10 ways I upgraded my space for under $30

10 ways I upgraded my space for under $30

Upgrading your space doesn’t have to mean dropping hundreds of dollars on furniture or décor. Sometimes, the smallest and cheapest changes make the biggest difference in how a room looks and feels. With less than $30, you can refresh a space, make it more functional, and give it that pulled-together look without overspending.

These are affordable swaps and tweaks you can do right away that make your home feel more upgraded without draining your budget.

Adding new throw pillow covers

Instead of buying new pillows, swapping out covers is an inexpensive way to update a sofa or bed. You can find sets online or in stores for well under $30.

It’s also easy to switch them seasonally or when you’re ready for a new look. Keeping the same inserts and changing covers saves money and gives you a quick, fresh upgrade.

Updating cabinet hardware

Handles and knobs are often overlooked, but they can completely change how a kitchen or bathroom feels. A new set can cost under $30 and instantly modernize old cabinets.

The swap is simple with a screwdriver, and you don’t need special tools. It’s one of the fastest ways to make a space feel refreshed without major renovations.

Adding peel-and-stick backsplash

You don’t have to spend much to get the look of tile. Peel-and-stick backsplash panels are affordable and easy to apply. For under $30, you can cover a small kitchen area or bathroom wall.

They’re renter-friendly, removable, and hold up well if installed correctly. It’s a low-cost project that adds character without the hassle of grout and tile.

Hanging new curtains

Curtains frame a room and set the tone. Swapping old ones for lighter or darker options can make your space look completely different for under $30.

Even affordable curtains can make a room look taller and brighter when hung properly. Adding a new rod or moving it higher can also give the room a more finished look.

Adding a statement rug

Small area rugs, doormats, or runners can be found on a budget and make a big difference in how cozy a space feels. Under $30 can easily cover an entryway, kitchen, or bathroom.

A new rug adds warmth, color, and texture while also protecting your floors. Rotating rugs between rooms is another trick to refresh spaces without buying more.

Installing LED light strips

Lighting changes everything about how a room feels. LED light strips are affordable, versatile, and easy to install behind TVs, under cabinets, or along shelves.

They add a soft glow and make spaces feel more inviting. Since they use very little energy, they also save money on your electric bill long term.

Swapping out wall art

Prints, posters, or thrifted frames can give your walls a fresh update without spending much. For under $30, you can create a gallery wall or swap out tired art.

Changing what’s on your walls is one of the fastest ways to shift the mood of a space. You can even print digital downloads at home to save more.

Adding plants

Whether real or faux, plants instantly make a room feel more alive. For under $30, you can add small potted plants or greenery that brightens up shelves and counters.

Houseplants like pothos or succulents are low-maintenance and affordable. Even one plant in the right spot can make a space feel more put together.

Refreshing with peel-and-stick wallpaper

Accent walls don’t have to cost much. A single roll of peel-and-stick wallpaper can cover a small wall or bookshelf backing for under $30.

It’s easy to apply and remove, so you can change it up without a big commitment. It adds color and pattern that makes the room feel more customized.

Updating bathroom accessories

Swapping out old towels, a shower curtain, or even a soap dispenser can refresh a bathroom for less than $30. These small items get used daily but are often ignored.

Coordinating colors or replacing worn-out pieces makes the space feel cleaner and more intentional. It’s a small cost with a big impact on how your bathroom looks and feels.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.