Designers say these are their favorite cheap hacks for making your home seem more expensive

DIY advice, straight from the pros.

Designers say these are their favorite cheap hacks for making your home seem more expensive
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If you want your home to look more luxurious and expensive without going over budget, I’m here to let you know that it’s possible to make some big-impact upgrades without breaking the bank. I reached out to professional interior designers to find out their favorite cheap hacks and tricks to make homes look more expensive — and they delivered. Each tip includes an affordable product to help you incorporate their advice so you can make your home look like an expert styled it without the hefty price tag.

01

Swap old hardware for brushed brass handles for an elevated look

According to New York-based interior designer and head of interior design for Gosummer.com Pete Trentacoste, one of the best things you can do is “focus on the small details that often get overlooked.” He continues, “Swapping out standard hardware on cabinets and drawers for more elegant options can make a significant difference.” These handles are made of solid metal with a matte antique brass finish that’s elegant and timeless. They’re designed with a slight curve so they’re easy to pull. Plus, shoppers confirm that they’re easy to install.

02

Spruce up your cabinets & dressers with these crystal knobs

If you want a more vintage-inspired option, Trentacoste says crystal knobs “can elevate the look of your kitchen or bathroom instantly.” These look like fancy diamonds, and they’ll upgrade your cabinets in a snap without spending a lot. Plus, they’re really easy to install. They have over 12,000 five-star ratings, and one shopper said they’re “stunning” and “They have truly elevated the aesthetic of my furniture and added a luxurious feel to my living space.”

03

Hang a stylish mirror to make a room look bigger & brighter

Mirrors can make a room appear larger and more open, and they reflect light, adding brightness and depth to the space. A well-placed mirror with an ornate frame can serve as a statement piece that draws the eye and adds a touch of elegance,” says Trentacoste.

This stylish round mirror features a gold-tone metal edge and a matching chain that’ll add a touch of sophistication to any space. It’ll look great above your vanity, dresser, or entryway table. It can even add some depth to a boring blank wall. It’s designed with a velvet backing, so it won’t damage your wall, and it’s available in three sizes to suit any space.

04

Replace old light fixtures with a modern option for a high-end look

Old light fixtures can make your home look dull and outdated. Trentacoste suggests updating them because they can “dramatically change the ambiance of a home” to create a “high-end look.” This industrial-inspired mounted ceiling light fixture adds a modern touch to any space. It features a durable metal base with a matte finish that’s resistant to rust and dust. It has a stylish seeded glass shade that’s explosion-proof and easy to clean. Shoppers are impressed with its quality and how affordable it is compared to similar products.

05

Add these modern wall sconces to brighten dark corners

If you want a more subtle lighting option for your bedroom, office, reading nook, stairwell, and more, consider these wall sconces to brighten dark corners. They’re made of high-quality brushed aluminum and acrylic. They’re compatible with most dimmer switches so you can adjust the brightness to suit your needs. By the way, they can be mounted horizontally or vertically.

06

Drape this popular faux fur throw blanket on your bed to add texture

“Incorporating high-quality textiles can add an instant luxe factor,” Trentacoste explains. Place this faux fur throw on your chair, couch, or bed to add dimension and texture to your space to create a more stylish and aesthetic ambience in a snap. This popular blanket is designed with shaggy plush on one side and soft sherpa on the other, and it’s available in a bunch of colors so you can choose the right one to match with your decor and furniture.

07

Upgrade your pillows with these luxe velvet throw pillow covers

Pillows can instantly transform your home. Trentacoste says materials like velvet “can create a sumptuous environment.” These velvet throw pillow covers will help you update old pillows without having to replace them — saving you money. Your seating area will look modern, elegant, and more expensive. Plus, according to shoppers, they’re great quality and easy to clean — just toss them in your washing machine.

08

Create dimension with these linen curtains that come in 18 colors

Linen is yet another textile that Trentacoste loves, and these extra-long linen curtains create dimension and texture in your living room or bedroom. These are crafted from an open-weave flax linen blended fabric that’s soft and breathable. They provide privacy while allowing diffused light through. Each panel features eight nickel grommets so you can secure them to a curtain rod easily. Plus, they’re machine-washable for easy cleaning.

09

Declutter your counter with this best-selling under-cabinet paper towel holder

Kelly Marohl, interior designer at Neutral Home Design, says, “I always install a beautiful under cabinet paper towel holder that tucks it out of sight. It's simple tricks like these that make any home feel luxurious!” This stainless steel paper towel holder will make your kitchen look less cluttered, providing a clean and aesthetic appearance. It can be installed under your cabinet or on a wall in seconds; the flat piece is adhesive. It’s made of strong and durable 304 stainless steel that’s waterproof and resistant to rust.

10

Use a patterned accent rug to tie a room together

Anh Nguyen, interior design expert and founder of Print My Rugs, suggests adding an area rug because “rugs are the unsung heroes that can tie a room together and define different living zones.” This accent rug features a geometric design that’ll compliment any style. It’s designed with a non-slip backing to help it stay in place, and its thin profile ensures that it won’t get in the way of doors and it’s easy to tuck it under furniture. Plus, it’s machine-washable and easy to vacuum.

11

Add this best-selling fluffy rug to define different living spaces

If you want a cozier option, this fluffy area rug will help define living spaces if you have an open floor plan. It’s plush and luxuriously soft, so it looks and feels more expensive than it actually is. According to the brand, it’s made of high-density faux fur that’s environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic. Plus, it’s machine-washable so you don’t have to spend a lot of time or energy cleaning it.

12

Neaten up odds & ends with this stylish, highly rated mirrored tray

Nguyen says, “As anyone who's ever hosted knows, neatening up lets your decor shine through.” Use this chic mirrored tray with gold-toned hardware to organize beauty products, jewelry, devices, small accessories, and more to declutter areas around your home. Plus, having a designated spot for your things will make it easier for you to find what you need.

13

Tuck away clutter with this rope storage basket

“Keeping things tidy makes such a difference, and it's amazing how decluttering can transform a space,” says Nguyen. Use this rope storage basket to discreetly tuck away clutter; it’s great for things that don’t have a designated spot. It’ll make your home look more organized and tidy. Plus, its color-blocking design is on-trend and it comes in a variety of colors so you can choose the right one that blends in with your home. Oh, and it has durable handles so it’s easy to move it around as needed.

14

Hide unsightly wires with this discreet, paintable cord cover kit

“If mounting a TV, see if you can route cables inside the wall—talk about a polished look!” says Nguyen. If you can’t totally go inside the wall, this cord cover kit allows you to hide wires for a less cluttered look that won’t clash with your decor. Plus, it’s easy to install without tools — just snap them together. You can also paint the cord hiders so they can blend in seamlessly with your wall.

15

Hang your TV with this slim, no-drill TV mount

Of course, you can’t hide wires for a mounted TV without a TV wall mount. This one is easy to install with nails — no drilling or studs required, and it even has a built-in bubble level to make installation a breeze. Once you install it, it has a button to lock it in place. You can also unlock it to easily access cables behind your TV. It can tilt forward to reduce glare, and it holds TVs up to 100 pounds.

16

Corral & organize cords with these self-gripping cable ties

Nguyen suggests corralling “chargers in one drawer so you're not tripping over cords.” Keep your wires, chargers, and cords even tidier with these reusable cable ties. They’ll prevent your cables from getting tangled and keep them neat in your drawer. Plus, they’re self-gripping and feature a hook and loop design so they will stay on cords even when you’ve unraveled them. And, since this pack includes a variety or colors, you can even color-code cords.

17

Tuck away appliances with this clever sliding tray

“I like tucking extra stuff out of sight, like putting the toaster away when it's not in use,” says Nguyen. Place your toaster, blender, or mixer on this slide out tray so when you’re not using an appliance, you can easily slide it back on your counter without damaging surfaces. It’s durable, can support up to 25 pounds, and has suction cups on the bottom to keep it in place.

18

Use this behind-the-couch table to hide wires & clutter

This table is slim enough to fit behind your couch. According to Nguyen, organizers like this are a great way to “hide wires and remotes.” It’s designed with a built-in socket that has two USB ports and a 59-inch long power cord so you can charge all your devices without exposed wires that can make your home look untidy and cluttered. It can support up to 110 pounds on the top shelf and up to 66 pounds on the bottom shelf. The bottom shelf is perfect to tuck away items you want to keep out of sight.

19

Add these modern pendant light fixtures to elevant areas around your home

Nguyen recommends this modern pendant light fixture by foucasal to make your home look more expensive. She suggests placing it anywhere like “over the tub or by the front door.” It allows you to create focal points throughout your house to emphasize statement furniture, decor, or artwork. It’s fully dimmable when paired with a dimmable bulb, and you can adjust the length of the cord up to 69 inches.

20

Tweak your lighting with these dimmable, smart light bulbs with 16 million colors

These smart light bulbs are a quick and cheap way to make your home seem more expensive because they allow you to set the mood. They have 16 million color options, they’re dimmable, and you can even sync them to react to music. According to Nguyen, you shouldn’t forget about light bulbs because “different wattages let you subtly change the feeling in a room. Dimmer bulbs for wind-down time or brighter ones when you need an energy boost.” And these lights can do it all.

21

Tuck away out-of-season items with these under-bed storage bags

Instead of piling extra pillows, blankets, and other items that you’ve accumulated over the years all over your home, opt for these storage bags so you can tuck away out-of-season items and rotate them instead. Nguyen says, “It's such an easy trap to fall into — accepting gifts graciously and then wanting to showcase them all. But the end result often just looks cluttered.” This storage bag is sleek enough to fit under your bed or on a shelf so you can tuck away clutter without sacrificing closet space. It features a clear zippered top so you can see your things and durable handles so they’re easy to slide out.

22

Create a stunning accent wall with high-quality paint

Lead designer and founder of EDH Interiors Elissa Hall says one of her “favorite hacks for creating a luxurious feel on a budget is to use high-quality paint to create accent walls.” She continues, “For example, a dark navy or emerald green accent wall behind a sofa or bed can instantly elevate the space.”

This water-based acrylic paint is low-odor, resistant to chipping, and it dries within 30 minutes for a quick and easy project. It goes on smoothly and provides a glossy finish. With all these great features, it’s no wonder it’s gained bestseller status.

23

Use this peel-&-stick wallpaper for a temporary pop of color

Hall suggests peel-and-stick wallpaper “for a more temporary but equally stylish update.” If you don’t want to commit to an accent wall or if you’re a renter, this is a better option than paint. It’s made of durable vinyl that’s oil-resistant, waterproof, easy to clean — just wipe with a wet cloth. And, it doesn’t leave behind residue when you remove it.

24

Swap out boring fixtures for more stylish options

If you want your home to look more high-end, Hall recommends this Globe Electric light fixture because “swapping out basic, builder-grade fixtures for something with a bit more character can make a huge difference.” This light fixture features a matte black finish with gold accents and a clear glass shade for a modern look that’ll elevate any space in your home. Shoppers reported that it’s easy to install, versatile, and great quality.

25

Reupholster furniture with a velvet material to add texture & depth

Shaun Green, senior interior designer and the founder of The Furniture Shack, says that “adding a touch of velvet to your dining chairs can instantly elevate the look and feel of any room.” He continues, “Not only does it add a sense of luxury, but it also brings in texture and depth to the space.” You can reupholster furniture with this striped velvet fabric to spruce up old chairs, cushions, pillows, and more. The color and design is digitally printed to ensure a long-lasting print that won’t fade easily.

26

Create the illusion of higher ceiling with extra-long curtains

Green says “You can instantly make your home feel more expensive by hanging curtains closer to the ceiling rather than just above the window frame” because it will “create an illusion of taller ceilings and draws the eye upwards, giving the impression of a bigger and grander space.”

These curtains are long enough to hang from your ceiling to your floor to make your ceiling appear higher, making your room look larger and more expansive. You can hang them four different ways: with a hook belt, a rod pocket, back tabs, or with clip rings. Plus, they can block out 100% of light and UV rays so you can have complete darkness and sleep more soundly.

27

Use an adjustable rod to hang your curtains

Use this sturdy rod to hang your extra-long curtains above your window, closer to your ceiling. It’s made of 100% metal and it can support up to 50 pounds. It includes three adjustable brackets, a telescoping rod, an extension rod, two end caps, seven bracket screws, and seven anchor screws. You can easily adjust it to the width you need to accommodate larger windows or curtains.

28

Opt for elegant sheer curtains that allow just enough light through

“I suggest using sheer or lightweight curtains in neutral colors for a classy and elegant look,” Green says. These are a great option if you want a room to feel more open and bright — they let just the right amount of light in while still providing some privacy. Although they’re lightweight, shoppers confirm that they’re well-made and durable. Oh, and they’re available in a bunch of shades from neutral white to bold burgundy.

29

Use textured throw pillows to elevate your seating area

Swap out boring pillows for these round decorative velvet pillows to elevate your seating area. They feature an eye-catching pleated design and come in a variety of stylish colors, so they’re perfect for any taste. Amanda Wiss, founder of Urban Clarity, says, “Throw pillows are one of the easiest ways to make your room look more expensive.” She suggests opting for ones that are “full of texture to bring dimension to your room.”

30

Add an organic touch to stuffy spaces with a best-selling plant

Wiss suggests bringing in greenery to stuffy places like your home office because “an organic touch can help us feel grounded and more calm.” If you prefer a real plant but don’t want one that requires a lot of maintenance, consider this best-selling money tree. It’s easy to take care of — just place it near a sunny window and water it once a week. Plus, it arrives ready to go and in a stylish planter — no need to wait for it to sprout.

31

Get a green look with no effort with these highly rated faux plants

If you want to add greenery to your home but don’t have a green thumb, opt for faux plants instead. These fake eucalyptus plants look realistic — no one will be able to tell they’re not real until they touch them. You won’t have to worry about trimming or watering them or making sure they get enough sunlight. Plus, they include two plastic pots with a stone finish that’s stylish and modern.

32

Eliminate unnecessary cords with a 3-in-1 charging station for a clean aesthetic

Wiss suggests using a three-in-one charging base to reduce clutter and get rid of unnecessary cords. You can charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously with just one cord. When your device is fully charged, it will automatically switch to trickle protection mode to prevent overcharging. It has gained best-seller status and 10,000 five-star ratings because it’s sleek, easy to use, and makes your space look neater.

33

Organize & charge your devices with a 4-port charging dock

Keep your desk, counter, or nightstand organized this four-port charging dock. Instead of your devices scattered all over your home, this allows you to have a designated spot to store and charge them. It’s compatible with all kinds of USB devices and comes with five chargers with short cords so you won’t have a tangled mess. It’s designed with an adaptive smart chip that detects and delivers optimal charging current and it will automatically shut off when a device is fully charged.

34

Use peel-&-stick tiles for a spruced up backsplash

If you want a simple way to update your bathroom or kitchen, Wiss says peel-and-stick tiles are a “a cheaper, removable alternative to other wall treatments.” Not only are they affordable, but they’re easy to apply — just peel the backing and smooth then onto walls. They look like realistic tiles and interlock together for a authentic look. Plus, they’re waterproof and heat-resistant so they're suitable for use in your bathroom and kitchen.

35

Utilize multi-functional furniture like this ottoman with hidden storage

Pam Hutter, principal of Hutter Architects, says in order to make your home look more expensive you should consider utilizing “multi-functional furniture” because these pieces “blend practical use with aesthetic appeal.” This ottoman can be used to to prop your feet up, as a side table, or as additional seating when you have guests over. It doesn’t take up much room, but it replaces multiple pieces so you can save space. Plus, it provides hidden storage inside that’ll allow you to tuck away clutter so your home will look neat and tidy.

36

Opt for this versatile coffee table with a hidden compartment & lift top

Hutter also cites a convertible coffee table as a useful investment, and this table can be used as a coffee table, dining table, or work desk — so its function matches its stylish appearance. It has a lift-top design so you can bring you laptop closer so you can work on your couch or enjoy dinner while you watch TV. It also has a hidden compartment to tuck away clutter and two shelves to store devices, books, or small accessories to keep your home organized.

37

Hang a dramatic chandelier to elevate any room

“One of my favorite hacks for making any home appear more upscale is to use strategic lighting. Swapping out standard light fixtures for more stylish options can significantly elevate a room,” Hutter notes. This dramatic chandelier is designed with sparkling crystals that have a glass finish for an expensive look on a budget. It will look great near an entrance, in a hallway, or even in your closet to brighten dark areas and to make your home look stylish and opulent.

38

Paint your front door a bold color to boost the curb appeal of your home

“Your home's exterior can go a long way toward making it look more expensive,” says Andre Kazimierski, CEO of Improovy Painters of North Shore. He suggests painting your front door to “instantly boost the curb appeal and perceived value of your home.” To achieve this look, you’ll need door paint. This water-based all-in-one paint is both paint and primer – saving you time and money. It’s non-toxic, low odor, ultra low VOC, and quick-drying. According to the brand, it’s highly-pigmented, so you’ll just need one coat. It’s available in 12 chic colors and three finishes: gloss, satin, and matte.

39

Add porch lights for some chic exterior lighting to brighten your outdoor space

Kazimierski suggests exterior lighting because “adding some lighting to your front yard, or even selecting a more stylish fixture for your front porch light, can really give your home's appearance an elegant boost.” These stylish outdoor wall-mounted sconces are designed with high-quality metal with a matte black finish and glass shades. They’re waterproof, weather-resistant, and won’t rust. Plus, shoppers confirm that they’re easy to install.

40

Illuminate your pathway with these stake lights that cast a starburst effect

These solar-powered stake lights are an easy to way illuminate your front pathway, like Kazimierski suggests. They don’t require installation or wires — just stick them into your lawn. They take about six to eight hours to fully charge and can last up to 10 hours. They’re waterproof and designed with an anti-rust coating so they can withstand various weather conditions. Plus, they cast a starburst effect that’ll make your outdoor space look elevated.