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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 lightsGrisha 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 doorkaramysh/Shutterstock

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.

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flower pots yellow brick stepspavla/Shutterstock

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 numbersRafael Croonen/Shutterstock

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.

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curb appealJPL Designs/Shutterstock

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 workNinaMalyna/Shutterstock

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 birdJoerg Lue/Shutterstock

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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mailboxMemoryMan/Shutterstock

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 boxesMaria Dryfhout/Shutterstock

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 shuttersLokuttara/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 homeKenneth 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 mulchOzCameraman/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 lightChristophe 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 hardwareSantirat 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 chairsErika 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 lived through a major home renovation in 2019, knows the ups and downs of home improvement, and loves sharing tips with readers. A veteran journalist of both print and television, she’s won several awards for her writing and has covered everything from the environment and education to health care, politics and food. She’s written for several publications beyond newspapers including Bob Vila, Taste of Home and Minnesota Parent, and she currently writes a weekly syndicated newspaper column. Her memoir, Widowland, about the sudden loss of her husband, was published in 2022. She specializes in everything from home decor and design to lawn and garden, product reviews and pet care. When she’s not writing, you can usually find her tending to her garden (both vegetables and native plants), playing with her dog, watching sports with her family or getting some exercise. A native of Michigan, she currently lives in Minneapolis. An avid user of Instagram, you can follow her @RachBrougham.