$40 items that instantly makes your bathroom feel expensive

It doesn’t take a full remodel to make a bathroom feel like it belongs in a high-end home. In fact, a single upgrade—something around $40—can completely change how the space looks and feels. The trick is focusing on details that designers always get right: texture, balance, and good lighting.

Whether you rent or own, these upgrades are affordable, quick, and instantly make your bathroom look more intentional and less “builder basic.”

A framed mirror instead of a plain wall mount

That frameless, glued-to-the-wall mirror gives away your bathroom’s age instantly. Swapping it for a framed option instantly makes the room feel finished and custom. You can grab a black, gold, or wood-look frame for around $40 at Target, Walmart, or Home Depot.

If you’re handy, you can even build a simple wood frame to fit over your existing mirror. It’s a small upgrade that makes the entire vanity area look like it came straight from a design catalog.

A set of matching glass soap dispensers

Those plastic bottles with clashing labels are doing your bathroom no favors. Replacing them with refillable glass or amber soap dispensers instantly elevates your countertop. It’s one of those upgrades that feels high-end without costing much—most sets are under $40.

Fill them with your favorite soaps or even bulk refills to save money over time. The clean, cohesive look gives your sink area that spa-like finish you see in professionally styled homes.

A hotel-quality shower curtain

A fabric shower curtain—especially one in white or linen—is one of the easiest ways to make your bathroom feel more expensive. Ditch the plastic liner look and go for something with texture or subtle pleats. It softens the space and feels more intentional.

You can find great ones for under $40, and pairing it with metal curtain rings instead of plastic makes a big difference. It’s the kind of upgrade that instantly gives your bathroom a designer touch.

New cabinet hardware

Switching out your cabinet knobs and drawer pulls can completely change your bathroom’s tone. Matte black, brushed brass, or even oil-rubbed bronze instantly modernize the space. It’s a project you can finish in minutes with a screwdriver.

Most hardware sets cost around $30–$40 and can make stock cabinets look custom. The small details add up and create that “expensive” look without you spending anywhere near remodel money.

A coordinating bath mat and hand towels

Mismatched or faded towels make a space feel worn down fast. For under $40, you can grab a plush bath mat and a set of new hand towels in neutral colors that tie the whole bathroom together.

Stick to textures and tones you’d see in a hotel—white, beige, or soft gray. The consistency and quality make your bathroom feel clean, calm, and upscale without a single major change.

A sleek countertop tray

Corral your daily items—like lotion, soap, and toothbrushes—on a small tray to make your vanity look styled instead of cluttered. Marble, wood, or metal trays all work, depending on your style.

You can find plenty for under $40, and it instantly creates that “put together” look designers aim for. It’s not about hiding things; it’s about making everyday essentials look intentional.

A better shower head

A new shower head changes the feel of your bathroom more than you’d think. Rainfall-style or handheld options give you that spa vibe while improving water pressure.

You can find sleek chrome or matte black designs under $40 that look far more expensive than they are. It’s a practical upgrade that also makes your daily routine feel more luxurious.

A wall-mounted towel hook set

Bulky towel bars can make a bathroom feel outdated. Swapping them for a set of wall hooks gives your space a modern, European look. Plus, they’re easier to install and take up less visual space.

You can grab a three- or four-hook set for under $40, and it’ll make even a small bathroom feel cleaner and better organized. Choose a finish that matches your other fixtures for that designer-level cohesion.

A statement candle or diffuser

Scents make a big impact. A large candle or glass diffuser instantly makes your bathroom feel polished and welcoming. It’s an easy way to mimic that high-end spa feel at home.

Stick with neutral packaging and natural scents like eucalyptus, sandalwood, or vanilla. For under $40, this small touch makes your bathroom smell—and look—like you’ve spent far more on upgrades than you actually have.

A piece of framed art

Bathrooms often get overlooked when it comes to decor. Hanging one framed print or photograph instantly adds warmth and personality. Look for simple, calming imagery that fits the space—like landscapes or abstracts.

You can find affordable art online or print your own photo and frame it yourself. It’s one of the easiest ways to make your bathroom look curated instead of purely functional—and you can do it for under $40.

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