Ready to fall in love with barndominium living?
You know what makes these homes special? They combine the best of both worlds. Think rustic barn vibes meet modern comfort. And here’s the kicker, you don’t need to break the bank to make them look amazing.
I’ve been there. Staring at design magazines, thinking, “I could never afford this.” But barndominiums change the game completely.
You can create stunning spaces on a budget. No compromise on style needed.
So what’s coming up? We’re covering everything. Living spaces that wow your guests. Kitchens that make cooking fun again. Bathrooms that feel like spa retreats. Cozy bedrooms you’ll never want to leave. Plus decor tricks that tie it all together.
Let’s make your barndominium dreams happen without the designer price tag.
List of 23 Cheap Barndominium Interior Ideas
Complete collection of affordable barndominium interior ideas covering every room. Simple solutions that create beautiful spaces without breaking your budget.
Living Room & Shared Spaces That Feel Like Home
- Rustic Charm with Reclaimed Wood: Old barn wood tells a story. Use it for ceiling beams, accent walls, or floating shelves. Check local farms or demolition sites. You’ll save money and get an authentic character.
- Open-Concept Living Room: Here’s a secret: you already have this advantage. Barndominiums naturally offer wide open spaces. No need to tear down walls. Just arrange furniture to define different areas.
- DIY Sliding Barn Doors: Want that farmhouse look? Build sliding doors from basic lumber and hardware. They cost a fraction of traditional doors. Plus, they save space by sliding instead of swinging.
- Painted Concrete Floors: Stop right there. Before you spend thousands on flooring, consider painting your concrete. Add some texture with stencils or patterns. It’s durable and surprisingly stylish.
- Cozy Loft Space: Got high ceilings? Add a loft with simple 2×8 lumber and plywood. Perfect for reading nooks, kids’ play areas, or extra storage. Basic carpentry skills are all you need.
- Exposed Beams on a Budget: Real wood beams cost a fortune. Fake ones look just as good. Use foam beams or build hollow boxes from pine boards. Nobody will know the difference.
- Creative Room Dividers: Walls are expensive. Try hanging curtains from ceiling tracks instead. Or use tall bookshelves as dividers. They define spaces without closing them off completely.
Kitchen & Dining Area Magic
- Minimalist Kitchen Design: Paint your cabinets instead of replacing them. Remove some cabinet doors for open shelving. Clean lines and simple colors make small kitchens feel bigger.
- Farmhouse-Style Dining Table: Build one yourself or hit up estate sales. Look for solid wood tables that need some love. A good sanding and stain job works wonders.
- Open Shelving Storage Solutions: Ditch upper cabinets for open shelves. Use reclaimed wood or simple brackets with pine boards. You’ll save money and create display space for pretty dishes.
- Industrial-Style Lighting Fixtures: Pipe fixtures and metal cage lights fit perfectly here. Check hardware stores for plumbing pipes. Turn them into pendant lights or chandelier bases.
Bedroom Retreats on a Dime
- Repurposed Furniture: Thrift stores are goldmines for bedroom furniture. That old dresser just needs new hardware and paint. Vintage pieces add character you can’t buy new.
- Neutral Paint Colors: Light colors make rooms feel bigger and brighter. Stick to whites, grays, and beiges. They’re timeless and work with any decor style you choose later.
- Statement Rugs: A good rug changes everything. It adds warmth to concrete floors and defines sleeping areas in open spaces. Look for sales at home goods stores.
Bathroom Spaces That Impress
- Barn-Style Bathroom Vanity: Turn an old dresser into a vanity. Cut a hole for the sink and add plumbing. Or build one from reclaimed wood and basic lumber. Way cheaper than store-bought vanities.
- Rustic Fireplace Mantel: Add a reclaimed beam as a decorative element. Even if you don’t have a fireplace, a floating mantel shelf adds rustic charm to any wall.
- DIY Pallet Accent Walls: Free pallets make amazing accent walls. Sand them down and seal them properly. They add texture and warmth to bathrooms or bedrooms.
Smart Storage Solutions
- DIY Built-In Bookshelves: Custom built-ins look expensive but aren’t. Use plywood and basic trim work. Paint them to match your walls. They’ll look like they came with the house.
- Multi-Purpose Rooms: Make every space work harder. That spare bedroom? Add a desk for a home office. Include a daybed for guests. One room, multiple functions.
- Large Windows for Natural Light: Natural light is free once you have the windows. It makes spaces feel larger and reduces electric bills. Position furniture to take advantage of sunny spots.
Budget-Friendly Decor That Works
- Metal & Wood Mix Decor: Combine metal and wood elements throughout your space. Think iron pipe shelving with wooden tops. Or metal light fixtures with wooden accents.
- Wall Art with Farmhouse Flair: Make your own signs from scrap wood and stencils. Frame botanical prints from free online sources. Mix different sizes and styles for visual interest.
- Indoor Plants for Freshness: Plants bring life to any space. Start with easy ones like pothos or snake plants. They clean the air and add natural color to neutral spaces.
Plants are forgiving, too. Even if you forget to water them sometimes.
Affordable Barndominium Interior Design Tips
- Set your spending limit first and write down every room with assigned dollar amounts. Track expenses as you go to prevent overspending on fun stuff early on.
- Check Facebook Marketplace for reclaimed wood and visit construction sites for leftover materials. Habitat ReStore and estate sales offer great deals on fixtures and unique furniture finds.
- Paint, basic carpentry, and decorating projects are perfect for DIY approaches. Leave electrical work, plumbing, and structural changes to licensed professionals for safety reasons.
- Plan your room layouts before buying anything to avoid costly mistakes later. Measure twice and buy once to ensure everything fits your space properly.
- Start with one room at a time instead of trying to do everything at once. This helps you stay within budget and see progress without feeling overwhelmed.
- Focus on high-impact changes like paint colors and lighting fixtures first. These give you the biggest visual change for the smallest investment amount.
Conclusion
We’ve covered 23 budget-friendly ideas that prove style doesn’t require big spending. From living spaces with reclaimed wood accents to kitchens featuring open shelving.
Bedrooms that feel cozy with simple paint changes. Bathrooms that impress with DIY vanities. Plus storage solutions that work double duty.
Here’s what I’ve learned after years of budget decorating: the best homes mix DIY projects with amazing thrift finds.
That old dresser you painted becomes the perfect vanity. Those mason jar lights you made add character that no store-bought fixture can match.
Your turn now. What’s your favorite money-saving idea from this list? Have you tried any of these approaches in your own space? Drop a comment below and share your budget-friendly wins with our community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the average cost to decorate a barndominium interior on a budget?
Most people spend between $5,000 to $15,000 for basic interior decorating using budget methods. This includes paint, DIY projects, thrift finds, and essential furniture for a 1,500 square foot space.
Can I use regular home decor in a barndominium, or do I need special items?
Regular home decor works perfectly fine in barndominiums since they’re just open-concept homes. The key is choosing pieces that complement the rustic industrial style and high ceilings.
How long does it take to complete these budget interior projects?
Most DIY projects take 1-3 weekends to complete, depending on your skill level. Planning and shopping for materials usually adds another week to the timeline.
Are DIY barndominium interior projects suitable for beginners?
Many of these projects require only basic skills like painting and simple carpentry work. Start with easier tasks like painting walls or building simple shelves before tackling bigger projects.
What’s the best room to start decorating first in a new barndominium?
Begin with the main living area since it’s the heart of your home. Once you establish the overall style there, other rooms will naturally follow the same design direction.
