Most homeowners spend $3,000 to $18,000 to decorate a living room, depending on the size of the room and the quality of furniture and finishes. A light refresh with a few new pieces can cost under $2,000. A full, designer-led makeover can run past $20,000.

Three things drive the price the most:

1. The size of the room. A bigger living room needs a bigger sofa, a larger rug, and more of everything else.
2. The quality level you choose. Ready-made furniture costs far less than custom or designer pieces.
3. How much you’re starting from scratch. Replacing everything costs more than refreshing paint, lighting, and a few key pieces.

How to Read the Cost Table in This Guide

The table below uses three price columns:

• Budget: Ready-made furniture, basic materials, and a light touch-up.
• Mid-Range: Good-quality furniture and finishes, some of it from a designer.
• High-End: Premium and custom pieces, often with a designer managing the whole project.

Each row is one part of the job. The Total row adds up everything above it, rounded to the nearest $100 or $500.

Living Room Decorating Cost Breakdown

In short: Furniture is almost always the biggest expense, followed by rugs, window treatments, and lighting.

Ways to save

• Spend the most on the sofa since it gets used every day, and save on smaller accent pieces.
• Buy a good-quality rug in a standard size instead of ordering a custom one.
• Use floor lamps and table lamps instead of paying to rewire for new ceiling lights.
• Paint one accent wall instead of the whole room for a similar visual impact at a lower cost.
• Add a few new pillows, a throw, and some plants before replacing anything big — it’s a cheap way to freshen a room.

What Affects the Cost to Decorate a Living Room?

• Room size: A bigger room simply needs more furniture, more fabric, and a larger rug.
• Furniture quality: Ready-made pieces cost far less than custom or designer furniture.
• How much you’re replacing: A full furniture swap costs much more than refreshing paint and accessories.
• Professional help: Hiring a designer adds a fee but can help you avoid costly mistakes.
• Location: Prices in major cities often run 20% to 50% higher than in smaller towns.
• Custom work: Custom drapery, upholstery, or built-ins can significantly raise the cost.
• Timeline: Rushing your order or install can add extra fees.

Hidden Costs Most People Forget

• Delivery, freight, and furniture assembly fees
• Sales tax on furniture and decor
• Getting rid of old furniture
• Curtain rods, hardware, and mounting supplies
• Extra paint for touch-ups or a second coat
• Professional installation for curtains, art, or lighting
• Contingency: Set aside an extra 10% to 15% of your budget for surprises.

10 Smart Ways to Save on Living Room Decorating

1. Set a budget before you start shopping. It’s easy to overspend on decor once you start browsing.
2. Splurge and save. Spend more on the sofa and rug, since they get used daily, and save on smaller decor.
3. Buy in phases. Furnish the essentials first, then add art, rugs, and accessories over time.
4. Shop end-of-season sales. Furniture stores often discount 20% to 40% during holiday weekends.
5. Reuse what you already own. Reupholster a chair or repaint a table instead of replacing it.
6. Mix high and low. Pair one investment piece with more affordable finds.
7. Try a one-room e-design package. Online design services can plan the room for $75 to $500.
8. Do the easy work yourself. Painting and hanging art can save you hundreds in labor.
9. Compare at least three quotes. If you’re hiring a designer or installer, check what’s included, not just the price.
10. Measure twice before you buy. Returns and exchanges on large furniture can be costly and slow.

Should You Hire a Designer to Decorate Your Living Room?

Probably yes, if:

• You want a cohesive, put-together look and aren’t sure where to start.
• You’re furnishing the whole room at once and want to avoid costly mistakes.
• You don’t have time to shop around and compare options yourself.

Maybe not, if:

• You already have a clear style in mind.
• You’re only making a few small updates.
• Your budget is tight — an online e-design package may be enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

What you’ll spend to decorate a living room comes down to the size of the room, the quality of furniture you choose, and how much you’re replacing. Use the table above to set a realistic budget, spend where it counts, and always keep a buffer for the extras that come up along the way.

Cost Breakdown

Cost-Saving Tips