9 cheap fixes that actually make a room feel more finished

A room doesn’t have to be expensive or fully remodeled to feel complete. Sometimes it’s the small, affordable details that tie everything together. If your space feels a little undone or like something’s missing, these low-cost fixes can bring the whole room up a notch—without requiring a weekend project or a credit card swipe.

Add outlet and switch plate covers that match

Mismatched or old, yellowed outlet covers can throw off a room fast. Replacing them with clean, matching ones makes the walls feel more polished. It’s one of those tiny details that most people overlook—but once it’s fixed, the room feels more put together.

Hide cords and power strips

Nothing makes a space feel messy faster than tangled cords. Cord covers, adhesive clips, or even baskets behind furniture can make a big difference. Hiding visual clutter helps the rest of your decor shine and gives the space a cleaner feel.

Upgrade cabinet knobs or pulls

Swapping out basic hardware is a fast way to elevate a room. Whether it’s in the kitchen, bathroom, or on a dresser, better hardware adds weight and polish. There are plenty of affordable options that still look high-end and help furniture feel more custom.

Add a curtain rod that extends past the window

When curtains hang too close or too high above the window, they make the space feel off. Mounting your curtain rod a little wider and higher adds height and makes the windows feel more intentional. It’s a small shift with a big visual payoff.

Hang real art or framed prints

Bare walls or taped-up posters make a space feel temporary. You don’t need expensive pieces—just framing what you already have can make a big difference. Thrifted frames, downloadable prints, or even family photos work if they’re displayed intentionally.

Replace builder-grade light bulbs

Those default bright-white bulbs do nothing for a room’s mood. Swapping in warmer tones—or dimmable ones—can instantly make your lighting feel more designed. Even a $5 bulb upgrade changes how your paint, furniture, and decor look.

Lay down a rug that actually fits

Too-small rugs throw off the whole balance of a room. You don’t have to splurge on a giant one—just size up enough so the front legs of your furniture sit on it. The right rug anchors everything and makes the space feel more cohesive.

Add greenery

A small plant—real or fake—helps soften the edges of a room. It adds color and texture that pulls a space together. Even one potted plant in the corner or on a shelf makes the room feel more thought out.

Style one surface intentionally

Instead of filling every space with random items, choose one area—a shelf, dresser, or coffee table—and style it with care. A tray, a few books, and one or two personal pieces go a long way in making a space feel considered without feeling staged.

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