Now, I know what you’re thinking. Can you really upgrade a room with just a twenty dollar bill? Absolutely. I do it all the time. Whether I’m giving my entryway a mini glow-up or zhuzhing up my favorite reading nook, these tiny treasures bring me big-time joy without draining my wallet.
Let’s walk through my favorite under twenty dollar updates that you can totally do too. Your space is going to feel like it got a hug and a makeover all at once.
1. Cozy Throw Pillow Covers That Look Like They Cost a Fortune
Instead of buying brand-new pillows every season (because who has a pillow vault), I grab fresh pillow covers. You can find soft and stylish covers in so many colors and textures for under twenty bucks. My current vibe is bold patterns and rich neutrals that play nice with my plants and black cat’s fur.
2. A Candle That Smells Like Home Baked Magic
When your house smells like a warm apple pie or a vanilla cashmere dream, it just feels happier. You don’t have to splurge either. There are so many cozy candles out there that are under twenty dollars and pack a serious scent punch. Bonus points if it comes in a pretty jar.
3. Plants Plants and More Plants
Nothing freshens up a space quite like a leafy green friend. Snake plants, pothos, and peace lilies are all affordable and beginner-friendly. Pop them into a cute thrifted pot and place them somewhere with good vibes. My windowsill is the official cat-and-plant hangout zone now.
4. Peel and Stick Magic for Boring Backsplashes or Furniture
Have you met peel and stick wallpaper or tiles? Because they are a game changer. I used a roll to freshen up the inside of my bookshelf and suddenly it went from snoozefest to designer-approved. You can also line drawers, update cabinet doors or even add a border to your laundry nook.
5. Fairy Lights for That Soft Glow Life
Warm twinkly lights are like instant coziness in a string. I drape them over curtains, shelves, and sometimes even around plants. It turns my little corners into magical spaces where I sip tea and pretend I live in a romantic movie.
6. Framed Prints That Look Like They Came From a Fancy Gallery
I love art but I also love not going broke. There are so many amazing print shops online where you can download beautiful artwork and print it at home or through an affordable service. Then just pop it into a simple frame you grab on clearance. Voilà. Instant charm.
7. Cute and Functional Storage That Doesn’t Scream “I’m Just Hiding the Clutter”
Think baskets, trays, and even lidded boxes. I use pretty little baskets to hide remotes, charging cords, and the collection of mystery mail I haven’t opened yet. It makes the room look tidy without making me feel like I’m constantly cleaning.
8. DIY Herb Garden in Pretty Containers
You don’t need a garden to grow herbs. Just a sunny spot, a few cute pots, and some seeds or starters. I grow basil, mint, and rosemary in teacups and dollar-store pots right in my kitchen. It looks charming and smells even better.
9. Hardware Swaps That Change the Whole Mood
Changing out drawer pulls or cabinet knobs is like putting on the perfect earrings with a basic outfit. Suddenly, you’ve got style. You can find pretty knobs in antique stores, on Etsy, or even in the clearance bin of home stores. Just make sure to measure first.
10. A Pretty New Shower Curtain That Feels Like a Spa Day
Bathrooms often get ignored but deserve love too. A new shower curtain in a soft print or fresh white linen look can make your bathroom feel like a tiny luxury resort. Add a eucalyptus sprig and boom. You fancy.
