$40 swaps that make old houses feel fresh
Older homes have character, but sometimes they start to feel dated—especially when small details haven’t been touched in decades. The good news is, you don’t have to take on a renovation to give an older house new life.
With around $40, you can make a few smart swaps that instantly freshen things up. These updates make a big visual impact, smooth out rough edges, and help your home feel clean and current again without losing the charm that made you love it in the first place.
Replace outdated light switch covers
Old yellowed switch plates can quietly age a room. Swapping them for clean, modern covers takes minutes but instantly brightens your walls.
You can find multi-packs for under $40 and replace every one in a small home. Go for classic white or matte black—either will make your paint and trim look newer.
Add fresh cabinet handles
Replacing dated cabinet pulls in the kitchen or bathroom makes a bigger difference than you might think. Brushed nickel, matte black, or gold finishes can all modernize the space fast.
Most sets cost around $30–$40, and installation only takes a screwdriver. It’s an easy way to make older cabinets look intentional instead of tired.
Swap out yellowed lamp shades
Old lampshades tend to discolor or trap dust, which can make your lighting look dingy. Replacing them with crisp white or linen shades instantly refreshes the room.
You’ll be surprised how much better your lighting looks when it’s not filtered through something faded. It’s one of those quick wins that changes the tone of an entire space.
Upgrade doorknobs and hinges
Brass or tarnished doorknobs can make a home feel stuck in another decade. For around $40, you can replace them with black, brushed nickel, or bronze finishes that match your style.
It’s a small change that adds consistency throughout your house and makes every door feel newer when you grab the handle.
Refresh bathroom fixtures
If your faucet or towel bar looks worn, swapping them for a modern finish can transform the whole bathroom. Affordable sets are easy to find and install yourself.
Focus on matching the finish to your light fixtures or mirror frame to keep things cohesive. That simple change makes your bathroom feel more polished without a remodel.
Replace old vent covers
Floor and wall vents collect grime over time and can make a freshly painted room look unfinished. New covers cost under $10 each and look much cleaner.
Stick with white or black metal for a more modern look, or paint them to match your walls. It’s an often-overlooked detail that makes your home feel better maintained.
Add new curtain rods
Old plastic or thin metal curtain rods date a room fast. Switching to sturdy wood or matte metal rods creates a more finished, upscale look.
You can get a full set for under $40, and it instantly elevates the feel of your windows—especially when paired with long, well-hung curtains.
Update bathroom lighting
Those globe vanity lights from the ’90s make bathrooms feel dated in an instant. Swapping them for a modern light bar or fixture gives the space a clean, updated look.
Many options fall right around $40 and can be installed with basic wiring skills. The lighting will look brighter and more flattering right away.
Replace your house numbers
Faded, crooked, or outdated house numbers drag down your curb appeal more than you realize. Modern metal numbers are cheap, easy to mount, and instantly elevate your exterior.
Choose a style that matches your door hardware for a cohesive look. It’s one of the fastest curb appeal upgrades you can make for under $40.
Refresh outlet covers and faceplates
Like light switches, outlets can yellow and crack over time. Swapping them for clean, modern covers makes walls look freshly painted—even if they aren’t.
For about $40, you can update every outlet in your main living areas. It’s a subtle detail that quietly makes your whole home look newer and better cared for.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
