How To Elevate Your Living Room On A Budget
Want to know how to elevate your living room without spending a fortune? You’re in the right place!
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I just attended an exclusive event at Arhaus, and let me tell you—the inspiration was next level. Every detail felt high-end and thoughtfully designed, from luxurious textures to curated styling.
But here’s the best part—I’m breaking it all down so YOU can get the look for less!
In this post, I’m sharing 10 easy ways to elevate your living room without overspending. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right color accents and layering prints to mixing materials and clustering furniture like a designer.
You’ll also learn how unexpected seating, lighting tricks, and oversized mirrors can take your space from basic to breathtaking. These small but impactful changes can completely transform your living room—no major renovations required.
Whether you want a modern, cozy, or high-end aesthetic, these tips will help you achieve that designer look on any budget.
This post is all about how to elevate your living room.
READ MORE>>> Home Design Inspiration On Inspired Design Talk
1. Update Your Color Scheme
Neutral spaces have been in for a while, but if you’re ready for a refresh, adding a pop of color can make a dramatic difference. The best part? You don’t need to repaint or do a full makeover—just a few strategic updates will do the trick.
How to Do It:
- Choose an area rug with a bold accent color to anchor the space
- Repeat that color in throw pillows, accent chairs, or artwork
- Incorporate botanicals in the same shade to tie everything together
A setup like this at Arhaus costs over $8,000. But if that’s not in your budget (because, same!), I found a way to get the look for around $850!
1a. Arhaus Rug // 2a. Arhaus Navy Velvet Chair // 3a. Stripe Pillow // 1b. Affordable Rug // 2b. Amazon Chair // 3b. Stripe Linen Lumbar Pillow
Pro tip: Use three-color pops throughout the room. This trick makes the space feel intentional and balanced.
Whether you go for soft blues, deep greens, or warm cinnamon tones, repeating the color will make your space feel cohesive.
2. Add Prints for Instant Style
Just like color, introducing prints is one of the easiest ways to add interest and dimension to your living room. A solid-colored space can sometimes feel flat, and prints help break up the monotony while giving your space a more curated look.
Arhaus Blue Print Ottoman // Wayfair Print Ottoman // Amazon Print Ottoman // Target Ottoman // Ottoman With Fringe
Trending Prints Right Now:
- Vintage florals – Classic, elegant, and full of character
- Rust geometric patterns – Modern yet warm, great for a contemporary look
- Leopard or abstract – Bold, statement-making, and full of personality
Where to Use Prints:
- Ottomans, accent chairs, and benches for a big impact
- Throw pillows for a small, budget-friendly update
- Wall art to create a dynamic focal point
Arched Geometric Print Ottoman
I spotted printed ottomans at HomeGoods for $70-$80, compared to $1,500+ at Arhaus. Even Wayfair, Amazon, and Target have stylish, affordable options! If you’re hesitant about prints, start with one small piece and build from there.
3. Cluster an Ottoman with Side Tables
Ottomans aren’t just for footrests anymore! Designers have been pairing ottomans with side tables to create a layered, high-end look that adds both functionality and style. This setup is perfect for small spaces where you need extra seating without committing to bulky furniture.
How to Style It:
- Position an ottoman next to a sculptural side table for contrast
- Use a tray on top to create a surface for books, candles, or drinks
- Mix materials like wood, metal, or boucle to add texture
Pro tip: Try a printed or textured ottoman to bring in even more interest! It’s a simple way to add depth and personality to your space without making major changes.
4. Mix and Match Side Tables
Instead of relying on one large side table, designers have been clustering two or three tables in different materials to create a more dynamic, high-end feel. This approach not only adds visual interest but also gives you more flexibility when styling your space.
Winning Combos:
- Marble + Glass + Metal for a sleek, modern look
- Reeded Wood + Upholstered Ottoman for warmth and softness
- Pewter + Brass + Stone for a rich, layered aesthetic
Quick hack: Rearrange what you already own before buying new pieces! You might be surprised how a fresh layout can completely transform the look of your space.
5. Cluster Coffee Tables for a Designer Look
Instead of one big coffee table, try using two or three smaller tables for more flexibility and a customized feel. This technique allows for better flow in your layout and adds a modern, layered effect.
Arhaus-Inspired Ideas:
- Wood + Marble mix for the perfect warm-and-cool contrast
- Layered nesting tables for an adaptable, space-saving setup
Pro tip: Mixing warm wood with sleek marble creates the perfect balance between cozy and sophisticated!
6. Incorporate Mixed-Material Pieces
One of the best ways to make your space feel designer-level is by blending different materials.
Ideas to Try:
- Upholstered + Metal Nesting Tables for a polished touch
- Brass + Stone Coffee Tables for a luxe aesthetic
- Reeded Wood + Marble Accents to add warmth and sophistication
Pro tip: Always measure your space and create a floor plan before purchasing new furniture to ensure everything fits seamlessly.
7. Add Unexpected Seating for Interest
Instead of sticking to the traditional sofa-and-loveseat setup, swap in seating that feels more curated and high-end. Benches and daybeds are two stylish alternatives that add visual interest while keeping your space functional.
What to Use Instead:
- Bench – Perfect for small spaces, it adds seating without overwhelming the room. Try placing it against a window, behind a sofa, or along a wall that needs some love.
- Daybed – Ideal for larger spaces, it makes a bold statement while maintaining an open, airy feel.
Why It Works:
- Creates a designer moment with minimal effort
- Defines an open floor plan without blocking sightlines
- Adds versatile seating that doubles as decor
If you’re wondering how to elevate your living room, consider swapping traditional seating for a stylish daybed or bench—this simple change creates a high-end look while improving flow and function.
7a. Boucle Daybed // 7b. Martini Table // 7c. World Market Daybed // 7d. Marble Gold Table // 7e. Walmart Daybed // 7f. Amazon Martini Table
I saw a stunning daybed setup at Arhaus, paired with a leather-wrapped gold table, a cozy throw, and a lumbar pillow. It looked effortlessly chic—but the price? $3,000+!
The good news? You can get a similar look for $300-$600 with affordable alternatives.
Pro tip: Style your daybed or bench with layered accent pillows, a soft throw, and a sleek side table to give it that designer touch.
8. Create a Moment with Accent Chairs
Accent chairs aren’t just functional—they’re an easy way to add personality, texture, and depth to your living room. Whether you need extra seating or just want to fill an empty corner, a well-placed chair can completely transform the look and feel of your space.
Skipping this opportunity is a common interior design mistake that can leave your layout feeling incomplete or unbalanced.
Trending Chair Styles:
- Bouclé swivel chairs – Cozy, modern, and endlessly chic
- Olive-green, channel-tufted chairs – A rich, statement-making piece
- Brown velvet chairs – Bringing warmth and depth back into interiors
How to Style It Like a Designer:
- Position two chairs opposite a sofa to create balance
- Pair a single accent chair with a sculptural drink table for a refined, stylish vignette
- Use a hide throw rug underneath for added texture and warmth
Pro tip: Already own a bouclé chair? Refresh the look by adding a sculptural side table and a statement throw, or repositioning it in a new spot for a fresh feel without spending a dime!
9. Layer Your Lighting for a Designer Look
Lighting is EVERYTHING. A well-lit space doesn’t just look better—it feels more inviting, polished, and expensive. Instead of relying on a single overhead light, designers use multiple light sources at different levels to create depth, warmth, and ambiance.
How to Get the Look:
- Pair floor lamps – Place two matching floor lamps on either side of a sofa to create symmetry and balance.
- Add picture lights over artwork – Battery-powered options work great and instantly make your space feel custom and high-end.
- Install wall sconces – Frame a large piece of art or a fireplace with sconces for a dramatic, gallery-like effect.
Pro tip: The best-lit rooms have multiple layers of lighting.
Combine overhead lighting, table lamps, sconces, and accent lighting for a space that feels cozy, stylish, and well-designed.
10. Add an Oversized Mirror to Open Up Your Space
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to make your living room feel bigger, brighter, and more high-end is by adding an oversized mirror. Mirrors reflect light, create depth, and give the illusion of a larger space—a designer trick that works every time!
Ways to Style an Oversized Mirror:
- Over a console table – Creates an elegant focal point, especially when paired with vases, books, and decorative objects.
- Behind a pedestal table – Adds dimension and drama when styled with a statement vase and tall stems.
- A large arched mirror – Perfect for small spaces, making them feel more expansive and airy.
At Arhaus, I saw a gorgeous oversized mirror used behind a bench, reflecting the rest of the room for instant depth and drama. Their version? $1,500+! But I found budget-friendly options starting at $150-$300 that give you the same high-end impact for way less.
One of the easiest ways to elevate your living room is by using an oversized mirror to reflect light, open up the space, and make it feel more luxurious without adding extra furniture.
Pro tip: If you already own a mirror, reposition it and style it with layered decor to give it a completely fresh look.
Final Thoughts
And that’s a wrap! Now you know how to elevate your living room without spending a fortune. With these 10 easy updates, you can achieve a designer look for less—no need for major renovations or expensive purchases.
A few small tweaks—like layering lighting, clustering accent tables, adding an oversized mirror, or swapping out seating—can have a huge impact on your space. The best part? You can start implementing these tips today, no matter your budget.
Want to master high-end design on a budget? Join my course, Designer Home 101!
This post is all about how to elevate your living room.
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Last Updated on March 31, 2025 by Nicole DelaCruz
