9 interior design choices that look expensive—but cost almost nothing

I used to think making my home look stylish meant draining my bank account.

For years, I’d scroll through Pinterest, see those perfectly curated spaces with custom lighting, framed art, and cozy textures—and instantly feel like my apartment was hopeless.

But little by little, I started experimenting. I ditched the “all or nothing” mindset and began trying tiny, low-cost upgrades that made a surprisingly big difference.

Turns out, good design isn’t about how much you spend. It’s about attention, layering, and knowing which details quietly elevate a space.

So if you want your home to feel high-end without spending more than a few bucks (or sometimes, literally nothing), try one of these nine tricks.

1. Swapping basic hardware for modern handles

I still remember the first time I changed the handles on my dresser. They were those flat silver knobs that looked like they came from a school supply cabinet.

I swapped them out for matte black pulls I found on clearance—and suddenly, the whole piece looked brand new.

Cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, even towel hooks—these are often overlooked. But they’re like jewelry for your furniture.

Sleek black, brushed brass, leather straps…take your pick. Most hardware can be found online or at your local hardware store for a few bucks apiece.

It's a 15-minute upgrade that instantly makes old furniture look custom.

2. Hanging curtains high and wide

Want your space to look taller, brighter, and more “designed”? Don’t hang your curtain rod just above the window.

Hang it close to the ceiling—and extend it past the window frame. This trick gives the illusion of taller ceilings and bigger windows, which instantly makes the room feel more expensive.

I found my favorite linen-look curtains at a discount store for under $20. You don’t need fancy fabric. Just go for light, flowy textures and avoid the ones that are too short. (That “floating above the floor” look? Not the vibe.)

3. Layering lighting sources

Overhead lights are practical. But when that’s your only light source, everything feels a bit… harsh. Or flat.

I learned this the hard way in my old apartment. It always felt sterile at night, like a waiting room.

Then I added a $5 thrifted lamp and a string of soft fairy lights around the bookshelf, and just like that, the space felt warm and welcoming.

Good lighting = layers. Use lamps, sconces, candles, or battery-operated puck lights inside cabinets.

Mixing warm and cool tones can create depth and mood—without touching your ceiling fixtures at all.

4. Adding peel-and-stick backsplash

No, it’s not just for renters.

Peel-and-stick backsplash tiles have come a long way. Some look convincingly like marble, subway tile, or stone—and cost less than a takeout dinner.

I once used a faux white brick version behind my kitchen counter and had multiple guests ask if I had it professionally installed.

Installation is simple (cut, peel, stick), and the impact is major. Whether you add it behind your stove or in a bathroom nook, it adds texture and contrast without any mess or commitment.

5. Using thrifted frames with digital downloads

Art is one of those things that seems expensive—until you realize you don’t need to buy original work to create a gallery wall.

Here’s what I do: I go to secondhand stores and grab interesting frames (the tackier, the better—because we’re going to transform them). Then I browse websites like Unsplash, Creative Market, or Etsy for digital downloads. You can find everything from vintage prints to modern abstract art for free or under $5.

I print them on matte paper and swap out the cheesy stock photos. The result? A wall that looks like it came from a design magazine.

6. Styling with trays

This one sounds almost too simple—but trust me, it works.

Trays help corral clutter and make anything you put on them look intentional. A candle, a vase, and a book on your coffee table? Meh. Put them on a round bamboo tray? Instant “styled” look.

I keep a few small trays around—one by the bed for jewelry, another in the bathroom for perfume bottles. You can find them at dollar stores, or even repurpose old baking pans or wooden cutting boards.

The key is grouping things together to create mini moments of beauty.

7. Painting a bold accent wall (or arch)

Paint is still one of the cheapest ways to transform a space—and it doesn’t have to be the whole room.

I once painted a soft terracotta arch behind my bed using leftover wall paint and painter’s tape. It took maybe two hours, but suddenly the bed felt like it had a fancy headboard.

Accent walls in deep navy, sage green, or even blush can give a space identity.

Want to go bolder? Try painting the ceiling. It sounds scary, but in small doses (like in a bathroom or hallway), it can make the room feel architecturally rich.

8. Replacing cheap-looking lampshades

You’d be surprised how many homes have stylish lamp bases paired with those sad, thin, tapered white lampshades.

Swapping the shade can make a huge difference. Drum shades, rattan textures, linen fabrics—these elevate a lamp instantly.

I once grabbed a $3 burlap shade at a garage sale and added it to a $10 ceramic base. The combo looked straight out of a boutique hotel.

And if you’re crafty, you can even recover a basic shade with fabric or wallpaper scraps. Pinterest has plenty of DIYs for that.

9. Bringing in texture through textiles

A room that feels “expensive” often has one thing in common: it layers texture.

Think faux fur throws, linen table runners, boucle cushions, woven baskets. These elements don’t need to match—they just need to contrast. Soft with rough, shiny with matte.

I like to rotate throw pillows depending on the season. Light cotton covers for summer, chunkier knits in winter. Sites like H&M Home, IKEA, or even Amazon have covers for under $10.

Just make sure the inserts are plush (down-alternative is great), so they don’t look flat and lifeless.

And don’t underestimate the power of a $5 woven placemat under a plant. It adds warmth and makes the whole setup feel intentional.

Final thoughts

Design doesn’t have to be a luxury.

In fact, I’ve found that the most creative interiors often come from working with limits—not unlimited budgets. When you stop trying to copy expensive looks and instead ask, “What can I tweak, style, or elevate with what I already have?”, that’s when your home starts to feel truly personal.

Try just one or two of these ideas this week. And if you’re feeling bold, mix three. Stack your wins. Let your space evolve with you.

Because when your home reflects your effort and care—even if it costs next to nothing—it will always look and feel expensive in the ways that matter most.