The 50 Best-Looking & Most Useful Home Upgrades You Can Make Under $30, According To Designers

Mackenzie Collier, founder of Mackenzie Collier Interiors in Phoenix, Arizona, encourages you to get creative with your device charging: “Phone chargers don’t have to be white and utilitarian — opt for a wireless charger on your nightstand or desk.” She’s a fan of this wireless charging light that perfectly blends function and style, thanks to the attractive arched LED bar atop the wooden base. Just place your phone on the platform and enjoy ultra-fast 15-watt charging.

• Available colors: 3

“Skip the plastic water bottles and opt for a stylish glass bedside water carafe and cup set instead,” Collier says, adding, “I like this brown carafe set as it’s understated and neutral and will work well with most spaces.” The carafe has a capacity just shy of 17 ounces, and the accompanying cup works perfectly as a lid when not in use. The pitcher even features a spout for easy pouring.

• Available colors: 5

Collier says, “Don’t let clutter take over, have a dedicated place for those items that come in and out of the house with you.” She recommends this wall organizer as the perfect spot for keys, lip balm, mail, dog leashes, and anything else that needs a home. Its unique, circular design helps it stand out from more traditional offerings, while the two-tone colorway adds some pleasing contrast. It comes equipped with a shelf and five metal hooks for hanging items.

• Available colors: 8

“Dress up any nightstand, side table, or dresser with these tiger eye stone drawer pulls,” Collier suggests. These copper pulls measure just over 1 inch wide, making them a good fit for any room from the kitchen to the bedroom to the bathroom. Plus, the natural variation makes each one totally unique. “I love a touch of natural stone to ground any space,” she adds.

• Available colors: 5

“If your dog or cat isn’t eating out of a sculptural marble dog dish, what are you even doing with your life?” jokes Collier. The tilt of this bowl not only adds to its attractive look, but also creates a more comfortable angle for your pets to eat, helping to reduce joint strain. Plus, the bowl is dishwasher safe and even has a nonslip coating on the bottom. As Collier says, “Adding elegance in unexpected places is always in style.”

• Available colors: 2

“Wherever you need a step stool, a plant stand, or a decorative accent, this stool will do the trick,” says Collier. It’s made from real wood in a walnut hue and is such a stylish alternative to bulky step ladders. Not only will it blend in with a variety of decors, but it can support up to 300 pounds of weight, while giving you a 9.4-inch height boost whenever you need it.

“This utensil holder is a fantastic addition to any kitchen! Its modern and minimalist design with a reactive glaze finish adds a touch of sophistication, while its 360-degree rotating feature makes it practical,” says Joyce Huston, Lead Interior Designer & co-founder of Decorilla Online Interior Design. Plus, its generous capacity can house up to 20 utensils at once. “I love how it elevates the overall aesthetic of the kitchen while maintaining functionality,” she adds.

• Available colors: 2

According to Huston, “This irregular vanity mirror is a stunning upgrade for any space. Its unique shape and stylish combination of materials create a captivating focal point.” The mirror rests inside the niche of the wooden base, and the two pieces can be separated for easy, flat storage. As Huston notes, “It's a perfect blend of modern and organic, adding instant personality and sophistication to your room.”

“These lanterns are an instant outdoor upgrade! Their sleek design and warm glow create an inviting atmosphere, perfect for entertaining or relaxing. They're versatile, so place them on tables, patios, or pathways for a touch of stylish ambiance,” says Huston. Moving them around won’t be a problem, either, thanks to the convenient handle. And since these classic-looking lanterns run on solar power, they’re easy on your wallet, too.

• Available colors: 2

Francine Hsu Davis, architect and interior designer at Francine Hsu Davis Designs has a tip for shopping with intentionality on Amazon: “Start with the “small business” category to support local small economies which is often more sustainable.” Hsu Davis follows her own advice by offering up these ceramic vases as an amazing home addition. “These versatile pieces have multiple uses; these vases can stand alone or be filled with real and fake flowers,” she says. The ridged design and array of sizes also adds some lovely visual texture to any space.

“Elevate a simple connection to the wall with an unexpected, elegant leather curtain rod holder instead of your typical hardware,” Hsu Davis advises. The holders come with all the wall anchors and screws you’ll need for setup and can support up to 150 pounds of weight. You can even customize your order by choosing from shades like mahogany, wine, and black, and opting for gold or silver accents.

• Available colors: 7

Hsu Davis recommends “beautiful, simply designed candles that take you out to nature,” and this crackling wood-wick candle is an amazing option thanks to its rugged and earthy palo santo aroma. It’s made from coconut wax and has a rustic wooden wick that can burn for up to 45 hours. The amber glass jar adds understated elegance wherever you place it.

Hsu Davis also recommends this charming hammered lamp with its elevated, reflective finish. Measuring just over 9 inches high, its compact size ensures it can fit in a variety of spaces, from consoles to nightstands to desks. It boasts a 5-foot cable, a fabric shade, and a rocker switch to power it on and off.

• Available colors: 4

Hsu Davis is also a fan of these Mason jars, because as she puts it, “An organized pantry is a beautiful thing.” Each jar can hold 16 ounces and comes with a corresponding airtight lid for locking in freshness. “These are so versatile, use them for storage, as daily glassware, or as table vases,” she adds.

Alice Moszczynsk, interior planner for home-design software program Planner 5D, explains “Sheer curtains are an elegant, budget-friendly upgrade that can instantly transform any space by softening natural light and adding a touch of sophistication.” These panels come in a range of size dimensions and can even be cleaned in the washing machine. And as Moszczynsk adds, “They offer a simple yet effective way to enhance your room’s decor without overwhelming it.”

• Available colors: 22

“Wood floating shelves are not just functional; they’re also a stylish addition to any room. They provide a minimalist, contemporary look while offering a charming way to display books, plants, or decorative pieces,” Moszczynsk says. This set is sold with four shelves, allowing you to create a variety of different arrangements and patterns. Whether you opt for light or dark wood, they’d look great anywhere you put them: the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom — the options are endless.

• Available colors: 4

Moszczynsk also recommends these burlap linen pillow covers. “[These] are a great choice for giving your living area a fresh, stylish update. [...] For me, throw pillows and a fresh coat of paint are my top go-to upgrades for quickly rejuvenating any room on a budget,” she says. This set has a subtle cross-hatch design with lots of texture. The hidden zipper closure gives them a nice, clean silhouette, too.

• Available colors: 24

“Decorative vases can serve as eye-catching accents or practical pieces for styling your bookshelf or coffee table,” Moszczynsk says, and these ceramic jug vases are no exception. They boast a glossy finish with lots of natural variation, which helps contribute to their rustic, farmhouse vibe. Plus, they’re highly rated, with nearly 5,000 reviewers weighing in to give them an impressive 4.7-star overall rating.

Noelle Harvey, Principal Designer & Chief Creative at Sunday House, based in Portland, Oregon, says, “Table linens can dress up a dinner and hide anything marring your table. Aim for a high-quality cotton that complements the colors of the room if you’re going to use it year round.” This cotton tablecloth is an excellent option, since it comes in neutral colorways that work in so many spaces. The decorative fringe around the perimeter gives it a fresh, unexpected feel, too.

• Available colors: 19

To go with your natural-feeling cotton tablecloth, you’ll want these handmade cotton napkins that come in more than a dozen color combinations. They feature subtle frayed edges that evoke a natural, earthy feeling while still looking elegant enough for dressy occasions. They’re even fade resistant, so they’ll stand up to tough use and washings.

• Available colors: 15

“Clear your kitchen counters and replace any canisters or jars with a uniform set,” Harvey says, and these ceramic canisters (sold individually) fit the bill. “We love different-sized white canisters for things like flour and sugar,” she adds. The wooden lids on these canisters give them a natural look, and they comes in three different capacities for storing a range of items, from coffee to rice to sugar.

• Available colors: 2

“Incorporate plants throughout your home,” Harvey advises. “Longer stems enhance natural elements and help fill up a wide or tall space — the more unique, the better,” she explains. If you don’t have a green thumb, this artificial Monstera plant will do the trick. This faux plant stands inside a chic white pot with vertical ridges. It even comes with artificial stones and moss to give it a more realistic look. Choose from two sizes: 28 inches and 35 inches.

• Available sizes: 28 inches, 35 inches

Whether you place it on a kitchen shelf or atop a desk, this faux eucalyptus embodies the spirit of Harvey’s advice because it helps add a pop of natural-looking greenery to otherwise-empty spaces. Its longest fronds measure a full 2 feet and all the leaves are a muted sage color for a soft, realistic look. It’s highly rated, too, with over 3,000 users weighing in to give it an impressive 4.6-star overall rating.

Elissa Hall, founder and lead designer of EDH Interiors in Portland, Oregon, is a fan of canvas grocery bags. “Not only are these eco-friendly, but they also make for stylish storage options around the house. Use them to organize toys, laundry, or pantry items,” she advises, adding, “I’ve found that incorporating practical yet visually appealing storage solutions can significantly reduce clutter and enhance the overall look of a room.” And since they come three to a set, they’re a bargain, too.

• Available colors: 3

“Look for hooks that double as art pieces, like those shaped as branches or animals,” Hall says. With that in mind, you can’t go wrong with these branch hooks made from real trees. “These are perfect for adding both style and storage to your entryway or bathroom,” she adds. Boasting a 4.6-star overall rating, these hooks can support up to 4.5 pounds of hanging weight.

• Available widths: 4

Hall also likes animal-themed wall hardware for an artistic statement, and these wall hooks are a charming addition to any space. They’re made from solid brass and come in several styles, including birds, fish, a bumblebee, a dragonfly, and more. They’re incredibly sturdy, too, since they can hold up to 35 pounds each.

• Available styles: 12

According to Hall, “Adding LED strips under your kitchen cabinets not only improves visibility but also adds a modern touch,” and this wireless light bar is an excellent option. “These lights are easy to install and can make your kitchen feel more open and inviting. I recently suggested this upgrade to a friend, and it transformed her cooking space into a more functional and stylish area,” she adds. This battery-operated model even comes with a remote control so that you can adjust the brightness and power it on and off from a distance.

Amber Mundy, interior designer at Build and Renovate in New Zealand, advises, “Change out the light fixtures [and] pick out fixtures that will modernize your home and better fit the overall aesthetic you are after.” This simple ceiling-mount light has an industrial vibe that feels current yet classic. It comes with all the hardware you’ll need to set it up and pairs perfectly with a vintage-inspired Edison bulb.

• Available colors: 2

This touch lamp is another excellent way to upgrade your space with minimal effort. It’s made from cast iron with a cage-like frame surrounding the bulb to create a vintage-industrial aesthetic. It boasts three different brightness settings, and all you have to do is tap the lamp anywhere to select your optimal brightness level.

Rounding out the decorative lamp options is this battery-operated lamp. It has a spherical glass shade with an etched pattern that evokes palm fronds in a subtle way. This lamp has a sleek, wireless design that makes it convenient for moving around your space, and you can even set it on a timer to preserve its battery life.

• Available colors: 3

According to Mundy, “One small way to add value without a full-on makeover is to change the existing hardware on the cabinets and the sink fixtures to polish up the room.” Look no further than these drawer pulls to achieve the first part of her advice. They have a sleek, modern design with ample room for your hands to comfortably maneuver your drawers, and their sophisticated matte black finish works with a variety of decor styles. Not a fan of black? Opt for brushed brass or brushed nickel.

• Available colors: 3

And if you’d like to take that same polish over to the bathroom, this waterfall faucet looks so sophisticated. Its flat, curved details give it a modern look, and since the water flows over the flat spout instead of through, it creates a unique effect. It comes with pre-drilled holes for easy installation as well.

• Available colors: 5

“Replacing the shower faucet will also instantly lend the bathroom a spa-like feel,” Mundy says, so give this rainfall showerhead some serious consideration. It delivers high water pressure (but still has an eco-conscious flow rate) and features rubberized, easy-to-clean nozzles for an unobstructed shower experience. And thanks to the swiveling neck, you can adjust the angle, too. It comes in a range of upmarket shades — have your pick.

• Available colors: 30

“Home accessories are like the icing on the cake when it comes to changing the personality of a room,” Mundy explains. “Think new towel racks and toilet paper holders, handles and hinges for cupboards, doorknobs, vent registers, and so on,” she adds. This double-rod towel bar makes for a stylish and functional bathroom addition, because the design looks elegant while offering up the ability to store twice as many towels. It’s made from durable stainless steel and comes in a range of widths.

• Available colors: 5

Instantly refresh the look of your bathroom with barely any effort thanks to this adhesive toilet paper holder. All you have to do is peel away the backing and stick it in place. It has a simple, minimalist silhouette and comes in all the finishes to perfectly match your bathroom decor, like matte black, silver, and glossy gold.

• Available colors: 3

You can upgrade and reimagine the look of your home in even the most unexpected of places with this floor vent register. It features a geometric, art deco-style design made from alloy steel with an antique brass finish that gives it a vintage vibe. All you have to do is remove your existing vent cover and slide this one into place instead.

• Available colors: 10

“Wallpaper has experienced a resurgence, moving beyond traditional perceptions. It's an affordable option to infuse a space with character,” Mundy says, and this vintage floral wallpaper is an excellent option. All you have to do is stick it in place with the adhesive backing and smooth it out to enjoy an instant, maximalist makeover. Just make sure you’re applying it to clean, dry walls.

• Available colors: 2

“Modern wallpapers feature improved designs and are easier to install,” Mundy explains, “As they come with a pre-applied adhesive surface, eliminating the hassle of dealing with messy glues and ensuring a smooth application process.” This second peel-and-stick wallpaper option offers up a more contemporary look thanks to the geometric pattern. Not only can you apply it to your walls, but it makes for a great drawer liner, too.

Nick Chatzigeorgakis, owner of design firm Intrabuild in New York City, explains, “As a design firm owner, I always recommend inexpensive decorative touches that make a big impact. For under $30, you can transform a space with accessories like throw pillows, area rugs, wall art, or baskets. For example, a jute rug adds warmth for under $30.” This rug comes in a range of dimensions and adds a homey feeling thanks to the natural fibers. And since its pile is less than an inch thick, it won’t obstruct foot traffic or furniture.

• Available colors: 8

“Pillows in complementary colors instantly freshen up a sofa,” Chatzigeorgakis says, so opt for these throw pillow covers to reinvigorate your couch. They have a soft, velvety finish that not only adds comfort but texture, too. And since each order comes with four different shades with contrasting trim, they’re a feast for the eyes as well. Choose from more than a dozen color combinations, from soft earthy tones to cheerful brights.

• Available colors: 13

According to Chatzigeorgakis, “Framed botanical prints or minimalist art fill empty wall space,” so snag these botanical prints to bring some nature into your home and bid adieu to bare walls. Each print showcases a detailed view of the plant, complete with the Latin name — just like you’d find in a botany texbtook. You’ll get six vintage-inspired prints, and because they come unframed, you can customize them with your favorite frames and accessories.

If florals aren’t your thing, this abstract wall art is another way to bring style and contrast to your space. It features a bold, black design atop a cream background, inviting the viewer to interpret the piece however they like. The package comes reinforced to keep it protected in the mail, as well.

• Available colors: 10

“Baskets tucked under tables provide stylish storage,” Chatzigeorgakis notes, so opt for these classic woven rope baskets, which tackle clutter and look good doing it. They have a two-tone design, and each basket boasts two handles for easy maneuvering. And since they’re made from cotton rope, they’re lightweight and breathable, too.

• Available colors: 12

If you prefer a more modern vibe for your storage, these fabric storage bins won’t let you down. They come in a range of sizes and their rectangular design makes them a great choice for use inside closets and shelving units (or under your coffee table, as Chatzigeorgakis advises). The faux leather handles are reinforced for extra durability.

• Available colors: 10

Blaire Moore, designer and owner of Moore House Design in Fall River, Massachusetts, says, “Vintage-inspired trays can elevate your home's decor with a touch of sophistication. Opt for silver trays, which can be found online or at local vintage shops, to add a refined accent to any room.” This silver tray is a great option that boasts clean lines, letting the mirrored surface do all the talking. Use it on your dresser, coffee table, or dining room sideboard.

Stephanie Mahaney, owner of Stephanie Rae Interiors, says, “I love using floating acrylic shelves, especially over a beautiful wallpaper! [...] They are easy to install and you can take them with you if you are moving between houses or apartments!” This particular set is waterproof, with each of the four shelves able to hold nearly 9 pounds. Thanks to the sturdy front lips, you can even use them as bookshelves, too. Besides this totally clear option, they come in shades like transparent red and green for a pop art-inspired touch.

• Available colors: 12

Giovanni Scippo, director at design visualization service 3D Lines, says, “Faux fur rugs add a touch of luxury and coziness to any room, making it feel warm and inviting.” This model features a modern, abstract shape with a nonslip suede backing for extra stability. It’s super fluffy, too, with a nearly 3-inch pile. “[The rug’s] soft texture and simple elegance can uplift the look of your space without costing much,” Scippo adds.

“Leaf-printed shower curtains give your bathroom a refreshing, natural vibe, making it feel like a mini oasis. These vibrant yet calming designs can easily transform the space for a small price,” Scippo says. This particular curtain incorporates eucalyptus leaves and cherry blossoms to create a soothing botanical scene. It’s made with rust-proof grommets and comes with 12 hooks for easy hanging.

“A pillar candle set adds tranquility and sophistication, perfect for creating a relaxing ambiance,” Scippo advises. This set comes in a stunning gold colorway that looks so luxe. The cotton wick provides a long, smoke-free burn as well. “The warm, flickering light adds charm and depth to your home without requiring a lot of expense,” he adds.

• Available colors: 21

“Marble contact paper updates kitchen surfaces with a sleek, modern look that mimics expensive stone finishes. It's an affordable way to refresh countertops and backsplashes, boosting your kitchen's visual appeal,” Scippo explains. This paper has flecks of shiny gold mingling among the neutral stone hues for an unexpected pop of color. And since the paper is fashioned from PVC vinyl, it’s naturally waterproof, so it can even help protect your surfaces as well.