Interior Design Budgets: How Much Does it Cost to Decorate & Furnish Your Living Room?
Updated: September 2025
Think about your favourite family memories: gathering to open presents on Christmas morning, cuddling on the couch for a movie, hosting game night and laughing until your cheeks hurt.
So many of life’s small but precious moments happen in the living room.
When you decorate a living room (whether you’re starting from scratch or giving it a refresh), you’re not just choosing paint colours or picking out furniture. You’re creating the backdrop for the memories you’ll make for years to come.
Of course, you need to think about more than just your room design – you also need to consider your budget. In this article, we'll walk you through the average costs to decorate, where it makes sense to invest and how to make the most of your budget so you can love the look and feel of your living room.
And just a quick note - all prices are approximate and can depend on location, vendor, etc.
What Affects the Cost to Decorate a Room?
People will often ask me how much it costs to decorate a room, and I always have the same answer: it depends. (I know, I know. Annoying, right?!)
However, it's the truth. Your total costs can range from budget-friendly DIY to a high-end makeover, complete with interior design services.
Here’s what makes the biggest difference:
The Size of Your Living Room
This one is simple math. Bigger spaces need more furniture and decor. A compact condo living room might need one sofa, a coffee table, and a rug. A large open-concept room might need two sofas, multiple chairs, extra lighting, and a larger rug, which can double (or triple) the cost per square foot.
Your Design Style
Your style has a big influence on your overall budget. For example:
A sleek, modern look might use high-gloss finishes and unique statement lighting that cost more to source.
A modern farmhouse style might involve wood accents, shiplap, and natural textures, which can vary widely in price depending on the quality you choose.
A pared-back, minimalist approach might allow you to focus on fewer pieces, keeping your cost to decorate a living space lower.
Your Furniture, Decor and Other Design Elements
Your budget is going to largely depend on the quality of your furniture and decor. Solid wood, leather, and natural fabrics tend to cost more, while particleboard, synthetic fabrics, and mass-produced pieces are often more affordable.
Balancing your dream design with your real budget can be tricky and that’s where your interior designer comes in. We help you prioritize, source smartly, and create a space that feels exactly right for you.
What is the Real Cost to Furnish Your Living Room?
When you’re furnishing your living room, the furniture you choose isn’t just about how it looks, it's about how it functions. This is where you can expect to spend the biggest part of your budget.
Sofas & Sectionals
The heart of the living room. Budget-friendly sofas start around $2,000, mid-tier $3,000–$4,000, and high-end $7,000–$10,000+. Since you’ll use it daily, choose something comfortable, durable, and easy to clean.
Chairs & Accent Seating
Extra seating is key for flexibility, whether it’s a pair of armchairs flanking the fireplace or a single accent chair in a reading nook. Chairs are also a great way to bring in color or texture without overwhelming the space. You might spend around $500 for a simple design or $3,000+ for a showstopper.
Coffee Tables & Side Tables
These smaller pieces might not get as much attention… until you need somewhere to put your drink down. A basic coffee table might be $400, while a statement design in solid wood, marble, or metal can be $3,000 or more. Side tables can be equally important for holding lamps, books, or holding your glass of wine for you.
Media Consoles
A media console keeps your living room looking organized by housing electronics and hiding clutter (because no one needs to see all those wires!). You can get a simple one for about $1,500, while custom cabinetry or high-design pieces with built-in storage can be more than $5,000.
If we compare it to an outfit, your furniture is your clothing. It covers you, keeps you comfortable, and sets the tone for your look. However, they're not the full outfit. You need to accessorize and add some personality and flair. That's where your decor and accessories come in.
How much does it cost to add decor & accessories?
Once the big furniture pieces are in place, it’s time for the fun part. If your sofa and chairs are the clothing, your decor is your jewellery and your favourite shoes. It’s the layer that adds personality and warmth. (Plus, you can switch it up and swap out your decor without having to redo the whole room if you want a small refresh!).
Area Rugs
A good rug defines the seating area, and one of the biggest mistakes I see is going too small. Go as big as your space will allow so it connects all your main furniture pieces. Rugs usually start around $1,500, but for a high-quality wool or natural fiber rug in a large size might cost upwards of $8,000 plus.
Throw Pillows & Blankets
This is the easiest way to change the vibe of your living room without spending a fortune. Swap out your pillows and blankets for different colours or textures, and suddenly the room feels brand new. Ready-made pillows are usually $50 to $150, while custom ones can run $300 or more. Blankets can range from $100 to $500, depending on the material.
Draperies & Window Treatments
Custom drapery usually starts around $1,000 per window, depending on the fabric, size, and design details. Ready-made curtains can look fine, but custom ones are tailored to your space and your needs. You can choose features like UV liners to protect from sun damage or blackout lining for total privacy and light control. If you have the budget for it, custom drapes are an upgrade you won’t regret.
Wall Art & Mirrors
Your wall space isn’t wasted space. It's a blank canvas, and we can have a lot of fun with it. You might find a framed print for $100 or invest in an original piece or custom framing that runs into the thousands. Just make sure you find something that makes you smile every single time you walk into the room.
Lamps
What good is a beautifully decorated room if you can’t actually see it? Mix floor, table, and accent lights for both function and mood. Your budget here can range from $200 to $1,500.
How can I manage my living room budget?
It’s easy to get carried away when you’re decorating, but creating a beautiful living room doesn’t have to drain your budget. The key is finding the right balance between investment pieces and cost-conscious choices.
Not every item in your living room needs to be high-end. Spend where it counts — on pieces you’ll use every single day and that need to last, like your sofa or a quality coffee table. Then, save on elements that are easier to swap out as trends or your taste changes, such as side tables, throw pillows, or smaller décor accents.
This approach means you can decorate and furnish a room that looks pulled together without breaking the bank.
The Hidden Design Cost of Focusing on One Room
I know, this article is about your living room budget. But it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t mention the rest of your house. Because guess what? Your living room doesn’t exist by itself.
It flows into other spaces and if you design the living room without thinking about those connected spaces, you risk creating one gorgeous room that feels out of step with the rest of your home.
And here’s the budget piece most people don’t think about: working on your whole home at once is often more cost-effective. When you plan everything together, you can:
Order multiple pieces from the same vendor to save on shipping or get volume discounts.
Reuse finishes and fabrics across spaces instead of buying different ones for each room.
Make fewer “oops” purchases that you end up replacing later because your design elements can complement each other.
Bring Your Design Style to Life with EBO Design’s Full-Service Interior Design
Designing a space you love is about more than picking pretty things. We help you bridge the gap between your vision and your budget, making sure every choice works for your lifestyle, your home, and your wallet. We know where to splurge, where to save, and how to pull it all together so your home feels connected from one room to the next. Plus, with access to trade resources and a trained eye, we can help you avoid costly mistakes and make the process a lot less overwhelming.
Download our Free Furniture Costs Guide for a full breakdown of what to expect when furnishing any room. Then, if you’re ready for personalized guidance, reach out to us at hello@ebodesign.ca.
