6 Ways To Make Cheap Decor Look Expensive

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Decorating on a budget doesn’t mean your home has to look cheap. With a few strategic tricks, you can elevate inexpensive decor pieces and make them look high-end.

Whether you’re working with thrifted finds, discount store purchases, or budget-friendly retail items, the key is all in how you style and enhance them.

In this post, we’ll share six practical and creative ways to make cheap decor look expensive.

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How To Make Cheap Decor Look Expensive

By using simple upgrades like mixing high and low pieces, adding texture, and sticking with a neutral color palette, you can create a luxurious and polished space without spending a fortune.

Here’s how to do it.

1. High-Low Decorating: Pair Budget Finds with High-Quality Items

One of the best ways to make cheap decor look expensive is to mix it with higher-end pieces. This creates contrast and makes the inexpensive items feel more elevated.

For example, placing Dollar Tree florals in a heavy, high-quality vase instantly makes them look more refined. The weight and material of the vase give the illusion of luxury, even if the flowers are artificial and inexpensive.

Similarly, simple soap dispensers from a discount store can be placed on a marble tray or a wooden footed sink tray. The natural texture and weight of the tray provide a sophisticated foundation, making the entire setup look upscale.

This method works well throughout the home—think of inexpensive candle holders on a high-end coffee table book or an affordable lamp with a designer-style shade.

By thoughtfully blending budget pieces with luxurious accents, you create an overall polished and expensive-looking aesthetic.

2. Add Texture for Depth and Dimension

Many budget-friendly decorative pieces lack texture, which can make them look flat and mass-produced. Adding texture is an easy way to make cheap decor look expensive.

You can achieve this with a variety of DIY techniques, such as using textured spray paint, mixing baking soda with regular paint, or applying drywall spackling before painting.

For example, a basic glass or ceramic vase from a dollar store can be transformed into a high-end pottery-style piece with some spackling and a coat of neutral-colored paint.

Another method is to use textured spray paint to mimic the look of stone or ceramic. These techniques work well on a range of items, including picture frames, bowls, and trays.

The key is to give the piece an organic, handcrafted appearance—something you’d expect to see in a boutique home store rather than a discount bin.

3. Stick with Solid Neutrals for a High-End Look

Cheap decor often comes in bright colors and loud patterns that can feel overwhelming and lower the perceived value of a space.

Additionally, mass-produced patterned decor frequently has alignment issues, with prints that don’t seamlessly match up—something that immediately signals poor quality.

A simple trick to making inexpensive decor look more luxurious is to opt for solid, neutral colors. Shades like white, beige, gray, and muted earth tones exude sophistication and are common in high-end interior design.

These tones create a cohesive and refined look, allowing your decor to blend seamlessly with higher-quality pieces.

For instance, rather than choosing a vibrant, patterned throw pillow from a discount store, opt for one in a solid, textured fabric like linen or faux wool.

If you find a cheap decor piece in an undesirable color, consider painting or spray-painting it in a neutral shade for a more high-end effect.

Neutrals never go out of style, making them a foolproof way to create an elegant, timeless aesthetic.

4. Re-Pot Cheap Artificial Plants for a Luxe Upgrade

Artificial plants are a great budget-friendly decor option, but one common issue is their cheap, undersized plastic pots.

These small pots not only look unnatural but also instantly signal that the plant is inexpensive.

A simple fix is to re-pot artificial plants into larger, higher-quality vessels. Choose pots made from textured materials like stone, ceramic, or woven seagrass to elevate the overall look.

You can also add real soil, moss, or decorative stones to the base for an extra touch of realism. If the artificial plant itself looks too plastic-like, try bending the stems for a more organic shape or mixing it with real greenery to blend seamlessly into your decor.

By upgrading the pot and presentation, you transform a budget-friendly faux plant into a designer-worthy statement piece. This is an easy and affordable way to make cheap decor look expensive.

5. Layer Your Decor for a Rich, Well-Styled Look

One reason inexpensive decor can look cheap is that it often appears sparse or out of proportion in a space. Many budget-friendly textiles—such as rugs, blankets, and placemats—are undersized, which can make an entire room look unbalanced.

Instead of using them as standalone pieces, layering them with larger elements can create a more luxurious look.

For instance, a small, thin throw blanket may not have much impact on its own, but when draped over a larger, plush throw, it creates dimension and richness.

Similarly, layering a small decorative pillow with two larger, more substantial ones makes the arrangement feel more designer-curated.

Another effective trick is to place a small 5’ x 7’ rug over wall-to-wall carpeting, instantly making the space feel more high-end and intentional.

By thoughtfully layering decor, you give your home a fuller, more polished aesthetic. It’s an easy way to make budget-friendly finds look intentional and luxurious without spending a fortune.

6. Swap Pulls and Knobs for Stylish Alternatives

One of the easiest ways to make budget-friendly furniture and cabinetry look expensive is by upgrading the hardware.

Many affordable desks, dressers, nightstands, and cabinets come with plastic or generic metal pulls and knobs that can make the entire piece feel cheap.

Swapping them out for more stylish, high-quality options instantly elevates the look without requiring a major investment.

Consider using brass, brushed nickel, or matte black hardware for a modern and sophisticated touch. Crystal or ceramic knobs can add a vintage, high-end feel, while leather or wood pulls can bring warmth and texture to a space.

You can find a variety of beautiful and affordable hardware options at home improvement stores, specialty decor shops, and even online marketplaces.

Installation is simple and typically requires just a screwdriver, making this a quick and impactful update.

By replacing basic hardware with thoughtfully chosen alternatives, you can make even the most inexpensive furniture pieces look custom and high-end.

This small but effective change helps bring a designer touch to your home while staying well within budget.

Conclusion

With these simple techniques, you can make cheap decor look expensive. Whether it’s through strategic mixing, DIY texture upgrades, or mindful styling, these budget-friendly hacks will help you create a sophisticated home without breaking the bank.

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