People Who Stage Homes Say These Cheap Things Make Your Home Look Way Better

With its rechargeable battery lasting up to 48 hours and a brightness-adjustable touch sensor, this LED table lamp is as functional as it is stylish. “This is probably my favorite purchase of the last year—it offers great ambient lighting and can move around the room with you,” says Corban Torstenson, owner and designer of Los Angeles-based staging and interior design firm The Here Company. “I've placed it on a coffee table, dining table, outside for an evening gathering, even used it as a flashlight when the power went out.” Featuring a streamlined, art deco-inspired design, it elevates any space. Choose from metallic finishes or a matte hue to match your aesthetic.

To further amp up the luxurious, peaceful vibe of your bathroom, Kolodgie says, “Place a small woven basket for used hand cloths to complete the spa feel.” Made of natural seagrass, this 9-inch-long rustic basket is the perfect size for holding folded guest towels on the bathroom counter — but you can also use it for napkins in the kitchen.

“A flameless glass candle set can set the mood in your home while allowing you to live free of the stress of fire-spreading,” says Fort Worth real estate expert, Brady Bridges. Eywamage’s set of three flameless candles creates a cozy, inviting glow with its realistic flickering effect—without the fire hazard. The reflective glass votives add a luxe touch, and the included remote lets you adjust brightness, set timers, and turn them on or off without leaving the couch. Perfect for forgetful candle lovers or anyone who wants ambiance without the anxiety.

"Hunt for one-of-a-kind vintage furniture pieces in thrift stores and at Facebook Marketplace,” says Danielle Elderkin, an interior designer based in the Poconos. And if they’re not in perfect shape? “A bit of furniture polish or a fresh coat of paint can rejuvenate these finds and give your home a distinctive style,” she says. This wood polish and conditioner makes the process effortless, using beeswax and orange oil to restore luster and hydrate tired wood. Just apply with a soft cloth, and in minutes, your secondhand treasure will look showroom-worthy.

If keeping real plants alive feels impossible, Ottawa-based realtor and home stager Michelle Donaldson-Rouleau has a simple solution. “Add a fake plant with a stack of books or a candle and it quickly makes a home feel cozier,” she says. This set of four faux plants comes in matching pots, making them perfect for windowsills, shelves, or anywhere that needs a little greenery. Each plant has a unique shape, mimicking the natural variation of real foliage—without the upkeep.

“Fake flowers for dining room tables can also create a nice boost,” says Tony Mariotti, owner of luxury real estate brokerage firm RubyHome. This lifelike bouquet brings that effortless charm—without the wilting. Designed to mimic real blooms, the arrangement features a mix of hydrangeas, peonies, and eucalyptus leaves in a warm, sunset-inspired palette. Prefer a different vibe? It’s also available in shades like champagne white, autumn brown, and purple, so you can find the perfect match for your space.

“To handle unsightly cords, I use cable covers or decorative boxes to keep things neat,” says Eric Bramlett. This cable management box is a simple fix for messy wires that clutter up your space. With three slots in the back for easy cord access and a removable lid for quick power strip adjustments, it’s perfect for tidying up a desk, entertainment center, or any spot where tangled cables ruin the aesthetic. Clean space, clear mind.

"While landscape lighting design and installation can be costly, modern technology offers budget-friendly options,” says Horn. You can even add a porch sconce with nothing more than a couple of screws. These solar sconce lights come on at sunset and turn off during the day. They have integrated solar panels to absorb lots of power from the sun.

Even the smallest scratches can make furniture look worn. Matt Ward, Nashville-based realtor and owner of the Matt Ward Group, recommends this furniture repair kit to refresh wooden surfaces. “It works on almost all the common types of wood furniture, such as oak, cherry, walnut, [and] birch,” he says. The set includes six pigmented markers and six wax crayons in a range of wood tones, making it easy to fill in scuffs and imperfections. A quick touch-up, and your furniture looks brand new.

A space that smells expensive instantly feels more elevated. “Reed diffusers, incense sticks, scented candles, and aroma diffusers are non-negotiable additions to your bucket list,” says Simran Kaur, founder of design blog Room You Love. This reed diffuser set checks all the boxes—it comes in sophisticated scents like lavender, jasmine, and cotton, and the sleek glass bottle with black reeds and preserved flowers doubles as décor. With 6.7 ounces of oil, it keeps your home smelling effortlessly refined for weeks.

“Floor-to-ceiling drapes, especially in fabrics like linen or velvet, add elegance and make ceilings feel higher,” says Eric Bramlett realtor and owner of Bramlett Real Estate. “A trick I always use: Hang them close to the ceiling to give the illusion of height.” These linen curtains make achieving that designer look easy. Each set includes two 84-inch panels, with nine different size options and 19 hues to match your space. The airy linen fabric adds softness while instantly making a room feel taller and more polished.

“I picked up some ceramic canisters for a kitchen staging,” says Bramlett. “Functional yet stylish, they add a clean, modern touch without cluttering the counter.” This minimalist canister does just that, thanks to its simple design and airtight bamboo lid that keeps dry goods fresh. Use it for coffee, snacks, or even as a chic catch-all for small kitchen gadgets—because an organized counter always looks better.

“I picked up some ceramic canisters for a kitchen staging,” says Bramlett. “Functional yet stylish, they add a clean, modern touch without cluttering the counter.” This minimalist canister does just that, thanks to its simple design and airtight bamboo lid that keeps dry goods fresh. Use it for coffee, snacks, or even as a chic catch-all for small kitchen gadgets—because an organized counter always looks better.

“Keeping surfaces free of excess items and choosing simple, elegant decor like vases, candles, or a sculptural piece, can create a curated, high-end vibe,” says real estate agent Michael McGuirk. This chic, handmade-style vase is an easy way to elevate a space. Its organic shape and dual handles add an artistic touch, making it just as stunning empty as it is filled with fresh farmer’s market blooms. Place it on a table or shelf for an effortlessly polished look.

Adding a statement candle is another great way to incorporate McGuirk’s advice. This hand-carved, wooden dough bowl candle, with its rustic charm and four wicks, makes the perfect centerpiece for a dining or coffee table. At 10 inches long, it creates a warm, inviting glow—and once it’s burned down, the bowl can be repurposed as a fruit holder or a chic catchall for keys and trinkets.

“Another upgrade that adds a high-end vibe is installing smart home features. They add convenience and appeal to modern buyers,” says McGuirk. This smart doorbell set is an easy DIY upgrade that takes just 15 minutes to install. Once set up, you can lock and unlock the door, schedule temporary access codes, and sync it with your smart home system—all from your phone. A small change with a big impact on security and style.

Kitchen renovations can be pricey, but a simple hardware swap can make a huge impact. “A simple change in hardware, like replacing outdated knobs and pulls with sleek and modern ones, can instantly refresh the entire look,” says executive design strategist Lindsay Tan. These 5-inch stainless steel pulls, available in matte black, brushed brass, or satin nickel, add a timeless touch. Install them horizontally on drawers or vertically on cabinets for a cohesive, polished feel—no major remodel required.

One cheap, easy but often overlooked way to make your home look more expensive? Clean windows and mirrors. “Give all the mirrors, windows, and window screens a really good cleaning,” says Lindsay Tan. This professional-grade squeegee makes the job easier with its dual head—one side features a rubber blade for streak-free shine, while the other has an absorbent microfiber cloth. The adjustable handle extends from 23 to 62 inches, so you can tackle every window, high or low, until they’re so clear you’ll forget they exist.

A freshly cleaned window can only do so much if the screen is still dirty. This specialized brush is designed with tough bristles long enough to reach into those tiny holes, lifting dirt and buildup with just soap and water. It also features two ergonomic grip options—one for precision scrubbing and another for tackling harder-to-reach spots—so every screen in your home can look as spotless as your windows.

“I know from experience that how a bedroom is staged makes all the difference,” says Kurtis Forster, licensed real estate agent at ViewHomes. “When your bed looks more full, it makes it look more luxurious, which translates into more expensive.” An easy way to achieve that? Layering extra pillows. This set is filled with a gel-infused down alternative to keep its shape, while the 100% cotton, 250-thread count cover has a cooling effect for all-night comfort. Bonus: They’re machine washable, so they’ll stay fresh with minimal effort.

“The first thing I emphasize is creating a functional layout that feels spacious and inviting,” says Nick Chatzigeorgakis, CEO of design-build firm IntraBuild. But if the idea of moving heavy furniture sounds exhausting, these furniture sliders make it a breeze. Just stick them to the bottom of bulky pieces, and you can glide them across hardwood or carpet with minimal effort. Whether you’re optimizing flow or highlighting architectural details, a well-arranged space instantly feels more polished—and more expensive.

“We also made sure to have curtains that touched the floor,” says Ryan Fitzgerald, realtor and the owner of Raleigh Realty. “This made the room feel more luxurious without spending much.” These linen curtains, available in lengths up to 144 inches, create that effortlessly expensive, custom-tailored feel. The semi-sheer flax texture provides privacy while still letting in natural light, and with over two dozen colors to choose from, you can find the perfect match for your space.

Lighting can completely transform a space. “We first added different types of lights, like wall lights and table lamps with dimmer switches. This made the room look fancy without costing much,” says Ryan Fitzgerald. This sleek, wall-mounted light achieves that upscale look—without any wiring or renovations. It attaches with 3M adhesive, mimicking a built-in sconce, and runs on batteries for a clean, wire-free aesthetic. With three color temperatures and adjustable brightness levels, it’s an easy way to set the perfect ambiance in any room.

A simple way to make your bathroom feel more luxurious? “Fresh, clean neutral-colored towels and a shower curtain,” suggests New York City real estate specialist Colleen Cassel. This matching set includes two bath towels, two hand towels, and two washcloths, so your space looks effortlessly coordinated. Made from 100% cotton, they’re ultra-soft, highly absorbent, and bring that spa-like feel—without the spa price tag.

Lighting is one of the easiest ways to make a space feel elevated. “The room look[s] fancy without costing much,” says Ryan Fitzgerald. This crystal table lamp brings vintage-inspired charm with its faceted design, but it’s more than just pretty—it’s touch-activated with three dimming levels, so you can instantly set the mood. Plus, with two built-in USB ports, it discreetly charges your devices while doubling as a statement piece.

Empty corners can make a room feel unfinished, but this Greenco corner shelf adds both style and function. “We put some art pieces and old books on them to make them look more fancy,” says Ryan Fitzgerald. The five-tier unit fits snugly into a corner, instantly creating a modern focal point. With a unique zipper-like design and an 11-pound weight capacity, it’s as much a statement piece as it is a storage solution.

“A neutral or soft-patterned rug can unify a space beautifully,” says Eric Bramlett. This woven-texture rug is a simple way to make any kitchen or bathroom feel more put together. Its neutral tone blends seamlessly with different styles, while the nonslip bottom keeps it in place—even in high-traffic areas. At 20 by 47 inches, it’s a great size for smaller spaces, but there are plenty of other options if you need something bigger.

“Adding throw pillows and blankets to every bed in your home helps to really transform the space,” says Kurtis Forster. These velvet pillow covers make that upgrade effortless, thanks to their chic color-block design. Each cover features two complementary shades with a third accent hue along the seams, offering multiple styling options in one set. The hidden monochromatic zipper keeps the look sleek while making it easy to swap out inserts. Soft, stylish, and endlessly versatile, they’re an instant refresh for any bed or sofa.

“Having just a few, handpicked pieces displayed on your wall is the hack to flaunt the richness,” says Simran Kaur. “A nice gallery wall like this one [...] is a no-brainer when it comes to wall decor.” This set of nine Annecy frames makes it easy to achieve that curated, high-end look. Each square frame features a sleek black border, ensuring a cohesive display. Made with durable plexiglass and a sturdy backboard, they’re designed for a secure, polished finish on any wall.

“Irrespective of how good a space looks, if it smells bad, it's all trash,” says Simran Kaur. This candle doesn’t just mask odors—it absorbs them, leaving behind only its pleasant scent. Available in options like vanilla bean, lilac, apple, and fir tree, it ensures your home smells fresh, not like last night’s dinner. Handmade with a soy blend wax and a cotton wick, it burns for up to 80 hours, making it a long-lasting upgrade for any room.

“One addition I always make is updating the lighting. Replacing old fixtures with modern, energy-efficient ones can drastically alter the perception of the space,” says Nick Chatzigeorgakis. This sleek vanity light is an easy swap that instantly refreshes a bathroom. Pair it with LED Edison bulbs for a warm, stylish glow, and choose from finishes like matte black, gold, chrome, or a black-and-gold combo.

Pendant lighting is one of the most popular design choices right now, and it aligns perfectly with Nick Chatzigeorgakis’ advice to update fixtures for a fresh look. If hardwiring seems daunting, this plug-in pendant light is an easy alternative. It features a stylish rattan shade and a rope cord that simply runs to the nearest outlet—no electrician required. A low-investment, renter-friendly way to bring warmth and character to any space.

"For final touches, I add high-quality textiles and fresh flowers. These elements create a sense of warmth and luxury without overwhelming the space,” says Nick Chatzigeorgakis. This Bedsure throw blanket delivers that elevated look without the high price tag. The ultra-soft fabric and timeless multi-gray hue make it a chic, cozy addition to any room—but with so many colors available, you can find the perfect match for your space. A simple upgrade that’s as stylish as it is functional.

“Rich, neutral tones have a certain understated luxury. Creams, taupes, and soft grays can make a space feel curated and bespoke,” says Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of Arsight. This fleece blanket embodies that effortlessly elevated look, with a deep brown hue and a range of other rich neutrals like cream, camel, sage green, and light gray. Ultra-soft and highly rated, it’s an upgrade that blends warmth and style—because a well-designed space should feel as good as it looks.

“A silky pillow juxtaposed against a coarse wool throw invites touch and adds a layered richness,” says interior designer Artem Kropovinsky. This silk pillowcase is the perfect way to bring that contrast while also benefiting your hair and skin by reducing irritation. Available in more than three dozen colors, it features a hidden zipper for a seamless finish—and it's machine washable on delicate, making it both stylish and practical.

“With the right rug, you can add interest to a room,” says Omri Schwartz, interior design expert and general manager of nazmiyal rugs. “Choose natural fibers such as wool or leather for durability and luxury, or opt for vintage-inspired designs if you want something unusual.” This ultra-thin area rug blends antique aesthetics with modern hues, making it a striking yet versatile addition to any space. Its low-pile, non-shedding design sits flush against the floor, while the TPE backing keeps it securely in place. Easy to maintain, it can be vacuumed, used with a robot cleaner, or even tossed in the washing machine.

“The last Amazon purchase I made for staging was a set of LED rechargeable picture lights,” says Jake McClure, icensed realtor and CEO of Burling Square Group. “Lighting makes a huge difference, and these are affordable, easy to install, and give any artwork or space a polished, gallery-like look.” These battery-powered LED lights are a simple way to highlight framed art, sculptural pieces, or even a favorite plant. With no hardwiring required, they instantly elevate a space—no electrician needed.

Few things make a home feel more inviting than greenery. “Fresh flowers and potted plants bring life to any space,” says interior designer, home stager, and licensed realtor Chenise Hinds. This bamboo plant stand adds height and dimension to your indoor garden while keeping things stylish. It expands from 8 to 12 inches to accommodate different pot sizes, and flipping it over adjusts the height. Built to hold up to 150 pounds, it’s as functional as it is chic.

“The most transformative change you can make to any space is decluttering and organizing,” says Eric Bramlett. A simple way to maximize storage without adding bulk? These soft, flexible under-bed bins. Designed to slide easily under most bed frames, they keep seasonal clothes, extra linens, or rarely used items neatly out of sight. Perfect for small spaces, they make organizing effortless—without sacrificing style.

“Oversize pillows in a monochromatic color scheme add cohesion,” says Chenise Hinds. These velvet throw pillow covers do just that while also introducing a rich, touchable texture to any space. Available in a variety of sizes and colors—ranging from classic neutrals to bold statement shades—they make it easy to refresh your living room or bedroom with a polished, designer feel.

“I often add floor and table lamps to dark corners, creating a layered lighting effect,” says Jake McClure. Overhead lights can feel harsh, but strategically placed lamps create warmth and depth. This 5-foot LED floor lamp is a simple way to achieve that cozy, inviting glow. With a sturdy base and an energy-efficient bulb that lasts 20,000 hours, it’s a low-maintenance upgrade that instantly makes any space feel more polished and welcoming.

“For a final touch, I polish all hardware to make kitchens and bathrooms shine,” says Jake McClure. This metal polish is a game-changer for reviving dull or tarnished surfaces. It works on everything from cabinet handles to jewelry and even car accents, making it a must-have for quick touch-ups. A little shine goes a long way in making a space feel cleaner, brighter, and more put-together.

A well-decorated entryway sets the tone for your home, and Tony Mariotti recommends using a decorative wreath to enhance curb appeal. This handmade eucalyptus and willow leaf wreath adds a fresh, welcoming touch with its lifelike greenery. At 20 inches in diameter, it’s the perfect size to make a statement without overwhelming your door. Plus, you can customize it with ribbons, faux flowers, or other accents to match the season or your personal style.