34 Small And Affordable Ways To Level Up Your Living Area
Live. Laugh. Transform that corner of clutter.
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1. Organize those books that are piling up to one side with a bookcase that fits flush within a corner. Even if your collection isn't filled with great American classics by F. Scott Fitzgerald, it still deserves to be displayed atop something that complements the glamor of Gatsby.
2. And if you're struggling with *how* to organize said books, might we suggest arranging by color? Grouping novels together based on their hue adds instant Pinterest-worthy glam.
You can customize your shelves with made-to-order books that are bundled by color. Simply add the quantity of books you'd like, select a color or choose the multi-color option, and repeat for additional styles.
Promising review: "If you've been looking for decorative books, then look no more — you've found your shop! Colors are true to photos and I love how they were real books! Not those hallow, fake ones you see often. This made decorating very easy, fast shipping, and quality suburb. Will be ordering more from here in the future! Thanks!" —JJ2
Get them from Amazon for $4+.
And if your books tend to be of the neutral variety, no worries! The minimalist method featured in this Nifty tutorial takes three seconds and looks just as aesthetically pleasing.
3. Transform that area (re: under your coffee table, side shelves...I could go on) that's become a catchall for your mismatched household items with shelf organizers. The surefire way to categorize, de-clutter, and hide any hoarder-like tendencies.
Promising review: "Set of three storage bins that look way more expensive than they are! Good size and fits nicely under the sofa table to collect pillows, magazines, and pet toys. Clever design making them collaspable makes them even more convenient. Great gift idea for a new home owner and fill with things like cleaning products, or food, or sofa throw! You actually could make three gifts or two gifts and one for you! Worth every penny!" —PLSAZ
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $24.99 (available in four sizes and 12 colors).
4. Switch up your lighting from stark white to ambient as heck with warming Edison bulbs that are dimmable and illuminate with a ~vintage glow~.
Promising review: "Well, I've only just received them but I'll tell you, I'm already in love! I paired it with this industrial/steampunk type lamp to improve my working-from-home conditions and it illuminates my keyboard just enough. It's just the glow I was looking for and perfect for the look I had in mind. I've never reviewed anything before, but felt compelled. I'm pretty new to ordering things online and so I'm still kind of hesitant, especially when considering ordering something as fragile as light bulbs : ). However, they were carefully packaged and in perfect condition. I will definitely be ordering more!" —jshort
Get a four pack from Amazon for $13.95.
5. And complete the look with a chic rose gold lamp that comes with a marble-inspired base, so you can trick people into thinking you got a degree in interior design. (Don't worry, we won't tell!)
Get it from Wayfair for $47.99.
6. Elevate your plant baby with a plant pot stand that will allow it to grow from new, eye-catching heights. And as an added bonus, it makes a great statement piece for your room.
Get it from Ecovibe for $25 (available in three sizes).
7. And if you didn't develop a green thumb during quarantine, opt for a faux Rubber plant to add some color to your space. Nestled in a woven pot, this tropical alternative doesn't require a weekly phone reminder that says it needs to be watered.
Get it from Target for $45 (available in two heights).
8. Inject some elegánce to your go-to lounge spot with a decorative Van Gogh-inspired pillow cover. This belongs in the museum that is now your living room.
Get it from Linenislove on Etsy for $21.67.
9. Or alternatively, throw a textured one with tassels on your chaise lounge. This cushion is guaranteed to cheer up any seating (or snoozing) area in an *instant*.
11. Revive furniture legs and floors you thought were beyond help with a wood repair kit. These handy little markers perfectly touch up pet scratches and shoe scuffs that have gone untreated to reveal wood that looks brand spankin' new.
This 13-piece kit includes six repair markers, six wrapped wax crayons and one crayon sharpener.
Promising review: These crayons and markers saved my new floor! I had a deep scratch that was caused by a screw sticking out of the bottom of a piece of furniture when it was pushed across the floor. My heart sunk! This spot is right in the middle of an open walk area between my living room and breakfast room. I read the reviews and saw many people didn't use the crayons. If the scratch is deep enough they are a MUST! Filled the scratch well and it's completely invisible in person. Used the crayons to fill the scratch then used the markers to blend in with the grain of the wood. Perfect!!! —CinTN
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
12. Mask the eyesore that also keeps your home warm and cozy with a stylish DIY radiator cover aka a console table. A perfect place to display candles and picture frames, plus a great way optimize your living space.
Get a console table from Target for $79.99 — this one has an open bottom for versatile placement. And for more radiator cover ideas, check out The Spruce.
Promising review: "Bought it as a temporary desk (I’m a teacher and we’re virtual) but knowing my small apartment space, this will be a great double for a bar cart when I’m done virtually teaching! Narrow and fits in my space perfectly." —Customer
13. Add some shine to your neutral-toned couch with a soft chenille throw blanket you can wrap yourself in for your next movie marathon.
Promising review: "Nice soft everyday throw. I have been using it for some weeks now and I am glad to have it. This blanket is pretty, super soft and comforting. I have been very satisfied with it over the last month because it's just the perfect size to wrap around me when I'm cuddled up watching TV or reading. It also stayed the same after the first wash. In caring for it, I just made sure to wash and dry the throw with cool water and gentle cycle (or air dry) and it did not change the shape. Overall, great addition to your living room or bed." —Karen
Get it from Walmart for $16.47 (available in three colors).
14. And give your additional blankets a tidy, trendy place to live with a large two-toned basket to round out your clean new aesthetic. Because that plastic laundry basket they're currently laying in should go back to where it belongs — in the laundry room.
Get it from EverloveCreationsUS on Etsy for $35.
15. Update your drab, worn-in couch with a set of ~luxe~ velvet slip covers — for a living room glow up that is so affordable it hurts. And it couldn't be easier for a DIY newb since you just slide these babies over your seating area and secure them with nonslip straps.
This four-piece set comes with a base cover and three individual cushion covers.
Promising review: "I have never been so excited about a slipcover. Total transformation of our couch and love seat. I was worried about it not working on our leather couch, but it stays on really well due to the straps and the separate cushion covers. LOVE." —Brian/Liz
Get it from Amazon for $39.49 (available in two sizes and five colors).
17. Hide unsightly wires in an electrical cord box that has a faux wood top and white base to seamlessly camouflage itself within your home. (Because we know you're sick of seeing the forest of cables that run from your TV down the sides of the wall.)
Promising review: "I purchased this cable box to hide a bunch of cords for a router, mini cell phone tower, etc. I shopped around a bit because I wanted something that looked nicer than just a plastic box. This was the best solution I found, I like the faux wood top of it, I actually wish the sides were the same design but again I do like the aesthetic of this box. It fits a ton of cords and wires. This was a fast and satisfying fix to my cord problem. I will be purchasing another one of these boxes for a different area of the house. It was worth the money for me as it looked better than the other cable boxes I could find and it really did solve the problem." —Kindle Customer
Get it from Amazon for $23.99.
18. Swap out those plain ol' light switch and outlet plates with new classy covers that only look expensive. This is truly a low effort, high impact upgrade.
Promising review: "It's astounding how much of an impact something as simple as upgrading switch/outlet plates can have on the feel of a room...I invested in updating the covers in our living room from the flimsy white plastic ones to these solid, architectural plates, and the effect was dramatic! For less than $25, the room is now modern and polished looking. I plan to update the rest of the house with these plates, one room at a time." —Thegirlontheleft
Get it from Amazon for $4.05+ (available in multiple outlet styles).
19. Breathe new life into your living space with sheer curtains that have a unique ombré design for a subtle touch of sophistication; so you can finally ditch those heavy linen ones that came with your apartment.
Promising review: "Great product! Everything I was looking for and more. Looks great in bedrooms and apartments. Not very thick but that is why I bought them. Let's in just the right amount of light and provides coziness to the room." —Customer
Get the from Amazon for $26.99 (available in five sizes and 10 colors).
20. Neatly display your beloved succulents, or any other knickknack you cherish, atop a gorgeously minimal golden floating shelf.
Promising review: "I love this little delicate shelf. It’s actually a little bigger than what it looks like in the pictures. I use it in my entry way as a key holder and added hooks to the front of the shelf to hold keys. My living room is pretty minimalist with hard lines and the dainty gold with the unfinished wood of this shelf really softened up the room for me. I am using it to hold a terrarium and will add a small candle on top." —Cristina12345
Get it from Urban Outfitters for $24.
21. Revamp the room you spend most of your down time in with an accent wall of easy-to-apply peel 'n' stick wallpaper — because those sad white walls are screaming out for change.
Promising review: "Great stuff! I love the color it’s light shaded blue wood and quite frankly it looks real. Though, I only used it on one wall as an accent wall. I am thrilled w/this semi new product because you can use it any where. Now this one here from Amazon is made much better than some others I have picked up at Dollar Tree or Wally World the adhesive and quality of paper is far superior than those others. I have had it up for several months now with no signs of peeling or problems. What I also like is that for little $, you get a good length on the roll. To do my one wall I only used two rolls, though I bought four. I use it on boxes to create storage, I built a dollhouse and covered it with this and my granddaughter thought it was real wood, the possibilities are endless and it is easy to remove and leaves no residue behind!" —Jennifer frances
Get it from Amazon for $8.97.
22. Create your own gallery wall with art that's worthy of being framed in a gold set. Because those pictures you've been meaning to hang are gathering dust and boring ol' white frames just won't do.
Promising review: "Such great quality for the price! Feels very sturdy and on the heavier end due to material used. Look very sleek and modern, lots of designs you can do to make a great wall gallery. Highly recommend. Will be purchasing the black ones for another photo project." —Kindle Customer
Get it a set of seven from Amazon for $41.48.
23. And if you're having trepidations about how to lay out said frames (because I can't hang things in a straight line for the life of me let alone create an Insta-worthy arrangement!), make a template with some paper and painter's tape.
For more arrangement inspiration take a look at If You Want To Finally Conquer That Gallery Wall, Here's How To Do It. And for damage-free ways to enhance your walls, watch the full tutorial on Nifty.
Get a large roll of painter's tape for $5.64 and a roll of shipping paper for $13.89, both from Amazon.
24. Make watermarks think twice about going anywhere near your precious coffee table with *luxe* marble coasters that have gold foil edges. This fancy set looks totally splurge-worthy, but in reality costs less than $25.
Promising review: "These are made very well. I've had them for quite a while and have not noticed any flaking from the gold foil. I've scratched them by accident and still did not notice any flaking. They're really heavy, which was a nice surprise. Each coaster has a difference marble design so they're not all the same. The bottom of the coasters have a velvet-like material to keep them in place, which works. Overall, I am very satisfied with this purchase and will be ordering more!" — Amazon Customer
Get a set of four from Amazon for $23.99.
25. Adorn your cold wooden floor with a gorgeously fluffy accent rug that you'll immediately want to kick your shoes off for and run your toes through over and over again.
Get it from Ashley Homestore for $39.99+ (originally $88.99; available in six sizes).
26. You can even create your own DIY accent rug! Simply rummage through your wardrobe, pick out some tees that you haven't worn in *checks calendar* nine years, and weave 'em together to make something similar to the masterpiece below.
27. Toss out the dull cardboard tissue box that isn't doing any favors for your living area and instead ~house~ your Kleenex in a cute box cover. You'll want to have this close by the next time you watch a real tearjerker (aka any commercial that involves animals).
Promising review: "I first spotted this at a swanky modern hotel room with all-white decor. I love how it hides an unsightly branded tissue box — it practically vanishes! It looks so cute with the tissue-y 'billow' of smoke, and is functional too. Every modern minimalist's dream." —nycgirl
Get it from Amazon for $4.59.
28. Accessorize the arm of your couch with a convenient side table. This discreetly slides under furniture to save space and is the perfect ledge to place your laptop on the next time you're working overtime from your couch.
Promising review: "I purchased this type of table specifically to use with my laptop and to double as a sort of fancy TV tray. The size listed was perfect for a small space, like my bedroom without having the bulkiness of a desk. Table came after about two weeks and packed flat. It was easy to assemble and took about 10 minutes to put together since it has fairly large, basic pieces. Once assembled, the table is really light and can easily be carried room to room. I actually found the wooden top to be a lot nicer in person, it has a nice depth of color that makes it modern and doesn’t make it look cheap. Minimalist design so you can put this in plenty of spaces for a wide range of uses. I like it too as a small side table for a sofa or could easily double as a night stand for narrow spaces. I think it’s a great value for how much you can use it." —K.
Get it from Amazon for $40.99.
29. Save yourself the aggravation of calling out to thin air when you've misplaced your TV remote with a leather organizer. This will neatly and elegantly store the device that has a million names (doodad being a personal fave).
Get it from SmartomeDesigns on Etsy for $25.20.
30. Fashion a tabletop bar with an ornate vanity tray if you don't have the square footage to accommodate a full-sized cart. Honestly, affordable luxury never looked so good!
Promising review: "Beautiful and nicely made. It is sturdy and the bottom has a soft padding that keeps it from sliding wherever you put it. I love it!" —carmen calzada
Get it from Amazon for $23.99.
31. Give your furniture new life with gold metal feet to instantly ~elevate~ your TV console and couch's aesthetic.
Promising review: "We renovated to a more modern-industrial look and wanted to keep our mid-century modern slate blue-grey sofa. Unfortunately, it has no legs. So to bring it into a more contemporary style, we added these legs. We are thrilled with how it turned out! Really made the couch look new again and the subtle styling blends in well with our new surroundings. The price was amazing. I would get these again in any size." —Lorine Thiele
Get a set of four from Amazon for $23.98 (available in four sizes and three colors).
32. Update your overheads with charming cage pendant lights — an easy way to make an upgrade without breaking the bank (even though it might look like you did).
These are compatible with a variety of bulb types and the cable measures 4.9 feet long.
Promising review: "Light works like a charm and very easy to install. Nice long cord you can cut or adjust to different lengths. Cute modern yet vintage look and perfect for my needs!" —NutMeg
Get it from Amazon for $28.89.
33. Add an additional seating option that triples up as a footrest and storage solution with a velour ottoman that has a removable lid. We *adore* a multitasking home good.
Get it from Home Depot for $49.99.
34. And create an art deco-inspired accent wall with palm leaf stencils to douse your lounge in old Hollywood glamor. This design is guaranteed to be the pièce de résistance of your new ~salon~.
Get it from StencilsLabNY on Etsy for $19.59+.
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The reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.