Small Changes, Big Impact
Full Menu
Small Changes, Big Impact
Metal golden wall
KatarzynaBialasiewicz / Getty Images

The Ultimate Guide

Introduction

How to Fake Expensive Decor

Written by
Deirdre Sullivan
Deirdre Sullivan is a feature writer who specializes in home improvement and interior design. Her career has taken her from an assistant editor at Elle magazine to a content creator for brands and publishers including Realtor.com, MTV Networks, and Bustle.
Learn about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Deirdre Sullivan
Updated 09/14/20
Golden frame table and armchair
KatarzynaBialasiewicz / Getty Images

Custom decor is certainly beautiful, but it typically comes with a high price tag. That's where faux decorating hacks come in. There are several ways to fake expensive decor—including custom headboards, tile backsplashes, built-in storage features, and even fireplaces—for a fraction of the cost. Even beginning DIYers should be able to accomplish these projects and customize them to their taste.

Here are six of our favorite faux decorating hacks.

  • 01 of 06

    Fake a Custom Feature Wall

    washi tape wall decor
    Everything Emily Blog

    This money-saving idea allows you to dress up a wall without any paint. Use decorative tape, peel-and-stick wallpaper, or even fabric to give your walls a custom look. As long as you pick a product made especially for walls, it should come off with no damage to the existing paint job if you ever want to change the design.

    Continue to 2 of 6 below.
  • 02 of 06

    Fake a Stylish Headboard

    Painted pink mountains at head of bed
    Ikea

    Who needs to spend money on a fancy new headboard when you can create a faux headboard for the cost of some paint? Simply tape off a design you like, and roll on the paint. The best part is you can easily change the design or color scheme several times and still spend less than you would on a new headboard.

    Continue to 3 of 6 below.
  • 03 of 06

    Fake a Subway Tile Backsplash

    Interior and home decor on modern style
    Chiradech / Getty Images

    While subway tile is fairly inexpensive, you still have to pay for tiling supplies and perhaps a professional to install it. Or you can install a faux subway tile backsplash for a fraction of the cost. Look for a peel-and-stick material with a subway tile pattern that you can place over your existing backsplash. Or if you just have white walls above your kitchen counters, you can use gray paint to create faux grout lines that give the illusion of a tile backsplash.

    Continue to 4 of 6 below.
  • 04 of 06

    Fake a Built-In Storage Wall

    stacked wooden crates storing clothes and sheets
    Nur-Noch via HomeTalk

    Custom built-in storage solutions can cost a small fortune to create and install. However, you can whip up a functional and attractive storage solution yourself using crates that you stack vertically against a wall. Pick up some inexpensive wooden crates, and paint or stain them if you wish. Then, simply screw them into the wall in any pattern you choose. The options are virtually endless to customize this project.

    Continue to 5 of 6 below.
  • 05 of 06

    Fake Expensive Mood Lighting

    Window sill decorated with glassware and Christmas string light
    Arman Zhenikeyev / Getty Images

    Nothing sets the mood like lighting, but elegant lamps that cast a warm glow can get pricey. Fortunately, you can create your own mood lighting for just a few dollars. Acquire some colorful glass bottles or vases, and simply fill them with LED string lights. The tinted glass will diffuse the lights to just the right brightness for elegant evening lighting.

    Continue to 6 of 6 below.
  • 06 of 06

    Fake a Fireplace

    Hanging shelf over a large chalkboard with a fireplace drawn on
    Target

    If your home lacks a fireplace but you still want the feel of one in your space, consider using a chalkboard mounted to your wall wherever you want your "fireplace" to be. This hack requires some drawing skills to create, as you'll be drawing your faux fireplace box right on the chalkboard. The good news is if you mess up, you can erase and try again. Then, hang a floating shelf over the chalkboard as your faux mantle.