transformation month

5 Stylish, Teeny Tiny Ways to Transform Your Living Room (Under $50!)

Written by

Blair DonovanSenior Editor of Style at Apartment Therapy
Blair DonovanSenior Editor of Style at Apartment Therapy
As AT’s Senior Style Editor, I cover the latest interior design trends, expert decorating ideas, and must-see home products. Whenever I’m not keeping tabs on the next TikTok “core” or buzzy IKEA collection, I’m most likely reading, online shopping, or looking for the best tacos in New York (recs are encouraged).
published Sep 16, 2022
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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Your living room is arguably one of, if not the most, frequently inhabited spots in your home, seeing you through movie marathons, game night hosting, takeout dinners, or even a great nap sesh. Because it’s such a lived-in, high-traffic space, being around the same setup day in and day out can start to feel, well, a little stale. Honestly, no matter the square footage, it’s only natural to crave an occasional design change or two.

No need to add a new sofa to your cart, though: Rather than an expensive, start-from-scratch overhaul, little updates can actually make a huge redecorating difference. In fact, I rounded up some of the best living room decor items under $50 that can glam up any surface or seating arrangement for an overall fresh, brand-new vibe. Think luxe-looking throw pillows, decorative objects, small-space-friendly lighting, and chic storage.

1 / 5
Urban Outfitters
$12.00

Small but mighty, this lidded box is actually made of paper mâché, giving off a handcrafted, one-of-a-kind allure. It’s a design-savvy starting point for leaning into the checkerboard trend; plus, it’ll offer a fun pop of color and pattern for any bookshelf, cabinet, coffee table, and beyond. Not to mention, it’s also a functional storage spot.

2 / 5
West Elm
$42.00
was $52.50

Handwoven by artisans in India, this worn-in-looking, Turkish-inspired pillow feels straight out of an antique store (minus the cost, of course!). The dark tones and geometric pattern can perk up any sofa or armchair, regardless of coloring, although it also comes in a lighter-hued version, too, if that's more your speed. With the current limited-time offer — $42, down from $52.50 — stock up on a pair or even mixing and matching both colorways.

3 / 5
Rugs USA
$49.90
was $124.80

Believe it or not, Rugs USA is a hidden shopping gem for… lamps. Exhibit A? This scaled-down, table-sized take on a globe lamp, which I love for its unique angular design, three-pronged base, and sub-$50 sale price. The modern fixture comes fully room-enhancing ready, whether you place it on a side table or low-slung TV stand, with its included LED bulb on for instant ambient living room light.

4 / 5
H&M
$34.99

Never underestimate the power of a simple glass accent, from candle-covering cloches to this sizable H&M vase. Measuring 10.25 inches in diameter and 9.75 inches tall, this pair with anything piece sets the foundation for your next living room focal point or dining table centerpiece. Fill with water and your favorite blooms, style a sculptural dried eucalyptus display, or even leave it as-is for an elegant coffee table book topper. It’s perfect for collecting and storing leftover wine bottle corks or pretty restaurant matchbooks, too, and comes in a matching smaller size (also pictured above) for just $12.99.

5 / 5
Anthropologie
$38.00

This is another classic-looking piece that I’m drawn to for its versatility above all. The beautifully-shaped terracotta pitcher (which low key resembles an ancient Grecian artifact or something of that nature) works well as a standalone decorative object or a makeshift vase. Either way, there’s hardly a better accent to fill any empty living room surfaces while incorporating an extra element of height.

This piece is part of Transformation Month, where we’re showing off amazing home makeovers, brilliant tiny tweaks, inspiring before & afters, and so much more. Head on over here to see it all!