11 Affordable Ways to Make Your Living Room Look Expensive
Sep
I’ve recently set myself a challenge: elevate my living room and give it a high-end look — without spending hundreds of dollars. With a little creativity (and some smart shopping from The Decor Store), I’ve found that it’s absolutely possible to create a more stylish, refined atmosphere on a tight budget.
From small tweaks in lighting to thoughtful storage upgrades, these inexpensive swaps have made my home feel polished and put-together. Much like the tricks for making a small room appear larger, these little details can instantly change the vibe of your space — all while keeping costs low.
Here are 11 simple interior design tips and budget buys that can make your living room feel luxe for less.
1. Portable cordless lamp
One of my favorite discoveries has been a compact rechargeable lamp. Unlike a bulky table lamp, this cordless design can be moved anywhere — on a coffee table, next to the sofa, even outside for a cozy balcony evening.
The brushed gold finish gives it a vintage-inspired look, while the warm glow creates instant ambiance. At just $27.99, it looks far more expensive than it is.
The Decor Store Portable Cordless Table Lamp – $27.99
2. Decorative curtain ties
Curtains can completely transform a living room, but replacing them often costs a fortune. A budget-friendly alternative? Upgrading the tiebacks.
I added wooden beaded curtain ties for just $8.49, and the difference was immediate — the drape looks more tailored, and the soft boho design adds subtle charm.
The Decor Store Wooden Bead Curtain Tiebacks (set of 2) – $8.49
3. Cut-glass decanter
Nothing says sophistication like a classic glass decanter. I picked one up for under $21.99, and it’s been an easy way to elevate my open shelving and bar cart.
Even if you don’t drink whiskey, you can use it to serve water, juice, or simply display it as décor. The weight and sparkle of the glass makes it look like a high-end piece.
The Decor Store Crystal-Style Glass Decanter (1L) – $21.99
4. Woven rattan lampshades
Swapping out plain light fixtures is one of the simplest design hacks. For less than $24.00, I replaced my standard shade with a woven rattan version, and it immediately warmed up the space with natural texture.
It casts a gentle, patterned light in the evenings and gives the room a coastal, designer feel without the hefty price tag.
The Decor Store Wicker Pendant Lampshade (set of 2) – $23.49
5. Uniform wooden hangers
This might sound small, but replacing mismatched hangers with slim wooden ones made my wardrobe feel instantly more organized and elegant.
A pack of 20 was just $14.99, and not only do they look luxe, but they also prevent clothes from slipping off. It’s a hidden upgrade that genuinely improves my daily routine.
The Decor Store Natural Wooden Coat Hangers (pack of 20) – $14.99
6. Oversized throw pillows
Replacing cushion covers is one of the cheapest ways to refresh your sofa. I opted for oversized velvet and linen-style covers, priced from $18.99 for 2, and my couch suddenly looks far more designer.
The Decor Store Luxe Throw Pillow Covers (set of 2) – $18.99
7. Framed wall art sets
Gallery walls can get pricey, but I found a set of minimalist prints with sleek frames for just $29.99. They instantly add structure and personality to an otherwise plain wall.
The Decor Store Modern Wall Art Prints (set of 3 framed) – $29.99
8. Faux greenery
Fresh flowers are lovely but not practical long term. Instead, I bought a tall faux olive tree for $39.99 — it adds height, color, and life to the corner of the living room without needing upkeep.
The Decor Store Faux Olive Tree (5 ft.) – $39.99
9. Decorative storage baskets
Clutter instantly makes a room look cheap. My solution? Woven storage baskets that hide away blankets, magazines, or toys. For $22.50 each, they double as chic décor.
The Decor Store Handwoven Storage Basket – $22.50
10. Chic coffee table tray
A tray is a simple styling trick that makes your coffee table look curated. I use mine to hold candles, books, and that cordless lamp. For just $19.95, it feels like a designer piece.
The Decor Store Decorative Coffee Table Tray – $19.95
11. Textured throw blanket
Last but not least, I added a chunky knit throw over the sofa. At $25.99, it adds softness, color, and a cozy-luxe feel that makes the entire room more inviting.
The Decor Store Knitted Throw Blanket – $25.99
Final thoughts
You don’t need a big budget to make your living room feel elevated. With small, thoughtful upgrades like layered lighting, curated accessories, and natural textures, you can create a stylish, welcoming space that looks far more expensive than it really is.
These finds from The Decor Store prove that affordable design can still feel luxurious.