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Thrifty Master Bedroom Decor Ideas Under $200!

By Rachel

published 07/03/2025

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Refresh your dreamy space, done affordably, with my top thrifty master bedroom decor ideas under $200!

Tired of walking into your bedroom and feeling underwhelmed by its lackluster appearance? Do you dream of transforming it into a luxurious retreat without breaking the bank? But, the thought of redecorating can be daunting, right? Especially when on a budget. Fear not! In this article, we’ll explore thrifty master bedroom decor ideas under $200 that will refresh your space. Let’s turn your bedroom into a peaceful oasis through the use of secondhand finds!

Your Dream Bedroom Decor on a Budget? Absolutely!

I don’t think I’m alone when I say that the desire for a serene, beautiful master bedroom can feel so out of reach, especially when hindered by budget constraints. Or, maybe the thought of re-decorating your space is overwhelming and you have no idea where to start.

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Trust me. I’ve totally been there and know what it’s like to have a bedroom that is anything but pretty. However, over the years, I’ve been able to completely overhaul my entire master bedroom space through the use of smart thrifting strategies. I’m sharing how to achieve a personalized, chic, and serene master bedroom that feels entirely new and updated for under $200!

In this post, I’m chatting about why to thrift bedroom decor, some specific finds, styling tips, and even DIY bedroom decor.

So, if you’re ready, let’s take your bedroom from drab to fab for very little money!

Why Thrift Master Bedroom Decor? An Entire Room Makeover!

Thrifting decor of any kind, and for any room, is super thrilling. But thrifting for bedroom specific decor? That’s a real challenge but SO incredibly rewarding.

Here are some reasons as to why I think thrifting for bedroom decor is not only exciting, but essential:

Affordability & The Under $200 Challenge
- Thrifting makes it possible to buy all ‘new’ things for your space. It’s totally possible to purchase nightstands, a dresser, pillows, and decor, in great condition, for under $200.
- For me, the thought of making over my entire bedroom for under a certain amount of money made the challenge thrilling. This method of decorating also puts creativity at the forefront!
Sustainable Bedroom Style
- Sustainable and eco-friendly living is always at the heart of everything I do. So, the aspect of choosing secondhand bedroom decor is a no-brainer. It reduces waste, keeps un-necessary things out of landfills, and gives pre-loved items a second life.
Unique Bedroom Finds Add Character
- Thrifted items have personality, a storied history, and they offer one-of-a-kind style that mass-produced items simply can’t.
- By sourcing decor that speaks directly to your soul, you are inherently adding character to your bedroom that makes your sleep space feel totally ‘you’.
The Thrill of the Hunt
- Finally, it’s always about the thrill of the hunt. There is nothing like discovering an exciting find that will enhance your life, or your space, in such a special way!

Shop Similar Bedroom Decor

Thrifty Master Bedroom Decor Ideas Under $200!

When we moved into our townhome almost 10 years ago, every room needed so much help. The entire house was plagued with outdated colors, wood doors and trim that had seen better days, and just a blah feeling. There was zero style.

The bedroom was especially bland. And, might I add, ten years ago, I had no idea what my interior design style was. I simply used decor pieces and furniture that we had combined together after getting married. It was a hodge-podge of accumulated wares…nothing felt cohesive.

However, it took the better part of five years to actually get this space (kind of) up to par. Initially, we made super small tweaks because, at the time, money was very tight. This included things like changing the lampshades, purchasing a new comforter for the bed, and hanging a few pictures on the wall. That’s it.

Fast forward to now and it looks like a completely different room. Over the years, as I’ve honed in on my decorating style, I also found my deep love for thrifting. Some of the updates I’m sharing today are cosmetic, like paint and a DIY accent wall, but most of it is simply sourcing secondhand decor and furniture and learning how to style it in a way that makes sense for a bedroom.

So, with the help of thrifting, let’s get into how I’ve updated and made over my large master bedroom on a budget!

Paint Color- Blue Bedroom Decor

It was spring of 2020. Covid was here and we were all at home. Remember that?!

I decided it was a good a time as any to finally paint the walls in the bedroom! Since blue is a very calming color, hubby and I knew we wanted to do blue walls. Makes sense in a bedroom, right?! So, off to the hardware store I went, mask and all. I ended up coming up home with two gallons of the prettiest blue paint I’ve ever seen.

Our bedroom is pretty big, so it took almost four full days to paint the walls. I loved how it turned out then and still love it just as much now, 5 years later.

So, if you can only do one small thing in a bedroom, paint goes such a long way. For only about $50, this paint completely changed the look, and feel, of the space.

Bedroom Wall Decor- Thrifted Art

To make the bedroom space feel special and one-of-a-kind, I’ve decorated the walls with thrifted, vintage art. I mean it when I say that you cannot find this type of character-rich art anywhere else.

I’ve sourced each piece of art from my local thrift store for just a few dollars each. I never grow tired of it. Vintage art is timeless and gives off the coziest vibes, which is what you want in a bedroom space!

When sourcing art at thrift stores to use in a bedroom space, here are a few tips:

Look for framed prints, mirrors, or vintage paintings. Try and coordinate the paintings with the colors already in your room.
Purchase unique frames that can be repurposed for new art.
For a decor statement, gather different types of art or mediums to create a unique gallery wall.
Try and choose art that can be kept up all year round so that you don’t have to constantly change the bedroom decor.

Vintage Lighting for Bedrooms

Soft, cozy lighting is so important in a bedroom space. Harsh or overhead lights just won’t cut it in my book! I used to be annoyed that the builders of these townhomes didn’t install overhead lights in the bedroom, but now I love that.

In my bedroom, I have four vintage lamps. That’s it. I’ve thrifted all of them, on separate thrifting trips, paying no more than $20 per lamp including the shade!

They are all spaced equally apart throughout the room, allowing for the light to be dispersed evenly, so it never feels too dark. There is one lamp on each nightstand on either side of the bed, one lamp on my dresser, and a smaller accent lamp on top of the curved cabinet.

In total, I’ve spent just $38 on all four bedroom lamps!

When thrifting for bedroom lamps, here are a few tips:

Look for unique lamps, either table lamps or floor lamps, that coordinate with your bedroom decor. If you already have a lamp base that you like, you could opt for thrifting a different shade for it such as linen, glass, or pleated.
Crucial Note: Before purchasing any secondhand lamp, check the wiring! If you’re not sure that it’s safe to use, or think it needs to be re-wired, you could either have it professionally inspected or purchase a lamp wiring kit.

Thrifted Furniture

Let’s talk the big ticket items in a bedroom…furniture. This includes things like nightstands, headboard, dressers, wardrobes, etc…

One would think that these larger pieces are expensive and take up most of the budget but hear me out. You can thrift bedroom furniture for such inexpensive prices, and, in some cases, can even find them for free!

I’ve had my dresser for a very long time, which I purchased at a re-sale shop over 15 years ago. At the time, I think I paid $60 for it. I loved that it was already re-finished, painted, and ready to go. I love the gray color and pretty hardware on it just as much now as I did back then.

This just goes to show you that vintage pieces are timeless, you guys!

If you’ve been around for a while, you might remember the saga that was my vintage headboard. If you haven’t read that post, you can read about it here. For the sake of time, I’ll just say that I found it for FREE on Marketplace and re-finished it. You just can’t beat free!

As for the nightstands, these are the only two items in my entire bedroom that I purchased new. However, they used to have dark wood tops. I didn’t care for the color so, again, during Covid, I painted the tops white and distressed the edges with sandpaper. I also changed the knobs on the drawers to make them feel more vintage-y.

By simply using some paint, I took these pretty blue nightstands up a notch and have never looked back!

When sourcing bedroom furniture secondhand, keep these ideas in mind:

See beyond what a piece currently looks like. Buy solid wood pieces that could be updated with a fresh coat of paint or new hardware.
Get creative! Wooden crates, vintage suitcases, or small wooden stools can serve as nightstands, too!
Estate sales or garage sales are often gold mines when it comes to bedroom furniture. You may even get a bundle deal if you buy multiple pieces!
Think outside the box. Does a curio cabinet usually go in a bedroom? No. Can it? Absolutely!

Decorative Accents

Let’s chat decor. Small decor items and vintage accents are my favorite items to thrift for a bedroom space on a budget. These pieces help to tie the space together, like a cherry on top of a sundae, and are endlessly fun to hunt for!

Some of my go-to decorative items that can be easily found at thrift stores include:

Vintage Vases & Planters: Look for unique shapes, colored glass, ironstone, or ceramics. Faux plants or flowers look stunning in those vessels.
Trays & Bowls: Vintage trays can be used for organizing bedside clutter or holding jewelry.
Books: Source antique hardcovers for styling on a dresser or adding height to bedroom vignettes.
Figurines & Small Sculptures: Vintage figures can be added to a bedroom shelf display to infuse personality.
Mirrors: Hunt for small, decorative mirrors that can be hung here and there to bounce light.
Baskets: Large or small, baskets can be utilized for decor as well as storage. Baskets also add texture and warmth to a bedroom.

Decorative accents give a bedroom space that personal feel. When I styled the wall shelf that hangs on the wall above my dresser, I wanted to include decor that meant something to me.

I added sentimental items such as our wedding photo, a Boston terrier figurine for Tilly, a wooden sculpture that we were gifted for our wedding, and memorable ephemera such as a jar full of sea glass that I’ve picked up on various trips to the North Shore.

Make your bedroom a reflection of you…your life, your stories, your interests, and the things that you love.

Thrifty Textiles: Linens, Curtains, and Bedding

Just like furniture, beautiful linens and textiles can also be found secondhand for an affordable price. I know that, for some, buying used linens and/or bedding might be gross. But! Most of the time, you can launder found textiles so that they are fresh and basically like new.

Besides that, I’ve come across plenty of brand new sheets, towels, and curtains at thrift stores for 75% of the store price. So, don’t knock thrift stores for textiles because there are plenty of brand new items to be found.

In my master bedroom, I use a ton of textiles. A vintage quilt can be found on the bed for summer, lace linens and doilies grace the tops of my nightstands and a vintage eyelet table runner spans the length of my dresser.

Basic textiles, such as curtains, throw pillows, and bedding, have all been either thrifted or purchased on sale from home stores such as Ikea.

When thrifting for bedroom textiles, here are a few handy tips:

Keep an eye out for duvet covers, throw pillows or throw pillow covers, brand new bedding, or decorative throws. Make sure to wash all items thoroughly in warm or hot water.
For a neutral and timeless feel all year round, look for natural fibers such as cotton or linen.
If are one who likes to switch out decor consistently, my advice is to purchase high quality throw pillow inserts and thrift throw pillow covers. That way, you won’t need to store a million throw pillows, only covers!

Easy DIY Bedroom Decor for Couples

Finally, if you are a handy person or one who likes to work on projects, I’ve got a few up my sleeve!

DIY bedroom decor is extremely satisfying and worthwhile. When you create something with your own two hands, especially in a bedroom when you see it everyday, it’s super gratifying! And, if you can source materials for cheap, or free, that’s even better!

Thrifty DIY bedroom decor can include:

Create an accent wall! In our bedroom, we made a ‘shiplap’ accent wall using old wood fence boards from my in-laws yard.
Paint. Paint goes such a long way for anything…walls, furniture, frames, etc…
Thrift flips! If you see a quality item at a thrift store that needs some help, such as a table, bring it home and make it your own. Paint it, stain it, distress it, change the hardware, put new legs on it, etc…

Styling Your Thrifted Master Bedroom Decor Like a Pro

Once you have sourced all your decor and furniture (yay you!), it’s time to style it all and put it all in place. This is where all your hard work and budgeting comes together and totally pays off!

Here are some styling tools and tips to keep in your back pocket:

Mix Old and New
- Blend old and new elements by having a nice balance of both. Have a new nightstand? Place a vintage lamp on top. Have a thrifted dresser? Style it with a new mirror.
- When mixing old and modern items, even out the look by using similar textures and materials such as wood or linen.
Create Cohesive Looks with Thrift Finds
- Choose a simple or more neutral color palette to tie disparate thrifted items together.
- Create themed vignettes on nightstands or dressers.
Bedroom Vignette Ideas
- Stuck on how to create a bedroom vignette? Here are a few examples: 1) Group a vintage lamp, a stack of old books, and a small vase on top of a dresser. 2) On a nightstand, style a vintage tray with a grouping of perfume bottles and a ring or trinket dish.
Layer Textures for Comfort
- Layer thrifted throw pillows, blankets, and duvets for a warm and cozy feel. You can even switch out textiles for the seasons, too, such as swapping out a fleece blanket for a cotton quilt in the summer months or switching throw pillow covers from floral in summer to plaid in the fall.
Personalize Your Sleep Sanctuary
- Select items that genuinely resonate with you, making the space uniquely yours.
Re-Use Existing Items and/ or Re-Arrange
- For a free decorating option, try either re-using items in a different way or re-arrange your bedroom for a completely new look!

FAQ’s on Bedroom Decor

Before we close, I wanted to touch on a few popular questions that come up when inquiring about bedroom or master bedroom decor, in case you have the same query.

How to decorate a bedroom on a budget?

Go thrifting, shop your house to re-use items you already have on hand, move decor from one room to another, or simply re-arrange the layout.

How to make a bedroom look more expensive?

Frame art you already have using vintage thrifted frames (such as gold or brass), use soft lighting from vintage lamps, or hang lace curtains.

How to transform a boring bedroom?

Paint goes a long way! Choose a calming color that speaks to you or makes you feel peaceful. Grab some paint swatches from the hardware store and hang them on the wall in your room for a few days before choosing.

Another way would be to place an area rug on the floor or switch up your sheets for a fun, chic pattern.

Closing Tidbits on Thrifty Master Bedroom Decor Ideas Under $200!

Through these thrifty tips, I truly hope you can see that achieving a beautiful master bedroom on a budget of $200 is entirely possible with thrifted decor! It’s my goal that you are inspired to embrace the thrill of the hunt, go thrifting, and really feel the satisfaction of creating a bedroom space that is stylish, functional, and deeply personal.

Ready to start your own master bedroom refresh? Head to your local thrift store this weekend! And, once you do, share your amazing finds in the comments below.

Be encouraged to thrift your way to a peaceful and restful bedroom space, one thrifted find at a time.

Leave me a comment! Do you like to decorate your bedroom with affordable finds? I love hearing from you!

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If you are new here, I’m Rachel, the writer and content creator here at The Antiqued Journey. I’m so happy to have you! I encourage you to stop by the ‘about me’ page to get to know me a little more.

Here on the blog, you will find loads of inspiration for decorating with vintage and antique decor, simple DIY crafts and many thrifting adventures. If that interests you, I invite you to sign up for my e-mail. You will receive a free digital download as a thank you!