My wife and I are renovating our living room. We don’t have an unlimited budget. In fact, when we bought our home, we did so not planning to renovate because the price was pretty high. However, you know how it is once you move into a new place and peel back the layers… it doesn’t take long until you want to change this and change that and so on. So now we are fully renovating the living room, foyer, office and upstairs landing lol. But, we’re doing it all on a very limited budget. While we didn’t incorporate all 29 methods set out in this article, we did many of them because they’re simple, inexpensive yet effective ways to create a much more upscale looking living room without spending a fortune.
23. Frame Windows with Floor-Length Draperies for Elegance
Full-length curtains that reach the floor create a luxurious, grand effect. Hang the curtains high, close to the ceiling, to make the room feel taller and more spacious. Opt for heavier fabrics like linen or velvet for an even more elegant look. Well-dressed windows elevate the room and give it a high-end feel.
In order to come up with the very specific design ideas, we create most designs with the assistance of state-of-the-art AI interior design software.
22. Get an Enhanced Look by Adding Crown Molding
Crown molding gives your living room an instant upgrade by creating clean lines where the walls meet the ceiling. It adds architectural detail that makes the space feel polished and complete. You can find affordable options at most home improvement stores, and it’s an easy DIY project. Even a simple molding can make the room appear more high-end.
21. Get a Quick Luxurious Look by Upgrading Hardware
Swapping out cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, and other hardware instantly upgrades your living room. Choose sleek, modern options or go for something with a vintage feel, depending on your style. This small change creates a big impact and makes your furniture or built-ins look more expensive. It’s a simple project that takes little time but adds noticeable refinement.
20. Install Layered Lighting for a Sophisticated Ambiance
Layered lighting enhances the warmth and mood of your living room. Use a combination of overhead fixtures, floor lamps, and table lamps to create a cozy, high-end atmosphere. Soft, warm lighting makes the room more inviting and luxurious. Dimmer switches are another easy way to control lighting and enhance the upscale feel.
19. Incorporate Statement Art to Anchor the Room
Large, bold pieces of art give your living room an instant focal point. Choose art that reflects your personal taste but also complements the room’s overall style. The right piece can tie a room together and give it a designer feel. Affordable art prints and DIY framing can achieve this without breaking the bank.
18. Use a Large Area Rug to Define the Space
A large area rug anchors the furniture and adds warmth and texture to your living room. Make sure the rug is big enough so that at least the front legs of your furniture sit on it, creating a unified look. Opt for rugs with interesting patterns or high-quality materials for an upscale feel. The right rug makes your space look intentional and well-designed.
17. Declutter and Organize to Maximize Elegance
A clutter-free, well-organized living room instantly looks more high-end. Invest in stylish storage solutions like baskets or decorative boxes to keep items out of sight. Display a few well-chosen decor pieces instead of filling every surface. Streamlining your space creates a sense of calm and order, which is key to achieving a luxury feel.
16. Add Throw Pillows and Blankets for Texture and Style
Throw pillows in rich fabrics like velvet, silk, or linen can instantly elevate the look of your living room. Opt for oversized or textured pillows to create a plush, inviting space. Layering different pillow sizes and styles gives your seating a designer finish. Affordable pillow covers make it easy to switch up the look without buying new pillows.
15. Add Metallic Accents for a Touch of Glamour
Obviously this living room is glammed to the nines yet while I’m not a huge fan of glam style, I like this living room. The metallic glam works great and goes to show that adding gold, brass, and silver accents can add an upscale feel to your living room. You can introduce metallics through light fixtures, side tables, or decor pieces like vases and trays. Even small metallic touches can give the room a sophisticated, glamorous edge. Don’t overdo it—just a few accents can make a noticeable difference.
14. Create a Gallery Wall for a Personalized, Upscale Look
A gallery wall adds character and style to your living room while showcasing your personality. Choose matching or coordinating frames to give it a cohesive and high-end look. Arrange the art in a thoughtful layout to create balance and flow. A well-executed gallery wall adds a designer touch without being overly expensive.
13. Add Plants to Your Living Room
Greenery breathes life into a living room, but real plants aren’t always practical. High-quality faux plants can achieve the same effect without the upkeep. Choose plants that look natural and pair them with stylish pots or planters. Adding greenery gives the room a fresh, inviting feel that makes it look more upscale. One tip is avoid too many plants unless going for the biophilic design look (not my fave).
12. Add a Tray to Your Coffee Table for a Styled Look
A decorative tray can transform your coffee table into a more organized and stylish display. Use it to corral items like books, candles, and vases, making your table look curated rather than cluttered. Trays add structure and help give the room a more polished, upscale look. It’s an easy way to layer in style without spending much.
11. Reupholster Old Furniture for a Fresh, High-End Look
This is something we’re doing. We have two beautiful antique wingback chairs but the upholstery is fading. New upholstery will make them good ad new… as new as antique can be lol. Instead of buying new furniture, consider reupholstering old pieces in more luxurious fabrics. This can transform a dated chair or sofa into something that feels custom-made. Choose high-quality fabrics like velvet or linen to give the piece an upscale feel. Reupholstering is often more affordable than replacing furniture, and it can drastically change the look of your space.
10. Add Architectural Details Like Wainscoting or Paneling
Check out the decorative wall paneling or molding. I love that technique althought this example is a bit frilly for me. We did this along our staircase wall using simple rectangle shapes creating frames and it’s spectacular. The concept is simple… just add simple architectural elements like wainscoting or wall paneling which gives your living room a custom, high-end appearance. These details are inexpensive to install but make a big impact on the overall look of the room. They add texture and dimension to the walls, making the space feel more thoughtful and sophisticated. Even a small accent wall can make a difference.
9. Use Floating Shelves for a Clean, Modern Look
Floating shelves provide stylish storage and display space in your living room. They offer a sleek, modern aesthetic while allowing you to showcase decor, books, or plants. Arrange items thoughtfully to avoid clutter, and consider using matching or coordinated decor for a cohesive look. Floating shelves are both practical and stylish, adding a touch of elegance to any room.
8. Add a Statement Light Fixture for Instant Drama
A bold chandelier or pendant light can completely transform your living room. Choose a fixture that complements the style of the room but also stands out as a focal point. Statement lighting draws attention and adds drama, making the space feel more high-end. This upgrade doesn’t have to be expensive, and it offers an immediate impact.
7. Install Dimmer Switches for Customizable Lighting
Adding dimmer switches to your living room allows you to control the mood and ambiance. Bright lighting feels energetic, while softer lighting is more intimate and cozy. Dimmer switches give you flexibility to adjust the light levels throughout the day, making your space more versatile and high-end. It’s an easy, affordable upgrade that can make a big difference.
6. Accessorize with Books to Create a Stylish Display
Hardcover books, especially when thoughtfully arranged, can elevate the look of your living room. Use a few beautiful coffee table books to add a sophisticated touch to your surfaces. Books can also be used to style shelves and side tables, creating a curated, designer look. They add color, texture, and interest in a subtle but stylish way.
5. Refresh the Fireplace Mantel for a Refined Focal Point
Your fireplace mantel is a natural focal point in the room, so make sure it’s styled thoughtfully. Add elegant decor pieces like candles, vases, or art to elevate the look. Keep the display balanced and uncluttered for a polished, high-end effect. A refreshed mantel makes a big impact and brings the room together.
4. Swap Out Light Switch Plates for a Luxurious Touch
Replacing basic plastic light switch plates with metal, brass, or other decorative options is an easy and affordable way to add subtle elegance to your living room. This small detail elevates the overall look of the room and makes it feel more refined. Choose switch plates that match your decor style for a cohesive finish. It’s a quick upgrade that can have a noticeable impact on the space.
3. Add a Stylish Bar Cart for Instant Sophistication
A well-decorated bar cart adds both style and function to your living room. You can use it to display elegant glassware, bottles, and decorative items, creating a sophisticated focal point. A bar cart also makes entertaining guests easier while giving the room a high-end, curated feel. This addition is practical and can instantly elevate the look of your space.
2. Use Scented Candles in Elegant Holders for Style and Ambiance
Stylish scented candles not only add a pleasant aroma but also serve as decor. Choose candles in elegant holders or containers that match your living room’s aesthetic. Displaying candles on coffee tables, shelves, or mantels adds warmth and a refined touch to the space. It’s a small but effective way to create an inviting, upscale atmosphere.
1. Upgrade to Stylish Coasters for a Refined Look
Swapping out plain coasters for more stylish options, like marble or stone, adds a luxurious touch to your coffee or side tables. These small details can make a big difference in the overall feel of the room. Functional yet decorative, elegant coasters contribute to a polished, high-end look. They’re a simple upgrade that enhances both style and practicality.
