12 Relaxing, $20-or-Less Home Decor Essentials for Peak Serenity

published Aug 9, 2023
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Credit: Vitruvi, Ikea, Target

Level up your next chill day at home with our guide to having your best low-key home sesh ever. This content is presented in partnership with La-Z-Boy; it was created independently by our editorial team.

After long days of work or basking in the sun, there’s nothing better than spending a night at home to rest and recover. After all, saying no to plans can be the ultimate form of self-care — especially in a world where it feels like we should be doing something all the time. 

The key to a perfect low-key evening? A cozy ambience to help you soothe away any stress. That means plenty of mood lighting, calming accessories, and snuggly blankets and pillows. Ahead, we rounded up the best calming decor essentials for a relaxing night in — that you can order online from the comfort of your own home. Plus, every item on the list costs $20 or less, so you might even pick several to set your R&R scene. 

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Target
$16.00

A flickering candle instantly creates an intimate, cozy vibe. This 15-ounce option from Threshold has warm notes of amber, rose, and geranium. With its three-wick design and 20-hour burn time, the scent is sure to permeate your space for hours. The wax is set in a minimalist ceramic jar to seamlessly blend with any decor you already have.

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Amazon
$13.59

Not a fan of flames? This reed diffuser has refreshing hints of mandarin and cotton. Plus, it comes with preserved flowers for a cute, decorative touch. The overall look is elegant and sleek — it's a luxurious accompaniment to self-care rituals, whether you’re soaking in a bath or reading in bed.

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Target
$18.00

Mood lighting is vital, and these unique string lights certainly meet the mark. Each bulb is encapsulated by a rattan globe shade, casting pretty mirages of golden light across your space. The soft glow is more calming than overhead lighting, and the natural textures ground the senses. Wrap the lights around your bed frame, hang them over a reading nook, or string them over your balcony.

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Amazon
$19.99

This portable table lamp illuminates a room without any harsh glare. The pared-back design softens any space with its curved edges and neutral tones. It’s also dimmable, so you can adjust it to your preferred brightness level. The lamp is touch-activated for easy navigation — it can change hues to match with your mood or auto-cycle through the different colors!

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Target
$15.00

Whether you’re watching a movie or getting lost in a book, wrapping yourself in a fluffy blanket always makes a night in cozier. This throw features a mosaic-like pattern with warm, cheery hues to bring in a pop of color. It’s also soft to the touch and made with midweight fabric so you won’t sweat as you snuggle.

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Target
$20.00

Sink into comfort with this fluffy pillow, whether you have it propped on the couch or your bed. This faux fur option is coated in plush fabric and set in creamy tones, so it complements any color palette. Another great feature? The faded print keeps it looking cozy and tasteful, rather than leaning kitschy like other animal prints.

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IKEA
$13.99

Romanticize your night in with this dreamy lantern crafted with a dotted diamond pattern to cast a shimmery glow across surfaces. You can place a pillar candle or flameless tea lights inside to achieve the effect. Plus, it comes with an attached handle for easy maneuvering if you want to transport it to different rooms.

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Crate & Barrel
$12.95

For a cozy vibe that won’t burn out quickly, get your hands on flameless tea lights. This set of six flickers, providing the same glowy effect as normal candles — without the fire hazard. Scatter them throughout your room for a dreamy ambience, or place them in lanterns and jars.

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IKEA
$17.99

A night in isn’t complete without snacks. This pack of four porcelain bowls is decorated in a seaside palette, complete with floral motifs, striped patterns, and speckled glazes. Their petite size makes them easy to hold onto with one hand, so your other is free to pick a show or play cards. You can even pair the bowls with IKEA’s matching tumblers and plates for a full set.

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Vitruvi
$13.99

Put a couple drops of essential oil in your bath, on your pillow, or in a diffuser for a soothing sensory experience. This scent from Vitruvi is like a walk through the forest, marrying woodsy and refreshing aromas. The oil is all-natural with no synthetic fragrances, which makes it ideal for sensitive noses.

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Target
$7.00

This bright yet earthy mug will become a new favorite in your collection. Adorned with images of birds and fruit in soothing green and orange hues, use it for tea, hot cocoa, or coffee to warm you up.

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Amazon
$17.99

Dried pampas grass is a great alternative to flowers, as it lasts a lifetime rather than a few weeks. Plus, it grounds the senses with its fluffy textures and natural tones. This one comes with 90 pieces for a bountiful bouquet, as well as a ribbed porcelain vase to house them. Set it on a bookshelf or coffee table for an earthy accent.