How to make any room feel more expensive for less than $75

A room doesn’t have to cost a fortune to look put together. Small upgrades that focus on lighting, finishes, and how you style everyday items can completely change how a space feels. The trick is choosing budget-friendly swaps that give you a higher-end look without draining your wallet. With under $75, you can make choices that instantly elevate any room in your home.

Swap out outdated hardware

Handles and knobs are one of the first things people notice, and swapping them out makes a big difference. You can find modern, matte black or brushed brass sets online for under $30.

Switching out the hardware on a dresser, nightstand, or cabinets instantly gives the furniture a more custom look. It’s one of the cheapest ways to make a space feel like you put more money into it.

Upgrade your lighting

Lighting sets the tone in a room, and outdated fixtures can make everything else look flat. You don’t have to spend a lot—affordable flush mounts, pendant lights, or even stylish lamps can be found for under $50.

If replacing fixtures isn’t an option, swapping out bulbs for warm LED ones also makes the space feel softer and more inviting. Good lighting always makes a room look more intentional.

Add oversized throw pillows

Flat, undersized pillows can make a sofa look cheap. Instead of buying new furniture, replace the inserts with larger, plush ones. You can usually upgrade two or three pillows for less than $40.

Pick covers in textured fabrics like linen or velvet, which often look pricier than they are. This small change adds depth and comfort to your space without requiring a big budget.

Layer in a statement rug

A rug instantly pulls a room together, but you don’t need to spend hundreds. Look for smaller area rugs or runners that add color and pattern for under $75.

Even layering a small rug over an existing neutral one can give the impression of a styled space. The right rug adds warmth and makes furniture look more anchored.

Bring in greenery

Plants instantly make a space feel fresher and more styled. A $15–$25 plant from a garden center or even a realistic faux option can brighten up a corner.

Pair it with a simple ceramic pot to elevate the look. Greenery adds life and makes any room feel cared for, which naturally makes it feel more expensive.

Use mirrors to open up the space

Mirrors reflect light and make a room feel larger, which automatically feels higher-end. You can often find stylish framed mirrors for $50 or less at discount stores.

Place one opposite a window to maximize natural light, or lean a medium-sized mirror on a console table for an easy upgrade. It’s a simple way to expand the space without renovations.

Style with trays

Clutter makes a space look cheaper, but trays help corral items while adding a polished touch. A $20 decorative tray can transform a coffee table, entryway, or bathroom counter.

Arrange candles, books, or small decor pieces on it, and suddenly the space looks styled instead of random. Trays are one of the cheapest tools for creating that curated feel.

Swap cheap curtains for longer ones

Short curtains instantly make a room feel unfinished. You can find affordable, longer panels at big-box stores for under $30 a set.

Hang them higher and let them brush the floor to create the illusion of taller ceilings. This small adjustment gives your windows and the entire room a more custom look.

Add art in matching frames

Bare walls can make a room look stark, but you don’t need expensive art to elevate the space. Buy a set of affordable frames and print out artwork or photography for a fraction of the price.

Coordinating frames give the impression of a planned gallery wall or focal point. It’s a budget-friendly way to bring personality while still looking polished.

Swap plastic for glass or ceramic

Plastic bins and accessories can cheapen a room fast. Replace them with affordable glass jars, ceramic vases, or woven baskets instead.

These small swaps make open shelves, bathroom counters, or kitchens feel more styled. With $75, you can upgrade multiple areas and create a more cohesive, finished look.

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