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55 Cheap, Clever Upgrades That Fix The Tacky Problems Around Your Home

55 Cheap, Clever Upgrades That Fix The Tacky Problems Around Your Home

These picks add instant polish.

by Lauren Harano and Rebecca Martinson
Elite Daily
We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

We’ve all had those “Ugh, why does it look like that?” moments at home. We’re talking about cords snaking across the floor, that one drawer that just never shuts all the way, or soggy messes by your sink and shower. Annoying? Definitely. Expensive to fix? Not even close. In fact, a handful of smart (and cheap) upgrades can make your space look and feel way more polished in no time. With these picks, you’ll be wondering, “Wait, am I basically an interior designer now?”

01A Stunning Doorbell Cover That Doesn’t Muffle Sounds

Upgrade the look and vibe of your doorbell chime with this cover — which is basically like jewelry for your home. It’s made from carved wood and is super easy to install. As one shopper wrote, “So cute [...] The sound isn't muffled at all so unfortunately for my dogs, the doorbell still works perfectly. Great value for the money and well made.”

02A Reusable Paint Pen That Covers Scratches, Scuffs, & Smudges

If you ever get frustrated looking at that random scuff on your wall, this touch-up paint pen is about to be your new go-to. Fill it with the paint you want, twist it, and watch as it covers everything from scratches to scuffs — no need to bring out a drippy brush and paint tray. What’s more, it’s reusable, refillable, and ready to go when you need it.

03Under-Desk Cable Organizers That Hide Cords For A Streamlined Look

Tame any unsightly cord mess with this under-desk kit. These stick-on tubes hide every cord, from charging to router cables, keeping your workspace clean, organized, and wire free. Each of the six tubes can wrangle a dozen cords or more. Plus, this product has an overall 4.5-star rating from nearly 5,000 shoppers, so you know it’s going to be good.

04Rug Grippers That Keep Corners From Curling

This set of rug grippers is all you need to tackle curling corners and slipping rugs. Whether it’s a carpet in your living room or bedroom, these adhesive stickies keep every corner flat. Each pack comes with eight grippers that stick like charms on any surface (hardwood, tile, carpet — you name it) without leaving marks or tacky residue. Bonus: They’re weatherproof, making them just as great outdoors as they are in.

05A Stain-Resistant Mat That Helps Keep Coffee Corners Looking Clean

No coffee corner is complete without this mat. The stain-resistant top helps keep it looking clean wash after wash — and since it’s absorbent and dries quickly, you won’t have to worry about counter stains if you happen to drip or spill coffee on it. Choose from dozens of colors.

06An Ultra-Thin Outlet Concealer That Cleans Up Cord Chaos

Cluttered cords and bulky outlets will be a thing of the past with this ultra-thin outlet concealer cord. It hides wall plugs and even adds extra outlets with its 3-foot extension cord and three-outlet power strip. It sticks right behind furniture or in tight spots, making it ideal for kitchens, dorms, or any small space that needs some order.

07A Screen-Cleaning Brush That Gets Rid Of Dust, Pollen, & Dirt

If grimy window screens are a major grievance, this brush is here to save the day. It does the dirty work for you, meaning there’s no need to wrestle your screens off the frame and risk scratching them. With dual-sided fibers, the bristles dig into the tiny holes to remove dust and other junk, while the detachable handle gives you full reach. It can also be used wet or dry, so you can swipe away light dust or handle the real gunk with a little soap and water.

08A Magnetic Dish That Keeps Bobby Pins Where You Need Them

Say goodbye to stray bobby pins and rogue runaway clips forever when you have this magnetic bobby pin holder. This tiny dish can corral your hair accessories into one place, so you won't have to dig through drawers and makeup bags to find them. The best part? It has an overall 4.8-star rating from more than 3,000 shoppers.

09A Drywall Repair Putty That Instantly Covers Holes, Cracks, & More

This drywall repair putty can handle everything from holes in the wall to cracks creeping up the plaster, and more. Perfect for fixing random wall mishaps, you don't even need a putty knife to use it — just use a damp cloth to even everything out. It even works on wood and plaster, so no surface will be safe from your newfound DIY powers.

10A Highly Rated Shower Caddy Set That’s Stylish & Durable

If you're a beauty buff and you love filling your shower with your favorite products, you need this adhesive shower caddy set. It’ll give you two roomy shelves, two soap holders, and a toothbrush rack, all of which are made of rustproof stainless steel. Plus, they can hold up to 40 pounds(!), which is pretty impressive. Better yet? The open design means bottles dry quickly instead of turning into slimy messes. Shoppers are obsessed, with a whopping 40,000 reviewers weighing in to give them an impressive 4.5-star overall rating.

11Magnetic Cable Clips That Keep Cords Where You Need Them

If your desk looks like a cable crime scene, these magnetic cable clips are here to clean it up. This six-pack keeps all your chargers, USBs, and random cords exactly where they belong, using hinged covers for easy access. The acrylic adhesive sticks where you need it, then peels off cleanly when you take it off.

12Stickers That Tone Down The Glare From Electronic LEDs

If blinking or bright lights around your house are keeping you up at night, you need these light-blocking stickers. This set of two peel-and-stick sheets comes with stickers that are like sunglasses for your electronics. Each pack comes with two sheets: one that’s pre-cut and one you can trim to fit whatever lights are bothering you without completely obstructing the display.

13Furniture Leg Floor Protectors That Banish Unsightly Scratches

These chair leg floor protectors are basically like invisible bodyguards for your furniture. Made from soft silicone with felt bottoms, they stretch right onto a variety of chair and table legs. Plus, they’re clear, so you’ll get all the protection without the weird look of clunky floor pads. Not to mention, they’re reusable, so when you move or rearrange your space, your floors will stay safe.

14A Pocket-Style Ceiling Fan Duster That Traps Dust Without A Mess

If you're tired of getting rained on by an ugly dust shower every time you clean a fan, try this ceiling fan duster with a pocket-style design that envelops the blades. The microfiber material traps dust inside its thick fibers, so nothing falls to the floor. The result? No more making a bigger mess than you started with. As for the cherry on top, it’s machine washable and can be used hundreds of times.

15A Sleek Sponge Caddy With A Swiveling Spout That Drains Into The Sink

This stainless steel sponge holder is tiny but mighty. It can corral sponges, brushes, soap, and sink stoppers so your kitchen looks *chef’s kiss* organized. It has adjustable dividers to keep everything in its place, as well as a tray underneath with an adjustable spout to spit drainage back into the sink. It’ll keep things dry, clean, and right where you need them — no more hideous, mildewy messes.

16A Toilet Paper Bin That Can Hold Up To 12 Rolls Out Of Sight

This toilet paper storage container is the ultimate small upgrade with a big payoff. Made with breathable fabric and a bamboo lid, it holds up to 12 rolls and is both stackable and foldable. It’s the kind of little change that instantly makes your space feel more organized and thought-out. Plus, it keeps dust and water off your rolls, so you’ll always have fresh extras without having to stare at them.

17A Hard Water Stain Remover That Leaves Things Squeaky Clean

This hard water stain remover is the superhero your bathroom and kitchen might desperately need. This spray zaps away all kinds of stubborn, unsightly stains as well as rust, soap scum, and mineral buildup. The final product is glass, grout, and tiles that sparkle like new. As one shopper wrote, “I have been trying to get the water spots off of a glass bathroom sink. I’ve tried numerous store-bought products with no success. One treatment and the spots are gone and the sink looks brand new!”

18A Set Of Easy-To-Clean Liners For A Pinterest-Worthy Fridge

This pack of refrigerator mats is made for anyone tired of spills, sticky shelves, or a plain old messy, cluttered fridge. Each mat is safe for direct food contact, washable, reusable, and can be trimmed to fit. Plus, you don’t have to stop at the fridge — use them in drawers, under the sink, or even on bookshelves. The anti-skid design keeps everything in place, while the soft yet durable material protects surfaces from scratches and spills.

19A Quick-Drying Toothbrush Holder That Absorbs Water Instantly

This drying stone toothbrush holder is the key to turning a messy bathroom countertop into an organized zone. The diatomite material absorbs water quickly, so your toothbrushes won’t be sitting in a gross, soggy container. One shopper raved about it, writing, “I got this cup to hold toothbrushes and this thing is magical. I put it under running water to see what it would do and it was dry literally seconds later. I want more of these! I hate the nasty buildup that gathers in the bottom of toothbrush cups and this has helped with that tremendously!”

20A 2-Pack Of Stainless Steel Racks That Can Hold 15 Hats Each

If you've got more hats than closet space, this pair of stainless steel hat racks is the best way to keep every cap in check. Each rack can hold up to 15 hats, and you can mount them pretty much anywhere (think: behind the door, on a closet wall, or even in the bedroom). And, they double as hooks for bags, keys, and other small stuff, so your space can look way more organized.

21A Sleek Trash Can With A Motion-Sensor Lid To Hide Messes

This automatic motion-sensor trash can is a small home upgrade that somehow makes life feel way fancier. This 2-gallon bin comes in a ton of cool hues, including pink, black, white, and navy, all with pretty gold accents that make taking out the trash feel less like a chore. Just wave your hand over the lid to open it, and walk away for it to shut automatically. Done and done.

22An Over-The-Door Organizer That Keeps Kitchen Tools Neat & Secure

This organizer hooks right over cabinet doors, giving you instant extra storage for kitchen tools, cutting boards, cleaning supplies, and whatever else you need to put away. It’s perfect for keeping clutter off counters while still keeping everything you need within arm’s reach. Better yet, it won’t take up precious cabinet shelf real estate, either.

23A Stone Bath Mat That Absorbs Water & Keeps Mildew Away

This stone bath mat is a seriously clever fix for annoying bathroom messes. While fabric bath mats are cute in theory, they’re really just damp, smelly, and a potential mildew magnet. This mat, however, literally pulls water off your feet and evaporates it in seconds, so you can say goodbye to puddles and soggy messes. Plus, the textured surface keeps slips at bay, while a rubber base locks it in place so it won’t slide around.

24A Stainless Steel Cleaner That Removes Stains & Protects From Smudges

This stainless steel cleaner and polish is here to spiff things up. Made with powerful, plant-based ingredients, it removes fingerprints, smudges, and residue on everything from fridges and sinks to grills and stoves. What’s more, it adds a protective coating that keeps surfaces smudge free for longer. To top it all off, it’s scented with lavender, so your space will smell as fresh as it looks.

25Suction Cup Hooks In A Matte Finish That’s So Chic

If you’re tired of towels sliding off hooks and loofahs flopping to the floor, these suction cup hooks are a foolproof hack to fix that. They can hold up to 15 pounds, keeping everything from robes and towels perfectly in place. Pop them on glass, mirrors, tiles, or stainless steel, and they’ll stay put. Waterproof, rustproof, and reusable, they’re super practical and look much more expensive than they actually are.

26Window Screen Repair Tape That Fixes Holes & Gaps In Seconds

This window screen repair tape makes fixing holes and tears super easy. Just stick a piece right where you want it and those annoying gaps will be gone, keeping bugs and dirt on the other side of the window. Whether it’s window screens, doors, or even tents, this versatile tape will patch things up in no time.

27Sleek, Magnetic Shelves That Add Bonus Storage

This magnetic spice rack set was made for small kitchens. It can stick right to your fridge, instantly creating more storage for your essentials. The heavy-duty magnets are no joke, and can hold all your spices (even the big jars) without sliding around. Plus, you can rearrange or move them whenever you want, making it way easier to grab your go-to seasonings mid–TikTok recipe attempt.

28A Bamboo Storage Bag Organizer That Keeps Supplies At The Ready

Messy drawers stuffed with random baggies and boxes will be a distant memory with this bamboo bag organizer. With four slots perfectly sized for gallon, quart, sandwich, and snack bags, it keeps everything neat, uniform, and (dare we say) satisfying to look at. Trust us, it’ll elevate a drawer from cluttered to Pinterest-worthy organized.

29A Faucet Splash Mat That Absorbs Water To Prevent Pooling & Mildew

This super absorbent faucet mat will ensure soggy counters and mystery puddles around the faucet are long gone. Made from absorbent diatomaceous earth, it soaks up splashes, so your sink area will look fresh instead of swampy. Plus, the stylish etched pattern will give your kitchen a high-end look.

30A 6-Piece Bed Set Made Of Soft, Breathable Microfiber

Give your bed the hotel-level refresh it deserves with the help of this six-piece sheet set. It comes with four pillowcases (two more than most sets), plus a fitted and flat sheet, all made from a lightweight microfiber fabric that’s soft, breathable, and made for picky sleepers. The deep pockets actually stay put, and the fabric keeps you cool in summer and cozy in winter. Shop them in a handful of colors and rest easy knowing they've earned a 4.5-star overall rating after more than 150,000 reviews.

31A Reusable Pet Hair Roller That Keeps Furniture Fur Free

If pet hair is basically like its own roommate in your home, this lint and hair roller will be the ultimate upgrade. Unlike the classic lint rollers that run out of sticky sheets, this reusable tool grabs every strand of fur from couches, carpets, clothes, and even your car seat. From there, it traps it in a built-in chamber that you just have to pop open to empty. Then, it’s ready to be reused.

32A Stick-On Baseboard Trim That Makes Walls Look More Polished

Give your walls an instant glow-up with this wall base molding trim. This flexible strip will give your baseboards a sleek and polished look without a single nail or drill. The self-adhesive backing is strong enough to hold tight, and with white, black, gray, and other color options, it’s a small upgrade that works in any room.

33Wireless LED Stair Lights That Glow When You’re Nearby

Dark staircases and late-night snack runs just got a lot better with these wireless LED stair lights. This three-pack of elegant motion-sensor lights automatically clicks on when you’re within 10 feet, giving off a warm, cozy glow so you can see exactly where you’re stepping. Just stick them where you want them with the included adhesive or screws, pop in a few AA batteries, and you’re good to go. And, they shut off after 30 seconds of no movement, so they won’t drain power unnecessarily.

34Classic Cordless Shades That Look Custom & Expensive

The wrong window treatments can look tacky and outdated, so give them a whole new look with these cordless shades. Whether you want to filter out light, keep rooms cool, or just change things up, they’ll do the trick. As one shopper wrote, “These blinds are wonderful [...] They block the heat but let the light filter in. Easy installation, took about 20 minutes to install all three blinds! So happy with this purchase.”

35Wire Storage Baskets Ideal For Storing Snacks & Produce

These wire storage baskets are the easiest fix for cluttered countertops. They snap together in seconds and have open frames that keep fruits and veggies fresh. Plus, the U-shaped openings make grabbing snacks almost too easy. Sleek, stackable, and totally versatile, they’re perfect for kitchens, pantries, or anywhere a little organization is needed.

36A Pack Of Moss Support Poles That Help Plants Stand Tall

These moss poles were made for proud plant parents. Sturdy and bendable, they’ll give your climbing plants the support they need to stand tall. Made from eco-friendly coconut fibers, they're bendable and can be shaped any way you like. Plus, each set comes with ties, so your greenery can stay in shape. Droopy leaves, be gone.

37A Compact Shoe Organizer That Takes Up Minimal Space

Got a mess of shoes sitting out in your entryway? Give them a home inside of this organizer. While incredibly compact, it can still fit up to 16 pairs of shoes in a vertical position — and the square shape allows it to easily fit into cubby storage systems. Choose from seven colors: beige, gray, black, and more.

38A Stainless Steel Caddy That Lets You Store Utensils In Style

Ditch that crummy caddy you’ve likely been using and upgrade to this stainless steel one that rotates for easy access. Not only does it look way more expensive than it is, but the weighted base also helps keep it from tipping over when full. The best part? Dividers in the center work to prevent your utensils from getting tangled together.

39An Expanding Organizer That Helps Tidy Up Messy Drawers

Office supplies, makeup, crafting materials — this drawer organizer is great for all sorts of items. It expands from 13 to 19 inches wide, making it easy to fit inside drawers both large and small. Plus, the bamboo frame gives it an upscale look.

40Non-Greasy Wipes That Help Refresh Grimy, Dirty Leather

Whether your leather shoes or furniture is looking a little grimy, these wipes can help get them looking like new. They gently remove dirt, oil, stains, and more, all without leaving behind any discoloration. One reviewer also wrote that they’re “powerful yet gentle — they picked up a surprising amount of grime without any greasy residue.”

41A Rechargeable Fabric Shaver That Breathes New Life Into Tired Garments

Whether your sweaters are too fuzzy or your leggings have started to pill, this fabric shaver is a clever way to get all sorts of garments looking good. The battery delivers up to two hours of continuous use before it needs to be recharged. And unlike some shavers, this one features a built-in container that traps stray bits of lint.

42A Modern Bed Skirt That Hides All The Stuff Under Your Bed

Got a mess of stuff sitting underneath your bed? Keep it hidden from sight by installing this bed skirt. Its 13-inch drop fits most beds — and the lack of ruffles or lace gives it an oh-so modern look. Choose from three colors: dark gray, light gray, or white.

43Easy-To-Install Molding That’s Perfect For Boring, Blank Walls

You don’t need any DIY skills to install this molding. The adhesive backing lets you press it right into place on your walls the same way you would with a giant sticker — and since it’s made from tough PVC, you can rest assured that it’s designed to last. Choose from two colors: black or white.

44Stylish Wall Sconces That Are Great For Layering Lights

Overhead lighting can give rooms a harsh vibe. Instead, layer the lights in your home using a combination of lamps and these wall sconces. Each one features a rechargeable battery that delivers up to 20 hours of glow — so there’s no need for any hardwiring during installation. Plus, you can even adjust the light between three temperatures: white, natural, and warm.

45Ultra-Narrow Brushes That Help You Clean Deep Into Tight Spaces

From grout lines to sliding door tracks, these brushes make it so much easier to clean deep into all sorts of tight spaces. The nylon bristles scrub away all sorts of grime without leaving behind any scratches. And unlike some brushes, these feature curved handles that help you scrub from awkward angles without having to strain your arms or wrists.

46Gorgeous Ceramic Coasters That Help Keep Tables Free From Water Rings

Water rings are one of the easiest ways to ruin any table. Luckily, these coasters are available for less than $15. They’re made from sleek ceramic, with a gorgeous faux stone pattern that makes them look way more expensive than they are. Plus, the cork undersides won’t leave scratches on your table.

47Faux Leather Placemats That Fit Neatly Onto Round Tables

Square placemats are almost guaranteed to look awkward on round tables. Instead, opt for these wedge-shaped mats. Not only do they fit neatly on round tables, but they’re also made from stylish faux leather and have a chic abstract look.

48A Backlit Night-Light That’s Gentle On Your Eyes

Whereas some night-lights can feel blinding, these feature a backlit design that’s gentle on your eyes. The dusk-to-dawn sensors also prevent them from turning on and wasting energy when the room is already filled with light. Plus, a button on the side lets you adjust the brightness up to five levels.

49Colorful Ties That Are Great For Organizing Messy Cables

Every home has at least one drawer that’s filled with mismatched cables, so why not organize them using these ties? Each order comes with 10 colors so that you can color code your cables as needed — and the wide tabs make them easy to write on. “Love having all my cords wrapped neatly and easy to identify in the drawer!” raved one reviewer.

505-Tier Hangers That Help Open Up Space Inside Crowded Closets

Running out of space inside your closet? Then these hangers are worth a look. They can hold up to five pairs of pants in the space of one hanger, making them great for opening up some extra space. Plus, their open-ended design makes it easy to add or remove pants as needed.

51Matching Cooking Utensils Made From Gorgeous Teak Wood

A mismatched set of cooking utensils will never look as good as a matching set, so why not grab this one? These tools are made from gorgeous teak wood that won’t leave behind scratches on nonstick cookware. And since they’re unlikely to latch onto food, cleaning them once you’ve finished cooking is a total breeze.

52Handy Storage Bags That Let You Hide Messy Piles Of Blankets, Linens, & More

Messy piles of bed sheets and other linens can make any closet look crummy, so why not hide them inside these storage bags? A clear window on the front lets you see what’s inside each one without having to unpack anything, while reinforced handles make them easy to carry around. “I have packed them with thick blankets, shoes, boots, clothes,” wrote one reviewer. “No signs of wear, despite heavy weight.”

53Leaf-Shaped Hooks That Pull Curtains Back In Style

Don’t pull your curtains back with a flimsy tie. Instead, use these gorgeous hooks. Not only are they adorned with leaves at the ends for an upscale look, but installation only takes a few quick minutes using the included drywall anchors. Choose from seven finishes: antique brass, gold, nickel, and more.

54Stylish Storage Baskets For Hiding Clutter In Plain Sight

When you’ve finally run out of storage space for all that clutter, consider hiding it in plain sight using these baskets. They’re made from natural cotton rope that makes them look more expensive than they are. And with dozens of colors to choose from, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that suits your home.

55Clever Holders That Help Keep Bed Sheets Firmly In Place

Few things are as annoying as constantly having to fix the fitted sheet on your bed. Enter: these holders. They grip into the corners of your mattress, holding your sheets in place so that you aren’t stuck having to constantly adjust them. One reviewer also confirmed that “they make the bed look neat all the time.”

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