$50 upgrades that instantly make your house look more expensive

You don’t need a huge renovation budget to make your house look more expensive. Sometimes, it’s the small, thoughtful updates that have the biggest impact. With around $50, you can make rooms feel fresh, intentional, and designer-worthy without overspending.

From texture and color to hardware and small details, these upgrades instantly raise the look of your space and make people think you spent way more than you did.

Add molding or trim to plain walls

Plain drywall makes a room feel flat. Adding a few strips of trim—like picture frame molding or board and batten—can give it that high-end, custom look you see in designer homes.

You can grab pre-cut molding from Home Depot for under $50 and paint it the same color as your walls for a seamless, expensive finish. It adds character, depth, and makes even a basic room feel more intentional.

Swap your faucet for a modern one

A new faucet can completely change how your kitchen or bathroom feels. Old chrome ones tend to make a space look dated, but a modern matte black or brushed brass faucet gives it that designer touch instantly.

There are great options online for $50 or less that look high-end but don’t break the bank. It’s a quick project that pays off every time you walk in the room.

Upgrade to linen or woven curtains

Thin polyester curtains can make a space feel cheap. Switching to linen or a natural woven texture instantly adds warmth and luxury.

You can find affordable options at IKEA or Amazon that look tailored and custom once they’re hung high and wide. Even better, iron or steam them before hanging to give that crisp, elevated finish that makes a room feel complete.

Replace builder-grade ceiling vent covers

Ceiling vent covers are one of those overlooked details that quietly bring down a room. Swapping old, yellowed vents for sleek white or black metal options makes the whole space look cleaner.

For under $50, you can replace every visible vent in a main area, and the room will immediately feel more polished. It’s subtle, but it ties the entire look together.

Add peel-and-stick backsplash behind the stove

A plain wall behind your stove can make your kitchen look unfinished. Peel-and-stick backsplash panels cost under $50 and come in high-end looks like marble, herringbone, or subway tile.

They’re easy to install and make your kitchen look like it got a professional remodel. Even renters can do this upgrade—it peels off cleanly when you’re ready for a change.

Swap your lampshades

Outdated or yellowing lampshades can make even a nice lamp look cheap. Replacing them with clean white drum shades or textured linen ones makes a huge difference for minimal cost.

It changes how light fills the room and makes your lighting look purposeful instead of random. A small detail, but it’s one designers always pay attention to.

Paint your interior doors

Painting your interior doors black, deep green, or a warm beige can completely transform how your home feels. It’s an unexpected upgrade that looks like something out of a magazine.

A quart of quality paint costs under $50, and the visual impact is huge. Pair it with updated doorknobs or hinges and your hallway will look like it came straight from a designer’s portfolio.

Replace your showerhead

Nothing makes a bathroom feel more “builder-grade” than a basic showerhead. A rainfall or handheld combo instantly makes the space feel modern and spa-like.

There are great models for under $50 that make your bathroom look and feel expensive without hiring a plumber. It’s one of the most satisfying upgrades you can do in under an hour.

Layer in new throw pillow covers

If your couch is looking tired, you don’t need a new one—just swap the pillow covers. Go for a mix of textures like faux leather, linen, and woven cotton in neutral colors.

You can get a full set of quality covers online for under $50, and it’ll completely refresh your living room. It’s a quick fix that designers use all the time for an instant upgrade.

Update cabinet hinges and catches

Even if you’ve replaced your cabinet handles, those old squeaky hinges can give you away. Swapping them for soft-close versions or new polished hardware makes a big difference.

It’s a small upgrade most people overlook, but it adds a sense of quality every time you open a cabinet. For less than $50, it can make your kitchen or bathroom feel brand new.

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