There are lots of ways to improve your home without spending much money. Fortunately, many of the upgrades simply require that you correct small details, which can make your place look more elegant, instantly.

For example, one easy way you can refine your dining room: Use stylish place mats or a long tablecloth instead of a cloth that hangs midway between the top of the table and the floor and shows only the bottom part of the table legs. These not-quite-long-enough covers are, literally and figuratively, neither here nor there.

If you have a tablecloth that is short, and you love it or it has sentimental value, layer it on top of a long cloth that drops to the floor and it will make your treasure look even prettier than it would on its own. Or, if you sew, add a band of new coordinated fabric to the bottom to extend its length. Tables that are used for dinner parties look more formal with a long cloth. And let’s just say vinyl tablecloths are never an option.

Place mats are ideal for tables that are used daily because they are easier to clean or launder than a big cloth. They come in so many wonderful styles, shapes, fabrics, fibers and metals; there is something to please everyone and they allow a beautiful table to show off its best features. Use mats that coordinate with your decor for brunches, casual luncheons and informal dinners. Runners work well with place mats, too, or even alone, crisscrossed, if you have more than one that matches the other exactly.

Just as the correct hem length on your skirts and dresses can make your gams look great or not so terrific, the length of your tablecloths can also cause your dining table to look chic or lumpish. And, of course, your table looks chic.

(Place mat: Chilewich)