I’m a Designer & I Swear by These Expensive-Looking Things Under $30 for Your Home on Amazon

"Every home needs a great coffee table book," says Carolyn Cerminara, founder and principal designer at Cerminara Design. But here’s the best part — these faux books double as hidden storage for tucking away remotes, coasters, or other small items. The muted sage and beige tones add a chic, sophisticated touch, while the linen covers and gold lettering give a nod to famous artists.

“It’s all about making the space look polished without sacrificing function," Cerminara emphasizes, and these elegant and practical decor books do exactly that.

“No matter what the weather is like outside, there’s always that moment in the week when you just want to cozy up on the sofa and catch up on TV,” says Cerminara. That’s where this luxurious throw blanket comes in — super plush and soft, it’s ideal for those moments of relaxation. Crafted from faux rabbit fur, whether you’re using it or just stying it, it’s cozy-comfortable. “I would just drape it loosely over an armchair for a chic, effortless look,” Cerminara suggests.

“As a designer, I’m always on the lookout for those little touches that make a big difference, and these glasses are a great find,” says Cerminara. These double-walled glass mugs are both stylish and practical, keeping your drink hot or cold while staying cool to the touch. “They feel luxurious and are perfect for everything from your morning coffee to an evening dessert,” Cerminara adds.

Made from heat-resistant borosilicate glass — that’s both lightweight and incredibly durable — the double-wall design gives these a unique look while preventing messy condensation. Plus, they’re dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe.

“When I'm designing a living room, one item I always consider essential is a drinks table,” says Cerminara. “Depending on the room's size, I often recommend having more than one. They're incredibly versatile and crucial for creating a functional, stylish space.”

This modern minimalist table is a great example, with a 20-inch tabletop featuring a high edge that keeps everything secure. The sleek, white surface paired with beechwood legs adds a touch of Nordic charm to your decor. Easy to assemble in under 10 minutes, it’s an ideal accent for any spot where you want both style and functionality.

“For your kitchen or bath, these hand towels are great quality and add a touch of texture to either room,” says Jennifer Guerin, interior designer and color expert at JG Color Studios. Made from 100% organic cotton, these Turkish hand towels are ultra-soft and absorbent, making them ideal for everyday use. The tasseled edges and shuttle-loomed design add a chic, decorative flair that pairs beautifully with most styles of decor.

“When it's warm outside and you won’t be using your fireplace, we love placing these inside the fireplace,” says Guerin, who recommends this set of nine flameless LED candles. “They are also great for putting in outdoor lanterns to add ambiance to a front porch or back patio area.”

Made from real wax with a flickering light effect, these candles provide the same warm glow as traditional ones, but with the safety and convenience of battery-powered LEDs. Complete with a remote control and timer function, they’re ideal for indoor or outdoor use, without the risk of open flames.

Veiko Kallas, founder and interior designer at JALG, describes these candle holders as “a great choice for adding sophistication to any room.” He adds, “They come in various heights, which creates a beautiful layered effect with candlelight on tables or shelves.”

Made from high-quality metal with a sleek matte black finish, they blend seamlessly with both modern and traditional decor styles. The set includes three different heights to create a dynamic, glowing display in dining areas, living rooms, or any space you want to feel warm and inviting.

“[This bookshelf] is ideal for a contemporary look in your home,” says Kallas. “It creates the illusion that books are floating on the wall, which not only saves space but also adds a stylish touch.”

This floating bookshelf hides its mounting hardware, creating an eye-catching effect that makes your books appear to hover in mid-air. Strong and sturdy, it can hold up to 15 pounds, making it ideal for displaying your favorite reads in a magical fashion.

“These shelves, made from solid wood, offer a rustic charm that works well with both modern and farmhouse decor,” says Kallas. Whether used in bedrooms, living rooms, or kitchens, these floating shelves are ideal for displaying books, plants, picture frames, and other decorative items. The natural wood grain brings warmth and texture to any space, while the sturdy design can hold up to 20 pounds. Easy to install with all hardware included, these shelves combine durability with a sleek, versatile aesthetic.

“Velvet pillow covers are a fantastic way to introduce a sense of opulence without a hefty price tag,” says Elissa Hall, lead designer at Awning. “I particularly love the set by Deconovo, which offers a rich texture and a sophisticated sheen that mimics high-end fabrics.”

These pillow covers are available in a range of deep jewel tones, making them a lovely choice for elevating a neutral sofa, bed, or reading nook. With an invisible zipper for a sleek, polished look, they’re as durable as they are luxurious. Machine washable and incredibly soft, they bring instant sophistication to any space — all for a wildly low price.

“A set of gold-rimmed glassware can instantly dress up your table setting,” says Hall. “It's an easy way to add a bit of glam without committing to a full revamp.” These stemless wine glasses offer both sophistication and durability, crafted from premium borosilicate glass with a distinctive wavy design for a comfortable grip. The elegant gold rim adds a glamorous touch, lovely for special occasions or everyday use.

“Brass candle holders are another versatile item that can add a touch of vintage glamour to any space,” says Hall.

These handcrafted iron taper candle holders feature an antique brass finish and abstract molded shapes, adding a timeless elegance to your decor. Each piece is uniquely crafted using traditional blacksmithing techniques, ensuring no two are exactly alike. They create a beautiful focal point on mantles, dining tables, or sideboards.

This hanging planter provides an elegant option for bringing a pop of greenery and style into your space. “[It] gives any wall an instant modern, geometric flair,” says Chenise Freidus, a home stager at ZFC Real Estate. Its unique angular design, crafted from ceramic and concrete resin with a wire frame, instantly transforms walls. Ideal for small succulents, air plants, or even decorative items, this planter is both lightweight and versatile, making it an easy addition from your bathroom to living areas.

This beautiful serving board combines the elegance of cool marble with the warmth of natural acacia wood, making it both functional and beautiful. “Whether you’re hosting a charcuterie night or simply displaying it on your countertop, this piece adds a touch of timeless luxury to any kitchen without breaking the bank,” says Freidus.

It features a smooth, stain-resistant surface, while the durable wood is gentle on knives. Ideal for serving cheese, fruits, or bread, this board enhances any gathering or kitchen display.

“One product I'd recommend is the set of iridescent wine glasses I discovered on Amazon,” says Ryan Fitzgerald, owner of Raleigh Realty. “These diamond-shaped stemless glasses add a touch of sophistication to any dining table or bar cart. From my perspective, they're a game-changer when it comes to entertaining guests or simply enjoying a relaxing evening at home.”

These beautifully designed glasses feature a unique diamond shape, offering an elegant twist on traditional stemware. The iridescent finish adds a subtle rainbow sheen, elevating a casual night in or a formal dinner party.

“In my line of work, I've seen countless beautiful countertops ruined by careless placement of cooking utensils,” says Ryan Fitzgerald. “This heat-resistant rest not only protects surfaces but also adds a sleek, organized look to the kitchen.”

Available in a variety of colors, this rest keeps your countertops clean with raised edges that catch drips, while four slots hold multiple utensils. Heat-resistant for safe usage close to the stove, and dishwasher-safe for ease, it’s designed to withstand the demands of any kitchen while complementing your decor.

"For those looking to upgrade their kitchen essentials, I've had great success with a complete set of kitchen utensils," says Fitzgerald. "In my opinion, having a cohesive set of utensils instantly makes a kitchen look more put-together and expensive."

This 35-piece kitchen utensil set, made from food-grade silicone, is ideal for daily use. Heat-resistant up to 446 degrees Fahrenheit, these utensils won't melt or scratch nonstick cookware. Featuring solid wood handles that add an elevated touch, this set includes everything from spatulas to measuring cups.

“These sheer curtains are the perfect set for creating a light and airy feel to your space,” says Lisa Welch, founder and president of Welch Design Studios. Made from premium high-twist yarns, their breathable, lightweight fabric adds an elegant finish to any room, from living areas to bedrooms. Easy to install with a dual rod pocket design, these curtains provide gorgeous, filtered sunlight while maintaining privacy.

“This ultra-soft plush bath mat adds a touch of comfort and luxury to your bathroom,” says Welch. Made from super-absorbent shaggy microfiber, it keeps your floors dry while offering a cozy, warm feel underfoot. Its thick, plush pile and gradient color stripe design add a stylish touch, while a durable rubber backing and machine-washable, fade-resistant materials make it a practical choice.

“This wall-leaning blanket ladder is perfect for living rooms and doubles as a decorative towel rack for hanging bathroom towels,” says Welch. With four rungs, this ladder offers a sleek and modern solution for displaying towels, blankets, and linens while utilizing unused corners or awkward spaces. With a lightweight metal construction and anti-slip pads for stability, it’s both stylish and functional.

“The Chicrug soft runner rug is a stylish addition to any bedroom or living room,” says Welch. Made with high-fluff material, this plush rug offers a luxurious feel underfoot while providing a soft landing place for kids and pets alike. Its simple solid-color design is chic and sophisticated, while a nonslip bottom and durable memory foam backing offers both comfort and safety.

“This white ceramic vase is a sleek, modern piece, perfect for adding a minimalist touch,” says Welch. Featuring a unique hollow donut design, these handcrafted vases bring a unique and elegant aesthetic to any room. The frosted surface adds subtle texture, and makes it a perfect partner for dried flowers, pampas grass, or eucalyptus stems.

Crafted from ceramic, these distressed jug-style vases have a versatile aesthetic that complements a variety of decor styles. “This ceramic vase set adds a rustic charm to any space, perfect for decorating table centerpieces and mantle displays,” says Welch. Ideal for use with faux flowers or as standalone statement pieces, this set is versatile enough for living rooms, entryways, or even special occasions like weddings and showers.

Ideal for use under cabinets, in closets, or as accent lighting, these puck lights instantly elevate your space. “These lights are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any room,” says Matt Little, founder and managing director of Festoon House. “They are battery-operated, easy to install, and provide a warm, inviting glow.”

With a wireless remote, dimmer options, and an auto-off timer, these lights are a simple yet stylish solution, whether illuminating dark corners or highlighting artwork.

This macrame plant hanger offers a beautiful handmade aesthetic, perfect for elevating spaces indoors or out. “The natural texture of the macrame adds a touch of warmth and earthiness to your decor, making it feel more inviting,” says Little. “Plus, it’s a great way to bring some greenery into your home, which can improve air quality and add a calming effect.”

With its flexible design, it accommodates various planter sizes, and at 35 inches long, it makes a statement that’s eye-catching but not overwhelming.

Handmade with wood and mason jars — complete with LED lights and ivory faux hydrangeas — these wall sconces add a romantic glow to any space. “These charming pieces come with LED fairy lights and can be used as sconces or simply as decorative accents,” Little affirms. “They bring a rustic, farmhouse feel to any room and are perfect for creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.” The timer function ensures energy efficiency, and you can customize the flowers and lights according to changing seasons or preferences.

Sarah Bronstein, owner of Sukkha Interior Design, says this mushroom lamp will add character to any space. With its unique desert whirlpool design and charming mushroom shape, this handblown glass lamp is more than just a light — it's a work of art. Energy-efficient and eye-friendly, a stepless dimmable function allows you to customize the brightness to suit your needs.

A simple yet elegant way to refresh your space, these brass pulls are made from durable stainless steel. They “[...] give any tired kitchen cabinets, dressers, or nightstands an instant facelift,” says Bronstein. Easy to install, they come with screws included, making it effortless to upgrade your cabinets or furniture with a modern, polished look.

An alternative to more expensive brands, Bronstein says these pillow covers “will make your sofa look like you splurged.” Crafted from 80% natural linen and 20% cotton, these covers offer a soft, breathable, and durable option for year-round use. The soft fringe edges add understated flair, while the stone-washed linen fabric creates a relaxed, lived-in look that gets softer with every wash. They’re suitable for both indoor and outdoor spaces.

With its unique cloud design and smooth ceramic finish, this versatile tray is ideal for holding jewelry, keys, trinkets, and more. “This trendy jewelry tray will bring both function and style into any bathroom, bedroom, or entryway,” Bronstein shares. Made of sturdy, scratch-resistant ceramic, its compact size makes it an eye-catching decor piece while the grooves on the side ensure your items stay in place.

“One of my go-tos is decorative mirrors,” says Tyler Tranni, owner and operator at Tranni Home Remodeling. “You can find gorgeous mirrors under $30 on Amazon that make a space look instantly more luxurious.” This round, sunburst-shaped mirror instantly brings a retro flair to any room. With a high-definition, clear mirror surface, it not only adds elegance but also helps brighten and open up smaller spaces, and its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to hang.

“Warm lighting creates an inviting glow and ambiance,” says Tranni. “I've used LED pendant lights over a kitchen island that looked stunning.” This modern black farmhouse pendant light with a clear glass shade brings a stylish, industrial look to any space. The adjustable hanging fixture makes it versatile for various ceiling heights, and the warm LED glow adds a cozy and inviting feel.

“Another recommendation is accent lighting like string lights or table lamps,” says Tranni. “For table lamps, rounded shapes with metal finishes offer an expensive look.”

This modern touch desk lamp features an antique matte black metal body, lampshade, and base. Its three-way dimmable light provides the ideal brightness for reading or relaxing, while the built-in AC outlet adds convenience for charging devices.

For a string light version of accent lighting, these cluster fairy lights, wrapped in crystal-like resin beads, add an elegant and enchanting glow wherever you place them. Suited for both indoor and outdoor use, their flexible copper wire allows for easy installation along porches, trees, or inside your home. Energy-efficient and cool to the touch, they’re ideal for creating a romantic or festive ambiance with ease.

“Throws, pillows, and rugs are easy ways to add texture that looks high-end without spending a lot,” says Tranni. “Look for materials like crushed velvet, faux fur, and wool.”

These fluffy pillow covers are an affordable yet luxurious addition to your living space. Made from super-soft faux fur with a cozy hand feel, the invisible zipper design makes it easy to insert pillows, while the silky, fluffy fabric offers both comfort and style.

“For rugs, geometric patterns and muted, tonal colors offer style at a lower cost,” says Tranni. Hand-tufted from 100% wool in India, this Scandinavian-inspired accent rug features a bold yet simple diamond pattern that brings warmth and elegance to any space. Ideal for high-traffic areas like living rooms, bedrooms, and entryways, the soft texture is durable but comfortable underfoot.

"Organizational accessories like metal baskets, glass jars, brass or marble trays, and magazine racks make styling surfaces artful and neat,” says Tranni. “They contain clutter while bringing warmth and polish. Trays are especially versatile — use them under table lamps, plants, candles, or in entries.”

This marble-look tray is a sleek, multi-purpose organizer perfect for holding small items like keys, jewelry, or soap. Made of high-quality resin, this durable tray looks expensive — despite its minimal price — and is built to last.

An organized pantry is a happy one. Inspired by Tranni’s advice, these 25-ounce clear kitchen jars are an elegant and practical solution for storing cereals, snacks, spices, and more. The glass design allows easy monitoring of contents, while the airtight silicone-sealed lids promote longer-lasting freshness.

Another organizational accent, this stylish metal basket adds rustic charm to your home. Its durable iron frame ensures long-lasting use, while the bamboo handles make it easy to carry from room to room. Ideal for organizing everything from towels in the bathroom to pantry items in the kitchen, this multipurpose basket delivers on functionality and a modern farmhouse vibe.

Add a touch of style and organization to your home with this sleek metal magazine rack. Compact and sturdy, its rust-proof, water-resistant finish makes it durable, while the hollowed-out front makes it easy to see what’s inside. Plus, the rubber stoppers on the bottom prevent slipping, making it functional as well as attractive.

Crafted from latticed bamboo, this durable mat resists shrinking and warping, making it ideal for high-moisture environments. "The sleek bamboo bath mat is not only eco-friendly but also adds a touch of spa-like elegance to your bathroom," says Josh Qian, COO and co-founder of Best Online Cabinets.

Slip-resistant rubber pads keep it in place, while the natural finish complements various styles of decor. Whether for your bathroom, pool area, or kitchen, this mat brings a touch of luxury while being practical and easy to clean.

Qian recommends this dimmable LED desk lamp, saying it "[...] combines style with practicality. With adjustable brightness and a built-in USB port, it’s perfect for creating an inviting workspace or reading nook, all while looking chic." Offering five dimming levels and four preset light colors, its built-in USB charger is ultra-convenient, while the modern design and flexible swivel base are fashionable and functional.

“Ceramic planters have a simple, glossy look that adds a nice touch to any room, making it feel more stylish and put together,” shares Giovanni Scippo, a designer at 3D Lines. “They give off a high-end vibe but at an affordable price.”

This set of four modern ceramic flower pots combines sleek, minimalist style with practical functionality. Featuring drainage holes and ceramic trays, they promote optimal plant growth. Whether used indoors or outdoors, these durable planters are a beautiful complement to your greenery.

"Marble coasters are practical and stylish. Their natural stone look adds [an elevated] feel to your table," says Scippo. "They’re solid and look much pricier than they are, making any space feel more sophisticated."

These elegant marble and gold coasters blend modern design with timeless luxury. Each handcrafted coaster boasts unique veining, ensuring no two sets are alike. With their wide surface and soft backing, they offer protection for your surfaces while providing a chic accent.