Designers Share Their Favorite Purchases Under $35 On Amazon

Lauren Farrell, a senior interior designer at Pacaso, calls this wooden charcuterie board a “must” as you can use it functionally for your next dinner party or decoratively. “I personally like to lean them against the backsplash in the kitchen to create some visual interest,” she adds. This 11-inch paddle-shaped pick is made from mango wood.

Your bathroom counters likely house various odds and ends — like a candle, your perfume collection, and more. To stylishly corral these things, Farrell suggests this marble tray that “adds a touch of luxury, making everyday items feel more refined and intentional.” It’s made from 100% Carrara white marble and there are two sizes (and a few colors) in the listing based on the amount you need to store.

A box of tissues is necessary, but it doesn’t particularly look great. A solution? Farrell recommends using this faux leather tissue box cover as “a great, affordable way to make a space look more purposeful and put together.” In the listing, you’ll find nine color options and Farrell says you should go with the one that matches your room’s existing color palette to “seamlessly blend this functional item into your decor.”

“When creating a space, it's just as important to focus on the little details as it is the big ones,” notes Janelle Patton, the lead designer at Lark Interiors. One example of this is placing this glass match cloche beside a candle — it looks sleek but also serves a purpose. Utilize the striker strip whenever you need to light a match. The cloche comes with 3-inch matches.

Elissa Hall, a lead designer at Awning.com, is a big proponent of utilizing scented candles throughout your home. Not only do they smell nice, but she adds that “they’re about setting a mood and adding an elegant touch to any room.” This soy candle will burn for 40-plus hours. The Hello Fall scent has notes of hot cider, cinnamon, cloves, apple, and nutmeg, but other equally delightful options can be purchased via the listing.

While storage solutions are necessary in a home, that doesn’t mean they need to be unsightly. Hall recommends a textured woven basket like this to “easily declutter spaces like entryways or living rooms while contributing to a natural, earthy aesthetic.” The basket is made from a waterproof fabric for easy cleaning. Utilize the sturdy side handles to relocate it as needed.

A glass terrarium “adds a burst of greenery and life to indoor spaces,” explains Hall. She adds that she particularly likes to display terrariums on coffee tables or bookshelves since they serve as “a living piece of decor that evolves over time.” Grow small-scale plants like succulents, moss, or cacti in it.

If you like the look of floating shelves, Dawn Bane, an interior designer at Spectrum Design Group, recommends utilizing these L-shaped brackets to support them. They’re “minimal, unlike traditional ones with a heavy and industrial aesthetic.” The set includes six metal brackets made from sturdy metal to support up to 150 pounds per pair. Other sizes and sets can be chosen in the listing.

Caitlin Smithe, a designer and stylist at Walter E. Smithe Furniture and Design, personally switched out all of the drinkware in her home with this vintage-inspired set. “They are a fun and elevated upgrade [...] I always receive compliments from guests,” she explains. The set — which has a near-perfect 4.9-star rating on Amazon — includes six textured glasses (each holds 15 ounces), plus cleaning tools — but they’re dishwasher safe as well.

If you want to make your workspace feel a bit more contemporary, Joyce Huston, a lead interior designer at Decorilla, suggests swapping out a plain trash can with this decorative one. It has a slim design (though it still holds up to 1.8 gallons) to not take up much room and the press-top lid will keep everything contained.

Huston describes outdoor spotlights like these as a game changer. “They're easy to install, eco-friendly, and can dramatically enhance your home's curb appeal and security,” she adds. Powered by the sun, the spotlights can illuminate for up to 10 hours on a full charge. They are water resistant so you can keep them out year-round.

This pair of cement planters will make a stylish and functional addition to any space. “I love the modern, geometric design paired with the warm, earthy tones of gold and green,” explains Houston. The planters are suitable for small plants — like aloe, snake plants, various flowers, herbs, etc. — and the drainage holes at the bottom prevent overwatering.

Nichole Abbot, a interior designer at FLOOR360, says that these floral curtain panels “bring a biophilic design flair to your vintage nostalgia design style.” Made from a brushed microfiber material, the lightweight curtains feature a rod pocket top for hanging. Per Abbot, position them “at least 6 inches above the window frame to get the full desired effect.” Various patterns and lengths are available in the listing.

You don’t need to hire an electrician to add lighting — this plug-in pendant will do the trick. “Install them over your bedroom nightstand, reading nook, or corner in your home office,” suggests Abbot. The pendant features a mix of teal and brass accents and the 15-foot hanging cord means you can position it nearly anywhere.

Abbot loves a moody, dark-colored duvet cover like this one for a bed. She suggests pairing it “with a throw blanket that’s chunky and cozy” to round out the look. The microfiber material that the cover is made from is exceptionally soft, breathable, and easy to wash. Two pillow shams are also included.

This makeup mirror has numerous features, including 33 built-in LED lights, a dimmer switch, and adjustable angles. Plus, Abbot likes that “you can fold it up and store it in a drawer or pack it to go in your bag.” The rechargeable battery will last up to three hours.

Layering rugs is the ultimate designer trick. “Your living room area rug perfectly defines your conversation area but what the space needs is another soft cozy area rug on top,” explains Abbot. For this, utilize this faux fur rug. It’s shaggy, luxurious, and soft, and the nonskid backing will keep it from sliding around. Choose from various sizes and colors via the listing.

“Don’t underestimate the power of a beautiful decorative bowl,” notes Laura Chappetto, the owner and principal designer at Element Design Network. This stoneware option can be used “in a kitchen to hold fruit, on a coffee table on top of a book stack, or on a bookshelf to add a little visual interest,” she adds. Pick from black or white finishes, both of which are equally chic.

Serve salt and pepper in style with these glass shakers. “These are a stunning addition to your kitchen and something I wouldn’t mind leaving on my breakfast table,” notes Chappetto. They’re made from blown glass with oak stoppers on top that conceal the pouring holes. To fill, remove the rubber stoppers on the bottoms.

Chappetto uses these glass cups for drinks on the go. “I now exclusively use these for my iced beverages and something feels very luxurious about having ribbed glassware in the car,” she adds. The set includes two 16-ounce glass cups, bamboo lids, reusable glass straws, and a cleaning brush. Made from borosilicate glass, the cups are sturdy, plus they’re dishwasher- and microwave-safe for reheating.

These three ceramic vases will deliver a clean, modern feel wherever you choose to display them. “Group them together for a strong statement or separate them and use them in different areas of your home,” says Chappetto. Stick real or faux greenery inside the vases or even just display them as is.

Made of natural travertine, this candlestick set drips luxury — and Chappetto confirms their natural, earthy feel will “complement any decor.” The candlesticks are handcrafted by artisans, making each one slightly unique. Pair the candlesticks with some tapered candles to complete the look.

Have spreadable butter ready to go at any time with this butter keeper. And Chappetto loves that it serves as “a beautiful accent for your kitchen counter” as well. The butter keeper is made from pure marble and it can hold up to three ounces of butter at a time.

Stacey Breezeel, one of the founders of Shine Interior Design Studio, suggests this rope basket for tidying up items around your home. “Use [it] to corral books, toys, blankets, laundry and they will also fold up for storage,” she suggests. Large in size (it’s 21.7 inches across), the basket is made from a soft cotton material that’s woven for durability. The handles on the side make it easy to carry. It comes in lots of great neutral color combinations in the listing.

Rather than letting odds and ends clutter up your home, grab this decorative box to hold items. It adds “texture, pattern, [and] color to your bookshelves or countertop vignette,” says Breezeel. Made from wood with a resin inlay, the box comes in various sizes and finishes for any space.

These ceramic vases have high-end boutique vibes. “Add [them] to a bookshelf with or without greenery or use [them] to create a simple centerpiece,” explains Breezeel. The vases feature an irregular, hollowed-out design — since they’re handcrafted from clay, each one is slightly unique.

The interior designer, founder, principal creative, and CEO of JPConnelly, James Pearse Connelly suggests grabbing these gold serving utensils for your home so you can “feel like a king and eat off of gold.” The 12-piece set includes two serving spoons, two serving forks, a pair of slotted spoons, tongs, and more, all of which are made from stainless steel with a lustrous gold finish.

According to Connelly, the hardest area to style in a home is bookshelves — however, these tend to be the first place people look to get a feel for your aesthetic. With this in mind, he suggests utilizing interesting decor pieces, including this abstract sculpture. It’s made from natural sandstone and resin and stands about 5 inches tall.

“The best way to freshen up a space (after you clean it) is to add fresh flowers,” says Connelly. And he recommends putting them in these ceramic vases. “Black vases are so chic and a great new detail to get a compliment,” he adds. The set includes five bud vases in varying sizes and shapes — blue and white options are also available in the listing.

If black clashes with your decor, Connelly suggests these ceramic vases as another great option. The pair includes one small and one large option (measuring 8.5 and 6.3 inches tall), both of which feature a textured body and a rounded opening.

To say that Connelly loves hidden lighting in a home is an understatement. “It provides the perfect warm glow and when you turn off the lights, it makes you feel like you’re in a gorgeous mansion,” he explains. To pull this off, grab this LED strip light. It’s 100 feet in length, app-controllable, and can be set to 16 million colors and styles for a custom look.

Michele Iapicco, the principal at Iapicco Design Studio, has a unique way of utilizing this rectangular embroidered tablecloth — she hung five of them vertically from curtain rods (with the help of ring clips) as a window covering. The end result? A high-end, luxe look that you’re guaranteed none of your friends’ homes has. Various patterns and sizes can be found in the listing.

Need a pillow insert to stick inside of a decorative cover? Niki Conte, the founder of Northshire Living, says to look no further than these synthetic down inserts. “They look high-end, hold shape well, and don't bother folks with allergies,” she explains. When ordering, Conte says to size up 2 inches from the size of your pillowcase “for the best fit and a sumptuous look.”

Not only does Conte place a carafe on any nightstand in her designs (both in primary bedrooms and guest rooms), but she also uses this glass one in her own home. “This carafe is my favorite because it is [...] durable.” She says the pattern in the glass will add a polished touch to any space. The carafe holds up to 16 ounces and the drinking glass sits on top of it upside down when not in use.

While technically designed for serving food, Conte utilizes these mini domes for a different purpose — elevated bathroom storage. “Lifting the dainty little dome to retrieve a swab or apply some fragrance really brings a luxury vibe to my morning,” she adds. The set includes three domes made from lead-free crystal.

“Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a game-changer for anyone looking to make a bold statement without the long-term commitment,” explains JJ Hornig, the owner and head of design for Roxy Rentals. This particular dotted blue wallpaper feels fresh and modern. It can be applied seamlessly (and repositioned as necessary) and pulled off without damage when the time comes.

These hardwired wall sconces will provide an instant uplift in any space. “Whether installed in a bathroom as vanity lights or as accent lighting in a bedroom or living room, these sconces create a warm, inviting ambiance,” notes Hornig. The lights put out a soft white glow, and the clean, simple design makes them a good match for any decor style.

Surprise: These coffee table books not only deliver a vivid pop of color to your living room, “but they also offer hidden storage for small items like remote controls or keys, making them both functional and fashionable,” says Hornig. The set includes four fake books — featuring Ibiza, Roma, Bondi, and Tokyo on them — and each one securely closes thanks to a magnetic closure.

Natalie Biles, one of the founders of Shine Interior Design Studio, favors this clearing serving tray for organization since it “can be used in any style space or setting.” And as an insider tip? “If you want to punch it up or give it a theme, you can easily line [them] with wallpaper or wrapping paper remnants to add color and texture and for a season or particular style,” she explains. Choose from various sizes in the listing.

This decorative box has a faux shagreen finish that looks like the real thing. “It’s perfect for small pieces to add texture and a bit of luxury to your space,” notes Biles. The box has a soft velvet lining to keep valuables protected. And a few colors — including ivory, black, and blue — can be selected in the listing.

To make your bed or couch more luxe, Biles suggests adding these velvet pillow covers that come in four rich hues (and they feature a different color on the other side). Each one features all-around contrasting piping to ensure the pillow holds its shape. The hidden zipper allows you to easily fill them with the insert of your choice, though if you don’t have one, scroll up to find a favorite one from another designer.

Stuck on how to style shelves? Biles recommends adding these stackable books to the mix. They’re decorative, but also functional with “journal-quality blank pages, allowing you to use them as a place to sketch, use as a guest book, or leave notes for your family,” she adds. The set includes three books covered with a textured linen material.

Elissa Hall, the founder and lead designer of EDH Interiors, likes utilizing sheer curtains to “soften the natural light entering a room and add an airy, elegant feel.” She also says that you can layer them with “heavier drapes for a more dynamic look.” This set includes two panels (made from a blend of linen and polyester) with grommeted tops for easier opening and closing. Pick from various lengths, widths, and colors in the listing.

Snuggling under a fuzzy throw blanket feels cozy, but in the warmer months, you might prefer a lighter-weight muslin blanket instead. “This one is stylish, adds texture, and you don't have to be afraid of it looking or feeling too heavy for the season,” says Allison Smith, the founder and principal of Gem and Clay Interiors. The blanket is made from four layers of 100% cotton — it’ll get softer with every wash.

Crystal Olenbush, a real estate expert and interior designer at AustinRealEstate.com, recommends these mason jar wall sconces as “a classic way to add warmth and ambiance to any room.” She notes that you can even swap out the flowers for a customized look. The sconces come with fairy lights that can be set on a timer to save energy (you can adjust settings via the included remote).

Merging sumptuous style with functionality, this storage tray “looks glamorous displaying jewelry or cosmetics yet keeps items from cluttering a dresser or counter,” notes Olenbush. Its polygonal shape, mirrored surface, and gold metal frame combine to make it feel high-end. Consider a small or large size in the listing.

Olenbush utilizes these wall planters in her own home to incorporate greenery. “I have one in my living room holding an air plant that brightens up the space,” she explains. The pair of planters have a diamond shape and incorporate brass accents for a modern edge.

Interior designer Chantelle Hartman Malarkey suggests using this concrete bowl as a catch-all for your keys, wallet, and other items — place it near the door that you use most for coming in and out of the house. With its matte finish and clean lines, the bowl has a minimalist look to vibe with your existing decor.

Hartman Malarkey is a big proponent of swapping out your existing hardware with fresh ones. It “can make items in your home look brand new instead of having to replace the entire item,” she adds. These brushed brass handles are particularly chic and they’re made from metal for durability. Various sizes (and other finishes) can be chosen in the listing.

“Switch out those old, marked up, mismatched outlet [covers] and opt for something more modern, matching, and new,” says Hartman Malarkey. This pair of outlet covers is the perfect pick — the matte black finish and clean lines feel updated. And they’re easy to install.