21 Dollar Store Living Room Finds on a Budget

I used to think a nice living room needed a big budget. Then I furnished half of mine from the dollar store and stopped telling people where things came from — because nobody ever guesses. These dollar store living room finds are the ones I actually bought, styled, and still love months later. Every idea below leads with the real price I paid, so you can see exactly how far a small budget stretches. No filler, no fluff — just 21 finds worth your next trip.

Linen-Look Throw Pillow Covers

Total: ~$8 — two pillow covers with a convincing linen weave texture.

Throw pillows are the fastest way to refresh a sofa, and dollar store linen-look covers are shockingly good. Pick two or three in neutral tones — oatmeal, stone, sage — and swap them onto your existing pillow inserts. The trick is buying covers one size smaller than your insert so they look plump rather than baggy. Zip them on, karate-chop the tops for that styled look, and your sofa reads completely different. I tried this in my own living room and the oatmeal covers fooled my mother-in-law into thinking I had reupholstered the sofa. One mistake to avoid: machine-washing them on hot — the weave shrinks and the zips buckle. Cost: ~$8 · Time: 10 minutes

Chunky Faux-Fur Throw

Total: ~$10 — one generously sized faux-fur throw in cream or grey.

A faux-fur throw draped over a sofa arm instantly adds the kind of texture expensive rooms are built on. Dollar store versions are usually smaller than boutique ones, so buy the largest size they stock and drape it diagonally across one corner of the sofa rather than trying to cover the whole thing. Shake it out well when you get home and run a lint roller over it once — this removes the flat, packed look. Fold it loosely instead of neatly; a casual drape looks far more expensive. I keep mine on the armchair and it is the seat every guest fights over. Cost: ~$10 · Time: 5 minutes

Faux Eucalyptus Stem Bundle

Total: ~$5 — a bundle of six to eight faux eucalyptus stems.

Eucalyptus is the greenery of choice for stylists because its silvery tone works with everything, and the dollar store bundles are genuinely convincing. Trim the stems to different heights, fan them out in a vase rather than leaving them in a tight bunch, and bend a few stems outward so the arrangement looks natural. Place the vase on a coffee table, side table, or mantel where it catches the light. I tried this in my own living room after seeing the same stems styled in a boutique window for eight times the price. One mistake to avoid: buying the shiny plastic-looking bundles — look for matte finishes with colour variation on the leaves. Cost: ~$5 · Time: 10 minutes

Ribbed Glass Vase Set

Total: ~$6 — a set of three ribbed glass vases in graduated sizes.

Ribbed glass is having a proper moment, and dollar store sets capture the look for a fraction of designer prices. Group the three vases together on a coffee table or shelf — odd-numbered groupings always look more styled. Fill the tallest with your eucalyptus stems, leave the middle one empty, and drop a single tea light in the smallest for evening glow. Check each vase for chips before you buy, since glass stock takes a beating on the shelves. I styled mine on the mantel and they catch the afternoon light beautifully. One mistake to avoid: filling every vase — the restraint of one empty vase is what makes it look curated. Cost: ~$6 · Time: 10 minutes

Wooden Coffee-Table Tray

Total: ~$7 — one rectangular wooden tray with raised edges.

A tray is what turns a cluttered coffee table into a styled one, and a wooden dollar store tray does the job brilliantly. Place it in the centre of the table and group three things on it: something tall (a candle or small vase), something flat (a stack of two books), and something textured (a small bowl or your remote caddy). The tray corrals the clutter and gives the arrangement a boundary, which is exactly what designers do. Sand any rough edges lightly and wipe it with a damp cloth — some trays arrive dusty. I use mine daily and it has survived two years of remotes, mugs, and magazines. Cost: ~$7 · Time: 15 minutes

Storage Ottoman Cube

Total: ~$12 — one folding storage ottoman in faux linen.

A storage ottoman is the hardest-working piece of furniture a small living room can have: footrest, extra seat, and hidden storage in one. Dollar store versions fold flat for transport and pop open in seconds — just check the stitching on the lid before you buy. Use it to hide throws, board games, or the kids’ clutter that never seems to have a home. Tuck it against the sofa arm or under a console table when guests come. I tried this in my own flat and mine holds three folded throws plus the TV remotes nobody can find. One mistake to avoid: standing on it — the folding frame will not take adult weight. Cost: ~$12 · Time: 5 minutes

Woven Blanket Basket

Total: ~$8 — one large woven seagrass or rope basket.

Every styled living room has a basket of throws somewhere, and a woven dollar store basket nails the look. Roll two or three throws loosely and stand them upright in the basket rather than folding them flat — the rolled tops peeking out look far more inviting. Place it beside the sofa or armchair where it is actually reachable on a cold evening. Check the weave for loose ends and trim them with scissors so it looks tidy. I keep mine next to the reading chair and it gets used every single night. One mistake to avoid: buying one too small — measure first, because throws bulk up fast. Cost: ~$8 · Time: 10 minutes

Unscented Pillar Candle Set

Total: ~$6 — three ivory pillar candles in staggered heights.

Pillar candles in graduated heights are a classic styling move, and unscented ivory ones look the most expensive. Group them on a tray or directly on the mantel, tallest at the back, and keep the wicks trimmed to a quarter inch so they burn cleanly without soot marks. If you would rather not deal with real flame, the same arrangement works with LED pillars — just keep the colour warm white. Dust them occasionally, because dusty candles look instantly cheap. I tried this in my own living room and lit them every evening for a month; the warm glow made the whole room feel calmer. One mistake to avoid: scented cheap candles — the fragrance is usually harsh and headache-inducing. Cost: ~$6 · Time: 10 minutes

Warm-White Fairy Light String

Total: ~$5 — one 20-foot warm-white LED fairy light string.

Fairy lights are not just for Christmas — a warm-white string woven through a plant, along a mantel, or inside a glass vase adds evening magic for almost nothing. Choose battery-operated with a timer function so they switch on every evening automatically. Weave them loosely rather than wrapping tight; a relaxed drape looks intentional while tight wrapping looks fussy. Hide the battery pack behind the object they are decorating. I strung mine through the branches of a floor plant and the corner now glows every evening at seven. One mistake to avoid: cool-white or multicolour lights, which kill the cosy effect instantly. Cost: ~$5 · Time: 15 minutes

Sheer White Curtain Panels

Total: ~$10 — two sheer white curtain panels.

Sheer curtains soften a room like nothing else, and dollar store panels in white or ivory are a genuine bargain. Hang them high and wide — the rod should sit four to six inches above the window frame and extend beyond the sides — which makes windows look bigger and ceilings taller. Two panels per window looks fuller than one; gather each panel to the sides with simple tiebacks during the day. Iron out the packaging creases before hanging, because creased sheers look straight out of the packet. I hung mine in the living room and the afternoon light filtering through is now my favourite thing about the room. Cost: ~$10 · Time: 30 minutes

Layered Flatweave Area Rug

Total: ~$15 — three small flatweave rugs layered together.

A large rug can cost hundreds, but three small dollar store flatweave rugs overlapped make a convincing layered look for a fraction of the price. Choose rugs in the same colour family — natural jute tones with one patterned piece works beautifully. Overlap them by about a foot each, with the patterned one on top, centred under the coffee table. Use rug tape underneath so the layers do not slide on hard floors. I tried this in my own rental where I could not justify a big rug, and guests always ask where it is from. One mistake to avoid: mixing clashing patterns — keep at least two of the three plain. Cost: ~$15 · Time: 20 minutes

Ceramic Side-Table Lamp

Total: ~$9 — one ceramic table lamp with shade.

Overhead lighting is the enemy of a cosy living room, and a cheap table lamp fixes it instantly. Dollar store ceramic lamps come in surprisingly good shapes — look for a clean-lined base in white, navy, or sage, and check the shade is straight, not dented. Swap the bulb for a warm-white LED immediately, because the included bulbs are usually harsh. Place it on a side table at sofa-arm height so the light pools where you sit. I replaced my overhead light habit with two of these and the room feels like a different flat after dark. One mistake to avoid: a wobbly base — test it on the shelf before you buy. Cost: ~$9 · Time: 10 minutes

Potted Faux Succulents

Total: ~$4 — three small potted faux succulents.

Succulents are the one plant nobody can kill, and the faux dollar store versions have improved enormously. Buy them in odd numbers and cluster them on a shelf, windowsill, or coffee table tray. The trick to realism is the pot: if the plastic pot looks cheap, drop the whole thing into a slightly larger ceramic or woven pot. Fluff the leaves outward so they do not look squashed from packaging. I have a cluster of five on my bookshelf and a plant-loving friend watered one before I stopped her. One mistake to avoid: placing them somewhere dusty and never cleaning them — a quick wipe keeps them convincing. Cost: ~$4 · Time: 10 minutes

Marble-Look Coaster Set

Total: ~$4 — a set of four marble-look coasters.

Coasters are the detail that protects your furniture and quietly signals a well-kept home. Dollar store marble-look coasters — usually ceramic or resin with veined patterns — look remarkably like the real thing. Keep a set on the coffee table at all times rather than hidden in a drawer; they are decor as much as function. Wipe them down weekly, because ring stains on a white coaster defeat the purpose. Pair them with the (see also: 23-dollar-store-living-room-finds-worth-grabbing) tray styling for a coffee table that looks straight out of a catalogue. I bought two sets so there is always a spare when guests multiply. Cost: ~$4 · Time: 5 minutes

Framed Botanical Art Prints

Total: ~$8 — four framed botanical prints.

Botanical prints are a timeless wall choice, and dollar store framed sets make it almost too easy. Hang four in a tidy two-by-two grid above the sofa or in a vertical column in a narrow hallway. The frames are usually basic black, which is actually ideal — uniform black frames always look more expensive than ornate cheap ones. Keep the prints in the same colour palette; green botanicals on cream backgrounds are the safest bet. Measure twice and use a level — a crooked grid ruins the effect faster than anything. I hung a set in my hallway and they look like they came from a print shop. Cost: ~$8 · Time: 40 minutes

Round Floor Pouf Cushion

Total: ~$10 — one round floor pouf in a woven or knit cover.

A floor pouf adds casual seating and texture for very little money. Dollar store poufs are usually unfilled covers, so stuff yours firmly with old pillows, spare duvets, or affordable bean-bag fill until it holds its shape. Place it beside the coffee table as a footrest or pull it out when extra guests arrive. Choose a neutral woven or knit cover — busy patterns show the cheap construction more. I stuffed mine with two old duvets and it is now the most-fought-over seat during film nights. One mistake to avoid: underfilling it, which makes it look like a deflated balloon. Cost: ~$10 · Time: 20 minutes

Wooden Remote-Control Caddy

Total: ~$5 — one small wooden caddy or box with compartments.

Lost remotes are a universal living room problem, and a small wooden caddy solves it while looking tidy. Dollar stores sell compartmented wooden boxes meant for cutlery or desk supplies — they work perfectly for remotes, reading glasses, and a phone charger. Place it on the coffee table tray or the side table nearest your usual seat. Label nothing; everyone figures it out within a day. I tried this in my own living room after years of remotes vanishing into sofa cushions, and we have not lost one since. One mistake to avoid: buying one too narrow for a chunky TV remote — measure your biggest remote first. Cost: ~$5 · Time: 5 minutes

Decorative Book Stack

Total: ~$6 — three to four hardback books from the dollar store book aisle.

A stack of books is the stylist’s secret weapon for adding height and personality to any surface. Dollar stores often carry remaindered hardbacks with genuinely attractive covers — look for clothbound spines in solid colours rather than garish jacket art. Stack three or four largest-to-smallest on the coffee table or shelf, and top the pile with a small object like a candle or your coaster set. Remove the dust jackets if the covers underneath are nicer. I built a stack of navy and cream hardbacks for my shelf and they anchor the whole display. One mistake to avoid: stacking books you would never read just for looks — pick ones you actually like. Cost: ~$6 · Time: 10 minutes

Frosted Window Privacy Film

Total: ~$6 — one roll of frosted static-cling window film.

Privacy film is a renter’s best friend: frosted glass effect with no adhesive and no landlord drama. Dollar store rolls cover a standard window with one roll to spare. Clean the glass thoroughly, mist it with soapy water, and smooth the film on with a credit card, working from the centre outward to push out bubbles. Trim the edges with a craft knife for a clean fit. The static cling peels off cleanly whenever you move. I used it on my street-facing living room window and the light still floods in while the neighbours see nothing. One mistake to avoid: applying it on a dusty window — every speck shows through. Cost: ~$6 · Time: 30 minutes

Seagrass Floor Basket Planter

Total: ~$9 — one large seagrass basket used as a planter.

A big plant in a seagrass basket is a high-end look that costs a fortune in home stores — unless the basket comes from the dollar store. Buy the largest woven basket they stock, drop your plant in still in its nursery pot (with a saucer underneath to catch water), and let the basket hide the plastic. Position it in an empty corner that needs life, ideally near a window. Fold the basket rim down slightly for a relaxed, casual look. I did this with a tall faux olive tree and the combination looks like a boutique hotel lobby. For more basket styling ideas, see (see also: 21-dollar-store-home-office-finds-on-a-budget) — the same trick works brilliantly on desks. Cost: ~$9 · Time: 10 minutes

Vanilla Scented Candle Trio

Total: ~$6 — three vanilla-scented jar candles.

Scent is the invisible layer of a well-styled room, and vanilla is the safest, most universally loved fragrance. Dollar store jar candles in vanilla, French vanilla, or vanilla bean are consistently the best-smelling of the cheap ranges. Group the three jars on your coffee table tray or mantel, and light just one at a time so the scent stays subtle. Trim the wicks before each burn to avoid the sooty glass that makes cheap candles obvious. I light mine every Sunday evening and the whole flat smells like a bakery within the hour. One mistake to avoid: burning all three at once in a small room — it becomes overpowering fast. Cost: ~$6 · Time: 5 minutes

Save this idea for later and bookmark this list before your next dollar store run — your living room upgrade is one shopping trip away.

The Whole Room, Under $150

Add up every price above and the entire list comes to well under $150 — less than a single designer armchair. That is the whole point of these finds: a living room that looks considered does not require a considered budget, just a few smart choices and an eye for the good stuff. Pick your three favourites, grab them on your next trip, and enjoy the compliments.