Living and dining room renos for every budget

Living rooms and dining rooms are the social hubs of the home, and places to unwind at the end of the day, so it’s important that these spaces are comfortable and welcoming to guests.

If you’re looking to give your living and dining area a refresh, there are plenty of ways to improve the appeal and function of these spaces. Read our guide for ideas for living and dining room freshen-ups that suit every price range.

How much does a living or dining room renovation cost?*

Renovating a living room or dining room costs between $7,000 and $15,000 on average, but this will vary depending on the size of the space, what work is being done and the quality of materials you choose.

• A living room makeover that only involves minor changes, like repainting walls and replacing carpets and furniture, can cost under $12,000.
• For major renovations, such as replacing flooring, buying quality furnishings and making structural changes, expect to pay anywhere from $15,000 to $50,000.

A dining room or living room remodel may involve hiring multiple tradies, who may charge hourly rates or quote a flat rate for your project. Compare quotes from local services on hipages to help you plan your renovation budget and choose the best people for the job.

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Factors that affect living and dining room renovation costs*

How much your dining room or living room renovation costs will depend on the scope of the work, specifically:

• How large the space is
• What jobs are being carried out
• How many tradies you need to hire
• The type and quality of inclusions

A cheaper living area makeover may involve repainting walls, replacing old carpeting and buying some new furnishings. A more expensive renovation may involve buying new living room or dining room furniture, installing a smart home system or other electronics, or making structural changes, such as knocking down a wall to make an open-plan space.

Where you live could also affect prices for materials and labour, as market rates vary across Australia.

Buying new living room furniture? Make sure there’s enough seating for your household and guests and that the pieces match your home and your taste.

How long will a living room or dining room renovation take?

Renovating a living area generally takes less time than a kitchen or bathroom, though this depends on how much work is being done.

Most renovations are completed in less than a week. If you’re just updating furniture and furnishings, it could even be a one-day project. However, knocking down walls and other major renovations can take longer.

Who do I hire for a living or dining room renovation?

You may need the services of a number of local professionals to plan and carry out your living and dining room makeover. Depending on what jobs are being done, these may include:

• A painter or interior decorator to refresh the look of your living space
• An interior designer for advice and help selecting furnishings and materials
• A furniture designer to create bespoke living and dining room furniture
• A renovation builder for structural work
• A licensed electrician to install and replace lights and other fittings

Licensing requirements for some trades can vary, depending on where you live. Check that your tradie has the relevant licence and experience and ask to see examples of their previous work to make sure they’re the right people for the job.

Some interior designers and decorators may offer a free initial consultation, so you can discuss your ideas and decide whether they’re right for your project.

Your dining table is the centrepiece of your room. Pair with a sideboard for a stand-out feature and practical storage.

Budget ideas for living and dining rooms

If you’re not buying all-new furniture or altering the structure of your home, it’s possible to remodel a living room and dining area on a low budget. Here are some cost effective ideas for simple home improvements to update and refresh your living space:

• Rearrange and declutter – You could give your living and dining areas a new lease on life without spending anything by clearing away unsightly clutter and rethinking furniture arrangements to suit your lifestyle.
• Paint walls and furniture – A new coat of paint can change the feel of a room and make old furniture look good as new. An accent wall can help to define a dining area in an open-plan space.
• Update window treatments – Replace old blinds or curtains with stylish and functional Roman blinds, drapes or patterned window film to reflect your personality and ensure privacy.
• Add a touch of nature – Real or artificial plants add colour and texture to living spaces, whether used as a centrepiece for tables, freestanding in pots or hanging in an unused corner.
• Personal décor – While it’s best to avoid cluttering your space, attractive or meaningful items can add interest to a room, and framed art or photos can add colour and a personal touch to walls.
• Dining bench – If you don’t have the space or the budget for a full set of dining chairs, save money by buying a bench loaded with cushions. This is a practical alternative for a smaller dining nook.
• Boost lighting with a mirror – Hanging a mirror is simple trick to enhance light levels and make a small room feel more spacious, especially when it’s reflecting a pendant light or chandelier.

Quality living and dining room fittings – what to look for

It’s important to be mindful of your budget when planning a renovation project, but you’ll also want to be sure that your new furniture and fittings will last. This can involve choosing materials and styles that are high quality and aren’t likely to go out of date.

Well-built timber furniture can last for generations, while veneer offers a more affordable and still durable alternative, and metal furniture can suit period and contemporary homes. Here are more tips for choosing high-quality furniture and fittings that will stand the test of time:

• Lounge suites – If you’re buying new living room furniture, make sure there’s enough seating for your household and guests and that the pieces match your home and your taste. A modular sofa will give you the flexibility you need for a small space, while a recliner chair can be the ultimate in comfort.
• Entertainment units – A customised media centre will keep your TV, stereo, game consoles and other entertainment and electronics safe and accessible, while also being a feature of your living space. An electrician can advise you about adding power points or setting up a smart home.
• Coffee tables – Sometimes overlooked, a coffee table is a practical everyday item and a must for entertaining. Round coffee tables can be less intrusive for small living rooms, and extending options can give you more space when needed.
• Dining tables – The centrepiece of the dining area, dining tables are traditionally rectangular, but they can also be round or extendable/folding to save space. As a rough guide, each diner should be given at least 50cm of space.
• Dining chairs – Dining chairs are available in a range of styles. High-backed chairs have a formal look and are better suited to larger rooms, while low-backed chairs or bar stools are more casual. If you prefer carver chairs (with arms), you should leave another 10cm of space per diner.
• Sideboards, bars and buffets – A sideboard or credenza can be a stand-out feature and practical storage for a larger dining room. For a smaller area, a buffet or bar can give you the storage you need.
• Lighting – Lighting in living and dining rooms should be relaxing and should not overwhelm the space. Dimmers will give you total control over light levels, while floor and table lamps provide ambient light. In dining rooms, hanging lights or a chandelier can set an intimate, opulent atmosphere.

What regular maintenance jobs are needed for living and dining rooms?

Living rooms and dining rooms are low-maintenance rooms of the home, generally only needing regular cleaning. A local cleaning service can help you keep on top of cleaning and maintenance, as well as being on call if you need a deeper clean or stain removal.

What are common repair jobs are needed for living and dining rooms?

If living room or dining room furniture gets damaged, repairing it will usually be more economical than replacing it. The cost of upholstery repair, scratch repair and other repair services will depend on how complex the repair is.

*Average costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.