Designers say these cheap home upgrades actually look really expensive

This retro table clock is a great way to incorporate artful objects into your space, per Berezowiec’s guidance. Selecting more visually appealing items like this one to replace standard-issue items adds style while still preserving function. This non-ticking clock owes its vintage feel to thoughtful details like the rounded shape and face, analog display, and minimalist metal base.

• Available colors: 4

According to Simram Kaur, founder of Room You Love, “For an economical home upgrade, good lighting is a non-negotiable,” and these under-cabinet lights are a great example of how to achieve it. The set comes with three adhesive plug-in LED bar lights that give off a warm, white glow anywhere you need it — under bookshelves or kitchen cabinets, for instance. You’ll also get a remote control, so you can adjust the brightness and set them on a timer.

According to Elliott, “Peel-and-stick wallpaper allows for easy experimentation with bold designs,” and this wallpaper offers up a cool geometric-inspired pattern to play with. Simply measure your wall area, cut the paper to size, and smooth it down. And not only is it great for brightening up walls, you can also use it on dressers, drawers, cabinets, and more. Just gently peel it off to remove.

• Available colors: 4

A space immediately starts looking luxe, chic, and enchanting when it has a handsome rug laid out,” Kaur says, and this natural fiber accent rug is no exception. Kaur continues, “Rugs don't just make your space look pretty, but actually feel pretty and welcoming.” This particular option is woven from jute for a natural, earthy look that works well with a variety of aesthetics, from modern-minimalist to French country. For a perfect fit, you can choose from a range of sizes and shapes, including rectangle, runner, and round. To boot, it has a low pile and finished hem to keep fraying at bay.

• Available dimensions: 25+
• Available styles: 3

According to DeVries and Walsh, “Adding large branches or fresh flowers to any space can make it feel more intimate and luxurious.” If regularly stocking up on fresh flowers feels like too much of a chore, you might want to consider something low maintenance like these faux willow branches. This set comes with 10 pieces that can be bent to create a custom shape and readjusted as needed. Each branch measures 30 inches high for a dramatic effect.

If you want to continue your hardware swaps, these cabinet knobs are another great selection, and they work equally well for cabinets as they do dresser drawers. They’re made from zinc alloy and feature a slightly pearlescent, swirly finish that comes in two versatile shades: rust and off-white.

• Available colors: 2

Maddy DeVries and Ashley Walsh of California- and Arizona-based Morgan Design Studio know that small changes to the items you already have can make a big impact. “Swapping out hardware on retail furniture is a super simple, inexpensive way to achieve an elevated look. There are tons of fun drawer knobs and pulls that give the piece a custom look,” they say. And if you want to give it a try on a budget, these golden leaf drawer pulls are an excellent way to add unique flair that’s all your own. Modeled after a gingko leaf, these metal pulls operate a bit like a moving door knocker. Better yet, they come with all the screws you’ll need for installation.

Isfira Jensen, Principal Designer at Newfacet Interiors in New York, explains, “A decorative tray is one of the easiest and [most] inexpensive ways to elevate the look of your room.” She continues, “A neutral color, interesting pattern, or beautiful texture is the perfect way to provide a designated space for items that might otherwise appear scattered,” she continues. Luckily, you can check all those boxes with this rattan serving tray. The material provides plenty of texture, while the neutral shade blends into any space, and the side handles make it easy to maneuver. It looks just as good housing your makeup on a vanity as it does holding fruit on a coffee table.

• Available colors: 2

If you’re running out of places to house your bathroom essentials, try this over-toilet storage organizer. Unlike bulkier units with drawers and cabinets, this low-profile organizer won’t take up excess space but still lets you display your things in a way that looks orderly. It’s made from sturdy alloy steel and comes with fixed brackets to secure the bottom legs to the top of the tank.

• Available colors: 2

“You can bring a bit of character to your bathroom by opting for a unique wall hook rather than your standard towel bar that coordinates with your toilet paper hook,” DeVries and Walsh say, and this double towel hook is a striking option you can score on the cheap. Made from stainless steel with clean, modern lines, it comes in upmarket finishes like brushed gold and matte black. “It's small elements like this that make all the difference,” they add.

• Available colors: 4

“Replacing branded dish soap bottles, typically an eyesore in a kitchen or bathroom, with a glass or ceramic soap dispenser set is the ultimate hack,” Jensen says, and these soap dispensers are a perfect choice. They come with stainless steel spouts, waterproof labels, and even a coordinated tray. “These pumps provide a sleek, streamlined look helping give the space a designer look and feel,” she adds.

• Available colors: 5

Jensen loves revamping cluttered pantries with curated storage solutions, and this set of storage containers fits the bill. It comes with seven containers in varying sizes, all with airtight seals for keeping food at its optimal freshness. The included chalkboard labels, however, are critical to Jensen: “Nothing gives an elevated look like a neatly organized and labeled pantry closet. Not only is the result beautiful, but also highly functional. Finding products and supplies is a breeze with a clearly marked label,” she says.

• Available colors: 4

Devin Shaffer, Lead Interior Designer at Decorilla Online Interior Design, says, “Bookends are an awesome way to make a bookshelf look more sophisticated and stately,” and this set of clear bookends will certainly do the trick. They boast a crystal-like finish with two globes at the bases for an added touch of visual interest. “A simple set of bookends setting your favorite books apart will help ground your home library and allow you to feel more connected with your space,” he adds.

For Kaur, aesthetic accent lighting is an excellent way to “pep up a space” on the cheap, and this moon lamp makes a charming addition to any room. This battery-powered lamp features a spherical bulb delicately hanging from a perforated crescent moon for a calm, moody vibe. Because it’s wireless, it’s easy to move from room to room when you’re ready to shake things up.

If you’re looking for aesthetic lighting choices to evoke a tropical paradise, try this cordless table lamp. It boasts a glass shade etched with palm fronds atop a bronze-hued base. The LED bulb runs on batteries and even comes with a built-in timer, so you don’t need to worry about powering it on or off.

• Available colors: 3

According to Kaur, there are even more benefits to incorporating rugs. “They add great texture to plain spaces and kick away all chances of blandness,” she says. If you want to do away with dullness, this rug made from braided cotton is a great pick that perks up a space with shades like terra cotta and olive — and the tassels on the end add a lovely decorative touch as well. Perhaps the best part: It’s machine washable, making it super easy to care for.

• Available colors: 8

If you’re short on storage, try this set of corner floating shelves. “Aside from freeing up floor space, floating shelves add interest, functionality, beauty, and spice to a space,” Kaur says, adding that a mix of pretty and functional is a winning combination. They come in a set of five and include all the necessary hardware for installation. Once set up, they can support up to 40 pounds of weight.

• Available colors: 4

“Putting up some tasteful artistic pieces like this macramé magazine rack or hand-painted wall art are some things that show you have actually put in some effort to decorate your home,” Kaur says, adding that it can help make your space feel inviting. This rack features a wooden base with cotton cording that gives it a natural feel. It comes in two sizes and is easy to assemble.

If you’re looking to translate Kaur’s advice about decorating your walls with art, these canvas prints look hand-painted — but don’t cost hundreds (or thousands) of dollars. Mounted on wood, the triptych prints boast a graphic black and white abstract design with tons of contrast, making it a good fit for a variety of decors. If simple black and white isn’t your thing, there are other more colorful options to choose from as well.

• Available options: 6

Luksas Berezowiec, founder and CEO of 3-D architectural rendering design firm No Triangle Studio, is an advocate for incorporating objects to add “artistic flair” to your space. This ceramic vase is a unique pick that stands just over 8 inches high, making it compact enough for a variety of spaces, and features a Picasso-like abstract face design. It’s perfect for displaying fresh flowers or dried greenery alike.

• Available colors: 5

Along with vases, Berezowiec recommends trays to “group collections” of artistic objects for maximum impact. Constructed from polished iron, the tray has a minimalist look but lots of functionality. It has a practical lip around the perimeter to corral items in place, and the bottom has a nonslip backing for stability.

• Available sizes: 2

Further following Berezowiec’s advice to “group collections for impact,” this set of taper holders allows you to do just that, since it already comes in a set. Made from glass, this set includes three different-sized holders featuring a ribbed finish. While they all fit tapers, the shortest holder with the wide base can be flipped over to fit a tea light candle, too.

• Available colors: 11

And if you’re looking to load up those candle holders, try these smokeless, dripless tapers. They come in a pack of 10 and each candle burns for a solid eight hours. They boast cotton wicks and, since they’re unscented, they’re a great choice for those who are sensitive to fragrance. Score them in tons of vibrant colors.

• Available colors: 9

Berezowiec also recommends upgrading textiles, and this pair of throw pillow covers lets you do just that. “Velvet pillows or a cozy faux fur throw add tactile richness,” he says. The decorative tassels lining the perimeter add that extra touch of optical appeal that can really transform a space. These velvet covers boast hidden zippers for easy closure.

• Available sizes: 6
• Available colors: 21

And if the idea of elevating your home textures is appealing, keep the trend going with this faux fur throw. The soft look of the fur is undeniably inviting and cozy, while the effortless styling of throwing it over a chair or couch keeps things chic. It even comes outfitted with a nonslip backing in case you’d like to display it as an accent rug.

• Available sizes: 4
• Available colors: 11

Tony Elliott, owner of remodeling firm Roseville Kitchen & Bath in Roseville, California, explains, “Open shelving combines practicality with style, showcasing your kitchen or bathroom essentials in an organized and attractive manner.” And you can take him up on that advice with this set of floating shelves. Not only are they great for storing your items, but one of the shelves in the pair comes with a convenient bar along the bottom for hanging towels and more. They’re perfect for the bathroom or the kitchen, where they can be used for spices and condiments.

• Available colors: 9

Following Elliott’s advice to store must-haves in an “organized and attractive manner,” you can score these vanity jars for cotton rounds, swabs, and other small items. The smoky black finish is a fresh take on classic transparent jars, although a clear option is available as well. They come with matching lids that feature globe-shaped handles and each order also includes a set of both preprinted and blank labels for extra organization.

• Available colors: 4

Building on Elliott’s advice of showcasing items as you store them is this wall-mounted towel rack. Not only does it match a variety of decors thanks to its neutral wood and metal construction, it fits three to four rolled towels, depending on their size. On the top, you’ll find a shelf to give you bonus storage for stashing more essentials or displaying decor. Plus, this is an amazing way to free up space in your linen closet.

• Available colors: 3

Taking Elliott’s advice to the kitchen, this three-tier corner shelf proves that just because you’ve got clutter doesn’t mean it can’t look good. Featuring two medium-size shelves plus a small one on top (which is perfect for a cute floral accent, btw), this organizer stands sturdily atop nonslip feet. You can keep it angled for corner storage or straighten it to sit flush against a straight wall. Try it on a desk or in other spaces, too.

• Available colors: 3

Whether you’re packing away cotton balls in the bathroom or dried fruit in the kitchen, this glass container can make your storage look like art. The curved glass vessel features a spherical cork to create an airtight environment inside the container. Snag them in three different sizes to create a coordinated set.

• Available sizes: 3

Rounding out Elliot’s “open storage” advice is this set of charming square spice jars that look great on display. Switching out your mismatched collection for this collection is an excellent way to upgrade your kitchen while still keeping things functional. The bodies of the jars are constructed from glass, while the airtight lids are fashioned from bamboo. Better yet, the set comes with a whopping 148 waterproof labels to make identifying your spices a cinch.

• Available sizes: 5

“Creating a gallery wall is an artful and budget-friendly way to turn your wall into a stunning focal point,” Elliott explains, and this set of gallery frames can help you get there. It comes with 10 frames in different dimensions for an eclectic look. The protective layers are fashioned from glass with sanded edges to make them easy to handle. And when it comes to filling the frames, Elliott has a recommendation: “Combining a mix of framed artwork, photographs, and prints in various sizes and styles can transform any room,” he says.

• Available colors: 4

“Accent pillows offer a cost-effective way to refresh your living spaces,” Elliott explains, so give this striking bouclé knot pillow a try. Made from a wool and cotton blend, this unique pillow adds both texture and comfort to a space, thanks to the woven design and the cushy down-alternative fill. Better yet, it’s safe to launder in the washer and dryer at low temperatures.

• Available colors: 10

“Turn your bathroom into a spa-like oasis by simply changing your old shower curtain with a chic and modern design, instantly refreshing the look and feel of the space,” Asad Shamim, CEO of Furniture in Fashion, advises. This shower curtain with its minimalist striped design is an excellent candidate for those looking for a bathroom revamp. It’s made from natural cotton and has 12 shower ring holes stitched into the top. Pair it with a liner of your choice to help create a light, airy bathroom.

• Available colors: 9

If you ever thought bathroom basics were boring, you’ve never seen this shower curtain liner. Featuring a pebbled texture, this liner is instantly eye-catching and sure to complement any curtain you pair it with. The hook grommets are rust resistant as well, and because of the semi-sheer finish, you can even use this liner on its own.

• Available colors: 10

This round mirror has more benefits for your home than you might think, since Shamim explains that you can “infuse your home with a touch of sophistication by strategically placing decorative mirrors that not only reflect light but also create an illusion of a larger and more stylish space.” This mirror boasts a sleek, thin frame that won’t detract from your decor — and you can choose from black and gold options. It also comes with hooks on the back and all the other hardware you need to hang it.

• Available sizes: 6
• Available colors: 2

“Give your windows a designer touch by replacing outdated curtains or blinds with affordable options that offer both functionality and style,” Shamim says, proving that additions like these linen curtains can enhance the aesthetic of your space. The loose weave of these curtains ensures you’ll get a bit of light diffusion in your space while still obtaining plenty of privacy. They’re fitted with a rod pocket closure at the top for a streamlined, elegant look.

• Available colors: 13

Shamim champions hiding your mess in style, and this rope basket can help. “Declutter your space while adding a touch of charm by incorporating decorative storage baskets that are not only practical but also serve as stylish accents, keeping your belongings neatly tucked away,” he explains. This particular vessel comes in tones like slate blue and sage, and features woven rope handles on the side for easy maneuvering. It can even double as a laundry hamper, too.

• Available colors: 6

You can use Shamim’s “decorative storage” principle in other parts of your house, too, using these wire baskets. Featuring a steel frame with a trendy black finish, these baskets have a simple and modern construction. They’re great for kitchen countertops and inside bathroom cabinets, and they have handles to make to make them easy to move around.

Here to give you yet another storage-in-plain-sight option are these wicker baskets that are actually made from durable, non-splintering plastic. They come in a set of three with one large bin and two smaller ones. While they’re a no-brainer in the bathroom for hand towels and toilet paper, they’re also excellent for storing condiments in the kitchen, or miscellaneous items anywhere else in the house.

• Available sizes: 2
• Available colors: 3