20 Dollar Store DIYs That Look High-End
When you think about home décor, your mind may go straight to pricey furniture stores or boutique shops that charge hundreds of dollars for a single vase. But here’s the truth—style doesn’t always come with a big price tag. Some of the most beautiful, high-end-looking pieces can be made with simple items from your local dollar store. With a little imagination, some glue, paint, and creativity, you can transform inexpensive finds into pieces that rival luxury homeware.
In this article, I’ll walk you through 20 Dollar Store DIYs that look high-end. Each idea is affordable, stylish, and achievable for anyone—whether you’re crafty or just starting out. Think of it as a way to upgrade your space while keeping your wallet happy.
1. Elegant Glass Vase Makeover
One of the simplest dollar store DIYs is upgrading plain glass vases. All you need is a basic vase, some matte spray paint, and maybe a touch of gold leaf. By painting the vase in a muted color like beige or white and adding a golden rim, you instantly get a designer-inspired look. I once made a set of three for my dining table, and my guests assumed they were from a boutique shop. The secret is in the finish—the matte texture gives it a minimal, modern vibe.
2. Faux Marble Trays
Marble trays sell for $50 or more, but you can mimic the look for under $5. Pick up a plastic tray from the dollar store and cover it with marble-patterned contact paper. To make it look extra chic, add adhesive gold handles or metallic accents. This tray works perfectly for serving coffee, holding candles, or organizing bathroom essentials. The best part is that it feels both functional and stylish, a balance that makes it high-end.
3. Designer Candle Dupes
Candles add warmth to any space, but luxury brands can be ridiculously expensive. Dollar stores often sell plain white candles that you can dress up. Try wrapping them in twine, painting them with metallic accents, or placing them in painted glass jars. Another hack is to glue dollar-store candles into a cluster on a tray to mimic the layered luxury look. I remember making these for a cozy dinner night, and everyone kept asking where I got them.
4. Chic Rope Basket
Storage baskets often cost a fortune, but you can easily make one for a fraction of the price. Grab a plastic bin from the dollar store and wrap it with thick jute rope using hot glue. The texture gives it a boho-luxe look while remaining practical for storing blankets, magazines, or even toys. It’s a perfect example of turning something basic into something stylish and high-end.
5. High-End Mirror Wall
Mirrors can make any space look bigger and brighter, but buying a large decorative mirror can drain your budget. Instead, buy several small square mirrors from the dollar store and arrange them in a grid to create a statement wall. With clean lines and symmetrical placement, the final look resembles something straight out of a modern design magazine.
6. Textured Throw Pillows
Pillows are essential for adding coziness, but good-quality ones often cost $30 each. A smart hack is to buy plain pillow covers from the dollar store and upgrade them with fabric paint, tassels, or even hot-glued patterns using leftover fabric scraps. A little texture goes a long way in making your couch or bed look high-end.
7. Gold-Rimmed Plates
If you’ve ever seen luxury dinnerware, you know how elegant gold detailing looks. Dollar store white plates can be transformed into stunning dinnerware with a touch of gold paint around the rims. While not dishwasher safe, these work beautifully for display, special occasions, or simply elevating your table setting. It’s one of those small upgrades that make guests think you splurged.
8. Framed Art Prints
Instead of buying expensive artwork, download free art prints online and frame them in dollar store frames. To make the frames look more expensive, spray paint them in matte black, gold, or brushed brass. Arrange several together as a gallery wall, and you instantly have a high-end focal point in your living room.
9. Faux Ceramic Planters
Dollar store plastic planters often look cheap, but with a little creativity, they can mimic high-end ceramic. Mix baking soda with acrylic paint and brush it over the surface for a textured, pottery-like finish. Planting some greenery inside will make it even more stylish. I tried this in my own home, and the effect was so convincing that friends thought I bought them from an artisan shop.
10. Jewelry Tray Upgrade
A small ceramic plate from the dollar store can be turned into a chic jewelry tray. Add marble contact paper or hand-paint a geometric pattern, then outline the rim with metallic gold paint. It’s a subtle yet luxurious addition to your vanity or dresser, perfect for holding rings, necklaces, or small trinkets.
11. Faux Crystal Knobs
Upgrading furniture doesn’t always mean buying new. Swap out old drawer handles with dollar store faux crystal or metallic knobs. It’s a tiny change that makes dressers and cabinets look instantly more polished and high-end. The sparkle adds a touch of glamour without going over budget.
12. Rustic Wooden Signs
If farmhouse chic is your style, dollar store wooden boards are perfect for DIY wall signs. Paint them white, distress the edges, and stencil in a favorite quote. Hang it in your entryway or kitchen for that rustic charm. These signs are so customizable that you can make one for every season.
13. Modern Candle Holders
Tall, sleek candle holders can elevate any dining setup. Dollar store glass candlesticks can be spray-painted in matte black for a modern vibe or gold for a glamorous touch. When paired with tall white candles, they look like something from a luxury home collection.
14. Elevated Soap Dispensers
Luxury soap dispensers can cost a lot, but you can easily DIY one. Buy a plain glass soap dispenser and spray paint the pump in a metallic shade. Wrap the bottle with a label you print at home, and you’ll have a spa-like dispenser for your bathroom or kitchen.
15. Boho Macramé Wall Hanging
Macramé is trendy, but store-bought versions often cost upwards of $50. Dollar stores sell cotton rope and wooden dowels, which you can use to create your own. Even simple knotting techniques produce stunning wall hangings that look handmade and artistic. It’s a great way to bring texture and warmth to your walls.
16. Chic Bookends
Stylish bookends can turn your bookshelf into a design statement. Grab two simple dollar store blocks or figurines, spray paint them, and use them as bookends. Gold or matte black spray paint works best for that designer look. It’s amazing how such a small touch can make your bookshelf look curated and expensive.
17. Faux Stained Glass
Want to add character to plain windows or candle holders? Use dollar store glass paint to mimic stained glass designs. This DIY works beautifully for adding a pop of color to your home without the cost of real stained glass. The effect when sunlight hits the glass is mesmerizing, creating a truly high-end feel.
18. Upcycled Picture Frames
Instead of tossing out old dollar store frames, stack them together and glue them to make a layered, ornate frame. Once painted in a metallic finish, the layered texture creates a bold, vintage-inspired design. Use it to frame mirrors, photos, or even as a decorative wall piece on its own.
19. Decorative Lanterns
Lanterns bring charm to patios and living rooms, but they’re usually expensive. Using wire baskets and glass inserts from the dollar store, you can create a lantern that looks stylish and functional. Add a LED candle inside, and you’ve got cozy, ambient lighting.
20. Faux Agate Coasters
Agate coasters are sold in luxury stores for ridiculous prices. Instead, cut cardboard circles, paint them with swirling metallic and pastel shades, and coat them with resin or clear nail polish. The result is a set of stunning faux agate coasters that feel both practical and high-end.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a big budget to live in a stylish home. These 20 Dollar Store DIYs that look high-end show how a little creativity can go a long way. Each idea is practical, affordable, and designed to make your home feel more luxurious without draining your wallet. Think of them as mini design experiments—each project brings joy, a sense of accomplishment, and a touch of elegance to your space.
Sometimes, the most expensive-looking homes are built not with money, but with creativity, patience, and love. And that’s a secret worth sharing.
