$30 tricks that make your windows look more expensive

Windows can make or break a room’s look, and the good news is you don’t have to replace them to make them feel high-end. A few thoughtful updates can give them the same custom feel you see in design magazines—without blowing your budget.

The key is focusing on the details: how curtains hang, how light hits, and how everything frames the view. With around $30, you can make small changes that instantly make your windows look more polished, balanced, and intentional.

Hang curtain rods higher and wider

Mounting your curtain rod several inches above the window trim draws the eye up and makes the ceiling look taller. Extending the rod a few inches past each side also helps the window appear wider.

This trick gives your space a grander look and allows the curtains to hang without blocking natural light. You can grab affordable adjustable rods online or at big-box stores and see a big difference for very little money.

Swap basic rods for upgraded ones

A simple rod swap can make a huge visual impact. Thin, plastic-looking rods instantly cheapen a space, while metal, wood, or matte-finish rods look cleaner and more intentional.

For around $30, you can find stylish rods with decorative finials that mimic designer hardware. Choose a finish that ties into your other fixtures, like black, brass, or brushed nickel, for a cohesive look.

Use curtain clips or rings

Clipping curtains to rings instead of using built-in rod pockets makes them hang more naturally and move more smoothly. It also gives them that tailored, professional appearance.

This small change makes inexpensive curtains look higher quality and adds a little height to the fabric. You can find a full set of clips for under $15, leaving room in your budget for another small upgrade.

Steam or iron your curtains

Wrinkled fabric instantly kills that “put together” look. Giving your curtains a quick steam or press makes them fall evenly and look more custom-fit to the window.

Even budget curtains can look expensive when they hang straight and crisp. A handheld steamer or iron can handle the job in minutes, and it’s one of the easiest improvements you can make for free if you already own one.

Layer your window treatments

Layering adds depth and texture. Pairing sheer curtains with thicker panels gives your windows a designer look and allows you to adjust privacy and light easily.

You can often find sheers for under $10 a panel and use them behind your existing drapes. The layered effect softens the room and makes the windows look more intentional and high-end.

Replace plastic blinds with fabric or bamboo shades

Cheap vinyl blinds can make an otherwise nice room feel dated. Swapping them for bamboo, linen, or faux wood shades instantly elevates the space.

You can often find budget-friendly options online or at home stores for around $30 per window. They add warmth, texture, and that “finished” look that makes a room feel designed, not thrown together.

Extend the curtain length

Curtains that stop too high above the floor make the window feel smaller. To fake the look of custom drapes, make sure they hang so the hem either skims or puddles slightly on the floor.

If your current curtains are too short, try adding curtain clips or sewing on a simple fabric border at the bottom. It’s an easy way to upgrade the look without replacing the whole set.

Match curtain color to the wall

Matching or closely coordinating your curtain color with the wall tone creates a seamless, designer effect. It tricks the eye into thinking the ceilings are higher and the windows are larger.

Neutral or tone-on-tone fabrics tend to look the most expensive. Even if you’re working with basic panels, choosing the right color can make them blend beautifully into the space.

Clean the glass and trim

You’d be surprised how much dirty glass dulls a room. Sparkling windows instantly make everything around them look fresher and more expensive.

Take the time to clean both sides of the glass and wipe down the trim. Bright light streaming through clean panes gives your home that crisp, well-cared-for feel you notice in staged spaces.

Add a small accent near the window

A plant, small lamp, or decorative object near a window helps draw attention to it and makes it feel like part of the room’s design.

Adding one or two small accents gives the space balance without cluttering the sill. It’s a subtle trick that turns your windows into a feature instead of an afterthought—and all for under $30.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.