1. Plastic Furniture Covers
Sure, Grandma’s floral couch might be “protected,” but plastic covers scream cheap and outdated. They’re uncomfortable, noisy, and ruin the cozy vibe your home should have. Instead, opt for furniture-friendly slipcovers if you’re worried about spills or stains. These come in a variety of modern fabrics and patterns to complement your style without sacrificing function. A welcoming home doesn’t sound like you’re opening a bag of chips every time someone sits down.
2. Overly Matchy-Matchy Furniture Sets
Buying a whole living room set from a big-box store might feel like the easy way out, but it lacks personality. A room that looks straight out of a catalog often comes across as uninspired and cheap. Instead, mix and match furniture styles, textures, and finishes to create a space that feels curated over time. A vintage coffee table paired with a sleek modern sofa can elevate your space effortlessly. The goal is cohesion, not uniformity.
3. Excessive Fake Plants
Fake plants are okay in moderation, but when your house starts looking like a plastic jungle, it cheapens the whole space. Many fake plants also collect dust, which doesn’t help the look (or air quality). If you’re not great with real plants, consider low-maintenance ones like snake plants, pothos, or succulents. Real greenery adds life and freshness that plastic alternatives simply can’t. Plus, it’s far more impressive to guests.
4. Wall-to-Wall Posters Without Frames
Posters taped to the wall might work for a dorm room, but they don’t belong in a grown-up home. Art, even inexpensive prints, deserves to be displayed properly. Invest in simple frames or wall-mounted clips to instantly upgrade your wall decor. If you’re on a budget, thrift stores often have affordable frames you can repurpose. Your space will feel polished and intentional with very little effort.
5. Outdated Light Fixtures
That builder-grade chandelier from the ‘90s isn’t doing you any favors. Outdated light fixtures are one of the first things guests notice, and they can make even a beautiful space feel behind the times. Thankfully, swapping out a fixture is an affordable upgrade with a huge payoff. Modern pendant lights, sconces, or statement chandeliers can instantly breathe new life into your rooms. Don’t underestimate the power of good lighting—it’s like jewelry for your home.
6. Worn or Mismatched Towels in the Bathroom
Old, stained, or mismatched towels in a guest bathroom scream neglect. It’s a small detail, but fresh, fluffy towels make a big impact. Opt for solid, neutral colors (like white or gray) that look clean and spa-like. To keep them looking their best, wash towels regularly and avoid fabric softener, which can make them less absorbent. Your guests will notice—and appreciate—the effort.
7. Cluttered Open Shelving
Open shelves can look stunning when styled well, but when they’re overfilled or unorganized, they look messy and cheap. Treat open shelving as a chance to showcase your personality through carefully curated decor. Mix functional items like dishes or books with decorative pieces such as vases, art, and plants. Aim for balance, leaving space between objects to keep it airy and clean. Remember, less is more.
8. Cheap Rugs That Don’t Fit the Space
An undersized, low-quality rug can throw off the entire look of a room. Rugs ground a space, and when they’re too small or look worn, they instantly cheapen the vibe. For living rooms, the rug should be large enough to fit under the front legs of your furniture. If your budget is tight, look for affordable rugs in durable materials like jute or sisal. A well-sized rug elevates a room and makes everything feel intentional.
9. Excessive Family Photos
We love family memories, but covering every surface and wall with framed photos can overwhelm a space and make it feel cluttered. Instead, choose a few meaningful photos to display in beautiful frames or create a gallery wall for a polished look. For a more modern touch, consider mixing art or mirrors with your photos. Keep it balanced—you want your space to tell a story, not scream it.
10. Plastic Blinds
Plastic or bent aluminum blinds are not only outdated but also cheapen the overall aesthetic of a room. Swap them out for more stylish window treatments like wooden blinds, Roman shades, or linen curtains. Even affordable curtain panels can add texture and sophistication. The right window treatments soften a room, provide privacy, and elevate your space in a big way. It’s a simple upgrade with a major impact.
11. Too Much Faux Marble or Granite
There’s nothing wrong with budget-friendly surfaces, but excessive faux marble or granite often looks, well…fake. Whether it’s countertops, stick-on wallpaper, or furniture pieces, low-quality faux materials rarely fool anyone. If you’re updating surfaces, consider alternatives like butcher block, quartz, or even painted concrete for a modern look. Sometimes less “glam” materials can make your space feel more authentic and high-end.
12. Visible Cords and Wires Everywhere
Nothing disrupts a clean, stylish space faster than a tangle of cords and wires. Whether it’s TV cables, charging stations, or lamps, exposed wires look messy and cheap. Use cable management solutions like cord covers, zip ties, or even decorative boxes to keep things neat. Mount your TV or use furniture to conceal wires for a cleaner look. Small tweaks here can make a huge difference.
13. Cheap Plastic Hardware and Fixtures
Doorknobs, cabinet pulls, and faucets might seem minor, but cheap plastic ones can drag down the whole aesthetic of your home. Swap them out for metal or matte-finished options in black, bronze, or gold tones. Hardware upgrades are relatively inexpensive, and you can install them yourself for an instant refresh. These small details can make your home look polished, intentional, and far from “builder-basic.”
14. Crowded Rooms with Oversized Furniture
A huge sectional in a small living room can overwhelm the space and make it look cluttered and cheap. It’s important to scale furniture to the size of the room and leave breathing space for a balanced look. Opt for slimmer silhouettes, multi-functional furniture, or pieces with exposed legs to create visual openness. A room that flows well automatically feels more high-end and inviting.
15. Bad Paint Jobs
Peeling, uneven, or drab paint is one of the fastest ways to cheapen your space. Even the nicest furniture can’t save a room with bad walls. Invest time in prepping, priming, and using quality paint for a clean, professional finish. If you’re not confident in your painting skills, hiring a pro might be worth it for high-traffic areas. A fresh coat of paint in the right color can transform your space instantly—no splurge required.
