People Who Stage Homes Say These Are The Smartest Upgrades You Can Make Under $35

According to Ashley Stinson, a Showhomes Elevated franchisee in Denver, Colorado, window treatments are one of the most common eyesores. “Plastic blinds, uneven curtains, and panels hung too low can make a room feel less finished,” Stinson said. On the other hand, “simple full-length panels can instantly make a room feel taller and more considered.” These full-length curtains look like linen and have three options for hanging: a back tab, a rod pocket, and ring clips.

Achieve a custom drapery look without a sewing machine. “Pro tip: Use double-stick hemming tape from a craft store and iron down the seam to instantly hem up extra-long panels,” said Ashley Stinson, a Showhomes Elevated franchisee in Denver, Colorado. This double-sided fabric tape uses an oil-based adhesive, so it doesn’t require sewing or ironing.

Ashley Stinson (a Showhomes Elevated franchisee in Denver, Colorado) also recommends “removing most small decor and replacing it with fewer, larger-scale pieces,” like an oversized bowl, which feels “more elevated.” Handmade from bamboo with spun woodgrain on the inside and a moody color on the outside, this eco-friendly bowl is about as elevated as they come. It also functions as practical countertop decor for displaying fruit or serving bread.

“One of my biggest pet peeves is builder-grade frameless glass mirrors above bathroom vanities,” said Ashley Stinson, a Showhomes Elevated franchisee in Denver, Colorado. You can either replace them with stylish framed mirrors, or you can create a DIY border on the cheap with this woodgrain tape. Made from durable PVC, its self-adhesive backing sticks to most surfaces, and it comes in several shades and thicknesses.

“Many of the heavy, flowing shower curtains used in nice hotels are not pricey curtains but rather two inexpensive ones combined: a fabric curtain and a liner,” said Shelly Moss-Chaney, president at Overland Park Models. This shower curtain looks a lot more expensive than it is thanks to its linen-like texture, embroidered vertical design, and tassel trim. It’s also machine-washable and easy to pair with a liner.

Shelly Moss-Chaney (president at Overland Park Models) recommends hanging your curtain and your liner with roller hooks to “give your bathroom a luxury feel.” These roller hooks are double-sided to accommodate both layers easily, made from stainless steel for rust-resistant durability, and fitted with smooth-gliding roller balls to reduce noise and friction.

According to Shelly Moss-Chaney, president at Overland Park Models, professionals usually stage their homes at dusk because of a technique called “the shadow audit.” Moss-Chaney said, “Once the dark sets in, switch off all overhead lights and examine your house with lamps only. Whatever looks cluttered, harsh, or awkward in lamplight —remove them. They’ll only look worse in daylight.” These mini crystal table lamps are battery-operated, so you can place them on any surface without worrying about cords.

Shelly Moss-Chaney, president at Overland Park Models, uses this trick before every open house: “Before lighting your candles, pop them in the freezer for about 20 minutes,” said Moss-Chaney. “The cold wax will burn slower and more evenly.” Affordable taper candles suddenly “perform like their much more expensive counterparts,” so they “still look freshly lit hours later.”

“Rechargeable motion sensor lights give built-in cabinets, closets, pantries and other enclosed spaces a custom look with zero wiring required,” said Devyn Kern a New York City real estate advisor with the Kantha Team at SERHANT — and these under-cabinet lights come in a set of four for a great price. They’re also remote-controlled and dimmable with three temperature settings, and they come with adhesive magnetic brackets so you can easily take them down when they need to recharge.

“Large coffee-table books topped with a decorative figurine can easily give a living room, family room, or den an intentionally styled and sophisticated look,” said Devyn Kern (New York City real estate advisor with the Kantha Team at SERHANT), who recommends these decorative books. While they look real thanks to their linen-like covers and gold-foil text, they’re actually hollow inside to disguise your remote controls, store your photos, or stash your valuables.

According to Devyn Kern (a New York City real estate advisor with the Kantha Team at SERHANT), "Cohesive matching storage baskets — especially in areas with open shelving like storage and laundry rooms — wrangle clutter and provide a cleaner aesthetic, reflecting well on the perceived upkeep of the property at large." These chic two-tone storage baskets are woven from cotton rope with a structured yet flexible frame and built-in handles for portability.

"Matching wooden clothes hangers can replace plastic and wire hangers that often don't match, look chaotic, and generally present as low-end,” said Devyn Kern, a New York City real estate advisor with the Kantha Team at SERHANT. “This quick fix will make the closet space feel more boutique hotel-esque.” This recommended set comes in several wooden shades, all with 360-degree rotating chrome hooks and non-slip notches.

Home expert and Command partner Julian Thomas said, "Adding peel-and-stick wall molding is one of my favorite ways to make a home feel more elevated” — and this project can “completely transform a space in a single afternoon (or weekend for the inexperienced)." While they look like 3D wood, these pre-cut molding strips are lightweight, flexible, and paintable with a self-adhesive backing. Each set includes 12 strips to create three wainscoting panels.

Julian Thomas, home influencer and Command partner, also recommends these matchstick lighters, which are filled with butane and have hassle-free switches for easy lighting — but they look like classic matchsticks. “They’re everyday objects, but they’re designed in a way that makes people smile because the form reflects the function,” said Thomas.

"I’m a huge fan of decor that takes its purpose literally,” said DIY and home lifestyle expert and Command partner Julian Thomas, who loves this “catch-all tray that’s shaped like a pair of hands reaching out to hold your keys.” It’s constructed from solid cast iron for weight, durability, and a rust-colored finish. Since they’re “conversation starters, they show a sense of humor, and they feel intentional rather than mass-produced,” they “feel more expensive than they actually are,” said Thomas.

“TVs, nightstands, kitchen counters, and home offices can all look messy simply because of visible charging cables and power cords,” said Julian Thomas, a home lifestyle expert and Command partner. “I recommend spending 15 minutes corralling cords along furniture legs, baseboards, or behind desks,” and these Command cord wraps make the job infinitely easier. They adhere to most smooth surfaces and have large spools and two notches to secure cords up to 6 feet long.

Since people usually associate custom details with high-end homes, "Peel-and-stick wallpaper is one of my favorite ways to transform a space without committing to a renovation,” said JJ Hornig, founder of Roxy Rentals and a hospitality design expert. “I especially love using it in powder rooms, laundry rooms, behind bookshelves, or as an accent wall.” This peel-and-stick wallpaper looks expensive due to its moody color scheme and gold-foil botanical pattern, plus it’s thick, waterproof, and easy to apply.

"Not every room needs fresh flowers. Natural dried stems bring warmth, texture, and an organic feel to a space without any maintenance,” said JJ Hornig (founder of Roxy Rentals and a hospitality design expert), who recommends this natural dried bouquet of red and orange chrysanthemums. “They last for months, making them one of the most affordable ways to add life to an entryway, coffee table, or bedside table."

“Lighting is one of the most overlooked design upgrades,” said JJ Hornig, the founder of Roxy Rentals and a hospitality design expert. “I always recommend warm light bulbs because they instantly make a home feel cozier, more inviting, and more expensive.” These LED Edison bulbs combine a vintage-style spiral filament with a warm-white glow, and their standard E26 base fits most lamps, fixtures, and sconces.

“I love incorporating affordable artwork to add warmth, personality, and a designer feel without a designer price tag,” said JJ Hornig, founder of Roxy Rentals and a hospitality design expert. This Western wall art does exactly that. It features a cowboy-inspired postage print, a striped mat, and a wooden frame with hanging hardware on the back.

“One of my favorite designer tricks is adding rechargeable picture lights above artwork,” said JJ Hornig (founder of Roxy Rentals and a hospitality design expert), who recommends this gold-tone gallery sconce. It lasts for up to 10 hours on one charge, and it has an elongated, brightness-adjustable LED to make your space “feel custom and high-end without hiring an electrician or hardwiring anything.”

“I always tell my clients that it's the little things that can make a world of difference,” said realtor Kellie Martinez, one of Redfin's top agents based in Orange County — and house numbers are among those little things. “Replace dated, rusty numbers or give them a fresh coat of paint if the style is still current." Made from stainless steel with a matte-black finish and raised spacers, these floating house numbers clearly display your address while boosting curb appeal. Get them in any number and a few letters.

“Torn screens are an easy fix with at-home repair patches,” said realtor Kellie Martinez, one of Redfin's top agents based in Orange County. These window screen patches are made from fiberglass with a special self-adhesive glue, so they’re durable, waterproof, temperature-resistant, and easy to apply. Just cut them to size and stick them over holes, rips, and tears to fix damaged screens in seconds.

“Make sure you have a doorbell that actually works,” said realtor Kellie Martinez, one of Redfin's top agents based in Orange County, California. “This is one of the first things people notice when they visit a home, so it's important to make a good impression.” If your home doesn’t have a wired doorbell, a wireless doorbell is a quick, inexpensive fix. This one includes a waterproof self-adhesive button and a receiver that works from up to 1,000 feet away. You can also choose between 58 chimes and five volume levels.

“For renters, I love plug-in sconces,” said Ashley Stinson, a Showhomes Elevated franchisee in Denver, Colorado. They add brightness and charm to a space without any intricate wiring, and this plug-in wall sconce looks like it was always there thanks to its amber Lily of the Valley glass shade and gold-tone metal base. It even has a length-adjustable cord for a custom drop above side tables, beside vanity mirrors, and along hallways.

“Lighting has a huge impact because it sits in your line of sight and affects how the entire room feels,” said Ashley Stinson, a Showhomes Elevated franchisee in Denver, Colorado. “One of the simplest updates is replacing dated light fixtures or ceiling fans with something more sculptural and streamlined.” This modern ceiling light combines a gold-tone base with a chic frosted glass shade. It’s compatible with any E26 bulb, and according to reviewers, the installation process was super easy.

“Rugs that are too small are one of the most common mistakes I see,” said Ashley Stinson, a Showhomes Elevated franchisee in Denver, Colorado. “A larger rug helps furniture feel grounded and makes a room feel more expensive because the composition feels complete.” This elegant area rug comes in tons of sizes for surprisingly low prices. Its high-low pile creates a minimalist geometric design, and it’s washable despite its anti-slip rubber backing.

According to realtor Kellie Martinez (one of Redfin's top agents based in Orange County), a mirror is a huge game-changer, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot: “A well-placed mirror reflects light and makes a room feel larger,” said Martinez. Available in four metallic finishes to match your existing fixtures, this circular brass mirror looks a lot more expensive than it is. It also comes in several sizes and includes all the hardware you need for installation.

According to Ashley Stinson (a Showhomes Elevated franchisee in Denver, Colorado), “A beautiful room can quickly feel messy if there are visible cords under consoles, nightstands, or desks.” This adhesive cord cover helps you subtly reroute wires along walls or floors. It’s made from flexible PVC with a rounded top to prevent tripping, a self-adhesive bottom to keep it in place, and a hollow channel to fit cords of most thicknesses.

“Cord covers, cable boxes, and intentional outlet placement can make a space feel much cleaner without requiring a major investment,” continued Ashley Stinson, a Showhomes Elevated franchisee in Denver, Colorado. This cable-management box is made from elegant-looking acacia wood to disguise cord clutter. It also has a roomy interior to fit most power strips and carefully placed cut-outs for wire feeding and ventilation.

"One of the biggest visual distractions in any home is cord clutter,” said Julian Thomas, a home influencer and Command partner. “I think the rise of open shelving and open storage has made this even more noticeable.” Each of these Command charger clips has flexible tabs that hold up to five cords of most thicknesses. They also adhere to your desk, wall, or open shelving with the four included Command strips, which are designed to remove without a trace.

“A decorative tray on bathroom countertops is an attractive way to tidy soaps, lotions, cups, and candles,” said Devyn Kern, a New York City real estate advisor with the Kantha Team at SERHANT, “and can make even an everyday bathroom feel more like a luxury hotel.” Made from real Rosso Lepanto marble, this oval-shaped vanity tray has a raised rim to contain its contents and silicone pads on the bottom to prevent scratches and slipping.

Before showing your home, realtor Kellie Martinez (one of Redfin's top agents based in Orange County) recommends that you “deep clean everything — including windows.” This viral screen cleaner helps you wash your screens without taking them out or hosing them off. Its tiny fibers reach into the mesh to remove dirt, pollen, and dust. You can use it wet or dry, and it comes with an attachable handle for extra reach.

Another common eyesore that detracts from a home’s aesthetic? "Garage and closet clutter,” said realtor Kellie Martinez, one of Redfin's top agents based in Orange County. I have this wall-mounted broom holder in my utility closet, and it’s a complete game-changer. Its spring-loaded grips hold handles of most sizes (including my vacuum handle), while its flip-down hooks are great for smaller items, like brushes, dusters, hand tools, and gardening supplies.

Garage clutter is “one of the biggest distractions I run into with clients,” said realtor Kellie Martinez, one of Redfin's top agents based in Orange County. These 7-liter clear bins help you organize tools, toys, art supplies, keepsakes, and holiday decor once and for all. They’re also transparent for visibility and have latching lids with flip-up handles for stacking and transporting.

"I also like stuffed animal nets you can hang up,” said realtor Kellie Martinez, one of Redfin's top agents based in Orange County. This corner hammock has a macrame design with wooden beads and cute tassels, making it a storage solution that doubles as wall-mounted decor. It’s woven from cotton and even comes with a strand of battery-operated star lights.

“Suction bags are great for blankets and fluffy things you don't use regularly,” said realtor Kellie Martinez, one of Redfin's top agents based in Orange County. These space-saver bags come with a hand pump, though they’re also compatible with most vacuums. Simply fill them with seasonal clothes, winter coats, or bedding, zip them up, and suck out the excess air to save up to 80% more space. They’re also dust-resistant and waterproof to protect your items in attics, basements, and crawlspaces.

Kellie Martinez (one of Redfin's top realtors based in Orange County) suggests disguising clutter in a large, stylish basket, which “instantly makes a home feel larger and more well-maintained." This woven basket is surprisingly affordable, especially since its cotton-rope construction looks so chic and its roomy interior holds up to 60 liters of clothes, blankets, pillows, and toys. It also has reinforced handles for portability.

Looking for a small DIY job that makes a big impact in kitchens and bathrooms? “Refresh cabinet hardware with new knobs or pulls,” said realtor Kellie Martinez, one of Redfin's top agents based in Orange County. These cabinet pulls have a gently tapered silhouette with soft curves, making them both modern and timeless. They’re made from zinc alloy for lightweight durability, and they come in several sizes and finishes to suit most cabinets.

According to realtor Kellie Martinez (one of Redfin's top agents based in Orange County), you can “spray paint worn outdoor furniture instead of replacing it.” It’ll save you money and help you elevate your outdoor space on a budget. This Rust-Oleum hammered spray paint uses an oil-based formula that refreshes color, hides imperfections, and protects your outdoor items against fading, rust, and chipping. Use it on metal, wood, masonry, or concrete surfaces.

For a professional finish along molding, baseboards, windows, and doors, use “painter's caulk to freshen gaps around trim,” said Kellie Martinez, one of Redfin's top realtors based in Orange County. This brand uses an acrylic latex formula for a smooth finish without discoloration, shrinking, or brush marks. It’s also easy to clean up when wet, paint-ready in as little as 30 minutes, and low-odor for indoor use.

“Organizing systems tend to fail because they only solve one level of the problem,” said Julian Thomas (a DIY and home expert and Command partner), who’s a "big proponent of putting boxes into boxes into another box.” For example, this three-tier storage box has 16 smaller compartments inside, so you can organize jewelry, craft supplies, hardware, makeup, and more. It’s also transparent with sturdy latches and a flip-up handle for visibility and portability.

“Instead of tossing a bunch of loose items into one large bin, create smaller categories inside of it using trays, pouches, or smaller containers,” said Julian Thomas, a DIY influencer and Command partner. “You spend less time digging around, and it’s much easier to maintain." These hard-shell zipper pouches are a great size for toys, makeup, charging cables, and art supplies, plus they’re transparent with color-coded labels so you can easily identify the contents.

Julian Thomas, lifestyle expert and Command partner, also recommends using trays to create visual boundaries: “Grouping items that you have on a countertop or dresser together on a tray makes the space feel calmer and more intentional because your eye reads it as one organized collection instead of several unrelated objects.” With its seagrass construction and scalloped trim, this rattan tray turns your clutter into a work of art. It also has built-in handles.

Julian Thomas, home expert and Command partner, uses smart bulbs every day “to warm up a room for movie nights, brighten it when I’m filming content, or create a completely different mood depending on who I have over. It’s one of the few affordable upgrades to add color and transform a space instantly without changing any of the decor or painting!" Despite their affordable price tag, these smart bulbs are compatible with Alexa and Google Home for voice control, let you choose between 16 million colors, and have the ability to sync up with music for a dynamic lightshow.