16 Ways to Add Curb Appeal for Less Than $50

First impressions are important, so you want to make the exterior of your home as attractive as possible. It doesn't matter if you're looking to sell or just want to give your home's exterior a fresh look, here are 16 ways to add curb appeal for less than $50.

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outdoor solar path lights
Grisha Bruev/Shutterstock

Add Some Lights

Outdoor lighting can make a world of difference when it comes to your home’s curb appeal. Add some solar lights along the front walkway or some low-voltage lights near your front flower bed.

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Red front door
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Paint the Front Door

A fresh coat of paint on your front door can give your home a whole new look, and better curbside appeal. Try red front door paint for a classic look or a bright orange for something a bit unexpected.

If your driveway needs an element for an upgrade, explore our list of driveway gate ideas!

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flower pots yellow brick steps
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Add Flower Pots

A couple of well-placed flower pots on your front step will make for a cheery front entrance. Potted plants create a much more welcoming environment than a bare and empty front porch.

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modern house numbers
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Update House Numbers

Give your house numbers a makeover. People look for your address more than you may think as they drive by. Replace your old numbers with an updated metal or wood design to update the curb appeal. Make your home more sustainable with these solar-powered house numbers.

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curb appeal
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Plant Shrubs or a Tree

A couple of shrubs or a new tree will instantly up your curb appeal. Much like potted plants, trees and shrubs will add a welcoming quality to your home.

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mowing the lawn yard work
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Keep Your Lawn Tidy

One of the easiest ways to maintain curb appeal is to keep your lawn tidy, and that includes edging around your walkways and flower beds.

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birdhouse flying bird
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Attract Some Birds

Humans aren’t the only things you want to find your home attractive. You can easily attract a variety of birds to your yard with a birdhouse or bird feeder.

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mailbox
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Update Your Mailbox

Give your mailbox an update with a colorful paint job or replace it. Just make sure you purchase an approved mailbox and follow regulations when it comes to height. Curbside mailboxes must be mounted and the bottom must be 42 to 48 inches above the ground.

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flowers in window boxes
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Add Window Boxes

Window boxes will bring a splash of color to the front of your home and add quick curbside appeal. Plant perky pansies or cascading flowers such as petunias. You can even use the boxes to grow herbs.

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yellow window shutters
Lokuttara/Shutterstock

Paint Shutters and Trim

When was the last time you painted your window shutters? What about your exterior trim? A simple update to the trim around your windows will add plenty of curb appeal.

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wreath on front door brick home
Kenneth Sponsler/Shutterstock

Hang a Wreath

Welcome guests to your home with a wreath. Whether you purchase a wreath or make it yourself, wreaths allow you to change the look of your front entryway as often as you like.

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laying mulch
OzCameraman/Shutterstock

Put Down New Mulch

Mulch is an inexpensive way to tidy up flower beds and shrubs while also reducing evaporation and slowing weed growth. Get a couple of bags of mulch to freshen up the area around the front of your home.

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exterior porch light
Christophe La/Shutterstock

Install a Porch Light

Look for a pretty light fixture to hang at the front door. You could also mount a few light sconces near the entryway.

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garden-hose-holder Remove or Tape Around Obstacles

Tidy Up Hoses

A tangled garden hose is not only frustrating, but it looks messy, too. Nobody wants to see your gardening equipment thrown all over the yard.

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ornate door knocker hardware
Santirat Praeknokkaew/Shutterstock

Update Door Hardware

Does your door hardware need a makeover? Add curbside appeal by replacing old door knobs and knockers or give it an update with stain or paint.

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front porch rocking chairs
Erika J Mitchell/Shutterstock

Add Some Seating

Create a welcoming spot to relax by adding a couple of chairs to your front porch or yard.

Rachel Brougham
Rachel Brougham spent years working in newsrooms, for television and newspapers, and has won several awards for her writing. In 2015, she left her full-time job as a newspaper editor to focus on freelance writing and editing. She has been a Family Handyman contributor since 2017.
In 2019, Rachel lived through a major remodeling project on her home, and she uses that experience to inform her Family Handyman content. She's also an avid gardener (both native plants and vegetables), enjoys keeping up with decor trends and spends a lot of time traveling, cooking and hanging out with her family and their giant dog.