20 Dollar Store Home Decor Ideas That Look Expensive

BySophie Lane Last Updated on Home & Living
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I had five dollars in my pocket and a plain shelf at home that looked so boring. I wanted it to feel pretty, but I did not want to spend a lot. So I went to the dollar store just to look around.

I found small things that looked cheap on the shelf but lovely at home. A gold vase, a soft pillow cover, a little tray. I brought them home and tried them out one by one.

Some ideas worked right away. Some needed a small fix, like a coat of paint or a better spot on the table. That is the fun part, you get to play and see what fits your room.

You do not need fancy tools for these ideas. Most of them need only your hands and a few minutes. A few need paint or glue, and that is all.

I like simple rooms that feel warm and calm. I do not like rooms that feel full of stuff. So each idea here keeps things light and easy on the eyes.

You can try one idea this week and see how it feels. You can mix two or three ideas in one room too. Start small and add more when you feel ready.

In this one post you will find all 20 ideas, and each one is easy and cheap to try at home.

1. Spray Paint Old Vases Gold

A matte gold jar-shaped vase beside a plain clear glass vase on a wooden table, with a potted olive branch behind them.

I had an old vase that looked dull and grey. I did not want to throw it away. A coat of gold paint made it look new again.

First I washed the vase with soap and water. Then I let it dry all the way. A clean vase holds paint much better.

I put the vase on old paper outside. I held the spray can a little far away and moved it side to side. Thin coats work best, so I did two light coats.

I let the first coat dry before I added the next one. It took a little patience, but the finish looked smooth. No drips, no thick spots.

Gold spray paint is $3 to $8 a can, soft gold spray paint is $3 to $7 a can, and light brass spray paint is $4 to $9 a can.

Now the vase sits on my shelf and catches the light. It looks like it cost a lot more than it did. My friends always ask where I got it.

You can try this with a tall vase or a short one. A round vase looks soft and a tall one looks fancy. Both look good in gold.

Put fresh flowers in it or leave it empty. It looks pretty either way. I like it with a few green stems from my garden.

If the gold feels too bright for you, try a soft gold or a light brass colour. It still looks warm and rich, just a bit softer.

Paint type Typical cost Best for
Gold spray paint $3 to $8 A rich warm shine
Soft gold spray paint $3 to $7 A softer warm glow
Light brass spray paint $4 to $9 A soft brass look

2. Frame a Small Mirror

A small round mirror in a plain gold frame hanging on a pale living room wall above a wooden console table.

A small mirror can make a room feel bigger and brighter. A plain mirror looks fine, but a frame makes it look special. I found a small frame that fit just right.

I picked a frame with a simple shape. Gold or wood both look nice. I held it up to the mirror to check the size before I bought it.

Typical cost is $2 to $6.

I glued the frame to the edge of the mirror with strong craft glue. I pressed it down and held it for a minute. Then I let it dry overnight.

Now the mirror hangs in my hallway. It bounces light around and the small space feels open. I smile every time I walk past it.

You can hang it over a small table or near your front door. It is handy for a quick check before you go out. It also makes the wall look finished.

Try a round mirror if you want a soft look. A square mirror looks neat and tidy. Pick the shape that fits your wall best.

Keep the glass clean with a soft cloth. A clean mirror shines more and makes the whole room feel fresh.

This is a quick job you can finish in one evening. It is a small change that makes a big difference in a plain room.

3. Candle Holders on the Coffee Table

Three plain glass candle holders with lit white pillar candles on a wooden coffee table in a bright living room.

My coffee table looked bare for a long time. I added three small candle holders and it changed the whole look. Now the table feels warm and cosy.

I picked holders in different heights. One tall, one medium, one short. The mix looks much better than three that all match.

Typical cost is $3 to $9.

I put a small tray under the holders to keep them together. It stops them from sliding around. It also makes the group look neat.

I use plain white candles in them. White goes with every room and every season. You can change the candle colour later if you want a new look.

At night I light one candle while I read. The soft glow makes the room feel calm. It is a small joy at the end of a long day.

Keep the candles away from books and cloth. Always blow them out before you leave the room. Safety comes first, even with small candles.

You can add a few small stones or green leaves next to the holders. It adds a natural touch without much cost. Just keep it simple.

If you do not want real flames, use battery candles instead. They give the same soft light and you do not need to worry about them.

4. Faux Greenery in a Woven Basket

A woven basket holding green faux eucalyptus stems on a light wood floor beside a beige sofa.

I love green plants, but I am not good at keeping real ones alive. Faux greenery was the fix for me. It looks fresh all year and needs no water.

I found a small woven basket that felt warm and natural. I put a little faux plant inside it. It looked like a real plant from across the room.

Typical cost is $4 to $10.

I tucked a bit of cloth around the base of the plant. It hides the plastic pot and makes it look neat. You can use a small towel or a piece of fabric.

The basket sits on my bookshelf now. It adds a soft green touch to a shelf full of books. The room feels more alive with it there.

You can put a basket like this on a side table or on the floor by the door. A bigger basket with a taller plant works well in a corner.

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Pick leaves that look soft and natural, not too shiny. Soft green looks real and calm. Bright plastic green can look fake up close.

Dust the leaves once in a while with a dry cloth. It keeps them looking fresh. A dusty plant, even a fake one, looks tired.

This is one of my favourite cheap tricks. It brings nature inside without any work, and it lasts for a very long time.

5. New Covers for Throw Pillows

A beige sofa with plain cream and soft sage throw pillows in new covers, with a sage throw blanket folded over one arm.

My sofa looked tired, but I did not want a new sofa. New pillow covers fixed it in one afternoon. The whole sofa felt fresh again.

I picked two covers in a soft cream colour. I also picked one with a small pattern. The mix looks calm but not boring.

Typical cost is $3 to $10.

I took off the old covers and put the new ones on. I fluffed the pillows and lined them up on the sofa. It took only a few minutes.

Now the sofa looks like it belongs in a pretty photo. The cream colour makes the room feel bright. The patterned one adds a little fun.

You can change covers with the seasons if you like. Soft colours feel calm in summer. Warm colours feel cosy when it gets cold.

Wash the covers when they get dusty. Clean covers smell fresh and look neat. It is much easier than washing a whole sofa.

Mix smooth fabric with a soft knitted one if you can. The mix of textures makes the sofa feel rich. It is a small trick that works well.

Start with two or three covers, not ten. Too many pillows can make a sofa feel crowded. A few good ones are enough.

6. A Gallery Wall of Small Frames

A living room wall with a small gallery of four plain wood frames holding blank abstract prints in soft colours, above a wooden bench.

A blank wall can feel cold and empty. A gallery wall of small frames fixed mine. Now the wall tells a little story about my home.

I picked six small frames in the same colour. Same colour frames look neat even if the pictures inside are different. It keeps the wall calm.

Typical cost is $6 to $12.

I laid the frames on the floor first to plan the layout. I moved them around until I liked the shape. It was much easier than guessing on the wall.

I used small prints, a photo, and a simple quote card. You can use your own photos or free prints. Pick things that make you smile.

I hung the frames with small nails and checked the spacing with my hand. Even gaps look best. I stepped back often to check the whole wall.

Start in the middle and work your way out. That keeps the wall balanced. If one frame feels off, move it a little and try again.

You can add one new frame later when you find a photo you love. A gallery wall can grow slowly over time. It does not need to be finished in one day.

This wall is now my favourite spot in the room. Guests always stop and look at it. It feels personal in a way a bare wall never did.

7. A Decorative Tray on the Table

A round wooden tray holding a small potted succulent and a plain white pillar candle on a wooden coffee table.

A tray makes a table look tidy in one step. I put one on my coffee table and all the small things finally had a home. The table looked calm right away.

I picked a tray with a simple wood look. It is light and easy to carry. I liked that it did not shout for attention.

Typical cost is $3 to $8.

I put a small candle, a tiny plant, and a book on the tray. Three things are enough. More than that can make it feel crowded.

The tray keeps everything in one place. When I need to clean the table, I just lift the tray. It saves time and keeps things neat.

You can use a tray on a side table or on your dining table too. It works in almost any room. A tray on a bedside table looks pretty as well.

Try a round tray if your table is square. The round shape softens the straight lines. A square tray looks neat on a round table.

Change what sits on the tray now and then. A new book or a fresh flower makes it feel new again. Small changes keep a room feeling alive.

This is a simple idea, but it works every time. One tray, a few small things, and your table looks like it was styled with care.

8. Woven Baskets for Tidy Storage

Two large woven baskets holding folded cream blankets and plain cushions beside a wooden shelf with folded blankets.

Loose things on a shelf can make a room feel messy. Woven baskets fixed that for me. Now everything has a place, and the shelves look neat.

I picked three baskets in the same soft brown colour. They look warm and natural together. The woven texture adds a cosy feel to the room.

Small woven baskets are $2 to $5 each, medium woven baskets are $4 to $8 each, and large woven baskets are $6 to $12 each.

I use one basket for books and one for small toys and games. The third one holds blankets for cold nights. Each basket has one job.

I put a small label on the front of each basket. It helps my family know where things go. It also makes clean up much faster.

The baskets sit on my open shelves where I can see them. They hide the clutter but still look pretty. That is the best kind of storage.

You can stack small baskets or line them up in a row. Both look tidy. Pick the way that fits your shelf best.

Dust the baskets with a dry cloth now and then. They can catch dust in the weave. A quick wipe keeps them looking fresh.

Start with two or three baskets, not a whole set at once. See how they work in your room first. You can always add more later.

Basket size Typical cost Best for
Small woven basket $2 to $5 Books and small toys
Medium woven basket $4 to $8 Blankets and games
Large woven basket $6 to $12 Big blankets and cushions

9. Fairy Lights in a Glass Jar

A large glass jar filled with warm fairy lights on a rustic wooden side table beside a beige armchair at dusk.

Fairy lights in a glass jar are so simple and so pretty. I made one in five minutes and it still makes me smile at night. It glows like a tiny star.

I found a clear glass jar with a wide mouth. I put a short string of battery fairy lights inside. The jar keeps the lights safe and neat.

Typical cost is $2 to $7.

I tucked the battery pack at the back of the jar. It hides behind the lights and you can hardly see it. I switch it on with one small button.

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The jar sits on my bedside table now. At night it gives a soft warm glow. It helps me wind down before sleep.

You can put a jar like this on a shelf or a windowsill too. It looks lovely in a dark corner. One jar is enough to light up a small space.

Try a tall jar for a big shelf and a small jar for a table. Both look sweet. You can even make two and put them side by side.

Add a few small white stones at the bottom if you like. They hold the lights in place and add a soft shine. Keep it simple so the light stays the star.

This is a lovely idea for a gift too. Make one for a friend and tie a ribbon round the jar. It is cheap, pretty, and made with care.

10. A Simple Table Runner

A wooden dining table with a plain cream linen table runner down the centre, plain white plates and a small potted green plant.

My dining table looked plain between meals. A simple table runner changed it right away. Now the table feels dressed even with no food on it.

I picked a runner in a soft cream colour with a light texture. It felt calm and clean. It went well with my wood table.

Typical cost is $3 to $9.

I laid the runner down the middle of the table. I let a little hang over each end. It looked neat and finished, not fussy.

I put a small vase in the middle of the runner. A few green stems were enough. The runner and the vase work well together.

You can change the runner when you want a new look. A light colour feels fresh in the day. A warm colour feels cosy at dinner time.

Wash the runner when it gets marks on it. A clean runner makes the whole table look cared for. It is easy to wash and dry.

If your table is small, pick a short runner. A long runner can look heavy on a small table. The right size makes all the difference.

This is a small change with a big payoff. One runner, one vase, and your dining table looks ready for guests any day.

11. A Stack of Books on the Shelf

A neat stack of four plain cream blank books with blank spines on a wooden shelf, with a small potted green plant beside them.

I love a small stack of books on a shelf. It makes the room feel calm and smart.

You can find old books at the dollar store for very little money.

Pick three or four books that go well together. Stack them flat, one on top of the other. The biggest book goes at the bottom.

I like to turn the biggest book at the bottom. It keeps the stack steady and neat.

You can put a tiny plant or a small candle on top. It makes the stack look finished.

Try books in soft colors like cream, green, or light blue. They look gentle next to each other.

If the covers are too bright, just turn the books around. The plain pages can look nice too.

Typical cost is $3 to $8. That is a small price for such a warm look.

Move the stack around until it feels right to you. Small changes can make a big difference.

12. Faux Marble Paper on a Side Table

A small side table wrapped in white faux marble paper with a potted succulent on top, beside a beige sofa.

A plain side table can look new with a sheet of faux marble paper. I tried it and I was so happy with the result.

You just peel the back off and stick it on the top of the table.

Smooth it slow so no bubbles stay under it. Work from the middle out to the sides.

Pick a white marble look with soft gray lines. It looks clean and a bit fancy.

Measure the table top first. Cut the paper a little bigger, then trim the extra off the edges.

A stiff card helps you push the air out. It works better than your fingers.

I put a small lamp on mine after it was done. The table looked like it cost much more.

If you make a small mistake, you can lift the paper and try again. Do not rush it.

Typical cost is $2 to $6. One roll can cover a small table with some left over. Wipe it with a damp cloth when it gets dusty.

13. A Simple Wreath on the Door

A plain green leafy wreath hanging on a bright white interior door with a round black handle.

A simple wreath on the door makes your home feel warm before you even step inside. I smile every time I see mine.

You can find a plain green wreath at the dollar store. Look for one with soft leaves and no loose bits.

Hang it with a small hook on the back of the door.

It should sit at eye level so you can see it well.

I like to add a plain bow in a soft color. A cream or sage bow keeps it simple and sweet.

You can use the same wreath all year long. Just change the bow if you want a fresh look.

Make sure the wreath is not too heavy for the hook. A light one stays up better.

If a few leaves stick out, just tuck them back in. It does not need to be perfect.

Typical cost is $3 to $9. That is a small price for a warm welcome. Step back and look at it from the walkway.

14. A Tiered Tray on the Kitchen Counter

A two-tier wooden tray on a bright kitchen counter holding small white bowls, a tiny potted plant and plain white cups.

A tiered tray on the kitchen counter keeps small things tidy and pretty. I use mine every single day.

You can find a two level tray at the dollar store.

Look for one that feels steady and not wobbly.

Put small jars on the bottom level. Salt, sugar, or tea bags fit just right.

On the top level, add a tiny plant or a small candle. It makes the tray look styled, not messy.

I keep my most used things on the tray. That way I can grab them fast when I cook.

Try to keep the colors soft and simple. Too many bright things can make it look busy.

Wipe the tray once a week with a damp cloth. Crumbs and dust build up fast in a kitchen.

Typical cost is $4 to $10. It is a small price for a tidy counter. Move things around until the tray feels balanced.

15. Faux Flowers on the Mantel

A wooden mantel shelf with a plain white vase holding pink and white faux flowers and two small candles, above a simple stone fireplace.

Faux flowers on the mantel bring soft color to the room. I love how they look all year with no care at all.

You can find small bunches of faux flowers at the dollar store.

Pick soft colors like blush, cream, or pale yellow.

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Put them in a simple vase or a plain glass jar. A clear vase lets the stems show a little.

I like to mix two kinds of flowers in one vase. It looks fuller and more natural.

Trim the stems so they fit the vase well. They should not stick out too far or fall over.

Place the vase in the middle of the mantel or off to one side. Both ways can look nice.

Add a small candle next to the vase if you like. It makes the mantel feel warm and calm.

Typical cost is $3 to $9. That is a small price for color that never fades. Dust the flowers once in a while with a soft cloth.

16. A Wooden Bowl on the Dining Table

A round wooden bowl piled with green apples on a bright wooden dining table, with two plain white plates in the foreground.

A wooden bowl on the dining table makes the whole room feel warm. I love the soft brown color of real wood.

You can find a plain wooden bowl at the dollar store. Look for one with a smooth finish and no rough spots.

Fill it with a few pieces of fruit. Apples, lemons, or oranges add a pop of color.

I sometimes put small pinecones or smooth stones in mine instead.

It looks nice and natural.

Place the bowl right in the middle of the table. It works as a simple centerpiece.

Keep the bowl low and wide so you can still talk across the table. A tall bowl can block your view.

Wipe it with a dry cloth after meals. Water can leave marks on the wood.

Typical cost is $2 to $7. That is a small price for a warm table. Change what is inside the bowl with the seasons.

17. Sheer Curtains on a Small Window

A small bright window with sheer white curtains on a wooden rod, a small potted plant on the windowsill and a beige sofa below.

Sheer curtains on a small window let the light in and still give you privacy. I love how soft they make a room feel.

You can find sheer curtain panels at the dollar store. Pick white or cream for the lightest look.

Hang them on a thin rod above the window. They should just touch the sill or fall a little past it.

I like to gather the fabric a bit on each side.

It makes the window look fuller.

Sheer curtains work best on small windows in a kitchen or a bathroom. They do not block the sun.

If the panel is too long, you can fold the top over the rod. No sewing is needed at all.

Wash them now and then so they stay bright. Dust can make white fabric look dull.

Typical cost is $3 to $8. That is a small price for soft light. Step back and look at the window in the daylight.

18. Peel-and-Stick Decals on a Plain Wall

A pale bedroom wall with scattered soft green leaf decals above a bed with white pillows and white bedding.

Peel-and-stick decals can turn a plain wall into something fun. I used them in a small corner and I loved the change.

You can find simple decals at the dollar store. Look for dots, leaves, or stars in soft colors.

Clean the wall first with a dry cloth.

Dust can stop the decals from sticking well.

Peel one decal off the sheet and press it on the wall. Start from one corner and smooth it down.

I like to space the decals out in a loose pattern. It looks better than a straight line.

If you place one in the wrong spot, just peel it off and move it. Most decals can be used again.

Try them behind a desk or above a bed. A small wall can handle a few decals well.

Typical cost is $2 to $6. That is a small price for a fresh wall. Stand back and check the whole pattern before you finish.

19. Glass Jars for Tidy Storage

Three clear glass jars with wooden lids holding penne pasta, rice and flour on a bright wooden kitchen shelf.

Glass jars make storage look tidy and pretty at the same time. I use them all over my home.

You can find plain glass jars at the dollar store in many sizes. Pick a few that match each other.

Fill them with rice, pasta, or flour in the kitchen.

You can see at a glance what you need.

I also use small jars for cotton balls and hair ties in the bathroom. Every jar stays in its own spot.

Put a simple label on each jar if you like. A small piece of tape and a pen works fine.

Keep the lids tight so nothing spills. A jar with a good lid is worth having.

Line the jars up on a shelf with space between them. They look neat when they are not crowded.

Typical cost is $2 to $8. That is a small price for a tidy home. Wash the jars well before you fill them.

20. A Styled Entryway Console

A small wooden entryway console table with a round wood-framed mirror above it, a woven basket below, and a small potted plant and plain white vase on top.

A styled entryway console makes the first thing you see when you walk in feel warm. I love coming home to mine.

You can find a small console table at the dollar store or use one you already have.

A simple table works best.

Put a small mirror or a framed picture above it. It makes the space feel bigger and brighter.

Add a tiny tray on the table for keys and mail. That way nothing gets lost by the door.

I keep a small plant on one side of my console. It adds a bit of green to the room.

Place a soft basket under the table for shoes or bags. It hides the mess and keeps things tidy.

Try to keep only a few items on top. Too many things can make the table look crowded.

A small mirror is $2 to $5, a woven basket is $1 to $4, a tiny plant is $1 to $3, and a small tray is $1 to $3. The whole console look costs $5 to $15.

Console piece Typical cost Where it goes
Small mirror $2 to $5 Above the table
Woven basket $1 to $4 Under the table
Tiny plant $1 to $3 One side of the table
Small tray $1 to $3 Keys and mail
Total $5 to $15 Whole console look

Keep Reading

If you liked these ideas, you will love these posts too.

Pick one idea this week and try it in your cheapest room. You will love how rich your home feels on just a few dollars.

Hi, I'm Sophie Lane! I love turning houses into cosy, organised homes without spending a fortune. Here I share simple DIY ideas, budget makeovers and clever storage hacks that actually work in real life.

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