22 Things That Make Your Home Look Cheap

Your home should feel like a place you actually want to be in not somewhere you’re constantly picking apart. Still, a few small design choices can quietly work against you, making your space feel less polished than you’d like.

I’ve rounded up 22 common things that might be dragging down your home’s look. Some are easy to overlook, but once you spot them, they’re hard to ignore. The good news? Most are simple (and affordable) to fix.

1. Plastic Furniture

Plastic furniture might be convenient, but it gives off a temporary vibe. It doesn’t resonate with elegance or class. Imagine walking into a room filled with the dull shine of plastic chairs and tables. It screams “temporary” and lacks warmth.

Consider replacing them with wooden pieces. These add charm and durability. Even simple wooden furniture can elevate a room’s aesthetic. It’s worth investing in items that will last and give your home a timeless feel.

2. Cluttered Spaces

Clutter can make even the most exquisite home look cheap. It’s overwhelming and distracts from your home’s beauty. Picture a living room where every surface is crowded with knick-knacks. It’s hard to appreciate anything when chaos reigns.

Try minimalism. A clean, open space feels inviting and luxurious. Carefully chosen decor pieces can bring focus and elegance to your home. Less truly is more when it comes to creating a sophisticated atmosphere.

3. Peeling Wallpaper

Peeling wallpaper tells a tale of neglect. It makes an otherwise beautiful room feel dated and uncared for. When you see paper curling away from the wall, it loses all appeal.

Consider repainting or replacing it. Fresh paint can breathe new life into a space. Wallpaper should be an accent, not an eyesore. Attention to these details shows that you care about your environment and want it to reflect quality.

4. Mismatched Furniture

Mismatched furniture can create a chaotic vibe. It lacks cohesion and disrupts the harmony of a room. Imagine a space where nothing matches, and colors clash at every turn.

Aim for harmony in style and color. Matching pieces don’t have to be identical, but they should complement each other. A balanced room is aesthetically pleasing and feels more thoughtfully curated. It’s about creating a cohesive look that feels intentional.

5. Dirty Carpets

Dirty carpets are a huge red flag. They make any home feel dingy and poorly maintained. Picture inviting guests over and noticing their eyes glance down at the stained rug.

Regular cleaning is key. A clean carpet can transform a room’s look and feel. It’s an investment in your home’s appearance. Clean carpets contribute to a fresh and inviting atmosphere, elevating the overall impression.

6. Fake Plants

Fake plants might seem like a good idea, but they rarely fool anyone. They collect dust and lack the vibrancy of real flora. Imagine entering a room where the plants look plasticky and artificial.

Consider real plants. They require care but offer unmatched beauty and freshness. Real plants improve air quality and bring life to a space. They show a commitment to creating a nurturing environment in your home.

7. Outdated Lighting Fixtures

Outdated lighting can dim your home’s style. It casts shadows on an otherwise beautiful space. Picture stepping into a room with lights that feel like a throwback to another era.

Upgrade to modern fixtures. They brighten spaces and add a touch of elegance. Contemporary lighting can transform the ambiance. It’s an easy way to update your home and make it feel fresh and current.

8. Excessive DIY Decor

DIY projects can personalize a home, but too much can be overwhelming. Imagine a room with every corner filled with homemade crafts. It lacks the polish of professional decor.

Balance homemade with store-bought items. A curated mix adds personality without feeling cluttered. Showcase only the best DIY pieces. Quality over quantity ensures your home feels stylish without losing its unique touch.

9. Too Many Knick-Knacks

Knick-knacks can add charm, but too many look cluttered. Imagine shelves crammed with souvenirs, leaving no room to breathe. It detracts from the home’s elegance.

Edit your collection. Select pieces that mean the most and display them thoughtfully. This approach highlights their significance. Avoid a chaotic look by maintaining space and focus. A well-curated display adds sophistication to any room.

10. Inconsistent Color Scheme

An inconsistent color scheme disrupts harmony. Imagine walking into a room where walls, furniture, and decor clash. It feels disjointed and unsettling.

Choose a cohesive palette. Coordinated colors create a seamless flow and sophistication. It elevates the overall look and feels intentional. A harmonious color scheme ties everything together beautifully, enhancing the home’s aesthetic appeal.

11. Visible Extension Cords

Visible extension cords are an eyesore. They scream “clutter” and break the visual flow. Imagine a room where cords snake along the floor, catching everyone’s eye.

Hide or organize them. Use cord covers or strategic placement to keep them out of sight. Neatness adds to a room’s appeal. Attention to small details like these contributes to a polished and organized look.

12. Bare Walls

Bare walls can make a home feel uninviting. They lack personality and warmth. Picture a room with nothing on the walls, leaving it feeling stark and empty.

Hang art or photos. These add character and tell a story about who you are. Choose pieces that resonate with you. Decorating walls is an opportunity to express your style and make your home feel complete.

13. Outdated Window Treatments

Outdated window treatments can age a home. They cast a shadow on a room’s potential beauty. Imagine stepping into a space with curtains that feel like a relic from the past.

Opt for fresh, modern drapes. New window treatments brighten rooms and add elegance. They frame windows beautifully and let in natural light. It’s a simple change that can refresh your home dramatically.

14. Visible Plumbing Fixtures

Visible plumbing fixtures can give an unfinished look. They make a bathroom feel more like a utility room. Imagine a space where pipes and fixtures are on display, detracting from the decor.

Opt for concealed plumbing. It’s sleek and adds sophistication. Hidden fixtures contribute to a clean and modern appearance. This small upgrade can make a significant difference in your bathroom’s style.

15. Cheap Bedding

Cheap bedding affects comfort and style. It feels and looks subpar. Imagine a bed with thin, faded sheets that fail to invite anyone in.

Invest in quality bedding. It offers comfort and enhances a room’s aesthetics. Luxurious sheets and comforters create a welcoming and restful atmosphere. They’re a worthwhile investment for both sleep quality and bedroom appeal.

16. Generic Art Prints

Generic art prints lack personality. They don’t tell anything about you or your style. Picture a living room where the art feels like it came straight from a mass-produced catalog.

Seek unique pieces. Local artists or personal photos add a unique touch. Art should reflect individuality and taste. It brings character and depth to your home, making it feel special and curated.

17. Inadequate Lighting

Inadequate lighting can darken the mood of a space. It makes rooms feel smaller and less inviting. Imagine trying to read in a dim, shadowy room.

Ensure ample lighting. Use a mix of lamps, overhead lights, and natural light. Bright spaces feel open and welcoming. Good lighting highlights your decor and contributes to a cheery and comfortable environment.

18. Obvious Repairs Needed

Obvious repairs give a neglected feel. They signal a lack of maintenance. Picture a home where cracks in the walls or broken fixtures catch the eye.

Fix them promptly. Repairs improve appearance and function. Staying on top of maintenance shows care and pride in your home. It enhances both value and aesthetic, making your home more appealing to guests.

19. Neglected Front Yard

A neglected front yard overlooks a home’s first impression. It feels untended and unwelcoming. Imagine guests walking up to an overgrown landscape.

Maintain the greenery. A well-kept yard invites and delights. Regular trimming and planting reflect pride in your home. A beautiful front yard enhances curb appeal and sets a positive tone for visitors.

20. Haphazard Wall Art Arrangement

Haphazard wall art creates confusion. It lacks a cohesive story and feels scattered. Imagine a wall where frames are hung without thought or order.

Plan your layout. Thoughtful arrangements tell a story and create visual balance. It elevates the room’s design. Proper placement of art enhances aesthetics and showcases pieces beautifully.

21. Inexpensive Rugs

Inexpensive rugs detract from a room’s elegance. They wear quickly and fail to impress. Imagine a thin, frayed rug in the center of a living room.

Invest in quality rugs. They add warmth and luxury. A good rug ties a room together and feels plush underfoot. It’s an investment in style and comfort. Quality floor coverings elevate the overall look of your home.

22. Overused Theme Decor

Overused theme decor can feel kitschy. It lacks subtlety and sophistication. Picture a room where every piece screams “nautical,” overwhelming the senses.

Mix themes with restraint. Subtlety adds intrigue and elegance. A balanced decor theme feels thoughtful and curated. It allows your personal style to shine without becoming overpowering.