How to Style a Couch So It Looks Fancy — Even on a Budget

Even an inexpensive sofa is likely the most costly piece of furniture in your living room. When replacing it isn’t an option, there are a number of simple upgrades to make a budget-friendly couch look more high-end. 

Want more design inspiration? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest decor ideas, designer tips, and more!

Use a Slipcover

Give a lackluster couch with worn upholstery a new look with a slipcover. Swapping slipcovers seasonally is an affordable way to refresh your decor without buying new furniture.

Choose a low-maintenance stretch slipcover or a linen slipcover with a loosely tailored fit for an effortless European feel.

Drape It With a Drop Cloth

Give your living room the air of a summer cottage that’s been closed up for the winter by simply draping your sofa with fabric. Use a cotton canvas drop cloth for an affordable and neutral base, then layer it with throw pillows, a colorful quilt, or a large throw blanket over the back of the couch.

Wrap Seat Cushions

If your couch has removable back or seat cushions that have faded with time, wrap them in fresh fabric. Choose a color that is complementary but with enough contrast so that you don’t have to worry about matching fabric on the body of the couch.

Style With Throw Pillows

Never underestimate the power of throw pillows to give a plain couch a more elevated look. Choose removable covers that are easy to clean, and allow you to change the look periodically without having to store extra pillows.

Select colorful or patterned throw pillow covers to add contrast with couch upholstery. Luxe fabrics like velvet and silk and details like tufting, tassels, and piping will make your sofa look more expensive. 

Add a Textural Throw Blanket

Lift the look of your couch with a textural throw blanket. Think fluffy real or faux sheepskin, a chunky knit, a Moroccan wool blanket edged with pom poms, or cozy cashmere. Drape your blanket nonchalantly on the arm of your couch or sectional for a more casual and inviting look rather than neatly folding it up.

Renovate Sofa Legs

If your couch has visible legs that aren’t as shapely as you would like, give it a more custom look by swapping them out for something more stylish, like turned wood. Or refinish existing legs that are scuffed or faded with new paint or stain.

Embellish With Trim

Personalize a generic couch with custom embellishments. Add black piping to the edges of white seat cushions, or nail head details to give upholstery a sophisticated look. Go retro with a tasseled skirt around the bottom edge of a tufted thrift store sofa for a cozy cottage feel. 

Refill Couch Cushions

Sofa cushions can lose volume over time. Plump up loose cushions manually, add filler to removable cushions, or replace foam seating for a newer look and a more comfortable feel.

Reupholster It

If your couch has nice lines, a solid wood frame, and intact springs, consider reupholstering it. This advice works best for vintage hand-me-downs that were well-constructed but look dated because of their upholstery style or condition, or those sourced secondhand at thrift stores or yard sales that are worth the effort and expense to refurbish.