Expert-approved ways to make your home look bougie on a budget. Making your home look impressive and stylish may require some creativity, but it doesn’t always require a lot of money. There are plenty of budget-friendly ways to turn your home into a space you want to show off, like finding decorative pieces and fun accents that don’t cost an arm and a leg.
To get you started, interior designers filled me in on their favorite bougie items that are surprisingly cheap and make your space look fantastic. Here’s a look at some Amazon favorites that can help transform your home for the better. These decorative plates that upgrade a boring light switch The standard plastic light switch plate is such a staple in the average home that it’s easy to forget you can change it.
“Replacing your plastic cover with a decorative one can add a touch of interest to a room without making a big change,” says Angie Kreller, interior designer at . Keller’s pick? These . “These would be great if you were going for a Victorian or Dark Academia-themed room,” she says.
Choose from various styles to fit your light switch. A set of under-cabinet LED lights that make a space look more elevated A little light can go a long way. These are inexpensive and convenient, offering a glow that makes a space feel more special.
They’re very versatile, but look especially great underneath cabinets in the kitchen, Kreller says. “Under-cabinet lighting can add ambiance to the space and make it seem more expensive and luxurious,” she explains. As a bonus, these work with a remote control to make them even easier to turn on and off.
These aesthetic art prints that add color & interest to your wall Kreller says adding a statement piece of art “can make the house look more expensive, because the bigger a piece of art is, the more bougie it can seem.” She’s a fan of this that includes three canvas prints. Available in three styles within the listing, the prints come with a hanging kit for easy setup.
An ornate mirror that looks expensive Keller says adding a large mirror is another way to make a home look more expensive. “You can find really beautiful ornate pieces on Amazon, and no one would be able to tell!” she shares. This is a great example of that — it looks antique but costs under $100.
Available with gold or silver trim, you can choose from two sizes within the listing. These versatile wall sconces that are so easy to install To add ambiance to a room, Kreller suggests some . This rechargeable sconce is an Amazon favorite with more than 6,000 positive ratings and comes with a sticky adhesive backing that makes it easy to install.
The battery lasts up to 20 hours on a full charge and you can rotate the LED lamp 360 degrees to get the light exactly where you need it. An accent rug that adds cozy texture to the room According to Kreller, an like this one can add “texture, color, and coziness.” This option comes in a variety of sizes and a few different colors, so you can add it to a living room, entryway, bedroom, or somewhere else.
The vintage-inspired pattern brings a touch of bougie style, and the back has a nonslip texture so it grips the floor. Plus, the rug is conveniently machine washable. These reliable LED bulbs that give off warm white light For a quick, easy upgrade, Dan Mazzarini, principal and creative director at , suggests swapping out your bulbs and installing dimmers.
“With a simple adjustment, you can create a warm mood or set the stage for a cozy movie night,” he says. Offering warm white light, these 150-watt cast a glow without any flickering. They’re also designed to last about 13 years, saving on energy costs and bulb replacements over time.
A dimmer that helps you create warm mood lighting Following Mazzarini’s suggestion, this can help you create a welcoming atmosphere that makes your home feel upscale. It works with floor lamps and table lamps, featuring a sliding control that allows you to dim the bulbs to add some ambiance. The dimmer comes in white or black to blend in with your decor.
These dimming light strips that make your vanity more bougie This is something that Anh Nguyen, interior design expert and founder of , calls a favorite affordable luxury for the home. “You wouldn’t believe how it can transform even the most basic bathroom or powder room into a downright indulgent space,” Nguyen says, noting that he always recommends this specific touch control light strip. With a flexible, waterproof design, it’s easy to install on any mirror.
A set of brushed nickel knobs that make old cabinets look like new Before you replace old cabinets to make things more exciting, try simply swapping out the hardware, which Nguyen calls a “transformative yet budget-friendly upgrade” that he uses with a lot of clients. “It's amazing what an impact new knobs and pulls can make,” he says, noting that like these are his current go-to. “It has this beautiful modern yet timeless quality that works with virtually any style.
” A set of unique wall art that makes your home stand out Wall art is almost always a great way to elevate a space, but opting for something unique takes it up a notch. “I always recommend modern minimalist metal line sculptures, like the ” Nguyen says. “These abstract female form pieces have been hugely popular lately for achieving that coveted sophisticated, curated look on a budget.
” This set of three frames is made from durable iron with built-in holes for easy hanging, and you can choose from black or gold finishes. A cozy blanket that makes any couch look more inviting “A faux fur throw blanket is a great way to make any room feel cozy and stylish,” says Giovanni Scippo, director at , a company specializing in architectural visualization services. “Its soft feel and chic look make it perfect for adding a comfy touch to your couch or bed.
” Available in eight colors, this features plush material on both sides and is great for snuggling up during a movie, but it also looks nice on its own. Measuring 50 by 65 inches and costing under $30, you’ll get a lot of blanket for your buck. This super soft faux fur rug that looks & feels luxe Made of soft and luxurious faux fur, this is another easy way to add coziness and style.
It’s available in several different sizes and colors, and looks great on the floor, over a rug, or even draped over a couch or chair. It’s machine washable for easy cleaning and has a nonslip suede leather bottom so it stays in place on the floor. A set of absorbent coasters that look stylish & protect surfaces Scippo recommends marble coasters as an elegant way to protect your tables from drink rings, saying, “Their natural patterns and durability make them timeless for your home, giving your dining experience a little boost.
” Made from 100% natural travertine marble, this lends a bougie vibe to your table. Each one has nonslip pads on the bottom and rinses clean easily with a little water. A thick, plush bath rug that feels so luxurious Bring a touch of luxury to your bathroom with a , suggests Scippo.
This plush bath rug is made from cloud-like memory foam for softness with each step. Not only is it available in over a dozen colors such as gray, lavender, and royal blue, but it’s also machine-washable and dryer-safe for easy cleaning. These quick-drying kitchen towels with a chic checkered pattern These don’t just look nice — they’re crafted from 100% cotton terrycloth that Scippo recommends for being super absorbent.
The quick-drying material is great for drying dishes and cleaning up spills, and the towels are easily laundered in the washer and dryer. Choose from several colors including neutrals and bright hues. A set of smart light bulbs for under $20 Replace some (or all) of the light bulbs in your home with these .
Not only will they make you feel like you’re living in the future, but as Scippo points out, they’re incredibly convenient and energy-efficient. “You can control them from your phone and adjust the brightness and color to set the perfect mood while saving on energy costs,” he says. These also offer a schedule, timer, and hands-free voice control with devices like the Amazon Echo or Google Home.
What’s not to love? These velvet pillow covers that instantly elevate your living space “Switching out old throw pillow covers for new ones with luxurious textures and patterns can instantly elevate the look of your living room or bedroom,” advises Natane Boudreau, founder of . These have a soft and luxe feel and boast nearly 70,000 positive ratings. You can choose between a huge variety of colors, from muted jewel tones to bold shades, and they’re machine washable.
These rustic wall hooks that act as functional decor “Replacing standard wall hooks with decorative ones can add a stylish touch to entryways, bathrooms, and closets,” Boudreau says. These are inexpensive, versatile, and can hold up to 35 pounds each. This makes them great for items like hats, bags, coats, towels, and more, and they’re available in several wood finishes to lend a farmhouse chic touch to your decor.
A glass soap dispenser set that elevates any sink area “A beautifully designed soap dispenser can make a bathroom or kitchen feel more upscale without a hefty price tag,” Boudreau notes. This fits the bill, with a chic look overall. It comes with two functional dispenser bottles and corresponding glasses, a set of labels (both pre-written and blank), and a silicone funnel to make transfer easy.
These offer a cohesive look that is especially great in a minimalist space. These budget-friendly sheer curtains that won’t block natural light Sheer curtains make a room seem more spacious and elegant, according to Boudreau. They “are a fantastic way to soften a room and add a light, airy feel without blocking natural light,” she says.
With thousands of positive ratings and a price tag of less than $15, these seem almost too good to be true. Made from lightweight and breathable polyester, they’re available in a wide range of colors and sizes to suit your space. A set of geometric floating shelves that make a big statement “Floating shelves are not only practical for extra storage but also perfect for displaying decor, books, or indoor plants, adding character to any wall,” says Boudreau.
She recommends these as a unique option, calling them “stylish and functional,” and noting they are “an ideal choice for anyone looking to enhance their home decor on a budget.” They’re available in four finishes and mounting hardware is included. This low-odor paint & primer that comes in lots of colors Thinking of giving your interiors a fresh paint job? Pam Hutter, principal of , recommends choosing a paint low in because “it’s nontoxic and healthier for your home.
” This is virtually odorless, comes in 26 colors, and is a paint and primer in one so you can use fewer coats. “For a quick refresh, choose a shade slightly darker or lighter than your existing color,” Hutter suggests. This peel & stick linen wallpaper that offers subtle texture For an extra cozy feel, Hutter likes using textured wallpaper on an accent wall.
Available in colors such as cream, teal, and gray, this is easy to put up and remove thanks to the peel-and-stick adhesive lining. The grid on the back makes it a breeze to measure and cut, and it’s also waterproof so you can use it in the bathroom or kitchen. One noted they’ve also used it in cabinet shelves, saying, “It looks great and is easy to install.
” A ceiling light that makes the space feel modern “As an architect, I always recommend updating lighting,” Hutter says. “Swapping out outdated fixtures for LED bulbs or fixtures will make a space brighter and more modern.” This is surprisingly versatile, with an industrial feel that works with a lot of decor.
It’s easy to install and is great for lower ceilings since it doesn’t hang and won’t get in your way. Choose from finishes such as black, brass, and more. A low-maintenance houseplant that adds some fresh color Hutter recommends getting a low-maintenance houseplant to improve a room’s look and feel.
“Snake plants, pothos, succulents, and orchids are great options. Not only do they boost your mood, they also purify the air,” she says. This is easy to care for, great for small spaces, and comes in a planter that’s available in several styles.
No wonder it’s a fan favorite on Amazon with more than 11,000 five-star ratings. Or these artificial succulents that look very realistic If even a low-maintenance plant sounds like too much work, try these to give your room a pop of color. This set of three is available in a few different styles (some come with tiny twinkling lights inside) and they can be used as decorative accents throughout your home.
A braided accent rug that’s reversible Hutter says a jute rug “adds warmth,” and does exactly that, with a neutral shade that works with almost any decor. Made of 100% natural jute, this braided rug is durable for high-traffic areas. It’s also reversible, so you can simply flip it over to prolong its life.
This large woven basket for stylish storage Need more storage options? Hutter recommends baskets as a stylish way to store odds and ends. This large is made of durable cotton and polyester with two handles for easy carrying. With color options such as glaze (featured here), two-tone beige, gray, and more, it’s a sneakily chic way to hide clutter.
This glossy peel & stick contact paper to update almost any surface Featuring a glossy finish, this is a sophisticated way to update a variety of surfaces. “We recently used white marble contact paper to give a powder room a stone-look accent wall,” says Nick Chatzigeorgakis, owner of . “The removable, self-adhesive paper provides the veiny marble look for a fraction of the cost of real stone.
” In fact, this easy-to-use option will cost you less than $10. A dark, moody paint color that makes for a beautiful accent wall To add depth to your space, Chatzigeorgakis recommends applying a navy or forest green paint for a “dark, moody” accent wall that will “act as an eye-catching focal point.” This option from Glidden is a and comes in a range of dark blue shades.
The eggshell finish is suitable for any interior wall, and the formula is low-VOC with minimal odors. These chic pendant lights that offer easy installation For an easy way to add ambiance, Chatzigeorgakis recommends installing like these over a kitchen island or bar area. They have a 15-foot chandelier suspension cord that you can adjust to your desired length, and the power plug means no hard wiring is required.
Plus, the shade’s natural linen fabric creates a soft glow and complements any decor. A luxe-looking comforter set that makes your room feel like a hotel “When it comes to luxe decor, the price tag doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with it,” says Amber Shay, national design director at . “It’s all about finding pieces that help you feel great about your space.
” She recommends looking for upscale, hotel-style bedding — and this three-piece fits the bill. Made from soft, breathable polyester, the comforter comes in colors including beige, ivory, and oatmeal, creating a look you might see in a five-star hotel. Two matching pillowcases are included and the set is machine-washable and dryer-safe.
A set of monogrammed towels for a touch of luxury Shay also recommends adding monogrammed towels to your bathroom to help create a more luxurious atmosphere. And while personalized items can be pricey, these chic are an exception. They’re made of 100% Turkish cotton that’s soft, absorbent, and durable.
Choose from black, gray, navy, and white color options to complement your bathroom decor. These textured pillow covers that make your couch more inviting Tossing some cozy throw pillows onto your couch is another way to add luxe-looking decor without spending a lot, according to Shay. These mean you don’t have to toss your old pillows (these can go over them easily) and they have a pleasantly soft look and feel.
They’re available in an array of sizes and colors, from a multipack of neutral shades to matching sets in bold hues. This sleek lightweight mirror with an upscale vibe A stylish mirror is another must for elevating your space, Shay says. This is a beautiful choice at a budget-friendly price point.
Plus, reviewers say it’s and “ .” The aluminum alloy frame comes in gold or black, and you can choose to prop it against the wall or use the included hardware to hang it. These faux wildflowers that help you create a non-fussy arrangement To add natural-looking texture to the room, Shay recommends using “grass clippings, tree branches, and wildflowers to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind arrangements that can be used as accent pieces.
” If you want an arrangement that will never wilt, these require zero maintenance and come in a range of pretty colors. You can snip them apart and mix and match them with other faux flowers for a customized bouquet that doesn’t feel fussy. This dried pampas grass that makes for an earthy accent piece Instead of simply purchasing a bouquet of artificial wildflowers and putting them in a vase, Shay’s tip is to make them your own by adding other plants.
This would look beautiful combined with some faux flowers and also looks great as an accent piece on its own. Reviewers rave that these are “ ” and with a soft feel. An artsy bubble vase for a stylish, modern vibe You’ll need a place to put those artificial (or real) flowers and plants, and these are an excellent choice.
They’re durable, thick, and pleasantly heavyweight, with a modern look that is still pretty versatile. Available in ivory and black, the set includes vases in two sizes. A vintage-style bathroom rug that makes the room feel like a sanctuary Bathrooms don’t have to lack warm style — make that space look just as aesthetically pleasing as the rest of your home.
“Turn your bathroom into a sanctuary with vintage rugs, art, and soft decor,” Shay says. This is eclectic but also functional: it’s machine washable for easy cleaning, with a nonslip bottom that stays in place even when it’s damp. What’s more, the low-pile surface feels soft on your feet and won’t get stuck under the bathroom door.
This geometric wall art that creates soothing vibes in your bathroom Following Shay’s recommendation to add soft decor to the bathroom, this features an abstract minimalist design in soothing colors. Each piece of art is made with waterproof oil canvas and mounted on a wooden frame, so they can withstand a humid bathroom environment. Picture nails are included for easy hanging.
A mother-of-pearl soap dish that looks so elegant Make your bathroom feel more bougie with this . Its mother-of-pearl finish creates a subtle shimmer, it has a deep dish design meant to hold most bars of soap, and the smooth interior is easy to clean. There are also matching accessories you can purchase with this, like a tissue box, lotion dispenser, and toothbrush holder.
These electronic candles that will turn your bathroom into a spa Shay recommends making your bathroom feel more like “a place of respite” rather than just a, well, bathroom. These are one way to do that. Offering the same soft, soothing glow as a candle but with a lot more convenience, they come with a remote control that has a timer setting.
Use them in the bathroom or any other room in your house. A textured shower curtain that instantly upgrades your bathroom For another bougie bathroom update that follows Shay’s advice, swap out your old shower curtain with this . It’s made of wrinkle-free fabric with a tufted chevron pattern and fun fringe along the bottom.
The curtain comes in various sizes and colors and is machine washable for easy cleaning. An industrial-style ladder rack that keeps towels in easy reach This is another way to follow Shay’s advice and make your bathroom more welcoming. It’s made from metal for an industrial chic look and comes with nonslip pads for stability.
Install it on the wall with the included hardware and use it to keep towels within easy reach. A cushiony pillow insert for that plush, fancy hotel feel Sumptuous pillows that feel like you’re snuggling with a cloud can make your home seem lavish. Candace Blaney, owner of , recommends this , which she says feels comfortable and high quality.
“It’s perfect for achieving that luxurious, plush look that down offers with a lower price tag and without any of the allergens,” she says. Another tip: “Use an insert that is 2 inches larger than the pillow cover you are filling for a nice, full look.” This rechargeable picture light for illuminating your art & photos This brings gallery vibes to any artwork in your home.
“Perfect for art lovers or those just looking to elevate the ambiance of their space, this light offers a luxe look without the hefty price tag,” Blaney says. The USB-rechargeable battery lasts up to 10 hours on a full charge, and the light comes with a remote control so it is super easy to use. An elegant match cloche to place next to your favorite candle Elevating your space doesn’t always mean spending a lot on big purchases.
As Janelle Patton, lead designer of in Dallas, Texas, notes, paying attention to the little details makes a big difference. For example, she says, “If you have a candle out, place a cute match cloche next to it.” Patton is a fan of this , which is made from apothecary glass.
It comes with 3-inch matches and has a replaceable striker strip that makes lighting them a breeze. A ceramic tray to showcase small decor items To take Patton’s advice even further, you can place your candle and match cloche on this cloud-shaped . Its pearly white color will look nice in any room, and it’s scratch-resistant and easy to wipe clean as needed.
You can also use it to store jewelry and other small trinkets, with the raised edges keeping items in place. These marble bookends for an upscale touch Patton says that paying attention to the little details can make a big difference in the overall aesthetic of your home, and bookends are a good example of that. These are more than just decorative; the pair weighs 9 pounds, making them heavy-duty enough to hold up even your largest books.
They’re made of solid marble with a gold metallic accent for a little extra bling..
