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.

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October 10, 2020

Related To:

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.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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: 59 Inviting Colors to Paint a Front Door

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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

From: HGTV Magazine

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

From: Windermere Real Estate

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.

From: Allison Crawford

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

From: Chip Gaines

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.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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

From: Project Groundwork

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

From: CLOTH & KIND

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.

From: Rebecca Rowland Interiors

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.

From: Weaver Design Group

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.

From: CLOTH & KIND

Shop This Look

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Photo By: Robert Peterson; Rustic White Photography

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Photo By: Christopher Shane

Photo By: Windermere Real Estate, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Jennifer Boomer/Getty Images

Photo By: Catherine Truman

Photo By: Rachel Whyte

Photo By: Robert Peterson, Rustic White

Photo By: Coreen Schmidt Photography

Photo By: Jennifer Boomer/Verbatim Photo Agency

Photo By: Photo by Sarah Dorio; Design by: CLOTH & KIND; Builder: Athens Building Company

Photo By: Julie Mannell Photography

Photo By: Sarah Dorio

Photo By: Jessica Klewicki Glynn

Photo By: Photo by Sarah Dorio; Design by: CLOTH & KIND; Builder: Athens Building Company

Don't Miss:

Don't Miss:

17 Ways to Get Instant Curb Appeal for Less Than $100

Related To:

Eye-Catching Charm on a Small Budget

Paint the Front Door

Install a New Door Handle

Add Porch Curtains

Landscape Lighting

Install Flower Boxes

Cheerful Doormat

Front Door Mailbox

Upgrade Your Mailbox

Add Charm With a Front Door Wreath

Replace Exterior Lighting

Install New House Numbers

DIY Wooden Shutters

Install a Porch Swing

Potted Plants

Plant a Tree

Door Knocker

Add Outdoor Furniture

Shop This Look