whole lot more you can do with a roll of wallpaper than you may have initially thought. Some ideas include designing an accent wall, covering a whole room, or even framing a few panels to create large-scale wall art. There are tons of options for application, too—traditional makes for an easy weekend project, but peel and stick is great for renters or anyone who doesn’t want to make the permanent commitment. There are even wallpaper murals these days. No matter what you choose, we guarantee your walls will have more personality in no time. 

Want to take decorating into your own hands? Skip purchasing a candle or trinket dish and make one yourself! It’ll be a fun way to spend a few hours, plus you’ll get a new piece of decor that’s one-of-a-kind. There are all types of craft kits out there now for you to create your own artwork, crocheted creation, and more. But this candle-making set is a two-in-one win, since you’ll have a pretty vessel plus a fresh fragrance for whatever space you display it in.

A floor mirror can help make a space feel bigger, brighter, and better styled. Whether you want to freshen up your entryway, living room, or bedroom, this beautiful arched floor mirror will spice it up instantly.

It may seem like a small change, but a tray can be the perfect addition to switch up a tabletop. Creating small vignettes by grouping objects on a tray can make a space feel both organized as well as design-forward. Consider placing a tray like this on your coffee table, then add a candle, wick cutter, and catchall dish to finish the look.

Don’t underestimate the power of a vase. Not only can you change out the flowers that live within them (or opt for dried arrangements—there’s some good ones out there now!), but they also act as statement decor on a bookshelf, mantel, side table, or wherever you need extra oomph. We have a full guide you can check out here, but our editorial director Megan has this specific vase and can confirm it’s beautiful, especially for the price.

Painting or refacing cabinets can make a huge difference. But if that’s not in your wheelhouse or budget, try swapping out the drawer pulls in your kitchen or vanity. You could also change your doorknobs to modern models; update your curtain pullbacks or rods; or replace your towel hooks or switch plate covers. Those are all impactful mini makeovers that won’t take months (or your sanity) to complete.

This ladder bookcase looks interesting in its leaned construction, but also adds a lot of storage in a unique way. A bookcase doesn’t just have to be for books, either. It offers a great opportunity to add fun decor pieces like vases and art, heartfelt pieces you’ve collected from traveling, and fun accessories like vintage cameras or indoor plants.

A rug is the perfect centerpiece to any room, as it ties together the various components of the space. So it’s easy to see how replacing your rug—either with a new version or one that you already have—is a quick decorating change that makes a big impact. This one fits a wide variety of design styles, too, so you can place it in the living room, bedroom, or even the guest room for a pop of interest.

Breathe some new life into your room with a new plant or two. It’s a great way to add a pop of color and get your space feeling calm and comfortable. Not only do plants make a space look bright, but they also help keep the air clean. Another win for quick and easy home decorating ideas! 

Good art is something that everyone everywhere can appreciate. And prints are a perfect way to make swapping out your art easy and affordable. You can completely reinvigorate a dull room with such a simple addition, like this moody landscape print from Etsy.

You can add sophistication and distinction to any space easily by putting up a new set of curtains. The flax linen fabric brings softness to the room while still providing privacy.

Throw pillows and throw pillow covers can be a game-changer for a room, and they’re such a simple swap! They can bring in new pattern, color, texture, or all the above in seconds. Our editorial director has these linen covers in her home, and praises them for their luxe look (at an affordable price), color options, and softness. If you need inserts, though, you’ll have to snag those separately.