15 Affordable Transitional Home Decor Finds For A Luxe Look
Looking to elevate your space with stunning transitional home decor that won’t break the bank? I’ve got you covered!
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Today, I’m breaking down this $23,000 transitional living room design—and I’m showing you exactly how to get the look for way less.
I found some incredible pieces from Amazon, Wayfair, and TJ Maxx that look seriously luxe for a fraction of the price. You won’t believe the deals! Stick around to see the total cost of my designer-inspired version—it might just surprise you.
The transitional style blends traditional elegance with modern simplicity, creating a timeless and sophisticated look. The best part? You don’t need a designer budget to pull it off.
From statement art pieces to cozy accent chairs, I sourced some amazing finds from places like Amazon, Wayfair, and TJ Maxx. Whether you’re refreshing your living room or giving your entire home a chic upgrade, these picks will inspire your next design project.
So grab your coffee and get cozy—you’re about to discover designer-worthy decor without the hefty price tag. Let’s dive in!
This post is all about transitional home decor finds.
READ MORE>>> Home Design Inspiration On Inspired Design Talk 2025
What Is Transitional Style?
Transitional home decor is where traditional charm meets modern simplicity. It’s all about blending timeless pieces with fresh, clean lines for a look that’s sophisticated yet approachable.
Think soft neutral tones, cozy textures, and a mix of classic and contemporary furniture. You’ll often see warm woods paired with sleek metals or elegant fabrics with subtle patterns.
The key is balance—nothing feels too formal or too trendy. This style lets you create a home that’s both stylish and inviting without being overly fussy. It’s perfect if you love a polished look with a lived-in feel.
PIN IT FOR LATER
1. Artwork: The Jumping-Off Point
Artwork was the jumping-off point for this entire neutral color palette. The high-end transitional living room design features two fabulous abstract pieces from Lulu and Georgia, priced at just over $2,400 for the set.
1b. Abstract Artwork // 1c. Wayfair Artwork // 1d. Target Art
But don’t worry I found an incredible look-for-less option on Amazon for just $243 each. Hanging them side by side will achieve that high-end look for under $500.
I also found beautiful alternatives at Wayfair and Target, but the Amazon artwork was just too close to the designer piece not to be the winner.
2. Area Rug: Define Your Seating Arrangement
Next up, let’s talk about grounding your space and defining your seating arrangement. One of the easiest ways to anchor your room and set the tone for your color palette is with an area rug.
In the high-end design, there’s a stunning wool and bamboo silk rug from Perigold priced at over $2,400. It’s gorgeous but not practical for most budgets but the Amber Lewis for Loloi rug for under $500 is a great look for less.
2b. Amber Lewis Area Rug // 2c. Gold Beige Area Rug
It’s made of polyester and features a beautiful ivory natural distressed motif. Yes, the material is different, but it gives off the same luxe vibe for a fraction of the price.
Looking for more budget-friendly living room ideas? I also found a gold-beige Amber Lewis rug on Amazon for under $300. Both are beautiful options, but the colors in the Loloi rug nailed the high-end look I was going for without breaking the bank.
3. Sofa: The Heart Of The Room
Now let’s talk about the heart of your living room—the sofa. It’s the piece that sets the tone for your entire space, so choosing the right one is key.
The high-end design features a $5,200 Arhaus sofa with a beautiful transitional silhouette: slope arms, two seat cushions, and block feet. For a more budget-friendly option, I went with a custom sofa from Interior Define at around $2,600. I chose matte brass metal legs for a sleek, elevated vibe.
If that’s still a bit steep, Pottery Barn offers a great option for $2,000, and Amazon has styles for under $1,000. My pick? Interior Define, because I trust their quality and customization options.
Pro Tip: Always measure your space and create a floor plan before ordering. Trust me, you do not want a sofa that won’t fit through your front door! Grab my free PDF guide for detailed measuring instructions.
4. Nesting Coffee Table
Now that the sofa is in place, let’s talk about the coffee table—where function meets style. For a high-end look, the nesting coffee table set from Pottery Barn for about $1,000 is a great choice.
You get two pieces: the smaller one tucks under the larger one to save space or can be spread out for entertaining. The big difference here is the size and real marble top, compared to budget options that usually feature faux marble and smaller dimensions.
4b. Nesting Coffee Table // 4c. Wayfair Nesting Tables
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, I found a great set on Amazon for under $600—larger and with an elevated look. Or, Wayfair has a similar set for just $122.
5. Side Table Transitional Decor
Now that the coffee table is in place, let’s add side tables on either side of the sofa. This is where those designer vibes really come to life.
The designer room has a sleek black side table from Pottery Barn, priced at $799. It’s got a glass top, a shadow box for decor, and a drawer for storage—perfect for combining style and function.
Pro Tip: The same table is available at West Elm for $749 or at Crate and Barrel for $649 minus the drawer but with the same shadow box feature. Always shop around before hitting “buy now!
For budget-friendly options, Wayfair has a great glass-top side table with a shelf underneath for $280. If you want to spend even less, check out a few options for just over $100—one even doubles as a terrarium! How cool is that?
6. Accent Chair Look For Less
Accent chairs are the modern update to the old sofa-and-loveseat combo. I love accent chairs, and trust me, you’re going to love these options!
The high-end design has two upholstered swivel chairs with solid wood edging, priced around $2000 each. Swivel chairs are perfect for entertaining or large families because you can turn to face the action no matter where it’s at.
6b. Swivel Chair // 6c. Wayfair Swivel Chair // 6d. Amazon Swivel Chair
I found almost identical chairs at HomeGoods but you can also grab them online at TJ Maxx for $399. The key is that gorgeous wood edging, which really gives these chairs that designer feel.
If those sell out, no worries—I found similar ones at Wayfair and Amazon. But seriously, that HomeGoods deal? Too good to pass up!
7. Drink Table Ideas
A drink table is the perfect little detail to add interest to your living room design. It blends function and flair giving your space a luxurious look.
The high end room features a super cute running man accent table from Perigold by Bernhardt for $489. This table is such a conversation starter and would be a fantastic investment if you want a unique statement piece.
If you’re looking for something stylish without the splurge, I found an awesome sculptural metal drink table at West Elm for under $100.
It’s chic, functional, and adds that elevated designer vibe without breaking the bank. It’s the version I added to my affordable design, and honestly, I think it’s a winner.
8. Fireplace For Cozy Vibes
An eclectic fireplace is the perfect piece to create those cozy living room vibes. Even if your home didn’t come with a fireplace, you can still get that warm, inviting feel without a full renovation.
The high-end design features a beautiful, timeless white fireplace from Pottery Barn for $1,299. It has that classic hearth style that instantly adds warmth and ambiance to your living space, becoming a stunning focal point year-round.
For a luxe-for-less, Wayfair has a similar fireplace for just over $500. The size and style are very close to the high-end version, offering that same elevated designer touch.
Plus, during warmer months, you can set the flames to display without heat, so it’s a cozy vibe 365 days a year.
9. Mirror Luxe For Less
Adding a mirror above your fireplace will elevate the look and make your living room feel expansive.
The designer living room features the ever-popular Anthropologie Primrose mirror in all her glory. The 3-foot gold version goes for $548 and adds an expansive, luxe feel to the space by reflecting light beautifully. It’s a classic transitional decor piece that never goes out of style.
Now, because this mirror style is so popular, there are plenty of looks for less. I found one on Amazon for just $150 that’s slightly smaller but still gives you that high-end look. It’s a total steal if you’re on a budget.
10. Transitional Chandelier Decor: Luxe For Less
Next up, let’s talk layered lighting—because nothing transforms a living room like the right lighting fixtures. They’ll completely transform your design and tie the entire space together making it feel elevated.
I originally had a crystal chandelier in the high-end design, but it leaned a bit too glam. I wanted something more timeless and transitional, so I swapped it for a stunning bubble chandelier. And it made all the difference.
The high-end version is from Visual Comfort on Lumens for $2,700. It has these beautiful glass elements and a sleek metal chain that creates an elegant, eye-catching focal point.
If that’s out of your budget, I found an amazing transitional decor look for less on Amazon for just under $600. It has that same bold silhouette and statement-making vibe without breaking the bank.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to mix different styles of lighting in your design.
11. Table Lamps For Task Lighting
In the high-end design, the contemporary bubble chandelier is paired with a more modern table lamp, but the round curves tie the look together beautifully.
The Arhaus table lamp is priced at $359 each, while the Amazon look for less comes in at just about $130. Both have a gold circular base and squared-off lamp shades.
11b. Gold Table Lamp // 11c. Target Table Lamps
The difference? The Arhaus version has a rectangular lampshade, while the Amazon version has a round silhouette. You could save even more with the set of two table lamps from Target that go for $160 but I went with the Amazon version.
I added a pair to the affordable design, and honestly, it still has that same elevated designer vibe—for about $500 less.
12. Floor Task Lamp
Next, let’s talk task lighting. The high-end design features a sleek floor lamp from Arhaus for $719. This type of lamp is perfect for placing behind a sofa or chair and adds a touch of sophistication I’ve seen a lot in designer spaces lately.
But no worries—if that price tag feels high, I found an adjustable version on Amazon for just $113. That’s a savings of over $600! It looks stunning in the affordable design and has that same designer feel.
Pro Tip: Well-designed spaces always combine general, task, and accent lighting to create mood and atmosphere.
13. Transitional Pillow Decor
Now that we’ve layered in lighting and elevated the vibe, it’s time to add personality and comfort with throw pillows—because nothing says “designer living room” like the perfect mix of textures and patterns.
Antelope Pillow Substitute: I found a budget-friendly option in a smaller size, so I swapped it for a chic leopard print pillow instead.
Embroidered Pillow Substitute: For the embroidered pillow, I found a velvet swirl pillow cover with a similar feel. The Lulu and Georgia pillow comes with an insert for $98, but you can grab a two-pack of pillow inserts on Amazon for about $30.
Pro Tip: Size up 2″ for your pillow insert. If the cover is 20 inches, go for a 22-inch insert for that plump, designer look.
Lumbar Pillow Luxe For Less: The high-end design uses a neutral lumbar pillow with black accents. I found a set of two pillow covers on Amazon for around $14 that deliver a similar look for much less.
That wraps up the pillows, but don’t forget to add decor like vases, candles, bowls, or statement coffee table books. It’s the little touches that truly complete the designer look!
Transitional Decor Living Room Design Cost
Now that the affordable design is complete, let’s look at both spaces side by side. What do we think? Did I nail it, or would you have done anything differently? Let me know in the comments!
And I know you’re wondering about the final cost… So, drumroll, please…
The affordable living room design came in at just over $7,300 compared to the high-end $23,000 design—a third of the price!
Luxe For Less Price Comparison
I’d say we crushed it!
Designer Home 101
If you’re looking to learn how to create your own designer space step by step, sign up for my course, Designer Home 101. It’s a complete guide that walks you through the entire design process from start to finish. Sign up to learn more.
Final Thoughts
And that’s a wrap on how to create a designer living room with transitional decor on a budget! By focusing on key pieces like a versatile coffee table, stylish side tables, and chic accent chairs, you’ll get the luxe look for less.
Remember, it’s all about finding the right balance of style and function—mixing high-end looks with affordable finds is the key to making your space feel luxurious. Keep an eye on sales, and always shop around to get the best deal.
With a little creativity, you can achieve that high-end look and still stay within your budget. Thanks for following along, and happy decorating!
This post is all about transitional home decor finds.
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Last Updated on February 17, 2025 by Nicole DelaCruz
