Designers say these cheap, clever tricks make any room in your home look more expensive

"I'm a big proponent of using decorative trays to both help make any space look more luxe, but also to help tidy up and organize on a practical level,” explains Kathy Kuo, the founder and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home. This round rattan tray is handwoven from rattan, bringing a natural element to any space.

Kuo stresses that decorative trays aren’t just for decorative items. “A tray is also a great container to tuck away clutter—think remote controls, phone chargers, extra AirPods, pens, and spare change—in [a] way that doesn't visually detract from the design of the room,” she notes. This faux leather tray is large enough to hold a lot at once (it’s 18 inches long). And it has side handles that allow you to relocate it as needed. It’s available in tons of colors in the listing.

Interior designer Alexis Elley of Textures Interior Design recommends this waterproof outdoor table lamp “to brighten an [al] fresco dining experience.” It’s completely cordless so you can place it on pretty much any surface and it’s powered by a rechargeable battery that runs for up to 16 hours straight. The lamp puts out a warm glow, though it’s dimmable as well.

If you have special books or magazines that you'd like to display stylishly, this clear stand has a “high-end look for less,” according to Elley. It’s made from sturdy acrylic with a crossed design to support up to 12 pounds. It’s available in clear, black, or white options in the listing to work in any space.

“Warm, cozy, velvet throw pillows can add modern charm to any room,” explains Elley. And these pillow covers (which you pair with an insert) are her personal suggestion. They’re made from luxe velvet fabric with a ruffled design along the edges for extra interest. They come in five sizes and 15 rich colors in the listing.

Made from braided cotton, this textured rug can be cleaned in the washing machine, so it’s a good choice for high-traffic areas like your kitchen, front door (either indoors or out), or mudroom. Elley says neutral rugs like this one look “great layered or on [their] own” and that they can add “dimension to any outdoor space.” It comes in various sizes and five colors in the listing.

Chantelle Hartman Malarkey, an interior designer, suggests changing out tired hardware in your kitchen or bathroom with these modern handles. “It instantly brings your cabinets and drawers back to life and gives them a whole new look at a relative low cost,” she adds. Made from metal, the 10-pack of handles are 3 inches long, though there are a bunch of other sizes in the listing to line up with the existing holes in your cabinetry.

A clever trick to make your counters look more styled? Hartman Malarkey says to “swap out all your mix and matched containers” and put products like dish soap, lotion, or hand soap in these 16-ounce glass dispensers. The set comes with a bamboo tray to keep the bottles corralled, as well as various peel-and-stick labels.

“Matching containers [...] are really attractive on a countertop,” explains Hartman Malarkey. These apothecary jars hold up to 10 ounces of items each — they’re ideal for cotton balls, pens, hair ties, candy, floss picks, and more. The four jars are made from thick shatterproof plastic with coordinating bamboo lids. They also come with personalizable labels.

A large bowl like this one suggested by Hartman Malarkey toes the line between functional and stylish. “They look great on countertops and are perfect for items like fruit, decor pieces or even ‘the catch-all bowl’ by the front door,” she says. The bowl is made from a blend of recycled materials (including plastic, stone powder, and wood dust), and it’s more lightweight than it looks. Consider size options ranging from 8 to 12 inches, as well as four colors in the listing.

Hartman Malarkey says, “wood bowls are beautiful and functional.” This acacia bowl features a contemporary wave design and it’s generously sized — at 12 inches in diameter and about 7 inches tall — and it’s durable to last. A smaller option can also be found in the listing.

“It's actually more attractive on the eye to have larger statement pieces than a bunch of small frames,” explains Hartman Malarkey. “It makes the wall (and space overall) look more expensive and upgraded,” she adds. This solid oak frame is a sizable 20 by 20 inches with a thick plexiglass cover. Consider various finishes in the listing to match your space.

Jennifer Stephan, the founder of Jennifer Stephan Interiors, recommends decorative books like these as a “great way to add style to any room.” She suggests placing them on an entry console table, coffee table, or nightstand. This set includes three vibrant fake books (they have no actual pages) that are actually magnetic boxes for storing (or hiding) small valuables or eyesores.

One way to elevate your bedroom or a guest room? Place this carafe and glasses set on the nightstand. “This is an inexpensive trick that adds a bit of luxury at a low cost and great functionality,” notes Stephan. Both pieces are made from sage green glass and the carafe can hold up to 28 ounces of water or another favorite drink. It’s also available in four other colors in the listing.

Stephan likes using these candlestick holders paired with candlesticks in the home. “Not only are they functional creating nice lighting they are decorative [in] a minimalistic way,” she stresses. The set includes three modern black holders of varying heights. Gold or rose gold are also in the listing.

Stephan says, “Candle sticks holders with fun colored candle sticks are an instant way to elevate any space and create an elegant atmosphere.” This four-pack of clear glass candlestick holders will pair with any color candle and they can also be flipped over to hold tea lights. They’re available in several colors in the listing.

While you could use any tapered candles for the candlestick holders above, Stephan’s recommendation is to grab this four-pack of brightly-colored candlesticks for extra color. Made from soy wax, the 10-inch candles feature an orange scent that’s bright and citrusy. There are other colors to consider in the listing as well.

As Bree Steele, the interior designer for RJ Living, puts it: “Textures are your best friend when it comes to creating depth and interest” in a space. This surprisingly budget-friendly faux fur throw blanket would look high-end draped over a sofa or bed. Choose from various colors and sizes in the listing.

This shaggy chair throw will “add a touch of luxury” when draped over a chair, according to Steele. It costs less than $20 and is made from a dense faux sheepskin material — and boasts a 3-inch pile — with a nonslip faux suede backing to stay in place. This is the white option, but there are plenty of others to consider in the listing (as well as a few sizes).

Steele is a proponent of swapping out “basic light fixtures for something with more character.” With its handblown glass shade, industrial elements, and exposed Edison bulb, this pendant light is Steele’s go-to. The 47.2-inch cord allows you to hang it as high or low as needed. Consider this oil-rubbed bronze finish, or the brushed nickel or antique nickel options in the listing.

Another lighting suggestion from Steele? Utilizing this floor lamp to “dramatically change a room's ambiance” which she says is an “affordable option.” It features a linen shade and black base for an upgraded feel, and it can be turned on and off using the foot switch at the bottom for convenience. Head over to the listing for all of the color options.

“A modern floor lamp can become a focal point and elevate the entire space,” notes Steele. And this floor lamp has a chic feel thanks to its gold accents, slim shape, and clean lines. It can adjust in height from about 34.3 inches to 57.5 inches, and the head swivels 180 degrees (so you can point it up or down) as well. The base is weighted to not easily topple. Check out the listing for the full options.

Don’t underestimate the power of greenery. “A well-placed large plant or several smaller ones on shelves can make a space feel more connected to nature and luxe,” explains Steele. This aloe vera plant stands about 10 to 12 inches tall, including the planter (which comes included).

Another low-maintenance option to bring nature indoors that Steele suggests? This snake plant. It tolerates drought and low-light situations without issue — so you don’t have to worry about it wilting. The green and yellow plant comes rooted in a 4-inch pot and is 4 to 6 inches tall.

Don’t have a green thumb? Steele says you don’t have to shy away from artificial plants like this one, which can still “create your lush oasis.” The bird of paradise plant stands 5 feet tall with leaves that you can adjust and shape as desired. It comes in a small pot.

According to Steele, “a well-placed mirror can make any space look larger and more open.” For just $20, you can try out this technique using this hexagonal mirror. It features modern gold edges and a metal chain at the top to hang it. Pick from three different sizes in the listing.

Another trick to make your home look more high-end? Steele recommends adding “mirrors with interesting frames.” She suggests this 12-inch decorative mirror that boasts a sunburst frame made from solid wood in carbonized black, weathered walnut, and weathered gray colors, though there are other options to also consider in the listing.

And sticking with Steele’s recommendation to add mirrors to your home to open up the space, she suggests this sleek and modern full-length pick (that stands at 59 inches tall) can be utilized in three different ways — hang it up on a wall, stand it on the floor using the rectangular frame, or lean it against a wall.

“A luxurious ambiance is often associated with a decluttered space,” explains Steele. If your electronics are a problem area in your home, this cable management box with a sliding lid can tidy them up. Made from bamboo, the nearly 16-inch box has room for power strips, charging cords, and other various electronics. There are ventilation holes to ensure nothing gets overheated.

Steele also suggests these cable management boxes as another option to tidy up your electronics. The comprehensive set includes a medium box and large box (both of which can accommodate a power strip, plus plugged-in electronics), plus cable ties, stick-on cable clips, and a fabric sleeve, all of which can be used to wrangle your cords and cables — all for less than $30.

Continuing with Steele’s theme of decluttering spaces to make it look more expensive, she says this ceramic trinket tray is useful for corralling smaller things like jewelry, push pins, loose change, and more. The tray mimics the shape of a cloud with smooth, rounded edges and a glossy white color, though other hues are available in the listing.

Arther Miller, an interior designer at Martinuzzi Interiors, indicates that a large vase like this one “can become a focal point in a room.” It’s handblown from glass and comes in a modern smoky gray color (other colors are available in the listing). Display it alone or Miller says that you can also “fill it with fresh or high-quality faux flowers for an elegant touch.”

Another suggestion from Miller? “Find oversized vases with unique designs or textures which can serve as an art piece in addition to a functional item,” he says. This ceramic vase has vertical grooves, making it stand out. Pair it with dried or fresh flowers or greenery to finish off the decorative element. This is the large size, but a medium option is also available in the listing.

As Heather Goerzen, a design editor for Havenly, explains it: “A fresh coat of paint is an extremely budget-friendly way to achieve a dramatic upgrade.” This one-gallon can of semi-gloss paint with built-in primer covers up to 400 square feet. Plus, it’s a low-odor and low-VOC option. There are more than 40 color options to choose from in the listing. To pick one, Goerzen says to think about the feeling you’re trying to create. “Brighten up tired spaces with a light, bright shade or commit to a moody, intimate vibe with a deep, rich hue,” she explains.

An insider tip by Goerzen? Ground spaces using a rug that “weave[s] in a sense of history, character, and warmth into a room.” This vintage-inspired pick is made from durable yet plush synthetic fibers — it’s machine washable, too. There are various sizes, shapes, and designs to pick from in the listing to match your space.

While there are many pricey rugs available, don’t let that deter you. Goerzen stresses that there are also “countless affordable and chic options on the market.” This accent rug has a stylish contemporary feel with a price tag under $40. Choose from four colors and various sizes in the listing.

Want to add some brightness to your space? Goerzen says that “for the lowest lift (all you need to do is plug them in), buy a few stylish floor or table lamps for added ambiance.” This particular table lamp is sleek and modern, but also smarter than most. There are built-in USB charging ports and a regular outlet to power your devices. Plus, it can be set to three brightness levels with just a tap. Choose from three colors in the listing.

“New light fixtures can transform a space,” notes Goerzen. And these modern sconces look like they’d require an electrician for installation — but they’re actually wireless and run on batteries. Once in place, use the included remote controls to tweak settings like the brightness or color temperature, or set a timer for 15, 30, 60, or 120 minutes.

Grow mint, basil, thyme, parsley, or other herbs on any windowsill with this herb garden. “[T]he leafy green accents will naturally invigorate any space,” explains Goerzen. The garden has three individual square planters (that fit on the included tray), each of which has drainage holes in the bottom to prevent overwatering.

If you’re not much of a gardener, Goerzen says “faux plants can still do the trick.” Despite being made from plastic, this two-pack of faux plants looks realistic. Each one stands about 15 inches tall and comes in a planter. “It seems like such a simple decor element, but I promise, it can completely transform your home into an inspired sanctuary,” adds Goerzen.