People who stage homes swear by these expensive-looking things under $35 on Amazon
A luxe home is a few clicks away.
When I sold my house, the realtor staged it before we started showing it. She moved my furniture around, got rid of all my family photos, made me put my clutter into storage, and added some decorative touches. When she was done, it looked so good that I didn’t want to sell it. Why didn’t I do that while I was living there? You can. It’s easy. It doesn’t cost much. And it will make you love your home whether you are selling it or want to stay in it. To help you get it right I asked for some advice from the experts. People who stage homes swear by these expensive-looking things under $35 on Amazon.
01This vanity light to modernize the bathroom
“Lighting is often the unsung hero of bathroom design,” says Elissa Hall, interior designer and design lead with Awnings.com. “Swapping out harsh, outdated overhead lighting for softer, warmer fixtures can make even a simple bathroom feel spa-like.” This isn’t expensive or difficult with this two-light vanity light that is affordable and elegant. The glass sconces and matte black create a sophisticated ambiance while softening the lighting. If your current vanity light is larger, simply choose the options with more lights so that it fits your space.
02A wall sconce for layered lighting
“In one project, I used sconces with dimmable lighting, which made the bathroom not only more flattering but also a focal point of serenity,” says Hall. With this wall sconce light, you don’t even need to do wiring to accomplish this. The light is rechargeable and the base peels and sticks to the wall. Just pull the light off the magnetic base to charge it. You can use the remote — or touch the lamp — to turn it on and off and to adjust the brightness and color of the light.
03The plug-in night-light that throws colored light
This plug-in night-light is another way to approach Hall’s sconce-light hack. This one plugs in so it is set-it-and-forget-it easy. Choose a light color, plug it in where you want light, and it will turn on when it senses motion and off again when the room is empty. There are eight lighting color options to choose from.
04A soft, textured faux fur throw
“Nothing beats the impact of well-curated textiles,” says Hall. “Layering a variety of textured throws or pillows on a couch instantly elevates the room’s comfort and style.” This shaggy faux fur blanket looks terrific on the end of the bed or draped over a couch and instantly gives a room an inviting, cozy warmth. It comes in 23 colors and four sizes so you can use it all over the house.
05This waffle-knit throw for layers of texture
Layer in this cooling cotton waffle blanket for both visual texture and to give your bed a delicious weight and feel. It’s made from cotton and bamboo for a light breathable fabric that feels amazing right out of the package and gets better with every wash. It comes in 17 colors and five sizes.
06A luxurious throw pillow
Add this round throw pillow to your mix of textile textures to give your vibe a pop of color and luxury. Whether you choose a soft pink, a bold orange, or a rich burgundy the velvety texture and complex pleats will create the impression that you spared no expense, though you didn’t spend much. There are 13 colors to choose from.
07This chunky knitted throw
“In one recent staging, I used an oversized chunky-knit throw draped casually across a simple gray sofa, and it transformed the entire feel of the space, inviting people to imagine themselves unwinding there,” says Hall. You can do the same with this chunky chenille knit throw, cuddle under its cozy softness, and do more than imagine the unwinding. It comes in 15 colors.
08An ottoman that hides clutter
“I often turn to multifunctional pieces like ottomans with hidden storage or foldable desks,” says Hall. “These items not only provide a sleek aesthetic but also add practical value to a home.” This small folding ottoman, for example, offers an easy place to set your feet or a tray of snacks but also hides toy clutter, video game accessories, or extra pillows.
09An accent wall of wallpaper
“One unexpected product I use when staging is removable wallpaper,” says Mike Wall, real estate investor, house flipper, and owner of 36 rental properties. “It’s versatile, easy to install, and adds character to otherwise bland spaces.” This floral peel-and-stick wallpaper comes in several gorgeous patterns that will give your space real character. Use it to create an accent wall or to boost the space above a cabinet. Get creative! It’s easy to apply and easy to remove.
10These battery-powered candles
“I also like to incorporate battery-operated candles for a warm ambiance, especially in places where wiring additional lighting isn’t an option,” says Wall. This set of three color-changing flameless candles allows you to choose the color of the light so you can dial in the feel of the space. Just click the remote to choose a color for all three at once. There are three colors of wax to choose from, too, so these will add lots of visual interest.
11The votive candles that you never have to light
This set of 12 flameless LED votive candles is also a great way to layer lighting where you don’t have power or a lighting fixture. Decorate the mantle. Create a centerpiece for a table. Or put them in a candelabra and add some light to your entryway. Once you set them up, they turn on automatically and turn off again a few hours later so you don’t have to keep track of a remote or remember anything. They come in four colors.
12A fig tree for lush greenery
“My favorite final touch for a staged space is plants, specifically succulents or fiddle-leaf figs,” says Wall. “They bring life to a room and add a natural element without overwhelming it.” This live fiddle leaf fig tree is the perfect final touch for your home. It comes already potted in a cute pot, grows quickly, and will clean the air you breath. All it wants is a little water and light.
13A big fake fig
If a live plant is too much work for you or the space you want to put a plant in lacks light, this fiddle leaf fig tree looks like the real deal and needs nothing to keep on looking great for years. It comes in a silver pot and is large enough to create an impact. There is also an option that comes in a white and brown basket.
14Stylish bathroom hardware
“If you want to make a bathroom look significantly better, changing out the vanity hardware can go a long way,” says Wall. Once this bathroom hardware set is installed, you will wonder why you waited so long to make this simple upgrade. With everything from a towel bar to a toilet roll dispenser, it will make the room look intentional and sophisticated.
15These square knobs for the kitchen cupboards
“Swapping outdated fixtures for something modern and sleek gives the space an instant facelift,” says Wall. This is also the easiest upgrade you will ever do. It takes only a few minutes to unscrew the old knobs and screw in new ones. This set of modern square knobs will transform your kitchen cabinets so beautifully you might wonder why you ever wanted to replace them. It’s a set of 16, which might be enough to do the entire kitchen. There are three colors.
16A modern ceiling fixture
Changing the light fixtures is a fast and dramatic update that punches way above its price point when it comes to making your home look gorgeous. This ceiling light fixture — a geometric mix of black metal and soft, interesting Edison bulbs — is modern, minimalist, and practical. You choose your own Edison bulb to customize the style. And it will throw plenty of light while giving your home a huge update from the frumpy fixtures that came with the house.
17This mirror with a stylish wooden frame
“Even something as simple as adding a large framed mirror can give the illusion of more space and make the room feel brighter,” says Wall. Hang this wood framed mirror in the entryway, over the sink, or above a couch to reflect light and make the room feel bigger while offering a place to check your hat or hair. You can choose from four sizes and 10 finishes.
18A vintage-look gold mirror
For a vintage vibe in the bathroom or entryway, hang this decorative wall mirror with a gold lacquer finish. It evokes a time of glamour and grace and its small size makes it the perfect place to check your makeup on the way out the door or to hang in groups over a dresser or couch. There are two styles of gold finish.
19Framed art that comes in so many classic options
“When staging, I always advise homeowners to remove personal photos and items,” says Wall. “These can make buyers feel like they’re intruding in someone else’s space.” Instead, hang something pretty and artistic but more neutral such as this seaside beach wall art. It’s an easy and inexpensive switch. There are 39 scenes — from classic art to botanical prints — in this collection to choose from.
20A ceramic vase in a modern, organic shape
“I recommend swapping in neutral art pieces or abstract prints, which add sophistication and allow buyers to envision their own belongings in the home,” says Wall. This ceramic vase is a good replacement for a personal photo on the mantle or a bedside table. It comes in four colors and you can arrange the two vases as you like, filling each with a few blooms.
21A remote-controlled flush-mount ceiling light
“Also, layered lighting (overhead lights, floor lamps, and table lamps) can create a more inviting atmosphere,” says Wall. Start with the biggest light in the room — the overhead fixture — and make sure it isn’t creating harsh light. This flush-mount ceiling light is a good replacement for whatever you have because it allows you to choose the lighting mode so you can play with all your lighting. It comes in three sizes and three colors.
22This wireless mushroom lamp
Once you get the top layer perfected, add some lighting pieces around the room to create pools of warm, inviting light. Scatter a few of these mushroom lamps around to achieve this. You can choose the color of the light and adjust the brightness to get the effect you want. And, since they are wireless, you can put them anywhere without worrying about outlets or messy wires.
23Clever puck lights for creative lighting
Another clever way to layer light is to stick these LED touch lights to the underside of cabinets or shelves and let them illuminate a piece of art or a collectible — even a vase of flowers or a few books. It gives the space museum-style lighting that is warm and appealing while creating visual interest in the room.
24A fluid lamp made from corn silk
This bedside lamp is another terrific option for layering light. The fluid shape and soft lighting work together to build a modern but warm mood in the room. It comes in two sizes and you can adjust the light to nine brightness levels and three colors so this is a lamp you can use anywhere in the house. You can even put a few silk blooms in it. It is 3D printed from corn stalk material so it is a truly modern piece. Choose from four styles.
25A round mirror to make a space seem larger
“One of my favorite unexpected staging tools?” asks Kevin Daniels, CEO of Palm State Home Buyers. “Mirrors. They do wonders for opening up a room, reflecting light, and giving the illusion of a larger, brighter space.” This round wall mirror will make your bathroom feel modern, look terrific in the entryway or bedroom, and hang — with other mirrors or art — on a large wall to reflect light and offer a reflection of you or your space. The simple frame comes in four colors and you can choose from five sizes.
26These mirrored picture frames
This mirror photo frame is a clever way to sneak the light-and-space-amplifying trick of mirrors into a grouping of art for a subtle pop of airy space in a room. It brings a hint of Art Deco style into your space, too. Choose from two sizes and add your own images to a shelf or wall display.
27A framed mirror to create the right vibe
For a chic feel in your space, mount this framed wall mirror above an entry table or in a small bathroom. It fills the room with style while offering a reflection and making the room feel larger. There are lots of color and size options so you can get creative with the grouping and use them all over the house without repeating the look.
28This modern arch mirror in every color
A mirror above a vanity or sink is necessary in the bathroom. But often the builder-grade ones that end up there have zero style. This black arch mirror is a terrific replacement. It’s simple but elegant. It also works well in an entry or over a mantle, bed, or couch. Choose the size — there are four options — and frame color to suit your own decor and mood. There are nine colors.
29The soft greenery that will live forever
“Whether it’s a tall, leafy plant in the corner of a room or a few small succulents on a shelf, plants help soften a space and make it feel more welcoming,” says Daniels. You don’t have to commit to caring for greenery, though, to achieve this. This set of three fake eucalyptus and rosemary greenery requires no care. But it brings several soft shades of green to your home and makes it look as if an expert gardener takes careful care of the space. Each one arrives in an elegant gray pot.
30This cute plant pot
Move your nursery-purchased plants into this decorative ceramic plant pot to turn them into a stylish vignette on a side table or mantle. The pots are decorated with the cutest line drawings of plants and animals and have drain holes in the bottom so your plants will be happy living in them. There are four options.
31A tall Monstera for big impact
“In fact, adding greenery is often the last thing I do before a showing because it’s such a simple but powerful finishing touch,” says Daniels. If you want to go big and make a statement, this large artificial Monstera will do it. Already potted into a simple but decorative white pot, this beauty stands well over 2 feet tall and you can arrange the leaves the way you want them.
32The arched mirror that will make your bathroom better
“In bathrooms, I find that swapping out the mirror is one of the easiest ways to make the space look more polished. Those standard builder-grade mirrors feel so impersonal and outdated,” says Daniels. This gold arched wall mirror, though, brings a punch of glamor to the space. It comes in three sizes so you can fit it perfectly into your bathroom. If gold doesn’t fit the mood, it comes in five other colors.
33This asymmetrical mirror in so many colors and sizes
The plain mirrors in your bathrooms have melded into the background so you never notice them. “But by replacing them with a framed mirror or something more unique, you instantly elevate the entire bathroom,” says Daniels. This asymmetrical wood frame bathroom mirror, for example, brings a modern, organic look to the room with little effort and no remodeling. Choose a punchy color — there are five options — and fit it into your space — it comes in four sizes. You will be surprised at how much better the room looks.
34A set of Turkish cotton hand towels
Now that your mirrors are stylish, your bathroom is almost a new place. “Pair that with some crisp, white towels, and maybe a stylish soap dispenser, and the bathroom feels much more luxurious,” says Daniels. These Turkish cotton hand towels look fresh and modern and feel terrific on your hand. If white isn’t your thing, there are 15 colors.
35This set of blue glass bathroom accessories
One look at this set of decorative blue glass bathroom pieces is probably enough for you to see how much prettier that bathroom space will be with them in it. Fill the pump bottle with lotion, set a stylish bar of soap in the dish, and drop your often-used tools into one glass while saving the other for mouthwash or sipping water. Suddenly it’s a spa!
36A slick handle for your kitchen cabinets
“One of my favorite tricks is upgrading the cabinet hardware,” says Daniels. “Something as simple as changing out old, dated handles for sleek, modern ones can give the kitchen a refreshed, contemporary look without a huge investment. It’s an easy upgrade, but it goes a long way in making the kitchen feel more modern.” This modern curved arch handle is the perfect choice for this. It’s a pack of 10 and comes in three finishes. There are options for cabinets with knobs and screw holes in different size configurations, too.
37These elegant brass cabinet handles
If elegant and vintage-inspired is more the vibe you’re going for, this pack of six brass cabinet handles will bring it. With options for whatever configuration your cabinets have, these have an old-school, vintage style and make the room feel luxe and exotic. They will pair beautifully with everything from farmhouse to posh styles. There are 10 finishes.
38A collection of abstract wall art
When staging a house, photos of your family and kids' artwork create the wrong mood. “Instead, I recommend neutralizing the decor,” says Daniels. “Swap out personal photos for simple, abstract art or mirrors, and remove anything too bold or busy.” This abstract wall art makes the place feel lived in, helps people envision themselves living in it, and is affordable enough that you can redecorate easily. It comes in five frame sizes and colors.
39These wall sconces with a modern vibe
“If you’re looking to make a home feel more expensive, focus on small but high-impact changes,” suggests Daniels. “Swapping out light fixtures, for example, can instantly make a room feel more modern and upscale.” It’s easy to do, too. This pair of wall sconces is an easy switch for outdated lights in the bathroom or bedroom. You can choose from four finishes, opt for a clear or frosted sconce, and pick a stylish Edison bulb to create exactly the look you want.
40A pair of luxe velvet throw pillows
“Adding rich textures — like velvet throw pillows or layered rugs — can give a space that luxurious feel without spending a fortune,” says Daniels. This pair of decorative velvet throw pillows adds a pop of color and the expensive feel of velvet to the room yet they are super affordable and come in a wide array of colors. “It’s all about those subtle details that create an overall sense of warmth, style, and sophistication,” he says.
41This area rug you can toss in the wash
Adding texture to the floor is another way to build a luxurious feel into your space. This washable area rug accomplishes this easily, even in high-traffic areas. The neutral pattern, fringe, and variety of shapes and sizes make it an easy piece to work into your space and budget. And you can throw it in the wash if someone spills wine on it. It comes in nine colors and 14 sizes.
42These industrial pendant lights
“Personally, I'm a big fan of pendant lights and floor lamps that double as art pieces,” says Ryan Fitzgerald, owner of Raleigh Realty. “They not only illuminate the room but also serve as conversation starters.” This three-pack of industrial pendant lights has simple lines and clear sconces that will look amazing over a kitchen island or dining table. They come in black, gold, or silver.
43A floor lamp that’s stylish and adjustable
You don’t have to spend a fortune to boost the lighting and add style. This floor lamp with a modern shape and adjustable head is affordable enough to add to several places in your space. You can swivel the light so it shines right where you want it and the step-on floor switch makes it easy to turn on and off.
44This orchid plant that’s always flowering
“Succulents and orchids are my go-to choices because they're low maintenance but still pack a visual punch,” says Fitzgerald. Even easier is this artificial orchid in full bloom. It packs loads of punch and requires nothing from you to keep on doing it. It sits in a pretty pot and flowers perpetually. Choose from rose or white blooms.
45A collection of succulents
This collection of succulent plants is a fun way to get started on a terrarium or decorative grouping of easy-to-care-for plants. The six plants arrive with plenty of roots in 2-inch pots, ready to grow as they are or move to your own container. You will get a healthy variety of plants that are so easy to care for they compete with fake plants for their ability to tolerate neglect.
46A better bathroom faucet
“I've seen countless bathrooms transformed simply by replacing outdated faucets and showerheads with more modern designs,” says Fitzgerald. “It's a relatively inexpensive upgrade, but the impact can be significant.” This bathroom faucet has an old-school industrial look that will make a big change from the frumpy builder faucets in many spaces. It’s practical, too, making it easy to wash your face or grab a sip of water. Choose an edgy matte black or any of the four finishes.
47This showerhead that is so luxe
Nothing transforms a bathroom from ordinary to spa-quality more than a terrific shower. And this high-pressure rain showerhead is so terrific you will wonder if your daily shower has ever felt this good. It douses you in a rainfall that has plenty of pressure and volume and looks good doing it. It comes in six finishes and gets over 10,000 five-star reviews for good reason.
48A stylish bowl to elevate the fruit
“Vases, abstract art, or decorative bowls can maintain visual interest without any personal bias,” says. Fitzgerald. Fill this wire basket with fruit, decorative objects, pastries, or other appealing foods or everyday items to elevate ordinary items into decoration. The effect is warm and homey without being too specific as to whose home this is.
49These glass slant bowls
Use these slant bowls to transform a candle, plant, or candy into a decorative display. The set comes with three bowls in different sizes so you can group them on a mantle or entryway table to create some visual interest.
50A delicate white vase
“I've found that using a consistent color scheme can create a sense of flow and sophistication that really elevates the entire space,” says Fitzgerald. “Neutral colors with carefully chosen accent shades often work best.” This flower vase, for example, in white, pairs well with other white objects to give your space cohesion and to make that bouquet pop.