Let’s be honest — we all want our homes to look like they belong on a Pinterest board or an HGTV show. But not everyone has the budget to go full glam. That’s where the dollar store becomes your secret weapon.
Yes, the dollar store. You’d be shocked at how many hidden gems you can find there that actually look high-end once styled right. I’ve personally decorated entire spaces on a budget using these goodies — and people always assume I spent a fortune.
So if you’re decorating on a tight budget or just love getting the most bang for your buck, here are the Top 5 Things from Dollar Store that Look Expensive at Home (keyword drop ✅).
1. Glass Vases & Candle Holders
Dollar stores are filled with clear glassware — think tall vases, votives, glass jars, and candle holders. At first glance, they seem plain. But when styled right? Pure luxury.
✨How to elevate them:
- Spray-paint them gold, matte black, or metallic rose.
- Fill with dried flowers, feathers, or fairy lights.
- Group 3 different-sized vases for a designer-like cluster.
You’ll get serious West Elm vibes for under $5.
Pro tip: Use mirror trays (also from the dollar store!) underneath for extra glam.
2. Framed Art & Picture Frames
Here’s a trick most interior designers swear by: cheap frames, high-end prints.
Dollar stores often have basic photo frames — wood, black, gold — that you can upgrade with printable artwork. Go to sites like Unsplash or Canva, download free minimalist prints or quotes, and boom — instant gallery wall.
🖼️ Styling ideas:
- Black and white prints in gold frames = elegant
- Create a photo grid wall over your desk
- Add textured wallpaper inside the frame for a luxe twist
This is one of the Top 5 Things from Dollar Store that Look Expensive at Home simply because it adds personality to any space without looking tacky.
3. Storage Bins & Baskets
Organization can be stylish too, and the dollar store has endless options for bins, baskets, and containers that look way pricier than they are.
Look for:
- Woven baskets
- Clear acrylic trays
- Wire or mesh containers
🧺 Where to use them:
- In your bathroom for towels, skincare, or toilet paper
- On your coffee table to hold remotes and books
- Inside your closet to create a boutique vibe
Add a label, tie on a little ribbon, and you’ve got boutique-style storage for less than Rs. 500. Guests will have no idea it came from the dollar aisle.
4. Fake Plants & Greenery
Real plants are beautiful… until you forget to water them. 😅
Enter: dollar store faux plants.
While some fake plants do look super cheap, there are others (especially the small succulents and eucalyptus stems) that look shockingly real once styled well.
🪴 Pro decor tricks:
- Combine different greens in one ceramic pot
- Wrap the base with twine or place in a woven basket
- Tuck small plants into bookshelves, bathrooms, or side tables
Even just one pop of green adds life to a space and gives it that fresh, magazine-worthy finish. And again — nobody will guess it cost Rs. 250.
5. Tableware & Kitchen Accessories
You don’t need designer dishes to host a fancy dinner.
Dollar stores often have surprisingly chic options for:
- Marble-look plates
- Gold-rimmed glasses
- Patterned napkins
- Cutting boards
Mix and match these finds with your existing tableware and you’ve got yourself an Instagrammable table setup.
🍽️ Bonus idea:
Use dollar-store cutting boards or trays as decor elements. Prop them up on your kitchen counter with a fake plant and candle — so cute and classy!
This is where the Top 5 Things from Dollar Store that Look Expensive at Home list really shines: they’re not just cheap — they’re functional, beautiful, and elevate your everyday living.
Bonus Tips: Make Cheap Look Chic
Here are some quick styling hacks to take your dollar store finds from basic to bougie:
🔹 Spray Paint is Magic – Turn plastic into “metal” with gold, black, or matte white spray paint.
🔹 Group in Odd Numbers – Designers always style in 3s or 5s — it just looks more curated.
🔹 Add Texture – Wrap things with rope, burlap, velvet ribbon — texture makes anything feel luxe.
🔹 Layer It Up – Stack trays, layer art, place candles on top of books. Layers = luxury.
Why Dollar Store Decor Is a Game-Changer
Let’s face it, not everyone wants to blow their paycheck on fancy furniture or overpriced decor. Most of us just want a space that feels cozy, stylish, and us.
That’s why budget home decorating is becoming a viral trend. It’s not about how much you spend — it’s about how you style what you buy.
And the dollar store gives you endless potential if you have the eye for it. These Top 5 Things from Dollar Store that Look Expensive at Home prove that even the cheapest finds can transform your space with the right touch.
