How to Get Chic Minimalist Style on a Budget

Covetable design doesn't need to break the bank.

When it comes to covetable design styles, few have captured our hearts quite like minimalism. This undeniably chic aesthetic celebrates functionality, clean design, and high-quality pieces – what's not to love?

But while having "less stuff" is at the core of minimalism, that doesn't mean this chic aesthetic is necessarily affordable. In fact, when executed well, it looks anything but affordable (hello Quiet Luxury).

So how can you achieve this refined look on a budget? With a little bit of planning for how you use your space, by being selective with your choices, and embracing high-quality items that will stand the test of time, you can create a harmonious and minimalist space that can positively impact your well-being and overall quality of life – without breaking the bank.

Declutter and simplify

Clutter is the enemy of minimalism, and in order to achieve this aesthetic you'll need to start by taking a hard look at what you already have. If you have lots of stuff, it's time to cull any unnecessary items, furniture, and decor.

If you don't love or haven't used something in over a year, it's worth considering whether you really need it. This provides a great opportunity for you to make some money. Hop on Facebook Marketplace, E-bay, or Gumtree and get selling!

Neutral tones

When choosing a colour palette, sticking to neutral tones of white, beige, grey, and black will create a clean and timeless foundation for your minimalist furniture and decor. Too many clashing colours and patterns won’t give you the zen ambience that people love when it comes to minimalism.

Opt for high-quality pieces

Minimalism encourages you to be mindful of everything you bring into your home. But minimally-designed furniture can be expensive – now is a good time to use any of that cash you pulled from selling your items!

Choose wisely and invest in a few high-quality, versatile furniture pieces, rather than filling your space with inexpensive items. Look for durable pieces that will last longer and maintain their style so you will love them for years to come.

It's all about quality over quantity and buying once and buying well. Consider shopping secondhand for furniture, decor, and other household items – many mid-century pieces have been created with materials that are high-quality and durable like teak.

Negative space is your friend

Embracing negative space is key to minimalism, and it won't cost you a thing! In allowing for free space within your home, you will open it up, encourage flow, and create a sense of calm. This idea works particularly well for smaller homes.

Just because there's an empty corner, free floor space, or bare wall doesn't mean it needs to be filled! In embracing negative space you will also be better able to highlight the beautiful furniture and decor in your home.

Strategic lighting

Lighting has the power to enhance the overall aesthetics of a minimalist space. Thoughtful lighting creates depth and height, and can highlight architectural features, focal points, or carefully chosen decor items.

If you are lucky enough to have lots of natural light, allowing that to lift up a room is fantastic. For artificial lighting, place fixtures and existing lamps strategically to maintain balance and harmony in the room. Avoid overcrowding with too many different styles of light.

Maximise your space

As far as the culling process and choosing furniture/decor for your home, opt to keep/buy pieces that serve more than one purpose. You'll end up spending less money and also freeing up space to keep the minimalist aesthetic. This could mean selecting a coffee table with storage space or using a dining table that will double as a workspace.

Ditch the TV for a projector

TVs do little to enhance the aesthetic of a space. If your home is small and you already feel as though there is a lot going on within, consider ditching your TV for a projector. This will free up a wall and give your living room a more minimal aesthetic.