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14 Cheap Home Decor Tricks That Look High-End

Making your home look stylish and put-together doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money. With a few smart choices and simple tricks, you can create a high-end feel without breaking the bank.

These affordable home decor ideas help you refresh your space while giving it a polished and expensive look. You’ll find easy ways to upgrade your environment that fit any budget and lifestyle.

Use oversized mirrors to create a spacious, elegant feel

Modern hallway with white walls, textured accent wall, wood flooring, white console table, framed mirror, and minimalist decor
Image Credit: Max Vakhtbovycn/Pexels.

You can make your room feel bigger by adding an oversized mirror. It reflects light and opens up the space without costing much.

Choose a mirror with a simple frame to keep it stylish and understated. Placing it opposite a window maximizes natural light, giving your room a fresh, airy vibe.

Update cabinet hardware with brushed gold knobs

Elegant bedroom with wooden cabinet hardware with brushed gold knobs, beige chaise lounge, crystal chandelier, floral area rug, and white orchids on secretary desk
Image Credit: Max Vakhtbovycn/Pexels.

You can easily refresh your cabinets by swapping old knobs for brushed gold ones. They add a warm, modern touch without costing much.

Brushed gold hardware often looks more sophisticated than their price suggests. This simple change can make your kitchen or bathroom feel more polished and inviting.

Install affordable LED strip lighting under shelves

Modern compact kitchen with beige cabinetry, black marble backsplash, integrated appliances, LED strip lighting under shelves, potted plants, and ambient lighting
Image Credit: Rana Matloob Hussain/Pexels.

You can easily upgrade your shelves by adding LED strip lights underneath. They’re inexpensive and create a warm, inviting glow that highlights your decor.

Cut the strips to fit your shelf length, then stick them on with the adhesive backing. Connect to a power source, and you’re done! This simple change adds a subtle, modern touch without spending much.

Layer area rugs for texture and depth

Orange tabby cat playing with small book on cream rug, surrounded by houseplants and wooden furniture legs
Image Credit: cottonbro studio/Pexels.

Layering rugs is an easy way to add texture and dimension to any room. Start with a large, neutral rug and place a smaller, patterned or textured rug on top.

This not only extends coverage but also creates visual interest. You can mix materials like natural fibers with softer ones to balance comfort and style. It’s a budget-friendly trick that makes your space feel thoughtfully designed.

Add velvet throw pillows in jewel tones

Cream sofa with decorative pillows - white fringed cushion and dusty rose velvet pillow, with vase and dried flowers behind
Image Credit: Mendy Van Hoogdalem van Barneveld/Pexels.

You can easily elevate your space by adding velvet throw pillows in rich jewel tones. These colors add warmth and depth without needing a big budget.

Velvet’s soft texture makes your sofa or bed feel cozier and more inviting. Choose jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, or ruby to create a luxurious vibe.

Use faux marble contact paper on tabletops

Minimalist black marble coffee table with art book, matte black vase containing dried grass, and candle on round beige rug
Image Credit: Kaboompics.com/Pexels.

You can easily refresh your tabletops with faux marble contact paper. It sticks smoothly and gives an instant upgrade without the cost of real marble.

Just measure, cut, and apply the adhesive film to your table surface. It works great on old or cheap tables, making them look more polished and stylish in minutes.

Paint old furniture with matte black chalk paint

Kitchen with matte black chalk paint cabinetry, marble-pattern backsplash, wooden countertop, three white barstools, glass pendant light, and sheer window curtains
Image Credit: Max Vakhtbovycn/Pexels.

You can easily refresh old furniture by painting it with matte black chalk paint. This type of paint gives a smooth, flat finish that hides imperfections well.

Matte black creates a modern, sophisticated look without needing expensive materials. Plus, chalk paint is affordable and easy to apply, even if you’re new to painting.

Simply clean your piece, apply a few thin coats, and finish with a light sanding for a chic, updated style.

Display curated books and art on floating shelves

Cozy reading nook with wooden bookshelves made from cinder blocks, filled with books, featuring a red patterned rug and lamp
Image Credit: Jonathan Borba/Pexels.

You can create a high-end look by arranging a mix of books and art on floating shelves. Choose pieces that reflect your style and balance colors and sizes for visual interest.

Floating shelves give a clean, modern feel and make your decor stand out without taking up floor space. Keep it simple by rotating items occasionally to refresh the display.

Shop second-hand stores for unique vintage decor

Colorful vintage shop with "Junk and Gems" sign next to "The Street Cafe" in brick building on Two Brewers Yard
Image Credit: Suzy Hazelwood/Pexels.

You can find one-of-a-kind pieces by exploring thrift shops and antique stores. These places often have vintage decor that adds character to your home without costing a lot.

Look for items like old mirrors, lamps, or decorative trays. Mixing these with modern pieces can create a stylish, personalized look your guests will notice.

Mix and match furniture styles to look curated

Cozy living room with blue walls, white storage coffee table, gray sofa, white chairs, patterned rug, and stone fireplace
Image Credit: Curtis Adams/Pexels.

You can create a stylish, personalized space by mixing different furniture styles. Combining modern pieces with vintage finds adds character without costing a lot.

Don’t worry about everything matching perfectly; instead, focus on balancing colors and shapes. This approach helps your home feel thoughtful and collected, not like a showroom.

Use glass vases with fresh greenery

Elegant table setting with wine glasses surrounding a centerpiece of green leaves and lemons in a glass vase
Image Credit: Matheus Bertelli/Pexels.

You can easily brighten up any room by placing fresh greenery in clear glass vases. It’s an affordable way to add life and a natural feel to your space.

Look for simple, thrifted glass vases to keep costs low. Fresh herbs, branches, or leaves from your yard work perfectly and bring subtle color and texture.

Frame inexpensive art prints in sleek black frames

Four black framed artworks on white wall featuring whimsical giraffe illustrations printed on book pages, with pendant light above
Image Credit: Tim Gouw/Pexels.

You can instantly upgrade art prints by choosing simple black frames. They add a classic and polished look without costing much.

Look for thin, solid wood or metal frames with clean lines. These can make your prints feel custom and high-quality. If you want to save even more, try thrift stores for frames. Often, you’ll find great options that just need a quick cleaning.

Replace outdated light fixtures with brass pendants

Hands adjusting a brass desk lamp with conical shade and white interior against blurred neutral background
Image Credit: cottonbro studio/Pexels.

If your home has old or unattractive light fixtures, swapping them for brass pendants can instantly refresh the space. Brass offers a warm, timeless look that pairs well with many styles.

You don’t have to spend a lot to find affordable options that look polished. Even simple brass pendants create a subtle touch of luxury in kitchens, dining rooms, or entryways.

Add translucent sheer curtains for softness

Translucent sheer curtains curtains with ornate embroidered patterns filtering daylight through a window, creating soft shadows and silhouettes
Image Credit: Valeri Mak/Pexels.

You can use sheer curtains to soften your room’s look without spending much. They let natural light in while adding a delicate, airy feel to your space.

Choose lightweight fabrics like voile or polyester blends. These materials are affordable and easy to maintain. Sheer curtains work well in living rooms or bedrooms, making your windows appear larger and more inviting.

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