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60 Cheap Tricks Decorators Use To Make Homes Look 10x Better
Interior designers share their (sneakily affordable) secrets.
Nonexistent backsplashes, barren floors, and dull walls — some homes just need a little extra TLC to get them looking as good as possible. But if you’re trying to stick to a budget (or if you don’t know where to start), don’t worry. I’ve reached out to a few professional decorators and designers who were happy to share their favorite cheap home-decorating tricks when it comes to making any space look 10 times better. Keep scrolling for more ways to make your home look great without spending a ton of money.
1This 2-Pack Of Elegant LED Night Lights That Add Ambiance
Night lights don’t have to be purely functional — they can also add an elegant touch of ambiance to your room. This two-pack of LED night lights comes in 11 different styles — from brushed nickel with soft white light to more vibrant rainbow light hues — so you’ll be sure to find the right look for your space. Plus, you can adjust the brightness for the perfect glow.
2Cover Your Old Throw Pillows With These Cheap Velvet Covers That Only Look Expensive
Farris Wu, the founder and CEO of DecorMatters, suggests using these throw pillow covers throughout your home. They’re made from soft velvet that makes them perfect for napping — and they even come in more than 35 colors to suit any style, as well as nine different sizes.
3A 93-Slot Battery Organizer With A Transparent Lid For Visibility
Batteries rolling around in a junk drawer can be a bit haywire, but this battery organizer can help to corral the chaos — it has 93 individual slots for various batteries, plus a tester to ensure they’re actually still usable. A transparent lid allows you to easily view the batteries that you have on hand.
4This Area Rug That Looks Vintage
You don’t have to go dumpster diving for a vintage-looking rug — this one recommended by Wu is available with free two-day Prime shipping. It’s also stain-resistant, as well as easy to clean in the event of spills. Plus, you even have the choice of 12 different colors.
5A Sleek Glass Pitcher With A Locking Lid
Get rid of the OG container that your favorite beverage came in and pour it from this 68-ounce glass pitcher instead for a more elevated drinking experience — it’s also great for homemade refreshments like juices, sangria, lemonade, and more. The glass pitcher features a wide mouth for easy filling and a built-in spout for mess-free pouring. The lid actually locks in place to minimize spills. And this pick is dishwasher-safe.
6These Long Curtains That’ll Help The Room Look Bigger
If you’d like to create the illusion that your room is bigger than it is, Wu recommends hanging up these luxurious curtains that are extra long. Each panel is made from soft linen, giving them a timeless appearance. Plus, each order includes two panels. Choose from various sizes and colors in the listing.
7A Trio Of Decorative Ceramic Jugs That Jazz Up An Empty Corner
If your shelves look a little bare, don’t fret: These ceramic jugs can help fill the area while also providing a space for flowers. They were recommended by Marco Bizzley, a certified interior designer at HouseGrail, and they have a rustic touch that looks great in kitchens. Plus, each order comes with three that you can arrange however you like.
8These Blackout Curtains That Come In Tons Of Colors
Kate Diaz, an interior designer and co-founder of Swanky Den, recommends putting these blackout curtains up. They’ll help dim the room, and they’re especially great if you like sleeping in on the weekends. The curtains come in 33 different colors, as well as 13 sizes. Plus, the thick fabric can even help insulate your home.
9A Set Of Motion Sensor Lights You Can Put Almost Anywhere
Under cabinets, inside dark closets, above workbenches — Michelle Madison, an event designer, award-winning journalist, and lifestyle expert, suggests using these lights that can help brighten up your home. The best part? Each one features a built-in motion sensor so that the rechargeable battery doesn’t go to waste when no one is around.
10A Candle That’s Actually Effective At Getting Rid Of Unwanted Odors
Sure, candles are cozy and relaxing, but sometimes we need them to rid whatever horrid odors are lingering around our home. This scented candle is highly fragranced and claims to eliminate 95% of smells with a burn time of up to 80 hours. Choose from 25 different scents.
11This Chic Tablecloth That’s Resistant To Stains
Beth R. Martin, the founder at designer at bethrmartin.com, recommends using a tablecloth — like this one — to make any dining room look 10 times better. The tassels along the border give it a fresh, modern touch. And unlike some cloths, it’s also made with a layer of waterproofing that can be wiped dry.
12A Stainless Steel Kitchen Caddy To Keep Your Sink Organized
Create a space in your kitchen sink for your sponges, dish soaps, and brushes. This sink caddy easily attaches to any faucet. And because made from durable stainless steel, it's waterproof, rust-proof, and fingerprint-proof.
13These Faux Succulents You’ll Never Need To Water
If you don’t have time to water your plants on daily basis, don’t worry: These faux succulent plants — which were also recommended by Shaffer — can help bring little pops of green. You’ll never need to water them, yet they look incredibly lifelike — even when you get in up close.
14The Rug Gripper That Stops Corners From Curling
When the corners of your rugs curl up, it creates a dangerous trip hazard. Fortunately, that’s easy to fix. Stick a rug curling sticker to the bottom of the rug, at each of the corners. They will hold the corners down and secure the rug to the floor so pet zoomies don’t turn your floor coverings into chaos.
15The Luxe (Yet Affordable) Satin Pillowcases That Stay Cool`
Add a luxurious touch to your bed with these satin pillowcases. The lustrous material isn’t just silky smooth, it also stays cool to the touch all night long. Just as good, unlike with cotton, your hair will glide across the material, resulting in less hair breakage overnight.
- Available sizes: Standard, Queen, King, Body
- Available colors and styles: 37
16These Throw Pillow Covers That Offer 4 Distinct, Trendy Designs
Devan Shaffer, the lead interior designer at Decorilla Online Interior Design, recommends these throw pillow covers. One pack comes with four that each have a different design, so they can be used in one room or many. Aside from the faux leather option, they’re made from linen. Plus, the zippers are fairly hidden so that they won’t snag on your clothes.
17The Decorative Mirror With A Sunburst Frame That Adds Light To A Dark Room
DelMonico is also a big fan of this decorative mirror — and for good reason too. The sunburst frame looks great above a side table in an entryway, while the reflective center can even help bounce light around dark rooms. Choose from two finishes: gold or silver.
18These Floating Shelves With Gold-Toned Frames That Look Magazine-Worthy
Got open wall space? Madison also recommends putting these floating shelves up. They’re made from high-quality, damp-proof cedar wood, and the guard rail around the edges helps keep your things from falling off. Choose from two colors: white or brown.
19This Handy Organizer That Can Hold Brooms, Mops, & Other Tools
If you have brooms, mops, rakes, or other tools that could use a little organization, this handy holder is the way to do it — and Amazon reviewers seem to agree since this pick has a 4.5-star rating overall on the site after 55,000 reviews. The organizer mounts directly to the wall, and it has five spring-loaded grippy slots to securely hold the handles of your tools, as well as six hooks for hanging up other items. Use it indoors or out as desired.
20These Plush Throw Pillow Covers That Instantly Refresh Your Couch
If your throw pillows could use an update, Patrician recommends grabbing this stylish set of two. They’re made from an ultra-soft cotton-wool blend, with a touch of faux fur that feels oh-so plush. One reviewer even wrote “I’m so happy with how cute they look.”
21A Set Of Picture Frames That Won’t Break The Bank
Need a good set of picture frames that won’t break the bank? You can’t go wrong with this set of five that comes recommended by Martin. You can grab them in 17 different colors, as well as nine sizes. And since the covers are made from plastic instead of glass, they won’t shatter if dropped.
22A Shag Area Rug That Adds Warmth & Texture
When it comes to tying a room together, an area rug does some heavy lifting. This shag area rug won’t just create a cohesive aesthetic, it’ll also add warmth and texture to your space. It also has a non-stick backing so you don’t have to worry about it slipping around and is so soft, you just might want to curl up and sleep on it.
- Available sizes: 5
- Available colors: 10
23These Pretty Botanical Art Prints For Minimalist-Chic Walls
Sometimes soft, minimalist artwork makes the biggest impression. This set of four botanical prints can be arranged in a number of ways on your walls and match any decor. They each measure 8-by-10 inches and come without frames, so you can add any colored frame you’d like to create the walls of your dreams.
24A Set Of Flameless Candles That Are Infinitely Reusable
If you’re looking for fake candles that look extremely realistic, these flameless candles are the way to go; they can be controlled with a remote. The LED bulb flickers just like real fire — but unlike regular candles, these ones provide 350-plus hours of light using just two AA batteries (which are not included).
25A Pair Of Wall Sconces That Are Easy To Install — No Complicated Wiring Needed
Sabrina Beaumont, the interior designer and CMO at Passion Plans, recommends hanging up these wall sconces. There’s no complicated wiring needed to get them working, as each one is powered by three AA batteries (which are not included) — and you can even set a timer so that they turn on and off automatically.
26A Trio Of Woven Baskets For Cute, Cleverly Disguised Storage
Need some extra storage space in your home? Wu also recommends grabbing these woven baskets. They’re perfect for office supplies, toiletries, and more. Each one is hand-crated from 100% recyclable paper rope — and they even come in six different colors to suit any room in your home.
27This Cozy Blanket That You Can Drape Anywhere
Joyce Huston Lead Interior Designer at Decorilla, has some sage advice: “The key is to make it feel like a home. To achieve this, I like to add greenery and flowers and throw blankets over sofas or chairs, this will immediately bring life and warmth into the space.” Not only is this one of the coziest blankets you can buy, but this Bedsure faux fur throw looks so chic draped over your sofa, your favorite armchair, or at the end of your bed. This comes in a range of neutral and bright hues.
28These Solar String Lights That Are Easy To Hang
It may seem counterintuitive to focus on the outside of your house, but multiple decorators recommend you do. Kunal Trehan, interior designer and founder of Touched Interiors, says, "Ensure the exterior is well-maintained with clean landscaping, a freshly painted front door, and attractive outdoor lighting for a great first impression." These solar-powered string lights run completely hands off. Hang the 27 feet of string lights from your patio, along your walkway, or on your porch for easy lighting that wows.
29A Trio Of Glass Jars With Chic Cork Tops That Looks Expensive
Another tip from Trehan? Making sure that “all decor elements are cohesive and complement the home's overall design theme is essential." And, while your decor style may change over the years, glass is always a timeless choice. These glass storage containers look so chic on your countertop, and they can store dry goods like coffee beans, rice, or bath salts in your bathroom. Note: This is a set of three 34-ounce jars. To pick up the small jar pictured above, opt for the smallest size.
30These Cotton Towels That’ll Make Any Bathroom Look Better
It’s always a good idea to focus on the details, and Huston has this advice: "I like to add fresh towels in the bathrooms, a bowl of decorative fruit in the kitchen, and stylish coffee table books." This 100% cotton towel set is perfect for outfitting your bathroom (or guest bathroom), and comes with two full-sized bath towels, two hand towels, and two washcloths.
31A Set Of Artificial Apples That Look Good Year-Round
In keeping with Huston’s advice, setting out some artificial fruit is an easy way to bring color to your space without adding another chore to your to-do list. Getting fresh produce can be a hassle and fruit can go badly or get eaten quickly. This is a genius way to achieve the look of someone who just went to the farmer’s market, year-round. This is a pack of six apples, three green and three red.
32These Decorative Table Books That Have Hidden Storage
To combine a few of our expert’s advice, these decorative book boxes make for a great coffee table book — made even better by the fact that you can store your remotes, knick knacks, or coasters inside. Each of these books opens to reveal storage and the faux linen exterior comes in a bunch of color options to match your space.
33These Affordable Cabinet Pulls That Add A Modern Touch
Andra DelMonico, the lead interior designer at Trendey, recommends swapping out your tired cabinet pulls with these modern ones. Not only is it an easy (and affordable) way to update your kitchen, but this set in particular is also made from rust-resistant stainless steel.
34A Roll Of Self-Adhesive Moulding That Looks Professionally Installed
You don’t have to spend a ton of money to add trim throughout your walls; DelMonico recommends using this roll of moulding all over your home, and it’s only $26. Add it around mirrors to give them a stylish frame, or even put it into corners where wall meets ceiling. Plus, the back is lined with adhesive for easy installation.
35These Candle Bowls That Come In Soothing Scents & Look Chic
Kristin Patrician, the owner and principal designer of Dwelling Envy Interiors, is a big advocate for these candles that were set in dough bowls. Each one is handmade in Dallas, Texas, and they even use 100% all-natural organic soy wax that smells like lavender. There are five total scents available.
36These Storage Boxes For Your Closet Or Playroom
It’s a universal experience to accrue stuff — but that doesn’t mean it has to sit out disorganized. Trehan says, “A tidy, uncluttered room also highlights its architectural features and makes it feel larger.” So focus on tidying your space and finding a place for everything. These storage bins come with lids and handles, and are easy to stack, set out on the shelves of your playroom, or use in your closet to tuck away extra linens or clothes. This set of two bins comes in six different colors and two different sizes.
37This Storage Caddy For All Of Your Dish Gear
For those items you need to have out on your counters, tuck them away into a storage caddy like this one. There’s a place for your dish brush, sponges, and dish soap. Best of all? The stainless steel design will match any stainless steel appliances you have and look so chic.
38These Clear Vases That Are Cohesive In Your Space
A clear sculptural vase like these ones is a great accent piece for any home. Trehan says, “I always add fresh flowers and tall vases. A beautiful bouquet or well-placed vase adds warmth to a room, making it feel more inviting and vibrant.” This comes in a set of six, so you can place a few in a room or distribute them throughout your home.
39These Under-Bed Organizers For Up To 24 Pairs Of Shoes
According to Alice Moszczynski, an interior designer at Planner 5D, decluttering and organizing “is the most cost-effective way to improve the look of your home.” Sticking with her organization theme, don’t underestimate the area underneath your bed — it’s a goldmine spot for storage. This pair of under-bed organizers can each hold up to 12 pairs of shoes. The sturdy zipper, transparent window on top, and reinforced handles round out the smart design.
40A 9-Shelf Hanging System To Organize A Closet
If your closet is overflowing, Moszczynski says to “remove unnecessary items, organize what's left, and create a sense of space.” This hanging organizer will take advantage of any available vertical room. It boasts nine shelves in total — and some contain smaller bins to corral loose items. There are also mesh pockets stitched on the side for accessories.
41Task Lighting That Illuminates Your Space
Huston says, “To make it look more expensive I use a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting, this will create a warmer and more inviting ambiance, and you can also upgrade the light fixtures to add a touch of luxury.” This pack of three puck lights is easy to install in a dark closet, along your staircase, or under your cabinets for a bit of extra light. These LED lights come with a remote control so you can turn them on, adjust the brightness, or set a timer for them to go off all with the push of a button.
42A 30-Pack Of Fresh Cabinet Pulls For Under $30
Another cheap trick to make your home look way better? “Replacing outdated hardware on cabinets, doors, and drawers can instantly modernize a space,” explains Moszczynski. These matte black pulls cost under $1 each (the set includes 30 of them), and they’d look beautiful installed in a bathroom or kitchen. Other finishes and sets can be found in the listing.
43A Modern Table Lamp With An LED Light
To implement Huston’s advice and add an accent lamp, consider this modern table lamp that’s sculptural and unique. The coolest part about this lamp? Touch any part of the back frame and you can adjust the brightness to one of the three brightness settings. This also makes the perfect bedside table lamp, because it has a USB-C port for charging your phone.
44These Fresh Plants To Breathe Life Into Any Space
“Plants can add life and color to any room,” explains Moszczynski. And in addition to that, this set of three live plants helps to keep your air fresh and clean by filtering out pollutants. The specific plants that you’ll receive vary, but you can expect them to be about 8 to 10 inches tall.
45These Modern Planters For Adding Greenery To Your Space
This set of two modern planters is the perfect accent piece to house your plants. The two planters are different shapes but a uniform color scheme that looks cohesive when set next to eachother. Or, you could spread your plants out around the room. According to Trehan, one great way to make your home look more luxe is to “use tasteful, high-end accessories such as vases, sculptures, and art to add personality without overwhelming the space.” These definitely fit that bill.
46A Bamboo Plant Stand That’s Highly Adjustable
No potted plant is complete without a stand — and this bamboo one is modern in looks, but sturdy by design (with the ability to support up to 150 pounds). It adjusts in width from 8 to 12 inches and also in height by giving it just a quick flip. Pair it with any potted plant you want, though if you don't have a green thumb, “look for low-maintenance options like succulents or snake plants,” adds Moszczynski.
47This Sculptural Vase That’s Eye-Catching
To follow Trehan’s advice, opt for sculptural vases that can add personality without overwhelming your room. This ceramic vase is the perfect pick, and has a unique organic shape to it that catches the eye, cast in a neutral color (you can opt for white or black), that’s easy to style in any space. This hidden gem has earned its 4.9-star average rating on Amazon.
48This Ceramic Vase That’s A Little More Timeless
One more that’s a little more timeless? This ceramic flower vase has a stunning textural design reminiscent of your coziest cable-knit sweater. The timeless shape is easy to style in any space, and it can house a full bouquet. This white color is so chic, but it also comes in a classic black or a pale blue.
49A 20-Pack Of Eraser Sponges That’ll Clean *Anything*
Any home decorator or cleaning professional knows that a good pack of eraser sponges can go a long way when it comes to sprucing your space. With just a little water, the sponges can tackle anything and everything, and they’re safe to use on most surfaces. Use them to remove scuffs on walls, baked-on stove stains, and coffee stains on. your mugs.
50This Stylish Turntable You Can Put In A Cabinet Or Leave Out
Elissa Hall, lead designer and founder of EDH Interiors, has a few tried and true final touches she adds to any space she’s styling. She says, “The final touches often involve adding fresh flowers and carefully selected accessories that complement the space’s color scheme and style.” This wood turntable is the sort of functional accessory that looks so stylish on your countertop. Use it as a home for your cooking oils, commonly used spices, or pastries you have out for the day. It’s equally helpful inside your cabinets.
51The Privacy Film For Windows That Looks Like Frosted Glass
Add privacy and polish to your windows with this frosted window privacy film, which conveniently relies on static cling (not a drop of adhesive or glue) to stay on without leaving residue behind. The reusable clings block UV light, come in nine sizes, and cast multicolor light all throughout your space.
52This Stainless Steel Polish For A Fast Kitchen Upgrade
The fastest and cheapest way to give your kitchen an instant upgrade is by decluttering, cleaning, and polishing notoriously hard-to-clean areas like stainless steel appliances. This plant-based stainless steel polish does just that — it removes grease, dirt, and even water marks from dishwashers, ovens, and refrigerators. The cruelty-free formula cleans like a dream and won’t leave streaks behind.
53This Vintage-Looking Wall Sconce That Comes In So Many Colors & Styles
Houna Bech, professional interior designer and founder of With Houna, shares this tip: “I'll swap out boring overhead fixtures for pendant lights, sconces, and table lamps with personality. It takes a space from bland to wow.”This vintage-looking wall sconce is so stunning and comes in a bunch of different colors and shapes. While this does include wiring, some reviewers have used a built-in battery and hid the wire inside the glass for an even easier install. One reviewer says, “This light adds just the right amount of character while still looking classic. The light is very bright and works well for the stairwell where I placed it. My husband installed it in no time!”
54This Artificial Monstera Plant That’s Shockingly Cheap
Buying large plants can get pricey fast, and keeping them alive presents its own challenge. But many designers, including Bech, love styling them in spaces. She says, “I love using large statement botanicals like banana leaf plants or tall bamboo to create an oasis feel.” So for some of the “wow” factor with less of the upkeep, this artificial monstera is beautiful. The 28-inch plant is easy to place on a low shelf or in a corner, and brightens up any space. For $19, it’s a total steal.
55These Space-Saving Storage Bags
Hall’s first piece of advice? “The first step in staging a space is to declutter,” she says. And, while it can be painful to part with things in the name of minimalism, sometimes you can just pack them away and out of sight. These space-saving vacuum storage bags are perfect for that job, and can shrink down to 20% of their original size in order to store more linens, soft items, or clothing in less space. This is a pack of six.
56This Bathroom & Kitchen Storage That You Can Tuck Under Your Counter
To implement Halls’ advice to declutter and organize, consider investing in an organizer like this bathroom and kitchen organizer that can hold extra bottles of your products, cleaning supples, or other odds and ends, and even fits under most standard-sized sinks. You can tuck those items away for a more neutral and cleaner look that’ll make your countertops shine.
57These Mirror Tiles That Are Sneakily Easy To Install
Looking for a mirror solution for your bedroom, home office or gym, closet, or foyer? These customizable mirror tiles are perfect for adding a mirror that looks totally custom to your space. They’re available in several different pack sizes (the four pack is featured), so you can create a grid of any size. And the best part is that they simple adhere to your wall surface, no drilling required.
58A Slip Cover That Makes Your Sofa Look Brand New
Whether you have an older sofa that could use a quick exterior refresh or you’re looking to protect a new couch investment, this stretchy slip cover is the answer. Made of a durable, washable polyester-spandex blend, it promises to slip on easy and keep that couch of yours looking brand new. It protects against stains, pet hair, and general wear of daily use. Choose from dozens of colors and multiple sizes.
59Some Magnetic Duvet Clips To Keep Your Comforter From Slipping & Bunching
There’s nothing worse than having your comforter slip and slide around inside the cover, ultimately ending up in a bunch at the bottom of the bed. Enter: these magnetic duvet clips. There are 8 pins in a pack for safely (and easily) securing your comforter or duvet. As one reviewer raved, “I bought these because there was no way to affix my duvet cover to my down comforter. All I can say is Wow. They were really easy to install and hold my cover in place perfectly.”
60This Gorgeous Pleated Stoneware Planter
Finding accessories that both are neutral and timeless but also have personality can be tough. This gorgeous stoneware planter totally fits that bill, and comes recommended by Bech. She says, “On Amazon, the Bloomingville is a favorite go-to. The handmade ceramic design with chic speckled glaze is so stylish but only $20. I use these planters in projects over and over — they work with any decor style from modern to traditional.” These are perfect for housing plants, or holding pens or odds and ends on your table.
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