In this article: Want a farmhouse master bedroom but working with a tight budget? Below are six practical ways to save money while creating a modern farmhouse bedroom you’ll love.
After several previews, I recently revealed our new Modern Farmhouse Master Bedroom. I’m following up here with the full details and budget breakdown so you can apply these ideas to your own makeover.
I’ll be direct about money—renovations don’t need to be expensive to be beautiful. This room was completed on a very modest budget, and the result feels fresh and intentional. If you think a small budget should stop you from starting, think again.
Six practical ways to save money on a farmhouse bedroom makeover
1. Define a feature wall with paint
I considered shiplap or a dramatic wallpaper treatment, but the cost for the exact wallpaper I wanted was prohibitively high—about $195 per roll—so I chose paint instead. A single bold paint color gives the same focal effect for a fraction of the price.
Paint used: Sherwin-Williams Silver Strand (~$50 CAD). The remaining walls are Simply White by Benjamin Moore (~$50).
2. Use furniture creatively for closet organization
Built-in closet systems are great, but they can be costly. For now I painted the closet, arranged existing furniture inside, and added decorative items from my stash. It’s a functional, attractive solution until I decide to invest in a permanent system.
Paint: leftover Sherwin-Williams Silver Strand. Accent: bird jewelry tree by Torre & Tagus.
3. Spend on pieces you love; save elsewhere
It’s tempting to cut corners on every item, but some things are worth investing in. I experimented with bargain fabric for throw pillows, but they didn’t read well in the room. Later I found two sets of pillows at a discount store that perfectly matched my color palette and instantly lifted the whole design.
Source: Two gray trellis pillows by Envogue plus two small rectangular pillows from Winners (~$50 total).
4. Buy sample-sized paint for smaller projects
For the dresser and headboard, I purchased sample-size cans of paint—enough for small furniture projects and much less expensive than full cans. I still have leftover paint for touch-ups or future projects.
Paints used: Alabaster (Sherwin-Williams) for the dresser and Urbane Bronze (Sherwin-Williams) for the headboard. Both were purchased as samples on sale for around $17 total.
5. Take your time shopping for decor
Patience pays off. I rarely buy decor at full price—clearing sales and discounted finds furnished most of this room. Waiting for the right deal allowed me to get the look for much less.
Decor finds: set of three mirrors from Winners (~$9), large gold clock from Winners (~$16), tin cup holder bar from Ikea (already owned), driftwood side table handmade by us.
6. Repurpose and reimagine items you already own
Sometimes the best pieces are things you already own. I dug through the garage and pulled items that had been used elsewhere in the house. With a fresh placement they felt new again and saved us from buying replacements.
Textiles and accessories: bedspread and shams from Superstore (purchased previously), striped throw made from clearance canvas at Fabricland, curtain rod from Ikea (old), curtains from an older purchase.
TOTAL BUDGET: $192.00
Small changes, smart shopping, and reusing what you already own can deliver a modern farmhouse master bedroom without a big budget. Focus on a strong feature wall, pick a few key pieces to invest in, and find creative ways to repurpose items—your space will look considered and cozy for far less than you might expect.
