38 Expensive-Looking Pieces That'll Scratch Your Home Makeover Itch On The Cheap

Buzz Feed

08-05-2025

1. An Anthro-leaning reversible quilted throw blanket in a ton of charming prints for a bedroom refresh that'll brighten things up and leave a little more room in your budget for non-decor things. And because each of these print options has several colors, you'll be able to find an option that'll mesh in with the rest of your existing decor without investing in other items.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Wow wow wow!!! 🤩 This blanket is so soft and the colors and image is so vibrant! The material is great. Lightweight but also snuggly weighted, I don't know how to describe it. I almost bought the one from Anthropologie, but this is exactly like it way less price! I think I'll be gifting a few of these because they are so nice!" — Amy
Get it from Amazon for $42.99 (available in 14 styles).
2. Or a popular checkerboard throw blanket with $$$ Barefoot Dreams vibes you can toss over your bed and obscure all the old nail polish stains that just won't come out in the wash. Better yet, you can grab one in a different color for your couch that ALSO has nail polish stains on one armrest. (Maybe put down a tarp for those home manis.)
Promising review: "This blanket beats others because it is softer (a buttery and fluffy feeling), it is long enough for a 5'10" tall person, it is not too light and not too heavy (works year-round in Virginia), and it has a stretch to the material that I haven't experienced with other soft blankets. The design is just so-so, but the colors are nice, and the price is right. If they updated the designs with more colors, patterns, then these would be absolutely perfect. I like this as much as my much more expensive Barefoot Dreams blanket and Williams Sonoma faux-fur blanket." — JH
Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in six colors and three sizes).
3. A wall-mounted hanging headboard with bouclé fabric to hit on quite a few trends at once while giving you a softer spot to read "just one more chapter" before you hit the hay. It looks super high-end while freeing up some coin in comparison to similar options.
Promising review: "We live in the North and have baseboard heaters located behind our bed. We've gone years without a headboard as I didn't want anything in the way of the heaters to hurt their efficiency. On top of that, we also have an adjustable bedframe, which adds to the difficulty of finding a headboard that works for us. This headboard fit the bill just right! Installing it myself allowed me to leave the necessary air gap to keep it from interfering with the heating system. It's an added bonus that it looks fantastic. We are super happy with it, and it really makes the primary bedroom look complete after years of going without." — Neil M.
Get it from Amazon for $135.99+ (available in queen and king sizes).
4. A sleek glass coffee table that reviewers say is a LOT like a West Elm one that'll run you $300+ more. It'll definitely be a step up from the $40 flat-pack one you've been using long since before you started groaning when you get up from or sit down on your couch. Ah, adulthood!
Promising review: "Love this table. I was so impressed with how well packaged it came, was in perfect condition, super easy to put together and was exactly what I was looking for at the perfect price point. Like another reviewer has said, I think this is one (if not the) best purchase I've made on Amazon." — Amazon Customer
"This coffee table was VERY easy to put together! A copy of West Elm's table at 1/3 of the price!" — sarah g
Get it from Amazon for $159.99+ (available in several styles and configurations, including a round style).
5. An elegant set of square wineglasses that reviewers point out are VERY similar to the pricier ones sold at Crate & Barrel. No offense to your eclectic assortment of winery-branded glasses, but these'll look so much nicer hanging in your under-cabinet wineglass rails.
Promising review: "I love these glasses, they look exactly like the ones from Crate & Barrel but way cheaper. They are really elegant-looking. I love them so much, I'm going to buy another set to add to my collection. I have the champagne flutes as well and will be ordering another set." — Dawn Thompson
Get four from Amazon for $39.98 (also available in a set of two and in three styles).
6. A baroque-inspired mirror will instantly dress up an entry or hallway. The gilded frame looks equally great hung on a wall or atop a console. And every time you gaze upon your reflection in it, you can think about the dough you saved by opting for this one over the more expensive Anthro version.
Promising review: "This mirror is gorgeous and very well-made. It feels heavier than I expected, so I used a 3M Claw to hang it and it's definitely secure. Looks exactly like the picture. I wanted the Anthropologie Primrose mirror but couldn't stomach the price tag, even with deep discounts from their home outlet pop up. This is an excellent alternative, so definitely worth it." — Jillian Coneys
Get it from Amazon for $85.89+ (available in 10 sizes and five finishes).
7. Or an irregularly shaped mirror that'll feel anything but ordinary hanging up in your bathroom if your style leans pretty modern. And for significantly under $200, you'll get heaps of CPU.
The Home Depot
Promising review: "I installed this mirror in my bedroom because I've always wanted to see how my pants look with my shoes! But this isn't just any mirror; its shape is unique, like the body of an electric guitar. It looks awesome in my room, but honestly, I think it could work well with just about any space. The frame is solid metal, giving it a nice, hefty feel, which to me says quality. Of course, I didn't just take its weight at face value; I gave it a good check-up, because, you know, science." — Wences
Get it from The Home Depot for $109.99 (originally $168; available in three frame colors and two smaller sizes than shown).
8. A set of satin pillowcases can instantly jazz up your bedding and be the perfect swap for your pillowcases that have mascara stains all over them. But! They'll also be gentler on your skin and hair than cotton versions. (I have several sets and even travel with mine!)
Promising review:"So soft. Perfect for sleeping on when you have eyelash extensions because the eyelashes don't get caught on the material." — Tiffany
"Hands down, the best pillow covers I have ever bought. I should have bought these sooner. Looks and feels expensive, love them." — akiem
Get a set of two from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 37 colors and five sizes).
9. A "stained glass" decal to position on front-door windows, transoms, skylights...the possibilities are nearly endless! It'll obscure the view into your home a bit without going whole hog like a blurred window cling that obscures the view on both sides. Also, it just looks really nice!
www.amazon.com
This kit comes with separate-to-apply elements, so it'll work on a variety of window dimensions. If this isn't quite your style, there are lots of other stained glass window decals and window cling styles.
Promising review: "These stained glass decals worked great on the fireplace windows in my early 1900s bungalow. If you get up close, or look at them from the outside, it's pretty obvious they aren't real, but you'd have to be looking really closely. Don't forget to buy one package of caming lines for each set of decals, you'll need it. If you're someone who gets stressed about applying sticky things, or making things straight, don't worry too much about it. I am really bad at that stuff typically and I found it really easy. Wash your windows first, measure so you have a rough idea of where to put the center decal, and keep some scissors on hand to cut the caming. It's easy and so cool! Our house already has a lot of 'old house charm' so these fit in perfectly." — Linds
Get it from Amazon for $9.40.
10. Cordless no-drill Roman shades that'll be a breeze to install (reviewers say it took less than 10 minutes)! Renters and homeowners alike love them because you don't have to drill into the wall for installation.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review: "I knew I wanted something to finish off my bench seat windows. These blinds were not only easy to install, but I am impressed with the quality and how easy it is to raise and lower them. I think all four were out of the box and installed in 15 minutes. Offers light filtering, which is perfect for my needs. If I want to take them down for my holiday garland, it will be super easy to remove and put back up after the holiday." — doug huntley
Get each panel from Amazon for $58.99+ (available in seven styles and a range of sizes).
11. A magnetic dishwasher cover can help you transform that magical appliance as a design focal point if no matter HOW much you clean your washer, it just doesn't shine like you want.
ReVent Covers / Etsy
You can check out the full TikTok showing how easily these go on.
BTW, they're from ReVent Covers, a small biz!
Promising review: "My DW panel was a poor grade of stainless, impossible to clean streaks, and had a dent to boot! This solved the problem and looks great. I'm very happy!" — Laura Berger
Get it from ReVent Covers on Etsy for $49.99+ (available in four designs and many sizes).
Psst, if you're all but ready to give up on your stainless-steel appliances ever looking clean, try out this holy-grail Therapy stainless-steel cleaner.
12. A rechargeable, stick-on LED wall light will move with you when you want, even if you've just changed your mind within the same apartment or got a rude surprise at a lease renewal. It has three color temperatures, is dimmable, has a sleep timer, and is controlled from an app.
Poplight
See how it works in this TikTok. Also, it was featured on Shark Tank!
Get it from Poplight for $99 (also available in a set of two or three lights, plus everything you need for installation and seven colors).
13. A renter-friendly Tulip shade that'll easily pop over your boob light (or other similarly-sized ceiling-flush light you detest). You simply mount a ring on the ceiling with double-sided tape and put on the magnetic shade.
Tulip is a small biz from Lori Smyth. Her inspiration? The drab lighting in a college dorm! Her innovative design requires no re-wiring, no power tools, no nothing! Check out the different styles and how easily they install via Tulip's TikTok.
My colleague Chelsea Stuart has tried and loves this: "I just had a chance to try one of these and I am simply OBSESSED. I live in NYC in a rental and I have a really drab light in my kitchen that even an electrician couldn't get off of the ceiling without breaking... so I gave up on replacing it right after I moved in. Alas, fast forward a year and I found Tulip on TikTok! Instantly, I thought 1. This is absolutely genius and 2. How has no one come up with this before?!?!
"Installing" it (installing makes it seem way more involved than it is) took all of 10 minutes and that includes removing it from the box, Command Strip-ing the ring to the ceiling, and then popping the magnetic shade in place. (Honestly, the thing that took me the longest was fishing my step stool out of the depths of my junk closet.) Not only is the shade itself beautiful, but the diffused light is just so soft and pretty. I can't wait to get another one for my entryway!!!"
What's included: Ceiling mount, Tulip shade, 12x removable tape, and 3x screws (as needed for textured ceiling applications).
Get it from Tulip for $149 (check out more styles).
14. NoNo Brackets, aka curtain rod brackets that fit onto your existing blinds so that you don't have to fool with drilling any holes and having to spackle them later or (!!!) get charged when you move out of your rental. Now you can finally put up the curtains you've been eyeing for a minimal amount of work.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This bracket is awesome and was extremely easy to install. We were able to hang curtains over our vertical blinds in just a few minutes and didn't even need any tools. Great product!!!" — Amazon Customer
Get a set of two from Amazon for $21.95 (also available in a range of colors and designs).
15. Some magnetic garage handles can bring some serious curb appeal to your home for an EXTREMELY small fraction of the price of getting some carriage-style doors. They're pricey as heck. These magnets are not.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review:"I've been wanting to upgrade our garage door for a long time and now I have no idea why I waited! The magnets are super strong. Purchased two sets but only used one set of 'handles,' I wasn't a fan of how close I had to place each set next to each other with the narrow spacing on the door itself. Paired with the magnetic 'windows,' it looks like a brand-new door!" — MrsPirate
Get them from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in several sets and variations).
16. A velvet slipcover will give your ragged old couch a completely new look. Plus, the slipcover comes with straps to keep it in place so you don't have to fuss with it all the time.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I have never been so excited about a slipcover. Total transformation of our couch and love seat. I was worried about it not working on our leather couch, but it stays on really well due to the straps and the separate cushion covers. LOVE." — Brian/Liz
Get it from Amazon for $42.92+ (available in five sizes and ten colors).
17. Or if you've been dreaming of naps on your very own RH Cloud Couch but it (obviously) isn't happening because it costs so dang much, try a linen cover for just over $100 to give you the same vibes.
The Linen Valley / Etsy
The Linen Valley is a family-run, Lithuania–based small biz from Raimonda Mor. They source sustainable linen from local manufacturers and create beautiful collections for your bedroom, bathroom, and dining room!
Promising review: "Absolutely gorgeous!!!!! Exactly what I was looking for! The quality is amazing. I will absolutely be buying more!!!" — Jennifer
Get it from The Linen Valley on Etsy for $133.04+ (originally $140.95+; available in 5 sizes and 12 colors).
18. Some pre-made wall panels you can attach with a nail gun and glue (or Command strips). What's next? Your cover story for Arch Digest.
www.amazon.com
Reviewers attached these in different ways, with some just using mounting tape in apartments for no damage to walls. Others installed them on doors and kitchen islands!
Promising review:"Moldings came in well-packed and quickly. It was super easy to install. Used White Lightning Speed Grip to adhere the panels. These panels gave a high-end look to an otherwise drab wall and peninsula. So classic and affordable and it will never go out of style!" — JM
Get a single panel from Amazon for $10.15+ (available in sets and 17 sizes).
19. A roll of wood grain tape to slap on as a "frame" on your bathroom or wall mirror to make your space feel a bit more intentionally designed — even if you inherited a bunch of someone else's design choices.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Where do I start? I absolutely LOVE this product. I wanted to replace our bathroom mirror, but due to the size, it would have cost a lot! I came across this on Amazon and decided to give it a try. The application process was super easy and applied without bubbles as long as you go slow and rub it down as you go. I kid you not. It looks like wood and feels like it, too! You can feel and see the 'wood grain.' It's absolutely stunning and looks like I bought a whole new mirror." — Taylor
Get it from Amazon for $7.98.
20. A beautiful framed canvas painting that reviewers say looks like a real oil painting up close, but is also lightweight enough to easily hang up in your gallery wall. There are dozens of designs so you're sure to find one that'll step up your decor on the cheap(er).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Beautiful. This is great quality and it looks like a real painting. 💗" — Yana Cucias
Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in four sizes and 41 styles).
21. Plus, a wireless library light to put a spotlight on your new wall art, or to just really jazz up your existing gallery wall that needs a little something else.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
This uses three AAA batteries and includes a remote that lets you set the light to different brightnesses and schedule a timer for 15, 30, 60, or 120 minutes.
Promising review: " For the price, you can't beat it. Super easy to install and lightweight. The gold had a slight orange tint to it, so be mindful of that. I actually just taped over the light and spray-painted ours with gold spray paint I had left over and then they were absolutely perfect." — Paris Seder
Get it from Amazon for $28.99 (available in three colors).
22. A versatile kitchen pantry cabinet in case you need a whole lot of storage, but you need it quickly and need it to look nice. This can create a kitchen coffee station, record player stand, or all kinds of other clever storage uses where you've got a blank wall and some vision.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This hutch fits perfectly in our space and matches our aesthetic beautifully. It strikes a great balance between style and functionality, offering plenty of storage without overwhelming the room. The assembly instructions were clear and easy to follow, making it simple to put together on my own. Overall, I'm extremely happy with this purchase and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a stylish, practical piece of furniture." — chelseayaroach
Get it from Amazon for $127.43+ (available in six styles).
23. A USB-powered, stick-on LED light strip to help improve your TV-watching experience by bringing in a bit of ambient light to your personal theater. You've already got your TV and shelves just where they work, so no need to try and rearrange everything so your movie nights are more enjoyable. Reviewers say this makes quite the impact!
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review:"Easy to install. Lights provide ample lighting; USB allows lights to be a standalone fixture without tying up another wall socket. The USB interface also acts to turn the lights on and off with the TV. Backlighting also seems to make the screen seem sharper." — Shaun
Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in sizes L–XL).
24. And a faux book display that'll squirrel away your modem, router, cords and cables for a tidier look that'll say, "Some pro planning definitely went into this entertainment setup." It'll also perfectly fit in on a bookshelf!
Covogoods is a Utah-based, woman-founded small business that specializes in storage solutions crafted from up-cycled books.
Not every display will have the exact books shown above but if you want to check out the titles ahead of time, select 'YES, preview books' when checking out and enable Amazon notifications so the seller can send you a pic!
Promising review:"I'm pretty sure I've never loved a purchase from Amazon as much as I love this one, and I've been a Prime member since Day 1. This product is EXTREMELY well made and very unique. Plus, it does the job of hiding the ugly routers and cords. And the customer service was great and responsive. I was a little hesitant to spend the money on this but after years of living with the husband's pile of technology, the money was well spent!" — AmazonEmme
25. A 2-in-1 floor lamp and end table will squeeze in a surface to hold your cup of coffee and remote in the footprint of just a lamp. This piece is working hard for the (not so much) money!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I was looking for a lamp of this style and happened to come across this one. It had no reviews so I was suspicious, but for the price I took the chance. Best gamble ever! This lamp is so beautiful and the quality is amazing. The marble base is like real, sturdy marble. Gold finishing looks so expensive. Table is not flimsy at all. I absolutely love it and can't believe I was able to find this for such a deal." — Sarah Diaz
Get it from Amazon for $77.49+ (available in four colors).
26. An 8-foot wooden pathway you can lay down to deter treading on your garden beds or make a nice little path from the backyard to the garden gate. Now that you're about to start clocking a LOT more time outside, you might as well set yourself up for some barefoot success when you wanna run out without shoes!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
There is also a matching curved walkway, if you need one!
Promising review:"I went back and forth deciding whether I wanted to buy this. I was going to build my own walkway, but the labor involved and the price were more than I wanted to pay. So, this option looked appealing and some of the reviews were not positive. But, I absolutely love this walkway, and I've had it for well over a month now. It still looks like I just purchased it. I live in Florida so the weather is very harsh with heavy rains and extreme heat. This walkway has held up fine." — Jntqnn
Get it from Amazon for $69.99.
27. A floral cottagecore mat with some big-ticket Rifle Paper Co. energy to create a soft spot to park your old dogs while you wash dishes and freshen up your kitchen for the season.
Amazon
Promising review: "I love Rifle Paper Co. rugs, but they're really expensive and not super thick or anything. I mostly love their designs. I saw this rug, and it didn't have a lot of reviews, but I took a chance and am so glad I did! I bought the runner and then the door size, both for my kitchen. I love the design of this rug and the colors! I personally would prefer a straight edge but it's fine. I washed the runner in the laundry with no issues. It's easy to vacuum and doesn't get sucked up constantly. It's soft and thin, but that's fine for the price. I love them, and I hope they make more designs!" — Sydney
Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in 12 sizes and three colors).
28. An under-$50 12-inch showerhead here for a little daily luxury. And if you've been blasted by a rainfall shower in a hotel before, no worries. This has an adjustable flow that'll give you that or some gentle precipitation.
Promising review: "Wished I upgraded my shower head sooner. Installation was very simple, and it even came with a guide if needed. It comes with an extension arm that connects to your existing water pipe. No leaks whatsoever, and I did not need any other tools. Took less than five minutes to install. It feels really nice standing right under the showerhead, and it covers your whole body with nice pressure and looks nice! Definitely recommend it to those looking for an upgrade!" — Vincent Horng
Get it from Amazon for $40.99+ (available in two sizes and three finishes).
29. A pack of cabinet pulls with some nice detailing that'll make them seem like you ordered them from RH for $30+ a pop instead of adding them to cart along with some toilet paper and mascara. Kitchen cabinets take up a WHOLE lot of visual space and cost a bunch of money to replace. Swapping out your pulls can make a big difference!
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "The handles are made with high-quality heavy metal so they will stand up to everyday usage. I am very happy with how they look and showcase my kitchen cabinets. They will make your cabinets look like a high-end, very expensive item...a 10 out of 10 for sure." — Amazon Customer
Get a pack of 2 from Amazon for $12.99+ (be sure to clip the 20% off coupon; available in six styles and 11 finishes).
30. A reading chair with a matching ottoman you definitely have space for in that corner of your sitting room that just needs a little something. Or it can just replace the chair that your dog claimed for his own.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I was pleasantly surprised by this chair and ottoman. I ordered it for my media room, where I will listen to music, read, and just relax after work. The chair is just 'funky' enough to go with my decor and is comfortable as it is stylish." — Green Eyed Lady
Get it from Amazon for $89.99+ (available in three colors and with or without the ottoman).
31. Toile-print pillowcases for a vintage look you can zip onto your seasonal holiday throw pillows...a little secret only you'll know. It's giving, "Martha has these in one of her country houses."
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Super pretty print! The fabric is very thick and looks expensive for a great price. Combined with small pillows, they look great in my guest bedroom!" — Janelle Madeiros
Get two from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in a variety of prints and sizes).
32. A slim console table that'll ~wiggle~ into all sorts of spots but be a super impactful piece. Reviewers have used it in entryways, under TVs as an entertainment center, and even as sofa tables.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "The table is beautiful in person! Comes in about 12 pieces, but it was easy to put together." — matt
Get it from Amazon for $115.99.
33. An easel TV stand can swivel so you can watch your favorite moving art from all kinds of angles and spots in rooms. (My friend Sarah had a similar setup in her apartment and I was STUNNED.)
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Easy to assemble. Swivels for ease of view anywhere. Very sturdy. Perfect height. Functions perfectly for our room!" — Kay B
Get it from Amazon for $89.99+ (available in three colors).
34. A set of faux coffee table books you might just mistake for the pricey Assouline travel series, but these will pull double-duty because they're actually storage boxes where you can stash all kinds of cords, remotes, spare batteries for said remotes, whatever. A couple of these on a shelf or situated on a coffee table will give a super curated appearance.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review: "The color of these books is actually more vivid and beautiful in person. I'm thrilled with how it looks on the shelf — plus it's a very good hiding spot. I would 100% recommend these for anyone looking to add color to your home." — elishiva
Get a set of four from Amazon for $28.99.
35. A cross-hatch tissue holder that'll cover up whatever weird design is on the tissue you grabbed at CVS in a time of need. It'll make it mesh in with your decor while giving off a "I have several Bottega bags in my closet" energy. It can hold you over 'til you can shell it out for the Hermes throw blanket. (You know the one I'm talking about.)
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This product is exactly what I was hoping for. It's great quality. Looks so chic. Such a nice way to dress up a household necessity. Definitely worth it." — Kaylee
Get it from Amazon for $7.29+ (available in three sizes and 13 colors).
36. An acrylic chandelier you can hang up solo or over a bare bulb for a stunning effect. Bare bulb in your coat closet that you have to stare at all the time? No prob. A little glitz never hurt a ho-hum room!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I'm in the process of making my very first house my own, and I wanted to have something prettier than the bare bulb in my master bedroom. This chandelier is a GREAT upgrade, fits right over a standard light bulb, and even when the light's not on, the crystals pick up the sunlight in the afternoon." — Brenda C.
Get it from Amazon for $21.99.
37. A scene-stealing hand block–printed tablecloth that'll make you forget you're using a scratched-up dining table that's older than you but still the perfect size for your dining room.
Bed Thread In / Etsy
Beds Thread In is an Etsy shop based in Jaipur, India.
Get it from Beds Thread In on Etsy for $29.07+ (available in a variety of sizes and eight styles).
38. And a grout pen you can use to work some *cheap magic* over a sweeping amount of visual space on floors and backsplashes with a huge impact for just a bit of your time. I should know. I've done it to my bathroom floor and find it lasts about a year!
www.amazon.com
Promising review:" We moved into our new home, and the shower had a really yellow grout. Cleaning didn't do anything, and I saw this grout pen online. What a saver! Otherwise, I would have just hired someone to replace my shower. I used this grout pen, and my husband was so impressed:D The tip loses its shape fast, but just pull out the TIP AND FLIPPED IT OVER, and you'll have a new tip." — jennifer
Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in more colors and pen widths).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.