We’ve all been there: excited to shop for a new sofa, coffee table, or any other piece of furniture, only to be disappointed by the price tag. Decorating a room can be tough when your desires and budget don’t match. However, you can still make any space look luxurious without breaking the bank.
Here are their top six tips:
Add Window Treatments

Bare windows can look unfinished, but dressing them up with drapes offers numerous benefits. Besides providing privacy and controlling sunlight, window treatments can make your ceilings seem higher and your space more refined.
Julie Mitchiner of JAM Interior Design suggests using window treatments to elevate a room’s look. “Drapery adds a finishing touch that makes a room feel complete,” she says.
Worried about the cost of drapes? Mitchiner assures that you don’t need custom-made ones to achieve a luxurious feel. Velvet panels can give a warm, lavish touch. Start with communal areas like your living and dining rooms.
Texture, Texture, and More Texture

According to Kathy Kuo, adding a variety of luxurious fabrics, even faux ones, can make your space look more expensive. “I love incorporating different textures to give a room an upscale, sophisticated feel,” she says.
Consider velvet pillows, cashmere throw blankets, and hair-on-hide rugs—items that invite touch. “Smaller accent pieces can instantly elevate a room and give it a sophisticated, luxurious vibe,” Kuo explains.
Cut Out Clutter

Think about a pile of junk mail on your dining table or a nightstand cluttered with water glasses. Do those spaces scream “expensive” to you?
“Less is more when decorating,” says Cassie Fruggiero, a real estate agent with Cutter Luxe Living. “Clutter makes a space feel smaller and uninviting.”
To make any room feel more luxurious, take time to declutter. Evaluate everything on display, from coffee table books to kitchen appliances to shoes in your entryway. Showcasing fewer, more meaningful items is budget-friendly and visually calming.
Showcase an Oversized Vase

To give a room a luxurious feel, display a standout vase with a striking floral arrangement—the bigger, the better.
“Add a large vase, the kind you see in hotels and restaurants,” says entertaining expert and cookbook author Odette Williams. “Even in a small space, this can create great splendor.”
A Little Light Makes a Big Difference

Lighting is a “two birds, one stone” situation. It’s functional and can also serve as a stunning art piece.
“A decorative sconce can make a significant impact on an empty wall and add a touch of luxury to any room, or a sculptural lamp can double as a piece of art,” says Leslie Dapper, lead designer at Rumor Designs. Best of all, there are plenty of budget-friendly options.
Sam Lund of Simply Sam agrees. “Lighting often becomes the focal point of a room, adding elegance, style, and a touch of fun,” she says. “It’s a quick way to transform a space on any budget.”
Add a Rug—and Then Another

Rugs bring color, pattern, warmth, and a soft landing for your feet. The benefits of adding a rug to any space—whether it’s a living room, hallway, or bedroom—are numerous, including making a room look more expensive, even if the rug was a bargain.
“Rugs can make any room look put together, creating a more thoughtful and intentional space,” says Lund. Plus, your cold feet will appreciate it.
Conclusion
Making a room look luxurious doesn’t have to be expensive. By incorporating elements like window treatments, textured fabrics, oversized vases, strategic lighting, and stylish rugs, you can create a sophisticated and inviting space on any budget. With these tips from interior design experts, you can achieve a high-end look that feels both comfortable and elegant.