Easy ways to spruce up your home under $250
Making a house (or apartment) a home is no small investment. And it’s likely people are feeling the pressure to redecorate more than ever these days. Homes are no longer just a personal sanctuary: They’re an office, a self-care spa, a Friday night date spot, a childcare center, etc. Thankfully when your space is in need of a sprucing, there are plenty of under-$250 décor options available.
That said, all of the affordable pieces below brighten up any living space, either with vibrant colors, playful designs, or, in the more literal sense, lightbulbs. Most serve a function too, such as a midcentury credenza for organizing or an artful tea kettle to brew your favorite morning beverage. Ahead, shop all 11 of the best home finds to give your kitchen, living room, or any other multi-functional nook in your home a much-deserved zhuzh.
MORE: Home decor finds under $250 – seriously worth it
Have you seen a more charming, little lamp? Named aptly after famous painter Jackson Pollack, the paint splatter (Pollack's signature) nicely contrasts against the brass hardware and ceramic body.
SHOP: Jackson Splatter Table Lamp, Ivory/Blue, $95, available at One Kings Lane
Mirrors are known to open up a room but there’s no rule that you must choose one big reflective piece to do so. This set of four, abstract-shaped mirrors gives you the option to personalize the final look and position them however you please. Not to mention, reposition them a few months later if you want to ever-so-slightly switch things up.
SHOP: Linneah Modern Mirrors, Set of 4, Was $425, Now $224.40, available at Macy's
Plants make any room feel more lively and fresh. But if your green thumb is out of commission, there’s no shame in scooping up a faux option. It’ll still provide the verdant vibes, but you’ll never feel bad if you go on vacation and forget to get a plant-sitter.
SHOP: 4ft. Potted Fiddle-Leaf Fig Tree by Ashland®, $47.99, available at Michael's
Be it a bathroom or bedroom, any space in the home can benefit from a bit of tranquility. And that’s exactly what this beach-side print evokes. The soft colors and gentle ripple of waves make for a beautiful scene. Plus, it’s scientifically supported that merely looking at a picture of water can help make you feel more serene. It’s something to keep in mind when you can’t make it to the beach in person.
SHOP: Malibu California Beach Framed Art Print, Was $44.99, Now $37.19, available at Society 6
Some of the best pieces of décor also make life a little easier. Case in point: this sleek midcentury modern credenza. It’s your new pièce de résistance where you’ll have lots of storage inside to organize a miscellaneous mess of items. Meanwhile, the outside can remain minimal with a couple of candlesticks, an elegant vase, or whatever else you’d like to display on top.
SHOP: Carson Carrington Cassandra Modern Two-Tone Bookmatch Buffet, $215.98, available at Overstock
Even in the smallest apartments or tiniest room of your house, a colorful rug can make a world of difference. For example, this style features an asymmetrical pattern and neutral tones. It’ll become a focal point for the room but also complement most other pieces of décor.
SHOP: StyleHaven Coronado Faceted Geometric Rug, $88.39, available at Kohl's
Finnish design house Marimekko makes some of the most bright, colorful, whimsical textiles that can be seen across clothing and home décor alike. And if you’re not personally a fan of bold clothing, perhaps the vibrant, red flowers of this Unikko pattern teapot will be more your speed. Think of it as a statement accessory for your kitchen, one that’ll spark a little joy every time you prepare a cup of tea.
SHOP: Marimekko Unikko Teapot, $115, available at Marimekko
Dusen Dusen is another brand whose playful prints span clothing and home. The Brooklyn-based company’s collection of stripes and multi-color towels are not to be missed, but if you want to change the look of your living room without investing in a new couch or chair, look no further than the brand’s throw pillows. This face design will contrast other textiles and pop against a more muted palette.
SHOP: Face Pillow, $74, available at Dusen Dusen
Made in India through fair-trade production, this set of vases is a home purchase to feel good about. The design is quite minimal with its matte black exterior, making it the perfect vessel for filling with dried flowers or a few lush leaves. Of course, you can also leave it empty and admire the set from atop a table or bookshelf.
SHOP: Black Waxed Metal Vase Set, $159, available at Jungalow
Consider this a very special kitchen upgrade for the most advanced home bakers. Created by glass artisans in Poland, this cake stand by Estelle Colored Glass is a beautiful, delicate design to keep on display on the kitchen counter. It’s also a worthy platform for showcasing your latest homemade confection.
SHOP: Estelle Cake Stand, $225, available at Estelle Colored Glass
Not only is a set of fabric napkins a more eco-friendly option compared to paper, but frankly they’re also a lot nicer to look at. Particularly when it comes to this design by another fashion-and-home brand, Simon Miller. The sunny florals of this pattern feel especially optimistic and cheery. Try using them any old day of the week, not just the ones when you’re expecting company.
SHOP: Casa Napkin Set, $50, available at Simon Miller
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