10 Quick And Easy Tips For Making A Room Look Prettier

Learn how to help a room look more attractive with 10 simple decorating tips that are easy, affordable, and perfect for any space in your home.

We probably all have a room or two in our homes that looks a little tired around the edges. Not terrible, just in need of a bit of polish and a decorating refresh. These spaces are not hopeless, but they could be so much prettier with just a few easy updates.

Do you have a room that could use some editing and a bit of attention? I can help! Let’s talk about 10 simple and practical tips that will help you make a room look more attractive and pulled together.

The ideas in this post are not complicated or time-consuming. Some can be done in minutes, and others might take a little longer, but every one of them is easy and doable. These tried and true tips really work and will make a big difference in how your home looks and feels.

Are you ready to make a room in your home look prettier? Let’s get started.

Pick Up Clutter

This one is at the top of the list for a reason! Clutter is the biggest enemy of a pretty room. A neat space just looks better—always.

Take a few minutes to gather any items that don’t belong and put them in their designated places. It’s amazing how a room transforms when everything is tidied up.

It’s easy to become clutter-blind, especially in spaces we use every day. Our sunroom is our space! I try to stay on top of the clutter (and encourage Bobby to help, too).

Here’s a quick system to help: Declutter Your Home In 15 Minutes A Day

Nicknacks And Collectibles

Collectibles have a way of multiplying when we are not looking. You start with one piece you love, and before long, you have an entire shelf, or room, full of them.

While collections are fun and meaningful, displaying too many at once can make a room feel cluttered. Instead of putting everything out, choose just the best. Curate your collection by picking the most beautiful or most sentimental pieces. This gives your room a more refined and intentional look.

When used thoughtfully, collectibles add personality and tell the story of your home. They are an important layer in decorating, but like every layer, they work best in moderation. Display a few favorites where they can shine, and rotate others in from time to time. A well-edited collection adds charm without overwhelming a space.

Create An Easy Vignette

A vignette is a small, styled grouping of decor that tells a little visual story, and it’s one of the easiest ways to add a touch of style to a room.

You don’t need anything fancy. Gather a few decorative items, such as a candle, a small vase of flowers, a stack of books, or a bowl, and arrange them in a way that feels balanced and visually appealing. Start with something to ground the vignette, like a tray or cutting board, and build around it.

Keep it simple. A few thoughtfully chosen and arranged pieces are much prettier than a cluttered collection. Consider how your eyes move around the group and how the colors, textures, and heights interact with each other.

A vignette works beautifully on a coffee table, console, nightstand, or kitchen counter. It helps anchor the space and adds instant charm to any room.

Take a peek: How to Decorate A Large Coffee Table.

Know And Use Your Color Palette

One of the best ways to make a room look more attractive is to stick to a cohesive color palette. This gives a space a calm and pulled-together look. Too many unrelated colors in a room can create a disjointed and confusing visual experience. But when your colors work together, everything just looks right.

Start by choosing three to five colors for the room. Include one or two main colors, a few secondary tones, and a small accent color if you like. Neutrals are always a safe and timeless choice, but if you love color, use it purposefully and repeat it throughout the space.

Take a close look around your room. Are there items that do not belong in your chosen palette? Try removing or replacing anything that stands out in a distracting way. A beautiful room is often the result of editing just as much as decorating.

Using a consistent palette creates a visual rhythm and gives the room a sense of flow. Whether your style is soft and quiet or bold and dramatic, staying within a color range makes everything feel more cohesive and intentional.

Want to learn more: Mastering the Art of Choosing the Perfect Color Palette.

Add A Little Black To A Room

Adding a touch of black is one of those classic design tricks that always works. Even a small amount can add depth, interest, and a touch of drama to a room. Black acts as a grounding color and adds visual weight in all the right ways.

Try adding black in simple ways, a lamp base, a picture frame, a candle holder, or a small piece of furniture. If your room is mostly neutral, this will help anchor the space and make everything else pop just a bit more.

The key is balance. A little black goes a long way, so spread it out around the room instead of placing it all in one spot. It should feel like a thoughtful accent, not a dominant color. And remember, this same idea works with deep charcoal or espresso brown as well.

Add Something Metallic

Every room can benefit from something that sparkles or shines. Metallic accents catch the light and add a touch of extra beauty to your decor. They also add a different texture, which makes a space feel layered and more finished.

Think beyond just gold or silver. Copper, bronze, pewter, and even matte finishes work beautifully. Use metallics in frames, trays, candlesticks, or mirrors—just be sure not to overdo it.

You can absolutely mix metals, too. Try combining warm and cool tones for a more collected look. Follow the 70-20-10 guideline if you are mixing three metals, or the 80-20 guideline if you are mixing just two. The goal is to create a natural balance that feels personal and pretty.

You may also enjoy reading 7 Tips For Mixing Metals In A Room.

Avoid Using Overhead Lighting

Overhead lighting can be one of the quickest ways to take the beauty out of a room. It tends to be harsh and unflattering, especially when it is the only light source in a space. I avoid it at all costs!

Instead, layer your lighting. Use floor lamps, table lamps, and sconces to create a warm and welcoming glow. Soft lighting is far more inviting and makes a room feel cozy and well cared for.

If you do use overhead lighting, make sure it is on a dimmer so you can control the brightness. A chandelier with a shade or soft bulbs can work beautifully if you want a central fixture.

And do not forget the charm of candlelight. A few glowing candles or lanterns can make any room feel extra special, especially in the evenings. Good lighting can make all the difference in how a room looks and feels.

Pillows And Decorative Throws Are Like Jewelry To A Room

If you want to instantly refresh a room, add new pillows or a decorative throw. These soft accessories are like jewelry for your home. They add color, texture, and a sense of comfort that finishes a space.

Select pillows in your color palette and mix different textures and sizes to achieve a layered look. Consider adding one solid, one pattern, and one that incorporates something seasonal or interesting. A well-styled pillow combination makes a sofa or chair feel intentional and cozy.

Throws also add another layer of softness and charm. Drape one over the back of a chair, the arm of a sofa, or at the foot of a bed. Just a few thoughtful touches like these can make a big visual difference in your space.

Flowers And Plants Are A Must

A room is not truly finished without something green or blooming. Flowers and plants breathe life into a space and add that touch of nature we all crave in our homes.

Whether you prefer real or faux, placing greenery in attractive containers is a simple way to make a room look attractive. Even one vase of blooms or a small plant on a side table can change the feel of a space.

When my garden is full, I love clipping a few flowers for inside. But when it is not, I turn to grocery store bunches or even well-made faux stems from my storage. Organic elements are always in style, making your home feel welcoming and fresh.

Try these ideas: 10 Tips to Make Artificial Flowers Look Beautifully Realistic.

Add A Few Decorative Accessories

Accessories are the finishing touches that add personality to a room. But too many can crowd a space and make it feel messy instead of pretty. It is all about editing and arranging with a purpose.

Count the number of flat surfaces you have, including consoles, coffee tables, side tables, and shelves. Choose one main surface for a vignette, and then keep accessories simple on the other surfaces in the room.

Try mixing textures and shapes. Use items of different heights, but give everything a bit of space so your eye can rest. A room that is styled with care and not overdone will always look more attractive and pulled together.

Here’s something to keep in mind: The Overdecorating Dilemma

Every room in your home has the potential to feel more inviting and aesthetically pleasing with just a few small adjustments. These doable and straightforward tips can breathe new life into a tired space without spending much at all. Sometimes all it takes is tidying up, editing what you already have, and layering in a few thoughtful touches.

So walk through your home and look at each room with fresh eyes. Choose one space to start with and give these ideas a try. Before you know it, your home will feel prettier, more peaceful, and even more like you.

More Decorating Posts to Enjoy

If you’re looking for even more helpful ideas to make your home look prettier and feel more like you, here are a few favorite decorating reads I think you’ll love:

12 Easy And Doable Decorating Ideas You Can Do In Under 30 Minutes
These practical tips are simple to try and make a big difference in how your home looks and feels—no decorating stress involved.

Accent Decor: 13 Itmes That Every Home Should Have
Learn about the essential accent pieces that bring personality, charm, and style to any space.

A Quick Start Guide For Decorating Your Home Like A Pro
These timeless lessons are filled with tips and takeaways you can use no matter your style or the size of your home.

Decorate With Less: Use What You Already Have
Discover how to decorate beautifully using the things you already own. This post is full of creative ideas that won’t cost a thing.

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Happy decorating, friends…