Expert Advice

40 Chic Décor Finds Under $30 From Our Favorite Online Home Stores

Ballin’ on a budget.

By Bridget Chambers
molly madfis home, almost makes perfect, california home, neutral home decor, breakfast nook, entry way, bedroom

I’m a firm believer that your home should not only reflect your personality, but it should also make you smile every day. Since I currently don’t own a home I can renovate, that means stocking my shelves and styling my counters with all of the little things that bring elements of me to the space. And despite what gorgeous Instagram imagery may lead you to believe, affordable home décor really can be just as stylish.

I always feel most proud when someone mentions that they love my shoes and I can say, “Thanks, they’re from Target!” The same goes for home décor. We recently sourced chic décor under $100 from our tried and true home destinations: Target, West Elm, H&M Home, Zara Home, Urban Outfitters, and CB2. Recently, I’ve been on a mission to get that Pinterest-worthy look with the smallest budget possible… under $30 to be exact. At first, it seemed impossible, but our favorite online home stores re-instilled my faith that this dream could be a reality—and the result would be worth the search. Dive in and discover our curated roundup of cheap and chic gems.

Feature image by Nicki Sebastian.

Target

Hearth & Hand™ x Magnolia Decorative Wooden Cookbook Holder Easel

We’re firm believers that cookbooks should double as art and this easel makes it happen with its functional and beautiful look for your kitchen. Not only does it hold your book open to the recipe you’re cooking, but it looks great to keep open all day long.

Hearth & Hand™ x Magnolia Decorative Wooden Cookbook Holder Easel, $19.99

Opalhouse™ Painted Floral Doormat

This half-circle doormat is perfect for your front-door first impressions. It keeps the dirt and mud from tracking into your home and looks good while doing it.

Opalhouse™ Painted Floral Doormat, $13

Project 62™ 5″x7″ Natural Frame With Stand

A picture might be worth a thousand words, but it’s nothing without a good frame. The natural wood on this frame makes it perfect for all settings, including your dad’s office (contender for a Father’s Day gift?).

Project 62™ 5″x7″ Natural Frame With Stand, $12

Threshold™ Decorative Cane Pattern Open Weave Basket

The possibilities are endless with this natural woven basket. Roll up your blankets and use them as storage in the living room. Add a faux plant to get a basket-planter look. Set it underneath a side table for extra magazine/book storage. You name it, this basket can do it.

Threshold™ Decorative Cane Pattern Open Weave Basket, $18

Project 62™ 8″x5″ Artificial Snake Plant in Pot

Speaking of faux plants, we love this tabletop snake plant in its chic white pot. I’m all for bringing elements of nature into my home, but I seriously lack a green thumb… the only kind of plant mom I’ll be anytime soon is a faux one.

Project 62™ 8″x5″ Artificial Snake Plant in Pot, $10

Opalhouse™ x Jungalow™ 7″ x 8.5″ Terracotta Vase with Handle Brown Clay

It’s no secret that we’re huge fans of Justina Blakeney’s work and design eye here at CS. Her pieces are vibrant and breathe a huge and inspiring breath of fresh air into your home. This terracotta vase is beautifully unique and exudes an antique feel.

Opalhouse™ x Jungalow™ 7″ x 8.5″ Terracotta Vase with Handle Brown Clay, $25

Hearth & Hand™ x Magnolia 18″ Faux Heart Eucalyptus Plant Stem

If you’ve had a hankering to bring a little greenery into your space this spring then look no further than this sweet faux eucalyptus stem. Tuck it in a larger arrangement or place it in a statement vase on your mantelpiece. Either way, it’s a showstopper.

Hearth & Hand™ x Magnolia 18″ Faux Heart Eucalyptus Plant Stem, $3.99

Opalhouse™ Hermosa Poms Outdoor Throw Pillow

Don’t forget the outdoors! With spring around the corner, our patios and decks are top of mind. I love the quirky addition of the pom poms outlining this otherwise neutral pillow. Scatter a few across a whicker couch for accented impact.

Opalhouse™ Hermosa Poms Outdoor Throw Pillow, $25

West Elm

OPP Glass Round Bud Vase (Set of 3)

They say that three’s a crowd, but these blush glass bud vases are definitely an exception. These stylish vases make even the tiniest of flowers look chic and are gorgeous when used down the center of a table setting.

OPP Glass Round Bud Vase (Set of 3), $24

Metal Loop Object

We’re calling it: abstract is the new black. Case in point: this decorative metal sculpture. This is the affordable home décor you’ve been looking for to finally fill in that awkwardly empty space in your bookshelves.

Metal Loop Object, $21.60 (reg. $24)

Ceramic Indoor/Outdoor Wallscape Planters

When I finally have a back porch that is worthy of gatherings, these planters will be there—you have my word. I love that they bring in some greenery without taking up valuable floor space. Not to mention they quite literally elevate your potting game.

Ceramic Indoor/Outdoor Wallscape Planters, $23.40 (reg. $39)

Faux Green Palm Plant Leaf Branch

Bring a tropical feel to your home with this faux palm leaf branch. It’ll look stunning and dramatic displayed on its own in a clear glass vase. Did we mention it’s 100% handcrafted? The price is right.

Faux Green Palm Plant Leaf Branch, $27.55 (reg. $29)

Marble & Brass Wine Coaster

When my parents moved into their most recent home, my mom chose the most gorgeous white marble countertops that came with a strict “no stains allowed” speech. One dinner, a red wine bottle, and a ring stain later, I’m making sure she is fully stocked with wine coasters. Shouldn’t be a problem when they are as chic and affordable as this one.

Marble & Brass Wine Coaster, $19.50

Mill Ceramic Mugs (Set of 4)

This adorably chic set of mugs might just make mornings fun. They’re the perfect addition to your at-home coffee bar. Super functional, super cute—all rolled into one.

Mill Ceramic Mugs (Set of 4), $14.99 (reg. $42)

H&M Home

Linen-Blend Seat Cushion

Affordable home décor is nothing if it isn’t comfortable, and comfort is key when it comes to seated dinners. This chic nude cushion will go with every place setting, work both inside and outside, and keep all your guests happy.

Linen-Blend Seat Cushion, $14.99

Metal Table Mirror

This gold mirror works perfectly in any room of the house: in the bathroom for getting ready, on your desk for pre-zoom meeting touch-ups, or on a shelf on your way out the door. Super light and easy to move, try it out everywhere until it finds its perfect home.

Metal Table Mirror, $12.99

Glass/Rattan Tea Light Holder

My mom raised me to believe that no dinner is complete without tea light candles on the table, which is why these chic under $20 tea light holders are a must when she comes to visit. The rattan bottom also makes these perfect for outdoor tablescapes.

Glass/Rattan Tea Light Holder, $14.99

Small Plant Pot

I love a good pop of color, and this small plant pot is the perfect shade of blue. It brings out the darker tones in my house, while still feeling neutral enough.

Small Plant Pot, $14.99

Small Metal Tray

Catchall trays are a necessity for my busy schedule. I love keeping trays like this on my bedside table for taking off my rings at night and by my front door for my keys and wallet. This small gold tray would also look so chic on a coffee table with some glass beads inside.

Small Metal Tray, $12.99

Plant Pot with Bubbles

These pots’ glazed stoneware is gorgeous, but they get the balance of a little eccentricity with the bubbled finish. Neutral but with plenty of interest incorporated into the design, they’ll create a statement anywhere you place them.

Plant Pot with Bubbles, $24.99

Zara Home

Poppy Fields Scented Candle

Introducing the chicest candle of my dreams. Not only does its container keep dripping wax from getting on your counter/table, but it instantly heightens your décor. I’m dying to add this to my minimalist mantle ASAP.

Poppy Fields Scented Candle, $25.90

Basket With Fabric Lining

You can never have enough baskets. This natural, woven basket would be perfect stacked in a set atop an entryway side table or even acting as a catchall in the bathroom. When it comes to this basket, the only tough questions is choosing what you’ll do with it.

Basket With Fabric Lining, $14.90

Glass Vase

The size of this vase is perfectly proportional to the number of live flowers I can handle at a time. My childhood home doesn’t have a garden of any sort, but when I come home to visit my mom always picks one small flower from the yard and puts it in a vase like this for my bathroom. It’s tiny but mighty in that this kind of affordable home décor brings so much life to the space.

Glass Vase, $6.90 (reg. $14.90)

Round Gold Door Knobs (Set of 2)

These doorknobs are the facelift that your drawers and cabinets need. When you’re wanting to freshen up your space, start with something that you see/use every day for an immediate and noticeable difference (at a very affordable price). Opening my kitchen cabinets and bathroom drawers with knobs like this would definitely make the mundane feel chic.

Round Gold Door Knobs (Set of 2), $6.90 (reg. $14.90)

Urban Outfitters

Gianna Glass Trinket Box

Even if this trinket box sits empty, it’ll do wonders for your space. I’m big on wearing lots of dainty jewelry, so for me, this box is an organizational life-saver for my bathroom counter. However, I think it would look equally as chic on your living room coffee table or on your bookshelves.

Gianna Glass Trinket Box, $14

Ariya Circle Wall Hook

Minimalist design meets maximal function. Fitted with a looped tab hook and a textural finish, a set of these hooks will be a stylish add to any entryway—and are strong enough to hold even your most heavily-stuffed bags.

Ariya Circle Wall Hook, $14

Cora Wine Rack

When functional meets stylish, I can’t resist. Just like cookbooks, beautiful wine bottles are art and shouldn’t always be hidden away in a fridge. Set upon a bar cart or your counter and voila—your at-home wine bar is complete.

Cora Wine Rack, $19 (reg. $29)

Roxanne’s Dried Flowers Billy Buttons

Camille has dried blooms in her home, and I love how it adds the same effects as flowers and greenery, but holds true to her neutral color palette. I had also never seen them so beautifully incorporated into a space before Camille, which inspires me to add these chic and unique blooms to my own home.

Roxanne’s Dried Flowers Billy Buttons, $22

Taylor Wall Shelf

In all of my cozy and tiny college living spaces, the one thing I always needed more of was storage. I wish I had found these hanging shelves earlier, as they add so much functionality and style to whatever room they hang in. I’ll be hanging these over my desk for additional surface area.

Taylor Wall Shelf, $14

Roxy Watering Can

I never imagined myself referring to a watering can as cute, but here I am. This mini gold watering can from Urban Outfitters is perfect for giving your indoor plants little sips of water throughout the day. I’ve already exposed myself for not keeping many live plants, but I think this mini watering can is an adorable option for creamer or milk on a coffee bar at brunch, as well.

Roxy Watering Can, $12

Maeve Metal Wall Shelf

If you haven’t heard, abstract shapes are in. Maybe it’s our collective love of whimsy or just a need to shake up our space. Whatever the case, these are the perfect shelves for displaying everything from books to vases to decorative objects (and everything in between).

Maeve Metal Wall Shelf, $16

Geo Hook (Set Of 3)

I’m notorious for never being on time thanks to my ability to (always) lose my keys. I’ve tried keeping a dish next to my door, but these geometric metal wall hooks are a much more stylish solve.

Geo Hook (Set Of 3), $18.00

CB2

Acrylic Baby Easel

This baby easel makes picture frames look basic. I love propping photos up on easels as I can put up 10 prints and swap them out each day to freshen up the look. Why settle on one photo when you can have a new one each day?

Acrylic Baby Easel, $19.95

Celia White Vase

Any flower arrangement would shine in this unique white vase. Even kept empty it would pop in bookshelves. When it comes to affordable home décor, sometimes the eye-catching pieces that you wouldn’t normally buy do more for your space than any expensive classic piece ever could.

Celia White Vase, $19.95

Terracotta Grey Incense Burner

Burn (in style), baby, burn. I love that each of these incense burners is totally unique—giving your space an affordable, but curated feel.

Terracotta Grey Incense Burner, $19.95

Polyterrazzo Oil Lamp

If you’re tired of basic candles, try out an oil lamp for a different look. Same functionality, new style. This poly terrazzo lamp also has a great weight to it, making it perfect for windy evenings.

Polyterrazzo Oil Lamp, $24.95

Birch Branch 48″

Talk about chic and affordable home décor. Who would have thought that leaning sticks in a corner or placing them in a tall pot would be so stylish? I love the idea of these birch branches in a beach or a lake house bringing the outdoors in.

Birch Branch 48″, $8.99 (reg. $9.95)

Warm White Twisted Taper Candles (Set of 2)

Remember that candle-filled tablescape I was just talking about? These candles would be the star of any stunning tablescape. You might think that a candle is a candle, but the spiral designs these ones beautifully boast are perfectly unique—I need 10.

Warm White Twisted Taper Candles (Set of 2), $4.95

White Marble Sphere

A nice reminder that what you bring into your home doesn’t have to serve a purpose beyond beautifying the space and infusing it with a little joy. This stunning marble sphere does exactly that.

White Marble Sphere, $29.95

Faux Maguey Pick 15″

I love displaying cut stems in vases for a clean, but dramatic look. Only downside? Despite changing the water daily, even the hardiest stems only seem to last a few days at most. These zero-maintenance, thick and lush stems are truly evergreen and always on trend.

Faux Maguey Pick 15″, $12.95

This post was originally published on May 13, 2021 and has since been updated.