Living

7 Affordable Decor Upgrades That Make a Home Feel Custom

By Jenna Clark Dengarden

Updated April 22, 2026 4:36 AM

arena photography — Photo by Omar Greene on Unsplash

If you're looking to spruce up the decor in your home while keeping things affordable, you've landed on the right page. While you might think giving your home a custom feel would cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars (which it can in some cases), there are ways to achieve similar results without spending too much.

We chatted with interior designers to learn more about low-cost home decor upgrades you can make right now to elevate the aesthetic without breaking the bank. We also asked our experts for photos illustrating how you can implement these ideas in your home while making it your own.

1. Adding an Entryway Mirror

Lauren Lerner, founder and principal designer of Living with Lolo, a Scottsdale-based luxury interior design and construction company, notes that many people overlook adding an entryway mirror. It's the first area you (and your guests) notice when entering the home, and adding a mirror to this space can significantly enhance it.

"Choose a mirror that is proportional to the wall, not just the console or bench beneath it," recommends Lerner. "Lean it if you want something casual and easy to update, or hang it at eye level centered on the wall."

She adds that adding nearby light can work to illuminate the space with the mirror's reflection. Opt for a mirror shape that best fits your home's personality and overall aesthetic, while staying on the larger side for the most effective change. While you can purchase a high-end mirror, you can also find more affordable options that get the job done.

2. Adding Layered Lighting

While you may have heard that adding a big light can enhance your home, Sarah Jacquelyn Schwuchow, owner and principal interior designer of Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors, and Sharon Guyette, principal designer and founder of Sapphire Design & Renovation, note that one can actually do the opposite, and instead recommend embracing layered lighting within your living room, kitchen, dining room and bedroom areas.

"Layered lighting creates depth, warmth and flexibility, [and] it allows a room to shift throughout the day and feel curated rather than purely functional," says Schwuchow. While you can select the lighting color you prefer, our experts recommend warm tones. "Add floor lamps, table lamps and perhaps a plug-in sconce without touching the electrical," Guyette adds.

3. Correcting Drapery Sizing

If you have drapery in your home, there's a good chance it may not be the right size. That said, there's no need to fear, as you can often easily (and affordably) make this upgrade within your home. Yates notes that the drapery you use should just reach the floor. While you can choose the color and texture of your drapery, he recommends complementary ones for the best results.

You can often find affordable drapery at local stores and retailers such as IKEA and Walmart. If you would like to keep your current drapery, Lerner notes that it is often not too expensive to take them to a tailor to adjust their size.

4. Adding Decorative Hardware

If you have any furniture pieces in your home that can be complemented by (and are compatible with) decorative hardware, Schwuchow advises integrating them. "Builder-grade hardware tends to feel generic and uninspired," she explains. "Swapping it out for something with weight, texture or a unique finish introduces personality and refinement. It signals that every detail was considered, which is what makes a home feel custom."

While you don't need to replace every piece of hardware in your home right away, you can start with any doors, cabinets and drawers, and go from there as you deem necessary. She points out that mixing metals can be a best practice when done intentionally.

5. Correctly Scaling Rugs

Guyette notes that correctly scaling rugs proportionately in your home can make all the difference to signal luxuriousness and thoughtfulness. "It grounds the furniture, defines the conversation zone and makes the ceiling feel higher by contrast," she explains. "A too-small rug does the opposite [as] it floats in the middle of the room and makes even beautiful furniture look disconnected and cheap."

Just because you have an expensive rug, doesn't mean it has the effect you think it does if it's the wrong size. A cheaper rug can have a luxe feel when styled and placed correctly.

6. Intentional Art Placement

If you have artwork around your home, you may want to reconsider readjusting its position in addition to where it's placed for a more intentional look and feel. You want your artwork to not only showcase your personality through the piece itself, but also your character. "Properly hung and composed art says the space was curated, not just furnished," she says.

"The wall behind a sofa, a dining room statement wall, a staircase or an entryway are the highest-impact locations." If you don't have frames, she advises adding them as soon as possible, as even budget-friendly picks can transform your home's aesthetic.

7. Use Screwless Switch Plates

While it's not the end of the world if the switch plates throughout your home have visible screws, Andy Yates, an interior designer at Andy Yates Design, explains that upgrading them so that they're screwless can contribute to an increasingly elevated aesthetic. "It's a small detail, but one that contributes to a cohesive, high-end finish throughout the home," he says.

Yates also stresses the importance of ensuring that the finish colors are consistent. If you're planning on making this upgrade, he advises starting in your home's busiest rooms. Lerner adds that plates are often available at an affordable price point, sometimes as low as $8 for single versions.

This story was originally published April 22, 2026 at 4:15 AM.