$60 furniture tweaks that feel designer

You don’t need new furniture to make your home look high-end. Most of the time, it’s the small upgrades—handles, legs, finishes—that make a piece feel custom instead of store-bought. With around $60, you can make a big visual difference and stretch the life of the furniture you already own.

These tweaks work whether you’re refreshing an old dresser, a hand-me-down table, or a set of nightstands that feel too plain. A few thoughtful changes can turn something basic into something that looks designer-made.

Swap out old hardware

New hardware completely changes how a piece looks. Replacing dated knobs or pulls with modern ones—like matte black, brass, or natural wood—instantly gives your furniture a fresh edge. You can find high-quality options for around $4–$6 apiece, so a full set usually stays under $60.

Match the finish to your home’s existing accents for a cohesive look. It’s one of the easiest upgrades to tackle in under an hour, and the difference is immediate.

Add furniture legs or risers

Many store-bought dressers, cabinets, or benches sit flat on the ground, which makes them look cheap. Adding legs instantly elevates the design—literally and visually. You can buy wood or metal furniture legs online for under $60 total, depending on the size.

Screw them into the base of the piece, and suddenly it looks taller, lighter, and more custom. It also makes cleaning underneath easier and adds that designer-level detail most budget pieces lack.

Replace outdated paint or stain

A new color or stain can make tired furniture look like it came from a boutique. For under $60, you can grab a quart of furniture paint, a good brush, and sandpaper or primer if needed.

Light neutrals give a clean, modern feel, while deeper tones like charcoal or olive add richness. A fresh finish can hide years of wear and completely shift the tone of a room without replacing a thing.

Add trim or molding

Flat drawer fronts or plain table edges can look basic, but a little trim makes them look custom-built. A few lengths of decorative molding or wood trim from the hardware store cost under $60, and you can cut and glue them on yourself.

Once painted to match, the piece will have the same texture and depth as expensive designer furniture. It’s an easy way to fake a high-end look with minimal effort.

Upgrade drawer liners

You might not think about the inside of your drawers, but updating them makes your furniture feel new again. Peel-and-stick drawer liner or wallpaper in a neutral pattern can transform a dresser or vanity for under $60.

It’s subtle, but every time you open a drawer, it feels intentional and finished. Plus, it protects your furniture from spills or scratches so it lasts longer.

Replace furniture feet pads with casters

Swapping standard feet for casters gives small pieces like side tables or bar carts a designer touch. You can find sets of metal casters online or at hardware stores for under $60.

They add both function and charm—making furniture easier to move and giving it a vintage-inspired, high-end feel. Stick with brass or matte black to keep it looking timeless.

Add a glass or wood top

If your table or dresser top has seen better days, a glass or wood overlay can make it look brand new. Pre-cut glass panels or wood slabs can be found for under $60, depending on the size.

It not only hides scratches but gives a glossy or natural texture that instantly upgrades the look. It’s a smart fix for surfaces that still have good bones but lost their finish.

Swap out fabric or reupholster a seat

Dining chairs, benches, and ottomans are easy to refresh with new fabric. A yard or two of quality upholstery fabric plus a staple gun stays around $60 total.

Pick a durable, neutral fabric like linen or performance polyester for a clean, professional look. Fresh fabric brings life back to older furniture and helps it match your current décor without buying new pieces.

Add baskets or inserts for open shelving

If you’ve got an open-shelf unit that looks cluttered, matching baskets or bins instantly make it feel polished. You can usually get a full set for around $60, depending on the size and material.

Choose woven, seagrass, or canvas styles that complement your furniture’s tone. It’s an easy fix that adds both texture and organization—two things that always make a space look more refined.

Replace or restyle hardware plates

If your furniture has decorative plates behind the handles or knobs, swapping them out for clean, modern versions gives a surprising upgrade. Many come in packs under $60 and take minutes to install.

They’re small details, but they make old furniture look intentional and current again. Coordinating them with your drawer pulls or hinges ties the whole look together, giving you a piece that feels custom-made instead of dated.

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