These $20 Amazon upgrades actually made our house look like a designer came over

It doesn’t take a professional decorator—or a big budget—to make your home look polished. Most of the changes that catch people’s attention are the small, inexpensive ones that pull a space together.

These under-$20 upgrades are the kind that make visitors ask if you hired help, even though all you did was click “add to cart.”

Matching soap dispensers and trays

Swapping out the random store-bought soap bottle for a matching dispenser and tray instantly cleans up your counters. It makes sinks in the kitchen and bathroom feel coordinated instead of cluttered. When everything has a spot and matches in finish or color, it looks like you put real thought into the design.

Matte glass or ceramic dispensers pair perfectly with a small wooden or marble tray to hold soap, lotion, or a sponge. It’s an easy change that makes your daily routine feel a little more high-end.

Oversized pillow covers

If your couch or bed looks tired, the problem might be the pillows. Buying new inserts adds up fast, but swapping to oversized pillow covers gives the same fresh, plush look for way less.

Neutral linen or textured cotton covers from Amazon can make old inserts look brand-new. Go a size up from your pillow insert to get that full, designer-style shape. It’s a small detail that completely changes the feel of a room.

Brass cabinet pulls

Hardware sets the tone for your whole home. Replacing dated handles with modern brass or matte black pulls can completely change how your cabinets look.

Amazon sells packs under $20 that mimic high-end hardware brands, and the difference they make is immediate. It’s one of those small upgrades that looks like you redid the whole kitchen or bathroom, even though you only swapped out screws.

Plug-in wall sconces

Lighting is one of the easiest ways to fake a designer touch. Plug-in sconces let you add symmetry and depth to a room without needing an electrician.

Mount them beside your bed, near a reading chair, or framing artwork. Even inexpensive sconces look high-end when paired with warm bulbs and a thoughtful placement. They make a room feel layered and intentional without the permanent commitment.

Sheer curtain panels

Heavy, short curtains make a room feel small. Long, sheer panels that touch the floor create the opposite effect—they open the space and let in soft light.

You can find affordable options that look custom, especially if you hang them high and wide. The material drapes beautifully, and even budget versions feel luxurious when they move with the light.

Clear glass soap or spice jars

Uniform containers are a designer secret to making shelves and counters look organized. Transferring soaps, spices, or dry goods into matching glass jars creates clean lines and a sense of calm.

Label them with minimal stickers or leave them plain for a sleek, timeless look. It’s an inexpensive way to make everyday storage look like it belongs in a magazine kitchen.

Oversized framed prints

One large piece of art always looks more expensive than several small ones. You don’t have to spend much—a $10 printable and a $20 Amazon frame can completely change your wall.

Choose neutral or abstract designs that fill the space without overwhelming it. The scale alone makes it look like you invested in custom decor when really, you made a smart size choice.

Magnetic doorstops

It’s not the kind of upgrade people notice directly—but they do notice how smooth everything feels. Replacing standard doorstops with magnetic ones adds a clean, modern look and makes rooms feel more finished.

They prevent scuffed walls and awkward door swings while looking like part of a higher-end renovation. It’s the kind of detail designers love because it quietly improves function and appearance at once.

Layered entryway rugs

Designers often layer rugs to create warmth and texture. Using a neutral base rug under a patterned doormat makes your entryway look intentional and welcoming.

It’s an easy, inexpensive way to add personality without clutter. The layered look feels custom, even when both pieces came from Amazon for under $20.

Brass or black picture frames

Matching frames can make even family photos look like art. Swapping mismatched frames for brass or black ones gives instant cohesion, no matter what’s inside.

Arrange them in a clean grid or row, and suddenly your wall looks styled instead of thrown together. It’s a designer trick anyone can pull off with a small budget and a few clicks.