17 Ways to Get Instant Curb Appeal for Less Than $100
First impressions matter. Enhance your front yard so people will stop and stare after the first glance. The good thing is, it doesn't have to cost a fortune.
Eye-Catching Charm on a Small Budget
There are dozens of small, inexpensive home improvements that you can do to kick-up your home's curb appeal. Adding curb appeal to your house not only makes it easier to sell, but it also gives your house that nice and finished look in which you can take pride in. When deciding on which upgrades to make, consider what your house currently looks like and what will look best with it.
Paint the Front Door
Most exterior paint will cost you approximately $30 a gallon. Painting your front door can definitely add some brightness and revive the look of your front porch. Pick a bold color that stands out, but make sure to match it to the rest of the colors on your house. Properly prep all surfaces before you paint so you'll get great results that will last for years to come. Read this before you paint your front door, then follow the link below to see over 50 of our favorite front door hues.
SEE MORE: 56 Inviting Colors to Paint a Front Door
Install a New Door Handle
An eye-catching doorknob or chic handle can punch up the design of the front of your house. With a wide range of prices and styles, you have endless options. Today, there are several safety door locks on the market, that have cameras or numerical codes that will unlock the door. This front door's sturdy exterior handle has a pleasing patina that provides the perfect finishing touch for the entry.
Add Porch Curtains
Accent your porch with curtains to give the front of your house a dramatic look that will create an outdoor private hideaway. The addition of curtains will make your front porch an extension of the interiors, giving off a warm and welcoming vibe.
SEE MORE: 35 Ways to Decorate Your Front Porch or Entryway
Landscape Lighting
Landscape lights bring curb appeal to your home at night time. They not only create a stunning visual display but also help safely guide visitors to the main entrance. Snag some of our favorite ways to light up a landscape, below.
SEE MORE: 22 Landscape Lighting Ideas
Install Flower Boxes
If your house is lacking color, try adding flower boxes. Install them on the front porch railings as well as below the windows. Window boxes are relatively cheap or you can DIY them in an afternoon (instructions below). The flowers and soil may actually cost you more than the box, and remember, you have to maintain the flowers to actually add curb appeal. If you rather not add flower boxes to your house, then consider buying some container gardens in pots and placing them on your front steps or porch.
GET THE HOW-TO: DIY Floating Window Box
Cheerful Doormat
Well, hello! A cheerful front doormat is a fun way to greet guests, while also keeping the dirt where it belongs — outside.
GET THE HOW-TO: Pretty Up Your Porch With a DIY Wooden Doormat
Front Door Mailbox
Starting at around $40, a front door mailbox is an inexpensive addition that adds charm and function to a home's exterior. This type of mailbox is simple to install and should take less than an hour to complete.
Upgrade Your Mailbox
If you have a mailbox at the road, replacing an outdated box can add curb appeal. You can find a new mailbox starting around $20. When you install your mailbox, make sure that you are following the regulations that are set forth in the city that you live in. Plan for at least two hours to complete this project.
LEARN HOW: How to Install a Post and Mailbox
Add Charm With a Front Door Wreath
A new front door wreath can be inexpensively changed from season to season and adds immense charm to your home's curb appeal. Learn how to make a fresh, season-spanning magnolia wreath, like the one seen here, at the link below.
GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make a Beautiful, Fresh Magnolia Wreath
Replace Exterior Lighting
When buying new exterior light fixtures, consider both the style of your home and the function of the lights. You want them to be able to adequately illuminate your entryway and make it safer. Look for fixtures that have the same mounting system as the current ones that you have to save yourself some time. Exterior light fixtures can be found anywhere from $20 and up. Check salvage shops, you might be able to find vintage lighting to match the age and look of your home.
Install New House Numbers
If your house has old or faded house numbers on it, purchase some new numbers to spruce up the curb appeal. Try to match your new house numbers with the finish that is on your exterior light fixtures. Simple house numbers can start at $2.00 per number or you can look into customized plaques that can cost $50-$100. Check out some of our favorite DIY house number ideas below.
SEE MORE: 20 DIY House Number Projects & Design Ideas
DIY Wooden Shutters
To greatly enhance the exterior of your home, DIY wooden shutters will do the trick. To warm up the color palette of your exterior you can use a dark wood stain or paint the shutters an eye-catching color.
GET THE HOW-TO: Make Your Own Cedar Shutters
Install a Porch Swing
A cozy wooden porch swing adds a spot to relax outside, while also enhancing your curb appeal. Porch swings can be found new in-store, at antique shops for a discounted price or you can DIY one with our step-by-step instructions, below. Pro Tip: Before purchasing a new porch swing, be sure to measure your space and check out our instructions on how to install a porch swing properly.
GET THE HOW-TO: DIY Swinging Daybed
Potted Plants
Added greenery brings eye-catching color and appeal to any front porch. Bringing a few potted plants to your home's exterior can dramatically enhance the look of your home.
Plant a Tree
Planting a tree is one of the most common ways to add curb appeal to your house. Before you plant a tree, consider how big the tree will get and how it will affect your house. If you have enough space, try planting two trees to frame your house or your entryway. Learn how to plant a tree the right way, below.
GET THE HOW-TO: The Right Way to Plant a Tree
Door Knocker
A lovely welcome and front door adornment is a unique door knocker. This addition can be an inexpensive way to elevate the charm of your front door.
Add Outdoor Furniture
By adding seating space, your home will overflow with charm. Porch furniture can be found at antique or second-hand stores, can easily be painted and with the addition of fresh cushions, will look like new.

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza