You really can change the look of your bedroom without spending a fortune. A little creativity can go a long way, whether it's an afternoon project or just adding a few accessories, read on to find out all about easy bedroom makeovers

Here's how to get started:

Buy a few scatter cushions in a new colour palette. You can create a sophisticated monochromatic look by selecting the same colour for each cushion but in different textures, such as raw silk and chenille. Try a romantic look with layers of pillows - large ones in the back and smaller ones up front.

A fresh coat of paint is the cheapest change you can make to a room that will also have the most impact. Remember, you don't have to repaint your entire room; you can focus on a particular area that needs renovating.

If you have older, more detailed wardrobe doors, you can paint the frame in a neutral colour and the inset in a darker colour for texture. (Another idea is to staple or glue fabric that matches your palette to the middle of the closet door so that it looks like a panel.) Painting furniture is also great way to give the room new life. Try sponge-painting a chest or giving a cabinet a faux antique finish.

Headboards can be expensive. Try creative, inexpensive ideas such as using a section of a wrought iron or picket fence bought at a flea market.

Valances make most beds look soft and sophisticated and are an inexpensive decorating investment. They come in a variety of patterns, colours and textures. Soft and neutral in colour is the most versatile and pretty. You do not want it to be a focal point, but you do want it be the finishing touch on a bed.

iVillager cl-klorden had this to share about turning a sheet into a valance: 'Buy a cheap sheet or use an old one. Then, using your mattress as a guide for a pattern, cut the sheet to the size of your bed. Gather the fabric and sew it on. It's not a difficult project, just a time-consuming one. And it takes a lot of material.'

Window treatments are easier than people think. A swag at the top of the window is cheap (depending on your fabric choice) and not too dramatic. It will really add a feminine touch to the room. You can do this with plant or bicycle hooks suspended from the ceiling. Or opt for just a blind and an inexpensive garland or floral accent at the top of the window. We also love the look of a simple rod with funky finials and ready-made unlined drapes. Ikea, Rosebys and John Lewis carry a large selection of all of these items.

You can create a bedside table with just two round pieces of plywood (one smaller than the other) and a waste paper bin. The larger piece should be used as the tabletop and the smaller piece should fit the opening of the bin. Glue the smaller piece of plywood to the bottom of the slightly larger piece. Then cover it with a ready-made tablecloth. Or cover with a neutral-coloured tablecloth and drape organza fabric (in a contrasting colour) over it. Bear in mind that you can use the bin for storage.