$35 hardware swaps that immediately update any space

Swapping out hardware is one of those small changes that makes a room feel surprisingly fresh. You don’t have to spend hundreds on new cabinets or furniture when a $35 update can make everything look more current.

The best part is that hardware changes are quick, renter-friendly, and easy to undo later if you change your mind. A few new knobs, handles, and hinges can completely shift the look of your space — and it’s one of the fastest upgrades you can pull off in a weekend.

Update Cabinet Pulls to Matte Black or Brushed Brass

If your cabinets still have builder-grade chrome handles, it’s time for an upgrade. Matte black instantly adds contrast and modern edge, while brushed brass warms up white or wood cabinets beautifully. You can find affordable multipacks online for around $30–$35.

Swapping handles takes minimal tools and less than an hour. It’s one of those changes that makes people notice, even if they can’t quite figure out why the kitchen suddenly feels newer.

Replace Knobs on Dressers or Nightstands

Furniture knobs are another overlooked detail that can make a huge difference. If your nightstands or dressers feel outdated, new knobs can change their entire personality. Go for something with a little weight to it — metal, marble, or wood.

Amazon and Hobby Lobby both have options under $35 that look far more expensive than they are. It’s one of the easiest ways to make old furniture look like it came from a boutique store.

Switch Out Bathroom Faucet Handles

If your bathroom faucet handles are loose, tarnished, or wobbly, that’s a sign they’re ready for replacement. You can find new handles for most standard faucets online for under $35. Choose a finish that matches your towel bars or mirror frame.

Even though it’s a tiny change, matching hardware instantly makes a bathroom feel put together. It’s also a great way to refresh without replacing the entire faucet.

Change Out Door Hinges for Matching Finishes

Mixed metals on door hardware are one of the first things that date a house. If your doors have old brass hinges with silver knobs, a $35 hinge set can tie everything together. It’s subtle but instantly makes your doors feel newer.

You can do a whole hallway for around that price, and it makes a noticeable difference in how polished everything feels.

Replace Switch Plate Covers With Metal or Wood

Plastic switch plates tend to yellow over time, even in clean homes. Swapping them for black metal or stained wood covers gives the room a designer touch without any real effort.

You can redo the main living areas for around $35, and the difference in texture and finish adds a more intentional feel to the space.

Upgrade Drawer Pulls in the Laundry Room

Laundry rooms are often ignored when it comes to design, but they’re one of the easiest to update. A pack of sleek bar pulls in matte nickel or black can make even basic cabinets look modern.

Since laundry areas are smaller, your budget stretches further — you can usually do the entire space for under $35. It makes doing laundry feel less like a chore and more like something out of a home tour.

Replace Old Curtain Rod Finials

You don’t always need new curtain rods — just swap the finials. Many stores sell decorative ends that screw right onto your existing rod.

Choosing something modern, like matte black spheres or brass caps, can pull the whole room together. You’ll spend under $20 and get the same impact as replacing the full set.

Refresh Door Handles in Key Rooms

If you can’t afford to change every handle in the house, focus on the ones people touch the most — your front door, pantry, and bathrooms.

Even replacing two or three handles with matching finishes makes the entire home feel more cohesive. With good timing during sales, you can grab a few quality options for around $35 total.

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