When it comes to decorating your home on a budget, nothing feels better than discovering a high-impact, low-cost design hack that instantly elevates your space. Interior designers know the secret to making a home feel stylish and expensive without breaking the bank — and this $50 pillow trick is one they swear by. Ready to give your home a designer-approved upgrade? Let’s dive into the transformative tactic that looks luxe but costs less than a fancy meal out.
The Secret: Upgrading with Overstuffed, High-Quality Throw Pillow Covers
That’s it — the $50 decorating technique interior designers love is investing in voluminous, high-quality throw pillow shams and replacing the typical inserts with plush feather or down pillow inserts. It sounds simple, but the transformation is enormous.
Most store-bought throw pillows come with cheap, flat inserts that look stiff and unnatural. However, by swapping those inserts for plush, oversized ones (usually one size larger than the cover), you can create a designer look that feels rich, cozy, and intentionally arranged.
Why This Decorating Technique Always Works
✅ Adds Instant Luxurious Factor: Feather-down or high-quality faux down inserts add thickness, weight, and texture, making your pillows look and feel pricier.
✅ Creates a Tailored Look: Oversized pillows give that “fluffed hotel suite” vibe — tailored, plush, and polished.
✅ Highly Versatile: Works on sofas, beds, chairs, benches, and even window seats. Change the cover seasonally for a whole new look while reusing the same insert.
✅ Budget-Friendly Impact: For around $50, you can score quality inserts and designer-inspired covers that completely rejuvenate your room.
Extra Tip: Master the ‘Karate Chop’ Impact
Once you’ve got your expanded inserts in place, don’t skip the iconic decorator move — the famous “karate chop.” Give the center of the cushion a gentle hit with your palm. This creates a soft crease that hints at feather-filled luxury and screams high-end panache.
Where to Shop for This $50 Decorating Hack
Here are designer-favorite spots to source affordable yet expensive-looking cushion covers and inserts:
IKEA – Great for basic feather inserts at budget-friendly prices.
Amazon – Wide variety of velvet, linen, and textured covers that look high-end.
H&M Home – Stylish cushion covers with designer vibes.
West Elm / Pottery Barn – For when you want to splurge on the perfect down insert.
Etsy – Handcrafted and customized cushion covers for a unique, designer touch.
Material Choices That Elevate the Look
When picking cushion covers, choose rich fabrics that photograph beautifully and wear well:
✨ Velvet for a deep, luxurious vibe
✨ Linen for a breezy, natural feel
✨ Bouclé or chenille for cozy texture
✨ Faux leather or suede for modern elegance
Avoid cheap synthetic materials that flatten easily and look dull.
Designers’ Favorite Color Combos and Textures
Interior designers often recommend mixing textures and layering hues within a color palette. Some timeless combinations:
Cream linen + Rust velvet + Olive green suede
Charcoal wool + Mustard velvet + Neutral striped cotton
Navy velvet + White bouclé + Brass accents nearby
By playing with texture, size, and color, you create depth and visual interest — all for around $50.
Bonus Hack: Add Matching Trim or Tassels
If you’re feeling creative, buy decorative trim, fringe, or tassels to sew onto plain cushion covers. This small addition instantly gives your pillows a custom, high-end designer look — and materials often cost less than $10.
The Impact: Instant Upgrade Without Major Spending
This simple pillow swap transformed our worn sofa remarkably; suddenly, its faded fabric appeared plush and expensive once more. A new bed set transported our tired bedroom to feel like those featured in high-end magazines, where guests could rest easily in luxurious comfort. Even our occasional armchairs felt brand new, inviting anyone who sat down to sink deep into relaxation.
For under fifty dollars, our living area was completely revitalized — hints of shining sophistication appeared throughout the entire space, as if by magic. Not a soul would ever suspect the small fortune we actually saved.