Money Month

Small Budget, Big Changes: How to Revamp Your Space with Just $25, $50, $75, or $100

published Oct 28, 2021
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
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Credit: Sarah Crowley, Nordstrom, CB2, Walmart

October is Money Month at Apartment Therapy! That means we’re sharing stories about saving money to buy a home, hacks to help you stick to your budget, and more all month. Head over here to see them all!

After taking interior designer Corey Damen Jenkins’ Masterclass recently, there’s one financial fact he mentioned that’s really stuck with me: “The one thing that everyone has in common? Everybody has a budget.” It’s reassuring to hear, isn’t it? That, whether you’re embarking on a full floor-to-ceiling reno or a small decor DIY, one priority reigns supreme for every renter or homeowner — budget.

It’s kind of our thing to help you discover ways to get the most bang for your buck at home… especially right now during October, our designated Money Month. As the month draws to a close, we’re going out in style, literally, with a roundup of the best furniture and decor that looks pretty but doesn’t cost a pretty penny. Because, if you’ve been itching for an interior change lately (relatable), you don’t have to spend a fortune on new big-ticket swaps. Even the smallest, most cost-effective vase or pillow can still feel like a major level up.

Below, I categorized my favorite luxe-for-less home finds by price bucket — $25, $50, $75, and $100 — so you can shop for as much or as little as you’d like. I even called out some noteworthy brands that carry modern decor on a dime, so you can add on to your future shopping list. Happy budget home decor hunting!

Note: Prices listed are accurate as of publish time.

What to Buy With $25 or Less:

1 / 7
H&M
$5.99

H&M Home is one of my go-to spots for trendy decor that won’t break the bank. I’m shocked that this cool pillow cover, with its bold blue hue and female figure motif, costs less than $6. Honestly, never underestimate the power of pillows when it comes to redecorating a room.

2 / 7
Walmart
$16.00

I can’t get enough of the retro look, but I don’t always love the price that comes with it. Luckily, this pistachio-hued piece is right on the money (literally) at just $16 — a steal compared to similar clocks I’ve seen elsewhere. An ode to 1950s diner style, it’s a fresh way to instantly reinvigorate any blank wall spot.

3 / 7
CB2
$19.95

It’s modern, it’s beautifully shaped, and it won’t set you back more than $17. Need I say more? Grab a few of these compliment-inducing vases to house small blooms from room to room, or leave one sitting empty on a bookcase or coffee table.

4 / 7
Anthropologie
$18.00

The devil’s truly in the detail, which means that swapping small accents (like, ahem, picture frames) can make all the difference in your home. This classic frame collection from Anthropologie has even inspired my own decorating — any of the three sizes gives any photo a glamorous vintage vibe, but keep up the allure with an old family picture. I have a black-and-white image of my great grandparents in a similar frame, but you can also snag some old snapshots from a local vintage store.

5 / 7
Etsy
$21.60

Proof that planters can be pretty (sans super high price), this best-selling Etsy find comes in three different sizes — ranging from $21.60 to $79 — in a handful of punchy hues. You can opt for neutrals, too, but there’s something so irresistible about bubble gum pink, especially married with your favorite greenery. Bonus: It's actually 3D-printed and is fully biodegradable!

6 / 7
Urban Outfitters
$22.00

Need a hand in the affordable window treatment department? Get inspired with this quirkly little brass fixture, which has a curved shape to (elegantly) hold back curtains and easily mounts to the wall.

7 / 7
Etsy
$24.00

Mini bust statues and candles are having a moment, so why not get the same sophisticated look in wall art form? Etsy shop The Printable Concept creates this museum-worthy poster, complete with an abstract figurine rendered in contrast to the vibrant-colored background. It’s printed on high-quality matte paper, so it’s ready to frame as soon as it arrives.

What to Buy with $50 or Less:

1 / 7
Urban Outfitters
$29.00

Eye-catching tapestries and wall hangings don’t have to cost an arm and a leg, as proven by this $29 sizable, textured number. It sort of resembles a rug, fringed trim and shag detailing and all, which I’d argue gives it a unique leg up above the rest. Hanging couldn’t be easier, too, with built-in loops at the top. Voilà!

2 / 7
Bloomingdale's
$36.00

It’s a two-for-one deal with all L'or de Seraphine candles, which come in vessels designed to be kept as art after the last burn. This one specifically, a Bloomingdale’s exclusive, nails the checkerboard trend with a cool black-and-white contrast colorway. Let's not forget the delicious scent, too — you’ll find notes of sandalwood, bergamot, musk, and amber.

3 / 7
Etsy
$42.00

There are shelves, and then there are diamond-shaped shelves decked out in vintage wallpaper. Pick your wood stain and desired paper pattern to incorporate a bit of colorful, boho flair to any area — it would look especially cute in the bathroom to store candles or a small plant.

4 / 7
Target
$45.00

Don’t sleep on Target’s art collection: It’s a hidden treasure trove of keep-for-years prints and photography. Among them, this perfectly-sized abstract piece of modern art, which has your living room (or bedroom or dining room) written all over it. Bold but not overbearing, the navy hue's the ultimate match-with-anything color (yes, even with black).

5 / 7
World Market
$49.99

No need to invest in a brand new chair to broaden your seating options, specifically for a compact room. Poufs may be small, but this one’s certainly mighty in terms of pattern, color palette, and comfort. Tuck the versatile, dusty rose piece under the couch when it's not in use, or keep it out 24/7 as a designated reading corner hangout.

6 / 7
Nordstrom
$49.99

Get the bouclé effect for (way) less via this knitted 18-inch pillow. With its cozy texture and soft cream color, it screams permanent sofa fixture. I mean, who wouldn’t want to cuddle up to this (plus three others) during Netflix nights?

7 / 7
West Elm
$56.00

Your bookcase or entryway table will never look better, thanks to these unique handmade bookends. Believe it or not, they’re actually sourced from real lava rock via eruptions in Indonesia. Cool, right!?

What to Buy With $75 or Less:

1 / 7
Target
$59.00

Tap into trendy terracotta tones with this cozy quilt that's part of Justina Blakeney’s Jungalow collab with Target. The warm hue screams fall, but it still carries weight as a year-round staple that easily meshes with any existing bedroom decor. This also comes in cream, teal, or gold, all with the same decorative scalloped trim that I can’t get enough of and think you'll love, too.

2 / 7
World Market
$79.99

Big fan of rattan? Same. World Market has you covered with a highly extensive and attractive selection, where you’ll find plenty of lookalikes that could pass as picks from more high-end retailers but for a fraction of the cost. Take this flower-shaped pendant, for starters, lightweight and handmade with a petal-perfect silhouette. Hello, new accent piece!

3 / 7
H&M
$59.99

You might not think of H&M as a chic rug resource, but this patterned number says otherwise. The simple black and white hues were made to play up any room — you can’t go wrong with using this to anchor your coffee table or making it the first thing you step on getting out of bed every morning.

4 / 7
Amazon
$51.96
was $69.99

The more side tables, the merrier, especially when you can get a matching pair for under $60. That’s right; this Amazon listing includes not one but two bamboo tables, which are actually stackable (!!!). Put them together for a two-shelf nightstand, or decorate them individually in the living room.

5 / 7
Etsy
$64.00

Small space dwellers, take note: If you’re low on light, sconces are your new best friend. Might I recommend this sleek brass style from Etsy? Save precious floor space by taking to the wall with a pair (or even just one... you’d be surprised how good a solo sconce can look) of these light fixtures, which comes with mounting hardware for easy hanging.

6 / 7
Amazon
$69.99
was $79.99

Amazon home brand Harmati reigns supreme as the ultimate shopping hot spot for compact, modern furniture on a budget. The whole collection basically looks like an affordable West Elm-IKEA hybrid, and their recently-added side table proves no exception to that rule. Available in black, teal, or walnut, the round, two-tier fixture has a cane shelf for stashing books or candles and is just under 15 inches wide and 20 inches tall. At that footprint, it’s a prime contender for perking up any corner or bedside.

7 / 7
Target
$70.00

Lighting + texture = the decorative combo you never knew you needed. This table lamp, also from Target’s Jungalow collection, resembles similar styles I’ve seen for twice the price (and beyond). It checks all the of-the-moment boxes, too, with a rattan shade and an intricate vase-inspired base.

What to Buy With $100 or Less:

1 / 7
Anthropologie
$78.00

For fans of Anthropologie’s famed Gleaming Primrose Mirror (who don’t want to spend $500+), I present to you the brand’s equally-chic (and way cheaper!) little sister style. Here, you have the same brass finish and detailed frame, plus two shapes to choose from — round or oval. Both run slightly petite, but that makes them all the more fitting for filling an empty entryway or growing gallery wall.

2 / 7
Nordstrom
$78.00

I know, this may feel a little steep for a bath mat... but when you come across the rare fun bath accessory under $100, you bring it home. New to Nordstrom, Quiet Town operates under a mission of making bathrooms less boring. The result? A collection of vibrant, abstract decor that makes a traditionally un-glamorous room feel much less so. Everything’s also handcrafted and super high-quality, which really makes this price all the more appealing.

3 / 7
Jayson Home
$78.00

If you kept up with our Small/Cool event earlier this year, you may recognize this fancy-looking fixture from the “Warm Minimalism” room that Bobby Berk designed. If not, get acquainted ASAP: Handmade on an Indonesian island from reclaimed teak burl wood, the organic piece brings a unique shape to any entryway or console. Know that it’s currently backordered until December, but order now to reserve your newest ultra-chic catchall.

4 / 7
Urban Outfitters
$79.00

$79 gets you a small roll of this ultra-cool peel-and-stick wallpaper, but you don't need a full floor-to-ceiling makeover (unless you want one!). Cover up a tiny corner, DIY a shape above your bar cart, or frame a fraction of the print.

5 / 7
Walmart
$79.94

I can’t emphasize this enough — RUN, do not walk — to get this piece from Walmart. At first glance, you’d think it might set you back a few hundred dollars, but you’ll be pleased to know the glorious gilded cart costs less than $80. Two shelves mean there’s plenty of drink- and glass-storing potential. Plus, you can tuck up to three bottles away within its built-in rings. The silhouette feels like the cherry on top, too, with pretty rounded shapes all over.

6 / 7
Amazon
$95.00

Affordable accent chairs may seem like an oxymoron, but Amazon has risen to the occasion (in style, no less). If you’re looking to up the ante on your seat situation, this pink velvet one feels like a win-win-win: It’s comfortable, curved, and arguably very cool. Stick to just one next to your living room sofa or pulled up to a vanity, or — if you have the space — go for a pair of mix-and-match colors.

7 / 7
Wayfair
$99.99

Does anyone else still get surprised over how expensive good-looking bookcases can be!? Enter this ladder style from Wayfair which, from front-on, looks like a budget-friendly dupe of CB2’s popular white stairway version. Especially perfect for small rooms and cozy crannies, the wall-mounted piece boasts six shelves and a classic-meets-contemporary look. So much styling potential awaits — especially pulling accessories from the lower price buckets of this article... hint, hint!