People Who Stage Homes Say These Mistakes Make Your Home Look Cheap

Instead of creating a cluttered look with a pile of mismatched pillows, opt for one or two textured throw pillows per sofa. “Limit your sofa to two pillows max and make sure there are no words on your pillows,” advises Dan Mazzarini, principal and creative director of BHDM and ARCHIVE.

With a minimalist look that adds interesting texture to your couch, these throw pillow covers are an easy way to refresh your existing pillows. Their soft, velvet-like feel makes them cozy, and they’re available in various colors and sizes.

“Remove clutter,” Mazzarini says. “The goal is to make it as clean and universally appealing as possible.” One way to do that is by corralling small items with these macrame storage baskets, which are a good size for stowing everyday items and have a decorative look that makes them nice enough to put on display. Each set includes two baskets, one small and one large.

Following Mazzarini’s advice to remove clutter, you can make your cabinets neater with these organizing shelves. They’re made of sturdy metal and engineered wood with a minimalist look, and they can be stacked or nested on top of each other. Each shelf holds up to 33 pounds, making this set great for organizing pantry items or dishware.

Sometimes, a dark or bright paint color can throw off the vibe of a room. “Consider repainting rooms with lighter, easy colors to make things more appealing to the eye,” Mazzarini suggests. This all-in-one paint and primer makes it easy to opt for a new color since it cuts out a step. It’s available in a range of neutral hues and has a washable and scrubbable finish that makes it convenient to clean.

Natural light is a beautiful way to show off the features and decor in a room, so if you’re not letting any in, you’re doing your home a disservice. “Remove any dark drapes and swap them for lighter drapes to let in the natural light,” Mazzarini advises. These sheer curtains are budget-friendly, lightweight, and highly rated. The airy material lets in plenty of light and looks stylish in any color.

“In the bedrooms, make all the beds look like you’ve just stepped into a hotel — consider going for all-white bedsheets and pillows,” Mazzarini says. Available in crisp white (and various other colors), this bedsheet set comes with a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and four matching pillowcases. Each piece is made of soft, breathable microfiber that’s designed to help regulate your temperature year-round. What’s more, customers have given these sheets over 111,000 five-star ratings.

To fully deck your bed out in hotel vibes as Mazzarini suggests, add this white duvet cover to match your white sheets. It costs less than $25 and is prewashed to offer a soft, breathable feel that is super comfy. Eight corner ties make it easier to insert your comforter and help keep it in place within the duvet.

When it comes to creating a high-end, calming bedroom atmosphere, Mazzarini advises, “Swap all of your light bulbs to a 2700K temperature. Matching the temperature color to your walls will instantly make your home feel more inviting.” These smart LED bulbs offer a soft white color, they’re dimmable, and they can be controlled by your voice or Alexa app.

In the bathroom, Mazzarini suggests putting new, clean towels on a towel bar. This double towel bar is a great option that gives you plenty of space to hang more than one towel without taking up too much room. The stainless steel construction makes it durable and rust-resistant, so it will hold up well over time. Choose from several sizes and finishes to suit your space.

Make your bathroom look more upscale with this matching towel set. It comes with two bath towels, two hand towels, and two washcloths, made of a terry cotton material that is highly absorbent and super soft. They’re available in 15 colors, so you can opt for a light neutral shade or something brighter. “After they’re washed up and dried, they fluff up nice and are very soft,” one reviewer wrote. “Very nice quality overall!”

For the most chic-looking shower curtain, Mazzarini recommends hanging a white pique one — and this waffle-weave shower curtain offers an upscale look at an under-$20 price point. It’s also functional, being made of water- and fade-resistant fabric and featuring rust-resistant metal grommets. Throw it in the washing machine for easy cleaning as needed.

A large collection of toiletries and beauty products can lead to a cluttered look in your bathroom. Mazzarini recommends stowing them out of sight using something like this set of under-sink organizers. Each one offers two pull-out drawers that make it easy to get to items in the back, as well as adjustable dividers that allow you to set things up in the way that works for you. The clear acrylic provides a convenient view of everything inside and anti-slip silicone stoppers on the base keep the organizers firmly in place.

This narrow storage cart should fit in even the tiniest of bathrooms, with wheels on the bottom that allow you to move it around as needed (brakes keep it stationary when you don’t want it to go anywhere). Four shelves give you plenty of space for a variety of products, and there are also four side hooks for holding towels or other hanging items.

One easy and fairly inexpensive way to update the look of your cabinets is to replace the knobs. “Replacing standard knobs with decorative hardware in kitchens, bathrooms, and even closets can give a luxury feel at a low cost,” says Christian Pfeiffer, professional organizer at Valley Organizing.

These matte black pulls have a sleek, modern look and are made of durable stainless steel that should wear well over time. They’re available in several colors such as black, satin nickel, and brushed brass to complement your kitchen or bathroom.

According to Pfeiffer, “Blank walls can feel sterile and unfinished. Adding mirrors or framed art not only adds character but can also make spaces appear larger and brighter.”

This arched mirror looks great in any space, whether that’s in the front entryway or the bathroom. It gives an elegant, chic look and offers a clear reflection. And if you don’t love the arch, it’s also available in other shapes, like an oval or rectangle.

Following Pfeiffer’s advice, you can use this set of 10 picture frames to add character to your walls. Available in black, white, and other colors, the set includes frames in various sizes which you can fill with photos of your loved ones or art prints you’ve purchased. They can be mounted vertically or horizontally and have durable turn buttons on the back that make them easy to use.

Whether your storage containers are in a closet or on display, you’ll want to strive for matching pieces. “Uniform storage bins for closets, pantries, and cabinets instantly look more cohesive and polished,” Pfeiffer says.

These fabric storage bins come in a set of three and match nicely, transforming any space into something you wouldn’t be embarrassed for others to see. They have handles to make pulling them out easy and space for labels so you know exactly what’s inside. And when not in use, they fold flat to take up less space.

If you use a shower curtain with a straight curtain rod, you’re not doing your shower space any favors. “We always swap these out for curved shower rods, curtain hooks, and a nice shower curtain,” says Ryan Dossey, co-founder of SoldFast.

A curved shower curtain rod like this one can offer a more high-end look while also giving you a little more space in your shower. It’s made of sturdy, lightweight aluminum and has an adjustable length for easy installation. Choose between four finishes: black, bronze, brushed nickel, and chrome.

“Poorly installed non-matching hardware sets are very common in bathrooms and make places feel super cheap,” Dossey says. Instead, opt for this bathroom hardware set in a finish that matches your cabinet pulls, faucet, and other hardware — there are five color options in the listing. The set comes with a towel bar, towel ring, toilet paper holder, and robe hook, and is made of durable stainless steel. Installation hardware is included as well.

Don’t stop at cabinet pulls and towel racks — Dossey also recommends choosing a mirror that matches the bathroom hardware. This one is available in several different finishes and features an aluminum alloy frame that’s resistant to moisture. Plus, the tempered glass is durable and shatterproof.

Dossey notes that many people use light bulbs in different styles, colors, and temperatures throughout their homes. However, opting for the same type of light in each room can make a big difference in the overall look and vibe. “We like to make sure everything is a nice matching daylight white,” he says.

These vintage-style LED bulbs offer a bright white light without harsh glare, and they’re compatible with most dimmers so you can adjust the ambiance anytime you’d like.

If you have an open-concept floor plan, accent rugs are an easy and stylish way to define and separate the space. “Area rugs and room dividers help establish distinct, cozy zones within larger spaces,” says David H. Shultz, owner of Shultz Realty.

This handwoven accent rug is made of natural fibers for an earthy look and tone, ideal for casual and contemporary decor. It’s available in several different sizes, so you can pick what works best for your space.

These low-maintenance mini succulent plants can add some much-needed color to your home. “Greenery breathes life into a home and softens spaces, making them feel welcoming and fresh,” Shultz says. This pack of 10 includes succulents of various types and colors, all of which are easy to care for — they only require direct sunlight and a little water once every two weeks. Sprinkle them around your home for pops of color.

“First impressions start at the curb,” Shultz says. “By enhancing your entryway, you can make [people] feel welcome before they even step inside.” One way to do that? Shultz suggests solar pathway lights.

Available in warm, white, and blue colors, these lights sit in the ground for a low-profile look and give off a glow that illuminates a path, garden, or the sides of your driveway. They’re easy to install and charge in the sunlight throughout the day, and they turn on automatically at night and off at dawn — you don’t even have to put any effort into them.

Another way to make the exterior of your home look better is to opt for these floating house numbers. Not only do they make your house or apartment number stand out for deliveries or visitors, but they also lend a modern look. They’re inexpensive, made of durable stainless steel, and are easy to install with the included hardware.

Potted plants or flowers can add extra color and life to your front porch, patio, or even your garden area. These tall planters are simple but stylish, with a sleek, modern look that will work with most homes. There’s enough space to plant directly inside the planters or to place potted plants inside, and they have a built-in drainage system to eliminate excess moisture buildup. They’re available in several different heights to work with your space perfectly.

Bright, overhead lighting has its perks, but sometimes you want a more calming vibe, and that's where different light options come in. “Lighting transforms a space, making it feel warm and welcoming,” Shultz says. “Layered lighting helps avoid the harshness of a single light source and creates a comfortable ambiance.” Add this floor lamp to any room for a versatile lighting option — the included bulb can be set to warm, natural, or daylight white.

If you don’t have space for a floor lamp, this table lamp is a compact way to layer lighting in a room. It’s dimmable, with three different brightness options and a variety of different colors and light modes to choose from. The touch-friendly top makes controlling it super simple and the antislip pad on the bottom keeps it in place.

Bright colors can be a fun way to add personality to your home, but too many of them can feel overwhelming. “Soft, neutral tones, combined with elegant accents, create a fresh canvas that appeals to a wider audience,” Schultz says. He recommends a neutral-colored faux fur throw like this one as an option. It’s soft and plush with a shaggy texture and gives off a comforting and cozy vibe whether draped over a couch or placed on a bed.

Simple throw pillow covers like these are another easy way to add aesthetically neutral tones to a room. Made from soft polyester with a minimalist design, the covers complement any home decor. Plus, hidden zippers make them easy to put on and take off for machine-washing. Choose between various colors and sizes to update the pillows you already own.

Don’t forget to have fun with your decor pieces. Valerie Stafford, partner and lead designer at Rumor Designs, says she loves “seeing a surprise in a space” when staging a home, like these decorative accents for your shelves. “It shows playfulness, creativity, and the ability to think outside the box,” Stafford says. “We like the home to be 99% functional, but it's OK to throw in a few non-functional decorative pieces if it makes the right statement.”

Another way to think outside the box? Stafford suggests an outdoor swing such as this hammock chair as a playful accent. With a thick cushion and sturdy support, this chair gives guests a spot to sit in and relax. It’s comfy, fun, and functional, and can be installed indoors or outdoors.

Your entryway is likely the first thing people are going to see when they walk into your home, so you want it to give a good impression. Instead of letting small items like mail, keys, and sunglasses pile up, Stafford recommends “investing in decorative baskets or bins with lids.” These wicker baskets keep items hidden and are made of woven natural fibers for an earthy, casual look. They can also be great in closets or bedrooms for other small storage.

Old lighting fixtures that don’t mesh with the rest of your decor can throw off the vibe of a room. “A statement pendant or chandelier can instantly elevate a room’s aesthetic,” says Karla Alvarado, owner of HomeNovate. This semi-flush ceiling light has a low profile but still makes a statement, with a vintage-inspired style and four bulbs. It will add style to a kitchen, dining room, or living room, and as a bonus, it’s surprisingly affordable.

Update your garden with these glow-in-the-dark rocks. Alvarado says that little landscaping details like this “create a welcoming entrance” and make your garden space look that much better with very little effort. These look like regular white rocks during the day but create a luminous glow during the night that will make your home stand out.

"Cheap, store-bought blinds or curtains that don't reach the floor can instantly make a room feel unfinished,” says Elissa Hall, lead designer at Awning. She recommends custom-looking curtains that reach from the ceiling to the floor, giving “an illusion of height and sophistication.”

These floor-length drapes are a budget-friendly choice that looks luxurious and come in a lightweight linen blend that still lets sunlight in. They’re available in various colors and sizes and are machine washable for easy cleaning.

Even something as small as plastic outlet covers should be considered when trying to make your home look more chic. “They can detract from the overall appearance of a room,” Hall says. “Swapping them out for more refined metal or decorative covers adds a subtle touch of elegance.”

These decorative switch plates have a vintage-inspired look and are available in a few different metal finishes. They’re easy to install and come with matching screws.

Matt Vukovich of Matt Buys Indiana Houses says you can make an excellent first impression by simply updating your front door handle. This exterior door lock set is a good example — it’s durable and secure and comes in two chic finishes: matte black and satin nickel. It’s also easy to install with the included hardware.

Avoid bare windows or low-quality blinds, both of which Vukovich says can “feel unfinished.” Instead, he recommends cordless faux-wood blinds like these. The bright white faux wood slats are durable and designed to resist warping, and they’re easy to control with the built-in wand. There are lots of sizes to choose from too.

“Worn or outdated doorknobs can age a home, but a lever handle like the Kwikset Halifax gives any door a sleek, upscale vibe,” Vukovich says. Available in several chic finishes, you can add them to any door, whether it’s to a bedroom, closet, or pantry. They don’t lock and they come with everything needed for a simple installation process.