9 $50 fixes that make your house look $1,000 more expensive

When you want your house to feel more polished, you don’t always need a huge budget. Small upgrades can make a space look dramatically better without draining your wallet. The trick is knowing which fixes give you the most impact for the least amount of money.

With around $50 and a little effort, you can pull off projects that instantly make your home look like you spent way more. Here are nine fixes that can make your place look $1,000 more expensive.

Swapping Out Cabinet Hardware

Old knobs and pulls date a kitchen or bathroom fast. Replacing them with modern hardware gives your cabinets an instant upgrade without spending much. You can find sleek options at most home improvement stores that make a big difference.

Since cabinets take up so much visual space, new hardware changes the entire feel of the room. It’s one of the easiest ways to get a more expensive look without touching the actual cabinets themselves.

Upgrading Light Switch Plates

Yellowed or mismatched switch plates stand out more than you’d think. Swapping them for clean, modern covers takes minutes and makes your walls look finished. You can even find decorative options in brushed metal or matte finishes under $50.

Because you see them in every room, updating switch plates gives the whole house a more cohesive look. It’s a small detail buyers and guests notice right away, even if they can’t put their finger on why the space feels sharper.

Adding a Stylish Faucet

An outdated faucet instantly dates a bathroom or kitchen. Replacing it with a sleek, budget-friendly model is an easy weekend project that makes the sink area look high-end. Most options come with straightforward installation guides, so you don’t need a plumber.

Since faucets are one of the most-used fixtures in the home, the upgrade pays off in both looks and daily function. It’s a low-cost change that makes a surprisingly big impression.

Refreshing Door Handles

Worn brass or scratched-up knobs can make doors look cheap. Swapping them for updated handles in finishes like matte black, nickel, or bronze instantly elevates the space. Most come in sets, so you can update multiple doors for under $50.

Because you interact with doors constantly, new handles make the house feel fresher every time someone opens one. It’s one of those upgrades that feels subtle but changes how people perceive the quality of the home.

Repainting Trim

Scuffed or yellowing trim makes even freshly painted walls look tired. A quart of quality paint and some painter’s tape are all you need to refresh your baseboards, door frames, or window casings. Crisp trim sharpens the look of every room.

Since trim frames every surface, brightening it makes the entire space look cleaner and more expensive. It’s a labor project more than a money one, but the payoff is undeniable.

Updating Shower Curtains and Rods

Bathrooms can instantly look better with a fresh curtain and rod. Choose a neutral or textured curtain with a sturdy curved rod to make the space feel larger and more inviting. The whole swap usually runs under $50.

This upgrade works because it creates a clean focal point and hides older tile or tubs. Guests and buyers tend to notice the freshness, and it makes the bathroom feel more thoughtfully put together.

Adding New House Numbers

Faded or dated house numbers drag down curb appeal. Replacing them with larger, modern numbers gives your entryway a clean, updated look. You can mount them directly or even backlight them for a designer effect.

Since they’re one of the first things people see, upgraded numbers make your home appear better maintained. It’s a small investment that sets the tone before anyone even steps inside.

Replacing Old Rugs

Worn or stained rugs pull down the look of an entire room. Swapping in a fresh, budget-friendly option in a neutral tone makes the space look cleaner and more coordinated. Many smaller rugs can be found for under $50.

Rugs take up a lot of visual space, so an updated one can instantly shift how expensive a room feels. It’s an easy way to anchor furniture and elevate the overall style without spending much.

Installing Updated Light Fixtures

Outdated light fixtures are one of the quickest giveaways of a home’s age. Swapping in a new ceiling light, pendant, or wall sconce is often under $50 and can transform the feel of a room.

Since lighting sets the mood, an updated fixture doesn’t just brighten a space — it makes it look current. Buyers and guests notice the upgrade immediately, and it makes the home feel like it’s been better maintained.

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