How to Decorate a Room from Start to Finish

Decorating a room is a refreshing and rewarding project. However, it can also be super overwhelming. Over the years, I’ve developed a series of steps to make the entire process run smoothly. Of course, some things vary in each space, but here are some easy steps you can follow to decorate a room from start to finish.

Take Stock of the Situation

I know, it’s no fun to start out thinking of money. But, trust me, this will make a world of difference. If you’re keeping it under a few hundred dollars, you’ll want to look for some budget friendly updates and spend only on items that make a big difference. 

Measure & determine what cannot be changed.  Take accurate measurements of the room, including the walls, ceiling, and floor. This will help you choose the right size furniture, rugs, and decor.

which wall paint color should i use?

I will always vote for neutrals! Read my Neutral Wall Paint Guide for exact paint colors and examples.

Create a Vision

This. Is. So. Important. 

I know this can be tricky but if you do nothing else on this list, do this one.  Creating a vision (whether it’s a pinterest board, a room design board, notes in a journal, or just an image stamped in your mind) is crucial to decorating a room. 

Why? Well, without it, you’ll just end up going in circles. “Maybe I like these curtains. Oh wait, what about pillows? Do those need to match the rug? And the floor?! I hate the floor, what can I do about that? If I change it, what color of paint? And then does that go with the….curtains…?” 

See? It’s a vicious cycle and usually the point when my best friends send me an SOS text. 

Spend some time imagining how you want the space to function and how you want it to feel. 

Select Furniture & Decor

To decorate a room, start with the main pieces. This includes large furniture, rugs, and artwork.

Make sure they are all proportionate! This is a great time to use sizing charts like my art print guide and my rug sizing guide which help choose size and proportion.

My Woven Wood Shade Guide, List of 6 Neutral Rugs , and Wall Art Alternatives can help choose these anchor items.

Consider the lighting in the room. I like to include a variety of light: natural light from windows, room lighting (like a flush mount light fixtures or chandelier), ambient lighting (soft back lights), and task lighting (like a bedside or reading lamp).

And pretty please – make sure you use soft warm white bulbs not bright white or daylight – these will have a cold, blue cast! I like to refer to a lightbulb temperature chart to get a good idea of how a bulb impacts the mood of a room.

Check out all my Lighting posts for more inspiration and sources.

Ok, it’s starting to all come together now! Now it’s time to add the smaller decor items such as throw pillows, plants, candles, vases, and baskets to add your personality and soften any edges.

How do i add small decor items?

Instead of thinking of decor of just putting stuff places, I like to see decor as finding solutions. I’ll include some common decor items and how I use them strategically:

Check out my Shelf Decor Roundup for my go to decor pieces perfect for styling.

Revise the Space

Don’t stop just now! Editing is the best part. This is where you make those final changes that make all the difference. 

Right near the end of a styling a room, I like to step back and take another photo. From there, I usually remove one piece of decor or adjust the placement of a frame, rug, or plant.

After that? Sit back and enjoy your freshly decorated room!

more room inspiration

• Mid-Century Modern Living Room
• Minimal Farmhouse Living Room
• California Casual Dining Room
• Small Home Office

While these steps work well for decorating a room at any point, if you’re looking to sell, be sure to check out my Home Staging Tips for Successfully Selling Your Home or if you’re going through a transition, be sure to read Decorating After Divorce.