3 Tips for Building a Set on an Extremely Low Budget
- Laura K-P
- Oct 1
- 2 min read
With the release of a movie I worked on coming to the Michigan Theater in October (more soon), I wanted to share some of my favorite strategies for building a multi-room set without breaking the bank!
1. Reuse Set Walls for Multiple Spaces Plan to repurpose your walls whenever possible. A few small changes can transform one set into a completely different space:
Paint or add removable vinyl
Hang shelves or swap out wall photos
Rotate the walls (if using windows or door)
Dress to the camera, including using partial walls if possible
Adjust color schemes and lighting (talk with your Director of Photography!)
Even small details can create a sense of a new environment without building entirely new walls.
2. Use Public Domain and Free Images Decorating your set doesn’t have to be expensive. Many images over 100 years old are in the public domain and can be reproduced freely.
Remember to check each image’s terms.
Great resources include:
For large prints, using an architectural plotter printer can save money, especially for background textures. For hero images or centerpieces, invest in higher-quality prints.
Thrift Shop finds for the feature film "The Toast"
3. Thrift Shop Like a Pro
Thrift shops can be goldmines for set materials, especially outside of LA, Chicago, or NYC. In Detroit, I’ve found:
Furniture, windows, and large props at Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Hidden gems in local thrift stores—sometimes the perfect piece isn’t obvious at first glance so make two or three circles of the store. And remember that sometimes the best pieces fit form over function, especially for background elements.
Bonus: if you don’t have storage space, many of these materials can be donated back after the shoot.
Building a set on a shoestring budget is all about creativity, resourcefulness, and planning. With a little ingenuity, you can make a space feel full and lived-in without spending a fortune.
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