What $80 worth of Target decor can do for your living room

You don’t need to overhaul your entire living room to make it feel refreshed. A small budget can go a long way if you know what to look for—and Target has mastered the art of affordable updates that look high-end.

With around $80, you can make your space feel warmer, more intentional, and more finished. It’s all about layering in texture, balance, and a few key accents that make the room feel pulled together without trying too hard.

Add a woven basket for warmth and storage

A large woven basket adds texture and function all at once. You can use it to hold blankets, throw pillows, or even kids’ toys while keeping everything looking tidy. Target’s options look handcrafted, but most cost under $30.

The natural fibers add warmth to any corner and break up a space that feels too polished or cold. Pair it with a soft throw, and you’ll instantly make your living room feel cozier and more lived-in.

Swap your throw pillows

Throw pillows are one of the easiest ways to make a big change for little money. Mix a few textured fabrics—like boucle, cotton, or linen—in soft, neutral tones or muted patterns. Even two or three new pillows can change the whole mood of your sofa.

Target’s Threshold and Studio McGee lines offer great designer-style options under $25 each. The key is mixing sizes and textures so it looks intentional, not like a matching set.

Bring in a cozy throw blanket

A throw blanket can soften a space instantly. Choose one with a chunky knit, fringe, or woven texture in a tone that complements your existing furniture. Drape it casually across a chair or the back of the couch—it adds dimension and comfort without clutter.

You can find great options for under $25, and the impact is immediate. It gives your living room that layered, lived-in look you see in styled photos, without feeling forced.

Add a few new candles

Candles do more than smell good—they add warmth and atmosphere. Target carries plenty of soy and wood-wick candles that look far more expensive than they are. Choose a few in neutral ceramic jars or amber glass for a cohesive look.

Scatter them across your coffee table, shelves, or console. Even unlit, they make great decorative accents that subtly elevate your space for under $20 total.

Update your coffee table tray

If your coffee table feels cluttered, a tray instantly makes everything look styled instead of scattered. Look for a wood, metal, or rattan tray—something that adds texture and ties into your other accents.

You can usually find great ones at Target for around $20 to $30. Use it to corral candles, coasters, or small books. It gives your coffee table structure and makes even everyday items feel intentional.

Add greenery—real or faux

Nothing brings life to a room like a touch of green. A small faux plant or a potted real one can completely change the vibe. Target’s faux greenery has come a long way—options like eucalyptus or olive branches look realistic without being pricey.

Place one on your side table or next to your TV stand. The organic shape softens hard lines and makes your living room feel fresh and balanced.

Replace a dated lamp shade

Lighting can make or break a space, but you don’t always need a new lamp—sometimes a new shade is enough. A linen or woven shade can make an old lamp look new again and cast a warmer, softer light.

Target has affordable shades that fit most standard bases, usually under $25. It’s a small update that changes how your whole living room feels, especially in the evenings.

Style your shelves with small decor pieces

A few small changes to your shelf styling can make your living room feel curated. Add a mix of vases, small sculptures, or picture frames in neutral colors. Target’s décor aisles are full of affordable options that look designer-made.

Try grouping items in threes and leaving some open space for breathing room. It keeps your shelves from feeling cluttered while adding visual interest and personality.

Add a textured rug runner

If you have hardwood or tile floors, a small rug runner can soften the space and pull your furniture together. Target’s Project 62 and Opalhouse lines have woven and patterned runners for around $40 or less.

Use one to define a walkway or layer it under a coffee table for added texture. It grounds the room and makes everything feel cozier without committing to a large area rug.

Swap out your picture frames

Old frames can date a room fast. Replacing them with new wood, black metal, or matted options gives your walls an instant refresh. Target has sets of matching frames under $25 that make it easy to unify your wall art.

Keep the frames consistent in color but vary the sizes for visual interest. It’s a quick, affordable way to make your living room feel more polished and thoughtfully designed.

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