How to make your bedroom look professionally designed for under $150

You don’t need a full renovation budget to make your bedroom look like it was styled by a pro. The right updates can change the entire feel of the space—without changing the layout or buying new furniture. It’s all about knowing where to spend your money and what details actually make the biggest difference. With $150 and a little intention, you can make your bedroom feel finished, pulled together, and more expensive than it really is.

Swap Out the Bedding First

If your bed looks tired, the whole room does too. You don’t need a high-end set—just something clean, neutral, and layered. Think a solid or textured comforter, two matching shams, and a throw blanket folded at the bottom.

You can find affordable sets at places like Target, IKEA, or Amazon that look way more expensive than they are. Stick to a soft white, beige, or slate tone so the room feels calm and coordinated. Don’t go bold unless everything else in the room is dialed back.

Ditch the Clutter on Your Nightstands

Professional designers always keep nightstands looking intentional. That means a lamp, a small decorative item, and maybe one or two books. Everything else—chargers, snacks, random receipts—should be tucked away.

A good rule of thumb is to keep it symmetrical and low-profile. Use baskets or a drawer organizer to store the everyday stuff out of sight. It instantly makes the whole room feel more styled, even if nothing else changes.

Hang Your Curtains High and Wide

Mounting your curtains closer to the ceiling makes the room look taller. Letting them extend past the window frame makes the whole window feel bigger. Both of those tricks are standard in design—but easy to miss when you’re doing it yourself.

Grab a $10–$20 curtain rod and a pair of 84″ or 96″ panels from Walmart or IKEA. Solid or light-filtering panels work best. Even cheap curtains look elevated when they’re hung right.

Add a Rug to Ground the Bed

Even if you have carpet, a rug under the bed makes the space feel anchored. Look for a 5×7 or 6×9 size and slide it under the bottom two-thirds of the bed so it sticks out on both sides.

You can find decent rugs at Ross, Wayfair, or even Facebook Marketplace for under $50. A low-pile or flat-weave option looks clean and stays in budget. This is one of the biggest impact-per-dollar upgrades you can make.

Replace Mismatched Lamps or Lamp Shades

Nothing throws off a bedroom faster than clashing lamps. If yours don’t match, swap one or both—or even just the shades. Target sells shades for $10–$15 that can totally shift the look.

Matching lamps don’t have to be expensive. You can even spray-paint the bases the same color and buy neutral shades. Aim for warm, soft lighting instead of bright white to make the room feel cozy without being dim.

Layer in One Large Piece of Wall Art

Skip the gallery wall and pick one large, well-framed piece to hang above the bed or dresser. It brings more visual impact and feels less cluttered. Think abstract prints, line art, or a neutral landscape.

You can get downloadable prints on Etsy for a few bucks and have them printed at Staples or Walgreens. Then grab a big frame from Walmart or a thrift store. Done right, it’ll feel like something from a high-end catalog.

Use Matching Baskets or Bins

Whether it’s for laundry, extra blankets, or under-bed storage, using matching containers makes everything feel intentional. Mismatched baskets work fine in a closet, but not when they’re out in the open.

Look for woven or canvas bins at stores like HomeGoods or even Dollar General. Keeping your extra stuff out of sight but still easy to grab is one of those behind-the-scenes tricks that makes a room feel finished.

Upgrade Your Throw Pillows

You don’t need a pile of them, but two or three throw pillows in the right size and texture make the bed look professionally styled. Go for oversized 20″x20″ covers and buy inexpensive inserts separately if needed.

Stick with neutrals or subtle patterns and avoid anything too seasonal or trendy. You want it to feel like the pillows belong there year-round. Try linen, faux leather, or textured cotton for a more high-end feel.

Hide Wires and Power Strips

It’s a small thing, but messy cords instantly cheapen the look of a room. Tuck them behind furniture, use adhesive clips to run them down the legs, or corral them in a cable box.

Spend a few bucks on cord covers or organizers and hide your power strip out of sight. You don’t need to eliminate everything—just make sure it doesn’t look like a tangle behind your nightstand or desk.

Stick to a Tight Color Palette

Even if your furniture is a mix of hand-me-downs, sticking to two or three colors throughout the room helps everything feel pulled together. Repeating colors in the bedding, rug, curtains, and art makes it all flow.

You don’t have to repaint or start over. Focus on the accessories—your throws, pillows, baskets, and prints—and build around what’s already working. That’s what designers do when they’re working with a tight budget or limited space.

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