20 DIY Living Room Upgrades That Look High-End
Your living room is the heart of your home, a space where memories are made, conversations flow, and comfort meets style. Yet, many of us feel our living rooms are stuck in a rut—functional but lacking flair. The good news? You don’t need to splurge on designer furniture or luxury renovations to make your living room feel high-end. With a little creativity, smart DIY projects, and attention to detail, you can transform your space into a chic, sophisticated haven. Here are 20 DIY living room upgrades that look high-end and won’t break the bank.
1. Statement Wall with Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
One of the simplest ways to elevate a living room is by creating a statement wall. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is an affordable, low-effort option that can mimic luxury materials like marble, linen, or metallic textures. Pick a wall behind your sofa or TV and let it serve as a backdrop for your decor. I once transformed a dull beige wall into a bold navy geometric pattern overnight—it instantly made my room look curated. The trick is to keep the rest of the room neutral, so the wall truly pops. Bonus: peel-and-stick wallpaper is removable, perfect for renters or experimental decorators.
2. Upgrade Your Lighting Fixtures
Lighting can make or break the ambiance of a room. Swap out a basic ceiling fixture for a chandelier or a modern pendant light. Even a DIY painting of your current fixture in matte black or gold can make it feel custom and luxe. Layered lighting is key: combine ambient, task, and accent lights for a balanced glow. For instance, a floor lamp in the corner paired with a warm-toned table lamp on a side table adds depth and elegance. I did this in my own living room, and suddenly, evening hangouts felt like a boutique hotel lounge.
3. Add Crown Molding for Architectural Interest
Crown molding is often associated with classic, high-end interiors. The good news? Modern foam or MDF options are affordable and easy to install with basic tools. Adding crown molding can instantly give your living room a polished, intentional look. Pair it with a fresh coat of paint that contrasts slightly with your ceiling to enhance the effect. I remember the first time I installed crown molding—I was shocked at how it made my simple walls look sophisticated and custom-built.
4. Layer Your Rugs for Texture
A single rug is fine, but layering rugs adds texture, dimension, and a designer touch. Start with a neutral base rug and top it with a smaller patterned rug that complements your palette. This creates depth and a curated feel, as if a stylist walked in to design your room. In my living room, layering a jute rug with a smaller kilim rug made the space feel richer and more inviting. It’s a simple trick that mimics luxury without expensive upgrades.
5. Install Floating Shelves for Display
Floating shelves can transform a blank wall into a stylish focal point. Use them to display books, curated objects, or plants. The key to a high-end look is balance: mix textures, colors, and heights without overcrowding. I recommend using simple wooden or painted shelves for a clean, modern vibe. In my own setup, a few gold-accented frames and a small potted plant on floating shelves made my wall look like a gallery wall straight out of a magazine.
6. Refresh Cabinet Hardware
Swapping out old drawer pulls, knobs, or handles is one of the cheapest ways to elevate your furniture. Gold, matte black, or brushed brass finishes instantly convey luxury. You don’t even need new cabinets—just replace the hardware on your entertainment console, coffee table, or sideboard. I swapped plain chrome knobs with matte black geometric handles, and my console felt completely new, like a high-end custom piece.
7. DIY Accent Wall with Paint
You don’t always need wallpaper to make a statement. A painted accent wall in a deep jewel tone or muted pastel can be transformative. Experiment with horizontal stripes, geometric shapes, or even an ombre effect. I painted my living room wall a deep emerald green and paired it with brass decor accents—it looked like a professional designer had been involved. Pair this with neutral furniture to keep the room from feeling overwhelming.
8. Create a Cozy Reading Nook
A dedicated reading nook adds charm and personality. All you need is a comfy chair, a small side table, and a stylish floor lamp. Add a throw blanket and decorative pillow, and suddenly, you have a cozy, high-end corner. I created a nook by a sunny window, and it became the favorite spot for both guests and family. It’s a subtle upgrade, but the combination of comfort and style makes a big impact.
9. Add Decorative Molding to Plain Walls
Even if your walls are plain, adding simple molding or paneling can create a custom look. MDF or polyurethane molding is affordable and easy to install yourself. Paint it the same color as the wall for subtle elegance or a contrasting color for drama. I used this technique in my living room, and friends often compliment how “architecturally interesting” it feels. It’s a small detail that screams intentional design.
10. Update Your Window Treatments
Luxury living rooms often feature tailored curtains. Upgrade your space by using floor-to-ceiling drapes, even if your windows are small. This elongates the room and adds grandeur. Choose linen or velvet for a rich feel. I replaced my old short blinds with soft cream linen curtains, and it instantly made the room feel brighter, taller, and more sophisticated. Consider layering sheer curtains underneath for light control without sacrificing style.
11. Introduce Metallic Accents
Small touches of metallic finishes—gold, brass, or chrome—can make your living room feel high-end. Think vases, picture frames, lamp bases, or coffee table trays. I like to mix metals subtly to avoid looking overdone: a brass lamp here, a gold frame there. These reflective surfaces catch light and add sophistication without a major investment. Even a DIY spray-painted metallic tray can elevate your coffee table instantly.
12. Install a DIY Floating Media Console
Instead of bulky furniture, a floating media console makes your living room feel airy and modern. You can create one using a wooden plank, brackets, and paint or stain it to match your room’s aesthetic. I built a simple oak floating console under my TV, and it made the room feel open and curated. Add minimal decor on top for a clean, designer look.
13. Use Mirrors Strategically
Mirrors can make any space feel larger and brighter. Choose an oversized statement mirror or a cluster of smaller mirrors with interesting frames. Place them opposite windows to reflect natural light. I installed a round, gold-framed mirror behind my sofa, and it instantly gave the illusion of more space while doubling as wall art. Mirrors are a classic high-end trick that’s both functional and decorative.
14. Reupholster Old Furniture
Breathing new life into an old chair or sofa with DIY reupholstery can transform your living room. Opt for luxurious fabrics like velvet, tweed, or linen. I once reupholstered a thrifted armchair in deep blue velvet—it looked like it came from a high-end showroom. Reupholstery is a cost-effective way to elevate pieces without buying new ones, and it gives your room a personalized touch.
15. Layer Throw Pillows and Blankets
High-end living rooms often feature thoughtfully styled textiles. Mix textures, patterns, and sizes in your throw pillows and blankets for a curated, cozy feel. I love combining chunky knit throws with silk pillows for a contrast that feels both inviting and luxurious. Small details like this make a space feel considered, as if every element was chosen with intention.
16. Paint or Stain Your Flooring
If your budget allows, refinishing wood floors or painting laminate can dramatically change your living room’s vibe. Even a DIY painted geometric pattern on a small area rug section can elevate the room. I painted a herringbone pattern on an old wood floor in my apartment—it instantly looked like a designer had spent days perfecting it. Flooring is often overlooked but sets the foundation for the whole room.
17. Install a DIY Fireplace Mantel
Even a small, decorative fireplace mantel can add a high-end touch. You can build one from reclaimed wood or MDF and style it with candles, vases, or art. I created a simple mantel on a blank wall and decorated it seasonally. The room suddenly had a focal point and a cozy, luxurious feel. Fireplaces bring warmth—both physically and visually—making your living room feel intentional and stylish.
18. Curate Wall Art
High-end living rooms often have curated art collections. Mix prints, paintings, and photographs in a cohesive color palette. Use frames with consistent finishes for a unified look. I DIY-framed prints from local artists and created a gallery wall—it made my living room feel intentional and gallery-worthy. The key is to balance scale and spacing for a professional aesthetic.
19. Add Indoor Plants
Lush greenery instantly brings life to a room. Choose tall plants, hanging planters, or small potted plants on shelves and tables. I added a fiddle-leaf fig in my corner, and it transformed the space, giving it a fresh, high-end vibe. Plants not only add style but also improve mood and air quality—a simple upgrade with huge payoff.
20. DIY Coffee Table Styling
Finally, styling your coffee table can make your living room look curated. Use trays, books, candles, and small decorative objects. Group items in odd numbers and mix textures for depth. I love adding a mix of ceramic, glass, and metal objects on my table—it feels intentional and designer-inspired. A well-styled coffee table is the finishing touch that pulls the entire room together.
