7 spring decor swaps to refresh your home on a budget

Claire Hoppe, BHG.com on Mar 25, 2025

Out with cozy winter neutrals and in with the fresh colors and patterns of spring. As you tackle your spring cleaning checklist, you might be tempted to refresh your space as well — but buying new decor for each season can get pricey. Instead of going on a spending spree for new spring decor, swap out smaller accent pieces to make your space feel new and exciting.

Curating your own collection of seasonal swaps will save you time and money for years to come. When the next season rolls around, simply swap these items out again and enjoy a new space. Follow this simple guide to easy decor swaps that will give your home a fresh look for spring.

1. Use fresh duvet covers and sheets

Swap out your heavy quilt and flannel sheets for a lighter set. Choose a sheet set in a more breathable fabric (cotton and bamboo are best for cooling and moisture-wicking) to prepare for warm spring nights. Using a zipper or button-up duvet cover is an affordable way to get the look of a new comforter without investing in a whole new bedding set. To complete your bed’s spring look, trade in winter’s chunky knit blankets for a lighter throw blanket to drape on the end of your bed.

2. Swap out lampshades

Swapping out an old lampshade for a fresh new one can change your lamp’s entire look. When shopping for a new lampshade, first choose a shape and size according to what fits the body of the lamp. Next, look for colors and textures that can be found elsewhere in your home to create a cohesive look. Lampshades are also easily customizable: You can use fabric glue or hot glue to adhere embellishments or ribbon around the shade’s trim for a personalized upcycling project.

3. Switch up framed artwork

Switching out artwork might seem like an obvious choice, but updating your gallery wall can completely change the feel of a space. While winter might call for more holiday-esque graphics and subtle photos, spring calls for lighter and brighter pieces. Swap out black and white photos for colorful art prints and bold graphics. To make this swap even more budget-friendly, download and print out free public domain art to fill your frames.

4. Add new covers to throw pillows

Instead of buying new throw pillows for your couch and bed each season, build a collection of four to five zip-up pillow covers that can be swapped out during the year. This way, you’ll have four different pillows for the price of one. Use muted neutral tones for the fall and winter and opt for playful pastels and patterns for spring and summer. Plus, since you’ll just be reusing one pillow insert, you won’t have to worry about storing extra pillows during the off seasons.

5. Swap out place settings and centerpieces

Few decor pieces beat a beautifully-set table. Swap out winter-theme pinecone and evergreen centerpieces for a collection of fresh flowers, floral linens, and bright dishes. If faux florals are more your style, place a handful of stems in a vase halfway filled with water to aid in the illusion of real flowers. While you’re at it, thrift a pastel tablecloth and placemats that can last you from spring to summer.

6. Change up your coffee table books

One of the simplest ways to refresh your living area is by switching up your coffee table decor. Stack a few colorful books and place a coordinating accent piece on top to tie the space together. Colorful trays or bowls make excellent TV remote holders and serve as a catch-all for items that might otherwise clutter the space.

7. Use a new scent

While home fragrances technically aren’t home decor, they can drastically affect your home feels. Retire your cozy winter candles for the season (even though we do love cinnamon spice and warm vanilla) in favor of springtime fragrances. Set the mood of your space with scents like fresh linen or ocean water. Or, open up your windows on a sunny day and let the fresh air in.

(Better Homes and Gardens is a magazine and website devoted to ideas and improvement projects for your home and garden, plus recipes and entertaining ideas. Online at www.bhg.com.)