Budget décor ideas to make the most of what you already own

There's no rule that says decorating has to mean buying something new. Try these tips to make the most of what you already have to dress up your space.

Book it

If you're staring at a fireplace that doesn't work and a pile of tomes you're no longer interested in reading, tackle both by turning your library into an interesting fireplace filler.

Bring the outdoors in

Garden stools work just as well indoors as they do on patios and porches for extra seats and drink tables.

Remove cabinet doors

Examine the inside of your cabinet boxes to determine if they are display-worthy. The insides may need a fresh coat of paint or just a good cleaning. Remove doors and fill any holes with putty and paint or stain to match the cabinet box. Display favorite dishes, utensils and cookware or large jars filled with pantry staples.

Wallpaper, fabric and wrapping paper remnants are all perfect fodder for lining the backs of boring bookcases or built-ins. Score a discounted material and start lining for an easy, instant update.

Add height with curtains

If your drapes have enough length, consider moving the curtain rod to the ceiling, which will give the room a greater sense of height. First, measure curtains to make sure they will still graze the floor if you move the rod. If you need a little extra length and your drapes currently hang by a rod pocket, invest in drapery clips, which will make the drapes hang closer to the floor.

Make over the pillows

Pillows can be pricey. If you are getting weary of yours, consider pillow covers in the same size as your existing pillows. The old pillow can act as an insert, and when zipped or buttoned into a fresh cover, no one will know that your new green pillow was once red.

Mismatch plates

Turn a hodgepodge of plates into a fun display. Use items from your own collection and scope out inexpensive companion pieces at thrift stores. Plan out your arrangement before you start hanging to avoid making unnecessary holes in the wall.

Put it on display

Whether it's a collection of shells from a beach vacation or a framed wedding invitation or birth announcement, even the simplest of items become display-worthy when they recall a special memory.

Kids' finger paintings, construction-paper creations and drawings can go in pretty frames. Plus, with the ongoing influx of artwork, you have a constant resource for changing up the gallery.

Jewelry also can add visual interest: Take baubles out of hiding and hang them along a bedroom wall on simple hooks. It will also keep them from becoming tangled.

Display favorite memories and photos in a vignette that is personal and welcoming. Get a streamlined look by using fewer photos printed at larger sizes. Use frames you have and paint them the same color for a unified display. Or invest in inexpensive, basic black frames for a polished look.

Bring a few family treasures out of the attic. Thoughtfully select one or two pieces, rather than an entire curio cabinet-full.

Anything with an interesting shape or design can be incorporated into a display. Look for objects that have commonalities, such as white finishes, to create a more unified look. If you have a large collection, rotate objects in and out, rather than displaying everything all at once, to ensure the vignette stays away from cluttered territory.