It's true: Adding flair and personality to your surroundings doesn't have to break the bank. Here are 21 ways to beautify your home on a budget.

Find dust ruffles a bit fussy -- and costly? Dress up your bed by slipping a fitted sheet over the box spring for a streamlined look. Use a sheet that matches those on the bed, or set off a coverlet or duvet by choosing one in a matching pattern or contrasting hue.

Making a smarter media unit is about as easy as playing Tetris: Combine inexpensive, unfinished cubes to create a larger structure, and then treat it to a dose of style.

Inexpensive, mass-produced cabinets take on custom character with a few easy additions.

Mimic the look of expensive tapestry on door panels with a much more budget-friendly material -- wallpaper.

Add a splash of personality to a lackluster work space by covering plain floating bookshelves with wallpaper.

Rather than buy new art for your walls, display your favorite patterned plates using these inconspicuous hangers.

Instead of throwing out an old table with a scratched surface, give it new life with this simple linen-wrapping technique.

Beautify a corner of your kitchen by using vintage glass doorknobs (from flea markets and garage sales) as dish-towel hangers.

Cover a plain magnetic board with pretty paper and it becomes an organizer and a work of art.

Instead of spending money on new towels, easily unify an assortment of solid-colored towels by sewing on washable, decorative ribbon that complements all the hues.

Transform an inexpensive flower bucket into a nice-looking umbrella stand by painting the bottom of the bucket with glossy oil-based enamel paint.

Who needs fancy storage boxes? Add a splash of color to the ones you already own using book cloth.

Before you splurge on a new corner table, consider restoring a worn tabletop with leather for a polished look.

Bring sprightly designs to inexpensive chairs by covering the backs with paper, in either a single bold pattern or several coordinating ones.

Restore a scratched wooden table with a new surface of cork.

Put fine china on display in the dining room without buying a breakfront or hutch. Keep dishware on a side table on covered cake stands and under bell jars and cloches.

Mask run-of-the-mill storage with a little trompe l'oeil magic. We transformed a boxy, unfinished dresser into a dressier rococo masterpiece by painting it and decoupaging the front with blown-up clip art.

Swap the utilitarian look and feel of magazine organizers for something more artful using inexpensive patterned wallpaper.

Inexpensive lattice strips glued together into a crisscross form decorate an entryway while keeping keys and other items sorted.

Fancy vases aren't cheap -- make your own by coating the interior of glass jars and vessels with bright enamel paint.

Steal a cool, modern motif from a piece of wallpaper and cut it out to make easy -- and inexpensive -- backing plates for your sconces.