How to make your house feel more magazine-worthy for less than $200

Magazines have a way of making homes look effortless—but most of that comes down to small details and good styling, not a huge budget. You don’t need high-end furniture or custom millwork to pull it off. You need the right mix of scale, texture, balance, and light.

With $200 or less, you can make a space feel more intentional, more layered, and way more put-together. It’s all about using that money in places that get noticed first.

Swap Out Your Throw Pillows the Right Way

One of the quickest ways to update a room is by changing the pillows—but not with flat, mismatched ones. Use oversized pillow covers (think 20″ to 24″) and get firm inserts that actually fill them out. Go with a neutral base and one pattern that adds personality without being loud.

You can usually get two or three nice covers and down-alternative inserts for under $100. That’s enough to give your sofa or bed a high-end look without changing anything else. Stick to linen, velvet, or textured cotton to keep things looking elevated.

Raise and Widen Your Curtains

Mounting your curtains higher and wider than the window instantly makes the room feel bigger. It draws the eye up and gives the whole space a more finished feel—even if your curtains are from Target or IKEA.

Look for 95–108″ panels in neutral colors with a good drape. Avoid shiny or polyester-heavy fabrics. You can find two decent panels for under $60, and if you already have a rod, that’s the only cost. Hang them so they graze the floor and the room will instantly feel more styled.

Add an Oversized Art Print

One large-scale piece of art does more than a cluttered gallery wall. It adds focus, symmetry, and a clean, editorial feel. Find a downloadable digital print online (Etsy is a good place to look), then have it printed large at a local print shop or Staples.

Frame it yourself using an IKEA or Amazon frame and you’re still under $60 total. Make sure the size fits the wall. A piece that’s too small will cheapen the space, but one that’s big enough to anchor a section of wall can make everything around it feel more styled.

Use Matching Light Bulbs

Mismatched light temperatures make even the best decor look off. Magazine-worthy homes always have consistent, warm lighting—usually in the 2700K to 3000K range. It’s soft enough to feel cozy but bright enough to show off the space.

You can get a pack of quality LED bulbs for under $20 and swap out every lamp or overhead light in your main living area. It’s one of those small changes that makes everything else look better, especially in the evening when lighting really sets the tone.

Upgrade the Entry with Hooks and a Mirror

Your entryway is one of the first things people notice, and it sets the tone fast. A mirror helps bounce light and makes the space feel bigger, while wall hooks keep things off the floor and help it feel intentional.

Stick-on hooks work if you’re renting, or you can grab a basic wall-mounted rack. Pair that with a simple round or rectangular mirror and you’re still under $80 total. You’ll notice the difference every time you walk through the door.

Replace the Plastic Planters

Even fake plants look better when they’re in a decent pot. Swapping out plastic nursery containers or cheap-looking planters for ceramic, cement, or even woven baskets instantly upgrades the feel of your greenery.

You don’t have to buy all new plants. Use what you already have and spend your money on two or three quality pots. Look for ones with some weight and texture to them. Target, HomeGoods, and even Facebook Marketplace usually have solid options under $30 each.

Use One Large Tray to Contain the Clutter

Loose items scattered across a coffee table or counter make a space feel messy fast. A large tray brings everything together and makes it look styled—even if you’re just corralling a remote, candle, and coaster set.

Pick a tray that fits the tone of your space—wood, rattan, black metal, whatever feels right. One that’s 12″–18″ across usually works well. You can grab one for $20–$40 and use it in your living room, bathroom, or kitchen. It’s a small fix with a big impact.

Layer a Faux Throw or Blanket

A throw draped across the end of a bed, back of a couch, or seat of a chair adds texture and visual warmth. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Even a $25 faux throw from HomeGoods can look high-end if it has the right weight and color.

Stick with neutral tones or colors already in your room, and avoid anything too shiny or synthetic-looking. Fold it neatly or drape it casually—either way, it brings softness and layering that helps the whole room feel more styled.

Re-style Your Bookshelves With a Designer’s Eye

Most bookshelves are either overstuffed or too sparse. The trick is to mix books with a few decorative items—like vases, baskets, framed art, or sculptural pieces—while leaving some negative space between.

You don’t need to buy all new things. Pull items from other rooms and spend maybe $40–$60 total filling in any gaps. Books stacked horizontally, items grouped in threes, and varied heights make shelves feel like they belong in a magazine, not a storage closet.

Add a Subtle Scent

You don’t see scent in a photo, but you’d notice it in real life—and so would your guests. Homes that feel magazine-worthy tend to have a clean, consistent scent that’s noticeable without being overpowering.

A good candle, reed diffuser, or essential oil blend can run under $40 and last a while. Skip anything too sugary or artificial. Go for clean linen, woodsy, or citrus-based scents that feel fresh. It’s the finishing touch that ties the whole space together.

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