Designers Swear by These Cheap 50 Things for Your Home

Put pillar candles in this set of three glass candlestick holders in three heights to create a vignette of moody lighting. “Candlestick holders will add height and visual interest,” says Molly Robertson, principal designer of Molly Robertson Interiors. “This gives you that timeless hand-blown crystal look.” They come in 12 colors.

This set of mango wood candle holders is a less fragile way to achieve Robertson’s suggestion for visual interest. The hand-carved pieces are perfect for pillar or battery-operated candles and create an earthy, rustic look on a mantle or side table.

“Art books are always a must when styling!” says Robertson. And this big beautiful hardcover of Still: The Slow Home is perfect on a coffee table or amid a display of books. Full of beautiful photos of home interiors around the world, it is not only decorative but will also inspire you to live sustainably, buy locally, and repurpose what you already own.

This set of three coffee table books looks beautiful on your shelves or a table and can help you improve your home’s interior. They can also help you jump-start a healthy habit. Use these blank books as sketchbooks, to gather cuttings and samples to refer to as you design your interiors, or as journals.

“A marble tray can be used to stack on top of large books or used as a great foundation for smaller objects,” says Robertson. This marble-look storage tray is the perfect size and shape to gather a few vases, lotions, or objects together to transform items you already have and use into a functional display. Best yet, since it’s made of resin, it won’t break or crack if you drop it.

“These chic ivory vases are the perfect way to add dimension and height to your coffee table or shelves,” says Robertson. The sculptural shape and amazing price — two ceramic vases for $30 — make them a no-brainer. “The smooth, texture and modern design add interest to your space while the warm colorway mixes well in different color stories,” she says.

“This travertine tray is my go-to for storing or displaying anything from car keys to candles,” says Robertson. “The circular shape and textured surface provide a stylish way to add just the right touch to a vanity or an entryway.” It makes the perfect jewelry tray on a dresser and comes in four color and size options so you can sprinkle them around the house for other purposes.

“Swapping out your pillow covers can instantly refresh the look of a room,” according to Elissa Hall, founder and lead designer of EDH Interiors in Portland, Oregon. “Opt for covers with unique textures or patterns. For example, a set of velvet pillow covers in jewel tones can add a touch of luxury to your living space.” It’s easy to zip these velvet throw pillow covers over pillows you have to achieve this. They come in every imaginable size and 27 lush colors.

When you need a mood boost, light one of these wood-wick candles. “A beautifully designed, scented candle can be transformative for any space, and it’s a small investment that delivers a big impact,” says Hall. The essential oil scents, pretty rose gold container, and crackling wood wick deliver instant calm. Choose from 18 scents and four sizes.

This fall leaves candle with a standard wick is also a terrific option. The soy wax has been poured into a jar and it comes with a lid so you can close it when it’s not in use. There are 11 scents to choose from and you can even pick the style of the label.

Meld sculptural decor with a scented candle and you get this ceramic scented candle in a cool green. Infused with the subtle aroma of sandalwood, it emits a calming woodsy scent and looks like art whether it’s lit or not. It burns for 36 hours.

“Start with a landing spot, a tray, a marble cutting board, even a large book,” says Jessica Brugger, owner of Dwell Well Design Co. This marble serving board is a great base. With feet to give it a bit of elevation and cool marble to bring a natural element, you can set anything from spices in the kitchen to cosmetics in the bathroom on it. It comes in two sizes.

When you are creating a functional display of spices, condiments, perfumes, or anything else, don’t just set them on a counter and be done with it. “Combine items that have different heights, or create different heights by adding a couple of books under one item,” suggests Brugger. You can use this bamboo lazy Susan to elevate — and make more accessible — some of your items.

To incorporate Brugger’s advice to incorporate books, try these faux book storage boxes are a brilliant way to store items, too. Fill them with small parts, jewelry, secret messages, or any stash you want to hide. Then put them on a bookshelf — snugged amid real books — or stack them to create a functional, decorative display.

“I love the unique charm vases add to a space. Their height, curvature, and versatility make them an effortless decor choice, whether they're functioning as a dinner table centerpiece, displayed on shelves, or holding flowers,” says Newport Beach-based interior designer Lindye Galloway. This mosaic glass vase — in blue or gold — perfectly expresses this aesthetic concept.

This book-shaped vase is a clever way to tuck flowers amid a collection of books. The clear acrylic is watertight and is shaped like a standard book so it will nestle right in among your coffee table books or allow you to add a surprise spray of flowers to an otherwise serious book collection.

A glass vase is a design classic and a necessary household item, allowing you to turn some cut flowers into an inexpensive centerpiece. This green glass flower vase is a workhorse that will get loads of use. When not in use, it looks pretty on a shelf. It comes in two sizes.

“A small but great upgrade for a living room is swapping out switch plates,” according to Malak Bellajdel, the in-house interior design expert at Interior Moderna. “Get rid of your bland white plates and rather go for intricate brass ones and you’ll see how much of a surprising difference this makes to your space and how they pull the room together.” This pair of brushed nickel outlet covers is modern and stylish. It comes in outlet covers and light switch covers, too, so you can match all the covers in your home.

“For small, awkward corners, a nesting table set is ideal,” says Bob Berriz, interior designer with Berriz Design Build. “Stacked, they take up little space but provide extra surface area when needed. I often use nesting tables beside couches or armchairs to hold drinks, books, or chargers. Their petite size means they're easy to move around as needed to open up floor space. With multiple levels, they create visual interest for very little cost.” A pair of nesting coffee tables is a great way to make your living room more functional without eating floor space. This set comes in four color options.

This C-shaped end table nests into furniture you already have — the couch, armchair, or your bed — so you can have a drink, laptop, or book within reach and push the table away when you want the look of a side table. It comes in six colors.

“Outdoors, battery-powered motion sensor lights provide safety and security without wiring,” says Berriz. “The warm glow illuminates paths, steps, or seating areas as you approach.” These solar stair lights are perfect on an outdoor stairway, making the steps safer and the staircase prettier. Just tuck them — they come with adhesive and screws — into the corner of the steps and they will do the rest.

These solar spot lights are so versatile you can use them over an entry door, garage door, or chicken coop to light your way as you come and go. Or use the included spikes to stick them in the ground and use them as path lighting. They come in three light color options and have a big, adjustable solar panel to maximize charging.

“For sheds, garages, and barns, motion lights come on automatically when the door is opened then shut off again after exiting to prevent wasted energy,” explains Berriz. “They're an inexpensive solution for ambient lighting in any yard or space.” This four-pack of motion-triggered solar lights is a great, wall-mountable option at a terrific price.

“One product I always recommend is a simple glass vase. For under $35, you can add a stylish accent to any space,” says Berriz. This set of 12 square glass cube vases is an economical way to add vases to your decor. You can use them as a home for a few flowers, to hold a candle, or to drop your keys into as you enter the house.

“I like to fill vases with natural elements like river stones, greenery, or branches to bring life to an entryway table or shelf,” says Berriz. “The reflective surface adds depth and the fluid shape works with any decor style.” Drop these river rocks into a vase — and sink some elegant branches into them — for an effective and nearly permanent display.

For a colorful decorative vase arrangement, use this mix of colorful sea glass. You can fill a vase with them and add plants or flowers. It will create a spectacular centerpiece and you can choose the color mix you prefer. There are five options.

Complete your arrangement with this bouquet of dried flowers. The mix of seven plants and grasses is natural and colorful. They are already dried so they will last indefinitely. They don’t even need water. There are two sets to choose from.

“Every living room can use a blanket basket to contain the cozy,” says Rebecca Ward, CID, NCIDQ, and Principal Designer at Rebecca Ward Design. “Blankets and pillows can all be stored when they are not being used but in a visually appealing way. They are also a great way to fill out those awkward and empty corners of the room! The basket will add some textural interest to the sitting area. Find the right style and color of basket to match your aesthetic.” If you like to have lots of blankets and pillows on hand, go big with this extra-large storage basket.

This rope storage basket will hold a throw or two while adding a pop of color to the room. There are six colors to choose from so you can brighten the nursery or add some muted fall color to the living room. There are two sizes to accommodate your cozy collection.

No floor space for a basket? Hang your throws — along with your hat — on this blanket ladder. It leans against a wall and gives you five tiers of decorative storage space to work with. Your throws will look beautiful on it. It comes in two colors.

Allison Smith, founder of Gem and Clay Interiors is a huge fan of this marble butter keeper. “This looks pretty sitting on your counter and keeps your butter soft and spreadable,” she says. “I have purchased this for myself and I have gifted this multiple times.” It comes in four colors.

A water carafe and glass set like this stylish water carafe and glass is a go-to styling solution for Smith. She sets it on a bedside table to give the space some elegance while making it easy to grab a sip of water in the night. “This is beautiful to style a nightstand or a beverage bar with,” she says. “I love the reeded glass look and the clean silhouette.”

“Under cabinet lighting is a game changer to upgrade any space from the kitchen to the closet,” says interior designer, Chantelle Hartman Malarkey. “It immediately elevates the space and makes [it] look custom. It is a nice functional touch that also adds ambiance.” This set of six is easy to install — peel and stick them where you want them — and control with the included remote.

“Adding pops of marble and stone in your spaces also goes a long way instead of eye-sore containers and storage all over your house, especially if these items are visible on countertops,” says Malarkey. Try this marble-look toothbrush holder in the bathroom or on a vanity to hold brushes, razors, and other tools.

This natural canister in marble and wood looks terrific in the kitchen holding coarse salt or crushed red pepper for your pizza. It comes in three sizes and colors so you can coordinate your containers while color coding them so you know what’s in them.

This marble mortar and pestle looks pretty on a shelf or sitting out on the counter and it’s handy when you want to crush black pepper or muddle some herbs. The interior is unpolished and rough to make it easier to grind herbs. It comes in two sizes.

“I always go for stone and marble items like this [natural marble tray,] which is perfect to hold your hand and dish soap in your kitchen,” says Malarkey. It looks beautiful adjacent to the sink and keeps your counters clean and dry. It comes in two sizes in either black or white.

Blaire Moore, designer and owner of Moore House Design in Fall River, Massachusetts, suggests that you “choose pillows with elegant textures or patterns, such as velvet or suede, to add a touch of luxury and elegance to your space. Round pillows, in particular, can enhance the feeling of opulence,” she says. This round velvet throw pillow fits the bill perfectly and comes in so many colors you might want to toss them all over your living room.

While you are filling the living room with luxury, drop a few of these biscuit-shaped floor cushions on the hard floors so people have a place to drop and lounge. They are the perfect spot for meditating, serve well in your yoga practice, and look beautiful. Choose from two shades of brown.

For a punch of color and visual interest, this 3D floral throw pillow case turns your couch into a velvety forest. Choose from two sizes. Pick a color that contrasts or that you adore, and liven up the bland in your living room. There are 25 luscious colors to choose from.

“A minimalist or sculptural vase can make a striking statement even without flowers,” says Moore. “It’s a perfect way to introduce a chic element into your decor.” And this stylish modern flower vase will raise a few eyebrows into the bargain. Turn it front or back to heat up your space and house a bouquet.

For a modern art vibe in your space, set this white ceramic flower vase on a side table and fill it with a colorful branch or a few stems of unique flowers. It’s the perfect size at 9 inches tall to grace a mantle or vanity.

“Bringing nature indoors is always refreshing,” according to Natane Boudreau, Founder and Interior Designer at Studio Boudreau. “I recommend a Bonsai tree from Amazon. It's not just decor; it's a living piece that offers a form of creative meditation.” If you aren’t feeling up to the care and feeding of a live bonsai, this faux cedar Bonsai will achieve the same effect and require no skills or attention from you.

“I recently added a Dream Sky Wooden Digital Alarm Clock to a bedroom redesign,” says Eric Bramlett, realtor, interior designer, and owner of Bramlett Real Estate. “It’s a sleek, modern touch that blends functionality with style. The large numbers and adjustable settings make it a practical yet decorative piece.” It comes in three colors.

“Regarding budget-friendly decor, I’m a big fan of throw pillows,” says Bramlett. “They’re a quick and easy way to breathe new life into a room. I used a set of these in a recent living room project, choosing covers that could be swapped out seasonally.” These throw pillow covers come in four sizes and nine colors so it’s easy to go back and choose an update at any time. “This simple addition brought in much-needed color and texture,” he says. “Making the space feel more cohesive and inviting.”

This knot pillow adds a pop of color and an interesting shape and texture to a couch or armchair. The soft texture is pleasing to encounter when you sit, as well. It comes in 20 colors, making styling your space as easy as opening a package and tossing the knots where you want them.

“I love using stylish storage solutions like the KAKAMAY Large Blanket Basket,” says Bramlett. “It’s perfect for keeping blankets, toys, or laundry neatly tucked away, and it looks great too. A decluttered home isn’t just visually appealing — it also reduces stress and creates a more relaxing environment.” It comes in 11 colors.

“Updating your lighting is a small change that will have a huge difference on how you see a room, but it’s often overlooked,” according to Bree Steele, an interior designer and the trade accounts manager at RJ Living. These LED stair lights, for example, transform a staircase into a more elegant — and safer — space. They work well under cabinets and in shelving units, too.

“If you have an outdated lighting fixture,” says Steele, “you might not even notice, but it will make your room seem outdated too.” Switch that old piece out for this modern wall sconce with a clear glass shade and a minimalist design. Add an Edison bulb — the standard bulb socket makes choosing bulbs easy — to finish the look. It comes in three colors.

“I only recently stumbled across peel-and-stick wallpaper, which I think is an absolute game-changer for interior design and for renters in particular,” says Steele. “I love this idea because it means you can make big changes to your home without committing to it, which is great if you’re indecisive or on the fence about a design aesthetic.” This cream grassweave wallpaper looks terrific as a backsplash or to transform a desktop or cabinet door. It comes in six other colors, too.