14 Cheap Items You Can Add To A Home To Make It Look Expensive

Keeping your home looking great isn’t easy, and doing so is becoming more expensive each year. With the rising costs of home maintenance, you may feel like there isn’t enough money left over to make any notable home improvements. While it’s true that major home renovations are pricey, there are several inexpensive items you can add to your home to make it look like it’s worth more money.

Some great, inexpensive products you can introduce into your home to make it look more expensive include new light fixtures, washable rugs, and new molding or trim. You can swap out old door knobs and hardware for new shiny versions, and paint walls, trim, or doors a new color. Add string lights to your outdoor space, incorporate a painting, or cover up old or ugly furniture with fitted covers.

Home improvement projects might make you think of high prices and long, complicated projects. While this is sometimes true, there are also several ways to improve your home's look with very little time and financial investment. Below is a list of cheap items you can bring into a dwelling to make it look more expensive.

14 Great Ways To Cheaply Make A Home Look More Expensive 

1. Add New Light Fixtures And Lamp Shades

Lighting is one of the best ways to transform the way your home looks without investing much time or money. If you have outdated light fixtures, consider replacing them with sleeker, more modern designs. In addition to new light fixtures, you can also jazz up lamps by replacing old lamp shades. These adjustments are straightforward fixes, and for less than $100, you can elevate the look of several rooms in your home.

2. Install Molding Or Trim  

If you aren’t afraid of a little hard work, consider installing some crown molding or trim on your existing walls. If your walls look bland and seem to lack a concept or theme, adding molding or trim can be a great way to give them some flare. If you install trim or molding yourself, you can save hundreds of dollars. Not only will these wall accents make your home look classy, but they may even increase the value of your home when you are ready to sell it.

3. Hang A Painting

Another way to jazz up a blank wall or a mundane room is with a painting or piece of art. A large and lightweight piece of art can make a room look chic and add a touch of class. In addition to making a room look more expensive, artwork can also liven it up and make a dull space cheery and inviting. Look for low-priced art at thrift stores, consider buying a large print online, or creating a DIY abstract piece of art.

4. Washable Rug

If your floors are old or made of cheap-looking tile or linoleum, covering them can quickly enhance the room's look. New floors and wall-to-wall carpeting are quite expensive. A washable throw rug, however, can cost less than $100.

Find a rug that fits your room properly, with colors that enhance the space without detracting from your design aesthetic. Washable rugs are incredible because they are easy to clean and can be rolled up and moved as needed.

5. Add Wall Sconces

If you want to elevate a specific space and add more dynamic light to a room, consider wall sconces. Many wall sconces are straightforward to install. You can also find several beautiful and affordable designs. Wall sconces are a great way to give a dark room a facelift without spending too much money.

6. Install Raised Curtain Rods

Curtains can completely transform a room. In addition to choosing a stylish curtain type, you may also consider where you install the curtain rods. One design trick to make a room look bigger and more regal is to raise curtain rods high above the windows. This can give the appearance of higher ceilings and larger windows. Repositioning curtain rods costs very little and is a straightforward DIY project that can yield great results.

7. Paint Walls, Trim, Or Doors

One of the cheapest and most effective ways to make your home look better is to paint. Some easy painting projects that can make a big difference in the home include painting your trim or some of your interior doors. If your walls are looking worn and tired, give them a fresh coat of paint or a warm new color. Painting can take time, but it’s inexpensive and can make a home look and feel brand new.

8. An Indoor Palm Tree

Houseplants add beauty and value to any room. In addition to the color and clean air they bring to a space, they also add an aesthetic appeal. If you want to make your home look rich and chic, look for an indoor palm tree. Palm trees are clean and angular, and give an exotic feel to a room. Several palm tree species can live indoors, but some are more adaptable than others, especially if you live in a cold climate.

9. Swap Out Outlet And Switch Covers 

Outlet and wall switch covers are small electrical accessories and wall dressings that are easy to overlook, even when they are old and in need of a refresh. If your electrical outlet and switch covers are cracked, painted over, or outdated, replace them with brand-new covers. These covers are easy to find, only cost a few dollars, and can help make a room look new and expensive.

10. Couch And Chair Covers

A new couch will easily cost you many hundreds of dollars. Luckily, there is a much cheaper way to make an old and tired couch look new. Couch covers (and other furniture covers) are a cost-effective way to make old or ugly furniture look better. Not only will these covers make a space seem new and clean, but they are easy to wash and help protect your furniture, so it can last longer.

11. Hang String Lights Above Your Patio Or Deck 

If you want to make your outdoor space look more valuable and vibrant, install outdoor lights. There are many weatherproof outdoor string light brands specifically designed for these spaces. Outdoor string lights are quite affordable, and they make your space more usable at night. They also add a charming and whimsical evening vibe whenever you turn them on.

12. Buy Decorative Storage To Hide Clutter

Clutter makes a home look messy and cheap. If you constantly find yourself struggling with clutter, consider buying decorative storage or shelving to help conceal the mess. Purchasing a storage chest, organizer, or ornamental and functional storage piece is a great way to elevate the look of a room and manage your clutter. Search online marketplaces and thrift stores for amazing deals on decorative storage, and consider refurbishing an old dresser or two as a fun DIY project.

13. Install New Handles And Hardware

Old door knobs and cabinet handles might not catch your eye daily, but they often contribute to a room’s shabby and dated appearance. You can usually find shiny and new handles and door knobs at low prices, especially if you take the time to look around. Most handles and doorknobs are simple to replace, and sometimes require only a screwdriver and a little patience.

14. Add A DIY Accent Wall Or Backsplash

Wallpaper has come a long way. Not only can you find amazing designs to make an accent wall in your home, you can even find adhesive tile wallpaper to create a simple and inexpensive kitchen backsplash. Adhesive wallpaper is easy to install, affordable, and very versatile. It’s the perfect item for those who want to improve a room's look but have a limited budget.

Wrapping Up Cheap Items To Add In A Home To Make It Look Expensive

Making your home look new and improved can cost a fortune, but it doesn’t have to. There are all sorts of items you can buy and install to make your home look new and expensive. Add a washable throw rug, couch covers, and new light fixtures to elevate a drab space. You can hang a large painting, add trim or molding, or even wall sconces to make boring walls more exciting and chic. 

Use decorative adhesive wallpaper to create an accent wall or backsplash, and swap out your old outlet covers and door handles for new ones. When in doubt, consider adding a fresh coat of paint to a tired-looking room to make it come alive.

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