Now there's no excuse for dull decor, as we investigate six top style secrets for DIY demons on a budget...
If you've bagged a bargain with a cheap wooden dining set but it looks a bit more basic than you'd imagined, investigate the idea of wood stain or varnish. You can get some classic mahogany and pine effects in a tin - and even a simple coat of varnish can add style.
If you're feeling really adventurous, have a look at the wide range of colourful wood stains available. This is one to be a bit careful with - you don't want that fantastic aquamarine stain coming off all over a guest's lovely linen suit. Make sure you check the label thoroughly first for the type of surface the stain works best with and if you can, do a small test on an unseen area of the furniture, for example, the underside of a dining chair.
The cheapest fittings are usually the most boring. Bog standard light switches, plain white plug sockets, basic utility door-handles - the budget options tend to be dull, dull, dull. But a little attention to detail can really pep up a room. If you're decorating a child or teenager's room, fake fur fabric makes a fun cover for light switches. For a classier look, you'll only need a tiny amount of posh wrapping paper and some accurate cutting and pasting to give your fittings a unique designer look. Think carefully about the glue you choose though, or you could have a problem if you change your mind - something water-based is best.
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Need some inspiration for a dining area - however small? Check out our gallery of rooms for ideas.jpg){kind=small}
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