Affordable Materials You Need For A Truly Unique Home

If you want to elevate your space on a budget, there are specific materials that can instantly set your home apart. With a little creativity, these make it easy to create a designer-inspired room without spending a fortune. From DIY accent walls to the addition of a simple textile, you can choose a project that transforms the vibe of your space. Your home should feel true to you, which is why it's important to select materials that represent your unique aesthetic.

Once you've conquered your furniture, it's time to focus on the finishes that can add visual interest to your interior and take it to the next level. If you're searching for the best ways to add texture to your home decor, consider this selection of affordable options. Both natural and manmade materials can provide you with budget-friendly ways to create statement-making upgrades.

For a stylish way to add natural texture to your space, this viral curtain alternative offers a chic solution that won't break the bank. Rather than purchasing brand-new curtains, consider the power of a simple drop cloth. These large pieces of canvas are most commonly used for painting, but they're also a great way to recreate the trendy, linen-style curtain look. If you're searching for a window covering that will look modern, effortless, and cost very little, this is an excellent material to consider.

The first step is to purchase your drop cloths. Try something similar to the Green Lifestyle All Purpose Canvas Drop Cloth. If you want a more lightweight option, drop cloths are available in a range of thickness options. You can embrace the raw edge look or hem your drop cloths to your desired length. Then, sew your rod pocket by folding the fabric over itself and using a simple stitch. Another option is to simply fold over the top of the cloth and use clip-on rings to attach the cloth to the rod. 

Pole wrap can help you achieve an inexpensive wall design that "Rock the Block's" Alison Victoria totally loves. Linear wood paneling is ultra-trendy, and you can recreate this contemporary look for less with the right material. Because natural wood will match practically any interior style, this is a great way to create an organic accent wall. Another stylish way to use pole wrap is to wrap the front of your kitchen island. This hack is proof that adding a splash of natural texture will make any room pop.

There are plenty of styles of pole wrap to choose from, depending on your desired aesthetic. If you love a minimalist, relaxing look, try the Art3D Natural Bamboo Wall Panels in the raw or natural finish. Or to add a dramatic touch that won't overwhelm your space, try the store's WPC Wainscoting Panels in teak or walnut. Although they aren't technically pole wrap, the easy-to-mount slats are a sturdy option for flat areas in need of a visual upgrade.

For those who don't have a modern backsplash, there are less expensive (and easier to install) alternatives to the traditional tile approach. For an unexpected material to use as a beautiful accent, try a simple mirror. This will also help visually expand your kitchen space. Simply hang a long mirror horizontally directly behind and slightly above your sink. If the size and orientation of your backsplash won't work with a single mirrored panel, try adhesive squares like Ruomeng Home Gym Mirrors which come in a range of size options.

If you can't find a mirror that will fit your space, you can create a DIY mirror with any glass panel. This is a particularly suitable hack if you love a vintage look. For an additional boost of style, you can use a DIY technique to make it look antique using vinegar and mirror paint. Mist the entire mirror with vinegar and spray on a mirror paint like the Krylon Looking Glass in silver. Then, gently dab the vinegar and paint from various spots on the surface. This will remove the new finish, so focus on spots where you'd like it to look distressed. Finally, let it dry before flipping it over and painting the back of the mirror black.

Using fluted glass in your home comes with benefits like allowing in light while still giving you some privacy. However, custom glass pieces or windows can be pricey. Luckily, there is one material that stands out as an easy and low-cost alternative. Adhesive privacy film is a functional and attractive solution. If you want to add style to your space, reeded film will create a high-end look for a fraction of the cost. In fact, the Velimax Reeded Glass Window Film is a highly-rated product that can give you the reeded look at about a dollar per square foot.

If you're trying to decide the best place to apply your reeded film, there are a few eye-catching choices. Although windows are the most obvious option, you might not want to block your view of the outdoors. However, reeded film can also help conceal a cluttered cabinet with glass panels, creating a luxurious appearance. Another option is to apply the film to any doors that have glass grids or transparent panels. This enhances privacy and makes the door look custom.

If your countertops are looking dated but you don't have the extra funds for a stone slab, you can try a faux concrete countertop hack that looks gorgeous and won't break the bank. However, not every surface is suitable for this makeover. Wood is too flexible and porous, but materials like laminate are a preferable base. Always use mesh as a foundation before applying any primer or concrete paste. If you're concerned about longevity, a workspace or guest bathroom countertop may be a preferable surface to one that requires a higher level of resilience, like your kitchen.

First, purchase a concrete mixture like the Ecocementi Microcement Continuous Coating for Walls and Floors, and always use a sealant to ensure your new surface is waterproof. If you do decide to use the DIY cement technique on your kitchen countertops, a food-safe sealant is essential. A product like H-Seal's Concrete Countertop Sealer creates a waterproof layer that is also highly heat-resistant. 

Although paint isn't an unexpected material, it can be used in several unique ways! If your floors are looking lackluster, paint is a low-cost upgrade to consider. You can paint practically any floor in your home –- but high-traffic areas might need to be repainted sooner after wear and tear. So low-traffic areas, like dining rooms, are ideal spaces to try this eye-catching hack. Before you get started, this is everything you need to know before painting your floors.

When it comes to the design, you don't have to stick to a single shade. The beauty of paint is that it allows you to explore dynamic looks without much extra cost. A checkerboard pattern is a playful and timeless way to update your interior, but you can also experiment with more ornate patterns. If you have dated or builder-grade tiles that look boring and dull, stencils can be used to elevate them with a pattern. The I Like That Lamp Tile Stencil Set comes with several mosaic-inspired designs. Simply place the acrylic stencil over the tile and use floor-specific paint.

Beadboard is typically used on walls as molding or wainscoting, but there's also a unique way to utilize this affordable material. Whether your ceiling is damaged or you just want to add visual interest, you can cover it with beadboard for a custom look. White beadboard will give your space a modern vibe, whereas darker wood will create a more classic feel. You can explore different stains, finishes, and plank widths until you find the right style for your space.

There are a few different methods you can use to create your beadboard ceiling. The typical installation method is to use a nail gun to install planks that stretch across your entire ceiling. For an even more custom look, consider creating a grid-like pattern using 1x4s on the ceiling to encase beadboard-filled squares. If any kind of wood-based DIY seems intimidating, you can fake the look with a product like Graham & Brown's Paintable Pre-Pasted Beadboard Wallpaper.

For a super-simple way to make your space feel like your own, you can't beat peel-and-stick vinyl tiles. They are typically suitable for short-term installations, but experts say that they can last several years with proper care. Because they are super easy to install on your own, you can transform your floors or backsplash without the need to hire a pro. Just stick them over your existing tiles or other hard flooring to create a surface that reflects your unique personality.

Peel-and-stick vinyl tiles aren't just thin, flimsy stickers. They are actually vinyl floor pieces that keep their shape. For example, the FloorPops FP3926 Beryl Peel & Stick Floor Tiles are .06" thick and crafted to last. However, some comments warn against using them on very uneven foundations. Always clean your surface and ensure there is no dirt, debris, or oil, and be aware that they will not stick to non-stick paint. Don't forget that you can achieve a cleaner look when using peel-and-stick tiles with one simple addition, pre-mixed grout.