Decorators use these smart, under-$30 hacks to make homes look so much better

When it comes to improving how a space feels, Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of Arsight, tells Mic, “Lighting is key. Swapping out a bland lampshade for one with texture or a pop of color can transform the ambiance of any room.” On top of lending a chic and modern look, this 4.7-star rated table lamp comes with just such a textured shade made of linen. Great for a bedside table or desk, it casts an inviting glow and its shade is available in several colors such as blue or pink in addition to the beige-colored one pictured here.

This smart bulb lends that pop of color and ambiance recommended by Kropovinsky, creating various lighting scenes that you can control remotely. The bulb connects easily to Wi-Fi and can be used with the help of Amazon’s Alexa, either via the app or with simple voice commands. Choose from 16 preset colors and a range of brightness levels to dial in your desired lighting, whether it’s purple-hued or bathed in warm white.

Even if you live within a “cozy” (read: cramped) footprint, there are ways to make rooms feel more open, according to Kropovinsky. “Mirrors are an age-old trick to make spaces feel larger and brighter,” he says. “Opt for distinctive frames or even adhesive mirror tiles to create a statement wall.” These moon phase mirror stickers are a stylish way to accomplish this. They come in a set of five pieces in the shape of different moon phases and use self-adhesive to mount. Install them in any order or orientation you like and enjoy added wall decor while making rooms feel spacious.

This decorative mirror designed with a gilded baroque-style frame acts like just the kind of statement piece that Kropovinsky recommends. Made of resin material, the gold finish and ornate design give it a classical feel that wouldn’t be out of place in a fairytale setting. Mount it easily on the wall or, alternatively, lay it flat to serve as a beautiful jewelry or cosmetics tray.

Take Kropovinsky’s advice when he says textiles make a big difference by opting for this extremely plush sherpa blanket with over 9,000 reviews and a near-perfect 4.8-star rating. He explains, “Swapping out throw pillows or adding a chic throw blanket can change the mood of a room instantly.” This one features a velvety microfiber cashmere side and a faux sheepskin side on the reverse to make you want to never leave your couch. Available in a range of sizes and eight colors such as a neutral gray or rich burgundy, it will easily transform the feel of your space while costing less than $30.

These throw pillow covers have the potential to make a room feel totally revamped and offer lots of visual interest thanks to their stylish geometric design. They’re made with an invisible zipper and feature a zigzag design that lends a sense of artsy relaxedness and vintage-inspired style. Two come in each set and are available in seven sizes as well as 15 colors such as beige, mustard yellow, or sage green.

If you have a blank wall that’s simply begging for some action, Kropovinsky shares that opting for art is the way to go. “Art is transformative, even if it's just printouts from the internet placed in inexpensive frames,” he shares with Mic. “Create a gallery wall or a single focal piece to draw the eye.” These budget-conscious picture frames are great for said gallery wall as they come in a set of 10 and include frames in an assortment of sizes as well as three finishes: black, rustic brown, and light brown. They can be hung in either portrait or landscape orientation and can also be set on tabletops if desired.

Some easy hacks that seem subtle can actually have a huge effect. As an example, Kropovinsky tells Mic, “One of the simplest transformations is switching out standard hardware on cabinets or dressers for more unique and trendy options.” These cabinet pulls are a great option as their streamlined square shape brings a sleek, modern look to any cupboard or dresser. Designed with a brushed brass finish, they install easily and come in tons of different size options to suit your needs.

Give rooms a bit more visual oomph with Kropovinsky’s suggestion of dialing into the latest trend of layering rugs. He instructs, “Use a basic rug as a base and layer with a smaller, more decorative rug for added texture and depth.” This jute accent rug acts as an ideal neutral layer with its earthy off-white shade and is optimal for pairing with busier designs. The natural jute material lends a warm texture and the half-inch thickness provides a good amount of cushion without getting in the way of doorways. It’s available in 19 sizes.

Vivianne Chow, interior decorator and founder of Viv and Tim Home, shares with Mic one of her go-to hacks to transform a space using a window treatment. “My favorite budget-friendly curtain to use when decorating is the Exclusive Home Loha linen grommet curtain,” adding, “The winter white curtain color creates a light and airy feel and looks great in any space!” The curtains are made of polyester in a texture similar to linen and gently diffuse the natural light as it comes into the room. They come in five sizes as well as 18 color options to match your existing palette such as honey gold, blush, and ivory.

Though you might balk at the idea of installing accent lighting, it doesn’t have to be expensive. Elizabeth Vergara, founder and lead designer of Vergara Homes, lets Mic in on a decor tip, saying, “One of my all-time favorite hacks for under $30 is adding LED motion sensor cabinet lights in your kitchen, bar area, or closet. All you have to do is stick them under or inside your cabinets to elevate the room.”

These under-cabinet lights come in a set of two, mount using self-adhesive or built-in magnets, and turn on automatically when motion is detected, then turn off after 20 seconds of stillness. On top of being USB-C rechargeable, the lights also feature five levels of brightness to dial in your ideal ambiance.

Sarah Blevins, design specialist at Villa Homes, speaks to the advantage of installing a ceiling-mounted curtain track, saying, “This is a great way to emphasize the height of a space by bringing curtains all the way to the ceiling. The low-profile rod also keeps the visual impact of the hardware to a minimum.” The flexible and bendable track can fit multiple kinds of window shapes and mounts to the ceiling using the included brackets and screws. Track rollers, curtain hooks, and end covers are also included for a seamless look and smooth functionality.

As another subtle yet effective hack, Blevins tells Mic, “Updating your outlets and switch covers is an easy thing to do and has a big impact,” also noting that older homes are likely to have almond or ivory-colored switches that could use a makeover. “Swap the almond color for a bright white and update to a rocker-style switch with a dimmer to give your home a refresh and keep it from looking dated.” The switch is compatible with multiple configurations and works with both LED and incandescent lighting.

If you have an old-school doorbell chime box that sticks out like an eyesore on the wall, Blevins recommends hiding it creatively. This doorbell chime box does just that while acting as an added piece of decor at the same time. Constructed of wood, it features a tropical cutout design and is painted a neutral white to not clash with its background. All the hardware is included for quick installation.

A tidy space can make a huge difference, says Blevins, who advises, “Utilizing decorative boxes helps to eliminate clutter around your home and free up shelving space for items you utilize every day.” This decorative storage box recommended by Blevins boasts a beautiful Moroccan-inspired geometric pattern in a vivid blue-and-white palette. It comes in lots of different sizes as well as other available patterns and is made of bone inlay and wood. Blevins adds additional decor advice, saying, “You can mix and match box styles or use them to bring a pop of color to your living room.”

Another great way to quickly declutter a space while keeping style in mind is to opt for these foldable storage cubes. They come in a set of six and are made of nonwoven fabric that’s available in 10 different shades such as gray, navy blue, or pink. A side handle makes them easy to maneuver and they fold completely flat for space-saving storage when not needed.

For those who have to be creative with their storage options, Blevins has another solution for you. “If you're tight on closet space, wall hooks can be your best friend,” she says. “There are so many styles, colors, and shapes of hooks that you will be able to easily find something that matches your decor.” She points to these stylishly designed wall hooks as a great example. They’re made of solid, blonde wood and feature a minimalist teardrop shape. Available in a set of four, they mount easily and are great for storing anything from scarves to hats to bags.

Take Blevins’ advice to maximize the space you have by opting for this hanging closet organizer. With over 19,000 reviews and a high 4.6-star rating, it’s clearly loved for its ability to take serious advantage of closet space with its nine shelves for storing anything from sweaters and shirts to pants and shoes. Use the side mesh pockets for accessories and the included five bins (one large and four small) for even more organized storage.

Books stacked here and there, whether they be on shelves or on credenzas, offer a surprising decor opportunity, as Blevins tells Mic. “An easy way to bring both organization and color into your space is to add a couple of fun bookends to your shelves,” she says. These geometric bookends boast a stylish honeycomb design and come in a chic gold finish. Though lightweight, they offer sturdy support and will turn your literary collection into even more of a statement. Made of metal, they’re also offered in other finishes such as gray, pink, or turquoise.

To take your window treatment to the next level, Blevins recommends these drapery pinch pleat hooks that give your curtains “a more polished, high-end look.” The set includes 30 strong pleat hooks made of stainless steel, all featuring rounded edges so as to not damage the fabric. They’re simple to apply to your curtains for that elegant pleated look and work on all kinds of materials.

Interior designer Chantelle Hartman Malarkey has a great hack for combining both style and function when it comes to cooking up a feast — set cookbooks on this acrylic bookstand. “It instantly upgrades the look of your functional kitchen decor and displays. It's chic, modern and stylish!” Malarkey tells Mic. The bookstand, which comes in two pieces, is easily put together and can bear up to 11 pounds of weight. In addition to clear, it also comes in blue, transparent gray, and opaque black with rounded corners adding to its sleek style.

If you follow recipes from your tablet, mount this versatile tablet holder underneath your cabinet to make reading easy and ergonomic. Compatible with a number of different tablet models, it can act as a tabletop stand or be mounted directly to vertical surfaces as well. The holder conveniently rotates 360 degrees and is built with several hinges to get the viewing angle just right.

When it comes to storing bath or kitchen supplies aesthetically, Malarkey advises, “Add a marble tray to your kitchen and bathroom counters to give a ‘home’ for lotion and soap bottles to live. It makes the space seem organized and items that are out seem thoughtfully placed,” she says. This expensive-looking marble vanity tray will do a beautiful job of displaying those items. It comes in a mini or medium size and is made of waterproof resin that resists mold and is fully washable.

Items on the countertop are an invitation to make your home look better, according to Malarkey who recommends, “Match your items that are out!” She goes on, “For the kitchen, this can be the olive oil and vinegar bottles, or for the bathroom, it can be the soap and lotion bottles. Going with matching containers instantly makes the items seem chic and elevated.” This oil and vinegar bottle set is great for making those cooking essentials look tidy and uniform. Made of amber glass, they come with four spouts, two for slower pours and two for faster, as well as a funnel for easy filling and caps that create an airtight seal.

This beautiful soap dispenser is made of natural sandstone combined with resin that, along with embossed lines, lends it an earthy textured look. It comes in a set of two, making it a great choice for displaying your soap and lotion, as Malarkey recommends. Use them alternatively for shampoo, conditioners, dish soap, or hand sanitizers, with durable pumps dispensing liquids or creams easily. They also come available in black, gray, or white to match your style.

Mark Buskuhl, founder and CEO of Ninebird Properties, shares with Mic his suggestion for energizing and invigorating a space on a budget. “Bringing in some greenery is an inexpensive and easy way to liven up any space,” he says. “You don't need to have a green thumb either — there are plenty of low-maintenance plants that can thrive indoors.” These mini faux potted plants with a high 4.7-star rating look stunning and couldn’t require less effort. They come in a set of three and feature eucalyptus-shaped leaves in a light gray-green shade. The planters will fit seamlessly into any environment with a textured surface and concrete-colored finish.

This floating corner shelf is made with five tiers, providing you with tons of storage possibilities to help tidy up floors and closets. As Buskuhl tells Mic, “A cluttered home can make it feel smaller and less appealing. Utilize vertical space by installing shelves or using storage bins to keep items off the floor,” he recommends. This shelf comes in multiple finishes such as white, espresso, and turquoise with each level able to handle up to 11 pounds of weight. Mount it to the wall using the included hardware to not only store items but also to aesthetically display favorite decor.

Buskuhl additionally suggests looking for furniture that can double as storage such as coffee tables or ottomans that feature built-in drawers or hidden compartments. This storage footrest fits the bill with style, to boot. Made of soft faux fur material and metal hairpin legs, it’s a perfect place to sit or rest your feet, and if you need a place to store miscellaneous items, the top can be removed to reveal an inner compartment (and flipped to act as a table surface!). It’s available in a range of colors from green to camel to navy.

If you’re tired of staring at that mess of cables on the floor that instinctively draw the eye, Nichole Abbott, an interior designer at FLOOR360, says, “A storage solution for your nest of electric cords will help minimize clutter in the areas that need it most.” This cable management box will have those cords neatly stowed away in no time and nearly acts as its own form of decor thanks to its stylish design. Great for storing power strips, it includes slots on either side as exit points for cables as well as a lid with a built-in groove in which to easily set your phone. It’s available in several colors such as mint green or light beige, and small legs in a gold finish offer even more stylistic touches.

As an additional way to make your space feel less cluttered by cables, this outlet extension makes walls look clean and streamlined. It features a 3-foot cord that’s connected to three AC outlets, into which you can plug in your devices completely out of sight. It comes with removable self-adhesive strips and cord clips to both protect the cable and have it blend in seamlessly with the wall. With over 57,000 reviews and a high 4.7-star rating, this outlet extension is clearly a popular choice for quickly and easily minimizing cord clutter.

When it comes to empty walls in utility rooms, Abbott has a great hack for turning them into an opportunity for a statement. “Peel and stick wallpaper on a single wall in your laundry room is an easy turnkey way to upgrade a space that’s usually overlooked,” she suggests. This peel-and-stick wallpaper comes in a stylish geometric design that’s available in white in combination with either beige, black, or blue. Simply cut the wallpaper to your desired dimensions and peel off the adhesive backing to apply to a smooth surface. In addition to being waterproof, it removes easily without causing damage.

To add to your laundry room’s functionality, this slim storage cart is perfect for taking advantage of otherwise unusable space to keep cleaning essentials easily accessible. It can be assembled in minutes and is designed with three tiers to store detergent, fabric softener, stain remover, and more. Four wheels at the bottom make it easy to maneuver and there are even four hooks included to hang towels or other supplies.

Impress guests with a refined dinner table thanks to Abbott’s insider tip: “A cheesecloth table runner on your kitchen or dining room table will add texture and a touch of luxury to the room.” She goes on to further suggest a particular color palette for versatility, saying, “A deep evergreen or olive cheesecloth will pair nicely with candles and centerpieces of dried flowers.” This cheesecloth table runner with a near-perfect 4.8-star rating is made of semi-sheer cotton and brings lots of organic texture to any table. In addition to the beautiful green pictured here, it also comes in 15 other colors and is fully machine-washable.

These unscented pillar candles act as the ideal accompaniment to your table runner, per Abbott’s recommendation. They come in a set of three and can be easily styled along with flowers or other table decorations. Each candle can burn for up to 40 hours and is available in six colors including ivory, gold, and orange.

To bring some personality to otherwise bland walls, Abbott tells Mic, “Group a set of graphic prints on the wall with matching frames. The content of the art prints should be related in the same color family and similar but not the same in subject matter.” These 8-by-10-inch graphic prints come unframed in a set of six and all feature bold colors and lines inspired by Matisse and Picasso. This set features a coral and green color palette but there are 13 additional options all ranging in color and content from dark blues to floral themes.