I often receive a common inquiry: “Hello Jon, I’m planning to remodel my living room. Can you give me an estimate of the budget?”
To which I respond, “A complete living room makeover typically falls in the range of $5,000 to $30,000. Anything exceeding $30,000 is considered a high-end renovation, possibly involving structural changes.”
The cost of a living room makeover or remodel depends entirely on the extent of the changes, the specific elements you choose to modify, and the quality of furniture you decide to invest in. To get a better understanding of the potential cost for your living room renovation, it’s best to break it down into different aspects. While it’s impossible to provide exact figures, I can provide some rough estimates. Keep in mind that these ranges are merely guidelines and may vary depending on factors like labor costs in different regions. However, determining furniture costs is relatively easier, and I can offer more precise ranges for that category.
Presenting this information in the form of tables will be the most organized way.
A. Breakdown of Living Room Costs
As the owner of an interior design company (JD Elite Interiors in North Vancouver, Canada), I have priced out numerous living room designs that encompass flooring, painting, lighting, furniture, furnishings, artwork, and more.
1. Furniture Cost Overview
Let’s begin with furniture costs, as they are often a significant expense in any living room makeover. The table below illustrates a range of prices for typical living room furniture items. While you may find lower prices for some items, it’s generally advisable to avoid purchasing extremely cheap furniture. Opting for mid-tier options provides the best value for money, as they tend to last longer while maintaining their appeal without breaking the bank.
Search:
Item | Low | High
—————————
Sofa | $1,200 | $8,000
Sectional Sofa | $1,500 | $8,000
Sleeper Sofa | $1,500 | $8,000
Loveseat | $1,000 | $5,000
Armchair | $750 | $5,000
Accent chair | $500 | $3,000
Chaise lounge | $750 | $6,000
Coffee table | $250 | $4,000
Ottoman (large) | $300 | $2,500
Ottoman (small) | $75 | $1,200
Pouffe | $75 | $1,200
Side table | $100 | $1,200
Cabinet | $300 | $7,000
Console table | $500 | $5,000
Bookcase (floor to ceiling) | $200 | $6,000
Floor lamp | $100 | $2,000
Table lamp | $100 | $1,500
Chandelier | $500 | $7,500
Please note that the high prices listed reflect the cost of obtaining top-quality items in each category. There are designer, custom-built, and antique variations available that can cost significantly more.
2. Cost of Decorative Items
Similar to furniture, the prices of decorative items can vary. The following table provides a realistic price range for various decorative elements. While opting for mid-range prices might seem slightly more expensive, it often results in achieving the desired aesthetic. Remember, it’s better to spend a little more than to have bare walls or empty shelves.
Search:
Item | Low | High
—————————
Wall Art (large) | $100 | $5,000
Wall Art (small) | $50 | $1,000
Vase | $50 | $500
Mirror | $100 | $1,000
Book ends | $25 | $200
Clock | $40 | $500
Plant (with pot) | $50 | $200
Decorative box | $50 | $500
Area rug (large) | $200 | $5,000
Area rug (small) | $100 | $2,500
Candles & holders | $25 | $200
Picture frames | $20 | $200
Throw pillows | $35 | $300
Throw blankets | $35 | $300
3. Flooring Costs
Once again, let’s turn to a table for the price ranges of different flooring options, including the approximate cost of professional installation. These figures are rough estimates, but they provide a good idea of the relative cost differences between various materials.
Search:
Floor Type | Material Low (per sq ft) | Material High (per sq ft) | Professional Install (per sq ft)
——————————————————————————————————-
Hardwood | $10.00 | $20.00 | $12.00
Engineered Hardwood | $4.00 | $10.00 | $10.00
Laminate | $2.00 | $7.00 | $10.00
Vinyl | $1.25 | $5.00 | $10.00
Carpet | $3.00 | $20.00 | $7.50
Tile (Slate) | $4.00 | $15.00 | $12.00
4. Painting Costs
Painting a living room involves two costs: the cost of paint and the cost of hiring professional painters. Many people choose to paint their living rooms themselves, significantly reducing the expenses. Here’s a paint cost calculator for your reference. Additionally, hiring professional painters can cost anywhere between $2 to $7 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the job. As an example, a 200 sq ft living room would cost around $1,000 for painting.
5. Custom Millwork (Built-in Shelving)
For those with a generous budget, custom millwork and lighting can be enticing options. When it comes to built-in shelving, costs can vary greatly, ranging from $100 for store-purchased options to $1,500 for custom designs using high-end materials. For a 12-foot-long wall with full custom shelving, you could add an additional $14,400 to your living room budget.
6. Custom Lighting
Custom lighting can range from as low as $500 to over $10,000. For instance, hiring an electrician to install a small chandelier might cost around $500, including the expense of an inexpensive chandelier. However, if you’re looking to install extensive custom-built lighting throughout the living room, you could spend $10,000 or more. The cost of custom lighting installation can vary significantly based on the complexity and scale of the project.
7. Window Treatments
The cost of window treatments can range from $100 to $10,000 per window, as the prices vary depending on the type and quality of treatments. Blinds, shutters, and draperies are common window treatment options. Custom floor-to-ceiling draperies, for example, can cost $5,000 or more per window, especially for larger, two-story windows. Conversely, low-cost faux wood blinds can be a few hundred dollars per window, including installation.
8. Fireplace
When it comes to fireplaces, gas and electric options are the main choices. Electric fireplaces
should not be dismissed outright, as they have significantly improved in appearance in recent years. Here are the typical costs:
– Custom gas fireplace: $4,000 to $10,000
– Electric fireplace: $1,000 to $5,000
Additionally, if you opt for custom work on the wall surrounding your fireplace, such as using stone or tile, the cost can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more.
B. Examples of Living Room Budgets (from Budget-Friendly to Luxury)
To provide a clearer picture, let’s consider three different living room budget examples:
1. Budget-Friendly Living Room Makeover
In this scenario, the living room measures 180 sq ft, and the goal is to achieve significant changes without breaking the bank. Here’s an itemized list:
– Accent wall painting (96 sq ft): Homeowner DIY, paint cost: $30
– Sectional sofa: $1,500
– 2 side tables: $200
– 2 table lamps: $200
– Accent chair: $500
– Large coffee table ottoman: $300
– Decorative items, such as wall art, vases, and mirrors: $200
2. Mid-Range Living Room Makeover
For a more moderate budget, let’s consider the following example:
– Full room painting: Hiring professional painters ($5 per sq ft for 180 sq ft): $900
– Sectional sofa: $2,500
– Coffee table: $400
– Area rug: $500
– Wall art, decorative items, and lighting: $600
– Custom built-in shelving: $1,000
3. Luxury Living Room Renovation
Finally, for a higher-end budget, we can explore a luxurious living room makeover:
– Professional painting (complex design, $7 per sq ft for 300 sq ft): $2,100
– High-quality sectional sofa: $5,000
– Custom-built coffee table: $1,500
– Premium area rug: $2,000
– Designer wall art, decorative items, and custom lighting: $3,000
– Custom millwork and shelving: $10,000
– Custom fireplace with surrounding materials: $8,000
Please note that these examples are intended to showcase the range of budgets and are not exhaustive.
In summary, the cost of a living room makeover or remodel depends on various factors, such as furniture choices, decorative items, flooring, painting, custom features, and window treatments. By carefully considering each aspect and setting a budget accordingly, you can create a living room that suits your preferences and financial capacity.