(Virtually) Instant Upgrades

Decorating on a budget requires that you make the most of what you’ve already got. A few coats of paint and a little fabric are all it took to spruce up the Benders’ lackluster furnishings. As for the new art on the wall, it may look like a Cy Twombly, but it cost only $28.

TV Stand Cover

1. Cut Ikea’s Anno Inez sheer floral curtain panels ($10 a panel) and white denim ($5 a yard) to match the unit’s front dimensions, and add 1/2 inch on each side.

2. Place denim on top of the sheer fabric on a flat surface. Fold back 1/2 inch on each side and iron.

3. Place pieces of Stitch Witchery tape ($3 a roll, www.amazon.com) between the folded edges. Iron again to make it adhere.

4. Attach Ikea’s Kvadrant bottom-rail kit ($6, instructions included) to the fabric to weigh it down.

5. Apply double-sided mounting tape to the inside top edge of the fabric panel, then stick it to the face of the unit.

Coffee Table

1. Flip the table over and prep the base with a latex wood primer.

2. When the primer is dry, paint the base. Apply a second coat if necessary.

3. Cut vinyl grass cloth (Blue Grasscloth Look, $19 for a double roll, www.decoratetogo.com) to the dimensions of the top and add a few extra inches on each side.

4. Place the fabric facedown on the floor, then center the tabletop on the fabric. Wrap the fabric around one side and staple it to the table’s underside. Repeat on the opposite side, keeping the fabric taut. Tuck in the corners (as if you were wrapping a gift) and secure the remaining two sides with staples.

5. Place the glass top (which can be cut to size at most hardware stores) on the table.

Chalk Art

1. Use a paintbrush to apply black chalkboard paint ($13 at most hardware stores) to a stretched canvas ($15 at art-supply stores).

2. Wait 20 minutes for the first coat to dry, then add a second coat if necessary.

3. Use chalk to create your design. And remember: You can always erase it and try again.

Bookcase

1. Remove the shelves and apply latex wood primer to the exterior and the interior.

2. Paint the inside the same color as the walls (here, Benjamin Moore China Blue Regal Matte, $41 a gallon). Paint the outside white.

3. Cut fabric (here, a linen remnant) large enough to wrap each shelf, securing it in the back with a staple gun.

4. Apply a second coat of paint. 5. Measure the front of the case. Cut three fabric panels (here, Ikea’s Anno Inez) so they overlap and cover the unit.

6. Install Ikea’s Kvadrant triple-track rail kit ($17, instructions included) to the case’s top and the top of the fabric panels.

7. Attach Ikea’s Kvadrant bottom-rail kit ($6, instructions included) to the bottom of each panel. Then hang the fabric panels by sliding them into the top of the track.