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60 Pretty Home Upgrades That Are Shockingly Cheap & Easy

by Carina Finn
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If you're into DIY projects and spending your weekends making home upgrades, then you might already know that there are so many quick upgrades you can do that don't cost a ton of money. If not, prepare to have your mind blown. This list is filled with genius home improvement hacks that are shockingly cheap and easy to use. Even if you rent your home, you can still do awesome things with adhesive tiles, peel-and-stick wallpaper, and accent lighting that doesn't require any special tools or a visit from the electrician. Read on, and maybe cancel your weekend plans so you can remodel your bathroom on a shockingly low budget.

01Crystal Knobs For Cabinets & Drawers

These drawer pulls are so vibey, especially if you’re into crustals. They’re sold in a pack of four and come in a few different colors, so you can add a jeweled accent to your favorite furniture that matches the rest of your room’s decor.

02Peel-And-Stick Stained Glass That Only *Looks* Expensive

This window cling mimics the luxurious look of stained glass for a fraction of the cost and effort. It helps to block UV rays and adds privacy, plus it comes in four botanically-inspired patterns and a wide variety of sizes to fit just about any window in your home.

03 Waffle-Knit Kitchen Towels That Come In Tons Of Pretty Prints

These kitchen towels are pretty, fast-drying, and super absorbent—so you’ll definitely want to add some to your linen closet. They come in dozens of patterns including colorful abstracts, florals, and cute fruits, and they’re machine-washable for easy care and cleaning.

04Cute Decorative Accents For Your Door Hinges

One way to make your home look so much more expensive is by paying attention to details that most people wouldn’t notice. These hinge-heads are a great example. They add a touch of whimsy to an often-overlooked spot, and they’re super easy to install.

05Waterproof Wall-Mount Wicker Baskets

If you don’t like the look of wire shelving but want something to help keep your bathroom products more organized, these waterproof wicker baskets are the perfect alternative. They’re roomy enough to hold all the essentials, and they come with strong adhesive hooks for easy hanging.

06Fairy Lights For Your Shower

If you’re going to go all-out on making one room in your home feel like it belongs in a fairytale, why shouldn’t it be your bathroom? These curtain lights are specifically designed to go around your shower, though you can also put in them in other places. They’re waterproof and battery-operated, so they don’t need to be plugged into an outlet.

07A Plush, Pet-Friendly Couch Cover

If you live with pets that have a tendency to shed on or shred your upholstered furniture, know that you don’t have to resort to ugly plastic covers. This couch cover has a nonslip backing, so it sits securely on top of your couch cushion, and it enhances rather than detracts from the visual appeal. It’s soft, washable, and comes in a few different colors and sizes.

08A Brass And Wood Door Chime

You can use this door chime anywhere you want to give people an invitation to announce themselves before they come in. It’s made from natural wood and brass and is completely analog, so you don’t need batteries or a power outlet for it to work. It installs quickly thanks to the strong magnets on the back, so it just requires a metal surface to stick to.

09A Pretty Wooden Doorbell Cover

If the your doorbell’s chime is an eyesore, this wooden cover box will make your walls look way nicer. It installs easily and comes in a universal size that fits most door chimes, and still lets you hear your doorbell clearly without having to look at an ugly piece of tech.

10Brass Knobs That Instantly Upgrade Furniture

Swapping out knobs and drawer pulls is a great way to upgrade a thrifted piece of furniture or breathe new life into your kitchen cabinets without splurging on a full renovation. These gold-toned brass knobs come with everything you need to install them—including a mini screwdriver—so you can start on your DIY project as soon as they arrive.

11Decorative Caps For Toilet Bowl Bolts

These clever bird-shaped bolt caps make your toilet bowl look like a work of art. They’re made from ceramic, so they won’t rust and are easy to clean, and come in gold, white, black, and silver color options. They fit most standard bolts, and take seconds to install.

12A Gorgeous Plug-In Night Light

This pretty night light can plug into any outlet in your home, and illuminates from both the top and the bottom—so it casts a stunning display on the wall behind it. It makes a particularly great piece of accent lighting for kitchens, bathrooms, or hallway nooks, and it comes in a variety of color options.

13A Book That Hides Messy Cables

Hide your mass of cables and chargers with this clever faux coffee table book, which will make it look like you really have your life together even if your inbox is as much of a mess as your everyday tech. It has space for things like power strips, cables, and routers, and comes in a variety of

14A Soft Shower Mat That Looks Like Tile

This large square mat has the look of expensive custom tile, but it’s actually way less expensive—and way more functional. It’s made from a soft, nonslip loofah-textured material that makes your shower experience so much more comfortable, and it can help prevent water from building up in the bottom of your shower if you like to take longer ones.

15Natural River Rock Stepping Stones

These stepping stones are deceptively simple: they’re designed to make it look like you carefully composed circles of river rock, but they’re actually three individual pieces. They’re comfortable and massage-like to walk on, and are especially great for garden paths and backyard pool areas.

16Wood Grain Contact Paper

This clever home improvement hack is sort of like wood grain washi tape. Just unroll, cut to size, peel off the adhesive backing, and stick it just about anywhere. It comes in 10 different natural and painted wood finishes, as well as a few different sizes.

17Solar-Powered Under-Stair Lights

Make your outdoor stairs safer to navigate at night and more aesthetically pleasing with these solar powered step lights. They’re sold in a pack of six and have a clever triangular design that lets them sit in the corner of each step. You can install them with the included screws if you want to get fancy, but they also come with strong, durable 3M adhesive tape.

18Stick-On Vanity Lights

These vanity lights are inspired by the glamorous mirror lights you’d see in old school Hollywood dressing rooms, letting you feel like a celebrity every time you do your hair and makeup. Each globe light has a suction cup on the back so it will stay securely attached to your mirror, and they come with a long cord that includes a dimmer and a power switch.

19A Dual Shelf And Coat Rack

This rattan wall rack also has an integrated shelf, so it’s ideal to use in halls and entranceways where you need a consistent place to put things like your wallet, sunglasses, and keys. It has four sturdy pegs for hanging coats, bags, and more. If rattan isn’t your thing, it also comes in a few other retro-inspired styles.

20Easy-To-Install Outdoor Globe Lights

These globe lights come with a built-in stake, so all you have to do to set them up is drive them into grass, dirt, or sand. They charge up during the day, and automatically turn on once the sun starts to set, so you don’t even need to set a timer. They come in warm white, multicolor, and gradient red options, all with a pretty textured glass exterior.

21Self-Adhesive Subway Tiles

These peel-and-stick tiles look like the real thing, but they’re so much easier to install than actual tile. They’re also less of a commitment in terms of both time and money. You can quickly remove them without damaging. the wall underneath if you want to take them down or swap them out, making them a great DIY project to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom if you live in a rental.

22Wallpaper That’s Basically A Giant Sticker

This wallpaper is so easy to install thanks to the built-in adhesive backing. And if you change your mind about the pattern or decide to move, it comes down just as easily—you’ll never even know it was there. It’s ideal for accent walls and smaller spaces, and comes in five floral patterns as well as a few different size options.

23Under-Cabined LED Lighting

These LED light bars are easy to put anywhere thanks to their sticky adhesive backing, but they’re especialyl great to use as under cabinet or shelf lighting. You can choose from two options, one with a remote control and one that you can simply tap to turn on and off, or adjust the brightness.

24A Pair Of Under-Sink Organizers

This pair of organizers is specifically designed to use under the sink in your kitchen or bathroom, but they’re also great for closets, cabinets, and other small spaces. Each one comes with side hooks for hanging things like washcloths and sponges, and the pull-out drawers makes it easy to reach all your stored goods, even things in the back.

25Minimalist Wall Sconces

Wall sconces are an elegant way to illuminate the nooks and crannies of your home, and this set of minimalist ones are rechargable, so you can use them in places that don’t have an easily accessible power outlet. They have an optional motion sensor function, and are controlled with a switch on the bottom.

26Magnetic Puck Lights

Puck lights are perfect for adding an unexpected pop of light in places like your china cabinet, bookshelves, and closets. They attach securely using magnetic clips, and since they’re battery-operated, you don’t have to think about whether or not there’s an outlet close by. The pack of three comes with a remote control you can use to change the settings.

27A Glass Soap Dispenser

If you typically avoid buying soap in bulk because the dispensers are so difficult to refill, this one will change your mind. It has a wide-mouth opening that makes it simple to refill, no funnel or cleanup required. It’s designed to be used with any foaming soap, and comes in several colors.

28Cutesy Bow-Shaped Hooks

These adorable gold-toned bow-shaped wall hooks are perfect for adorning your entrance hall, bedroom, or bathroom. The small hooks are the perfect size for things like keys and washcloths, and since they’re made from strong cast iron, they can hold a bit of weight.

29A Clever Way To Store Extra Toilet Paper

This toilet paper storage bin can hold up to 12 rolls, and if that’s not enough, they’re also easy to stack on top of each other. The wooden lid doubles as a bonus shelf for your phone or a book, and it has a slim, minimalist design that will seamelssly fir with the rest of your bathroom decor.

30A Naturally Absorbent Dish Drying Mat

Metal and fabric dish drying mats can get gross over time, and they’re not always the most effective. This one is made from diatomite, which is a porous stone material that’s naturally absorbent—so your dishes will actually get full dry in less time. It comes with a small metal rack for thinks like delicate china and stemware.

32Sheer Curtains That Add Romance To Your Windows

Make any room feel a little more romantic with these semi-sheer patterened curtains. They add a soft filter to the natural sunlight without completely blocking it, and they also let you have a bit of privacy if your window is street-facing. They come in 11 on-trend pastels and jewel tones.

33Colorful Shower Lighting

One way to upgrade your bath or shower routine is by making the lighting in your bathroom more vibey. This two-pack of shower lights is motion-activated and waterproof, so you can literally put them inside the tub. They come with an included remote control, and can switch between 12 different colors.

34Cast Iron Bird Hooks

These bird-shaped wall hooks are made from durable cast iron, so they add a rustic farmhouse-like feel to your space. Since they’re on the heavier side, they do need to be installed with the included screws, but that also means you can hang heavier bags and coats on them.

35A Weatherproof Patio Rug

Your deck or patio space will quickly become your new favorite hang-out space once you get this weatherproof rug, which really helps tie outdoor furniture and decor together. It’s reversible, easy to clean, and can also be folded up into a carrying case for outdoor events and camping trips.

36A Set Of Ceramic Colanders

These cute colanders or berry bowls pull triple duty in the kitchen: they can be used to wash, store, and display your nicest-looking seasonal produce. They’re made from ceramic with wide drainage holes, and come in a bunch of cute shapes, colors, and sizes.

37Molding You Can Add To Any Wall

If you wish your home had molding and are constantly making vision boards of houses that come with this architectural feature, you can make that dream a reality now. This stick-on molding looks super realistic. You can cut it to any size you want, and all you need to do to put it up is peel off the adhesive backing.

38Garden Rocks That Glow At Night

These glow-in-the-dark rocks are ideal for outdoor play spaces, gardens, and patios. They create a cool luminescent effect that will give your outdoor areas an otherworldly feel. Made from non-toxic resin, they won’t harm your plants or trees, even if you put them directly in a flower bed.

39Accent Wallpaper That Comes Off Easily

You don’t need glue, tape, or an army of friends to put up this vintage-inspired vinyl wallpaper. The peel-and-stick backing makes it easy to do on your own, and there are so many different applications for it. Create an eye-catching backsplash or accent wall, or use it to line drawers or cabinets for a visually stunning detail where you wouldn’t expect to see one.

40An Easy Way To Re-Tile Your Bathroom

If fully re-tiling your bathroom floor is out of the question, you can still get the look and feel of new flooring without spending a ton of money. These peel-and-stick tiles come out to just a dollar apiece, and you don’t need any special tools or equipment to install them.

41Driveway Lights That Help You Park

These low-profile lights are not only fully weather-resistant, they can also hold up to three tons of weight—which means you won’t break them if you accidentlly run over one while backing your car into the driveway. You can also use them for sidewalks, pathways, and any other outdoor space that could use some extra light at night. The best part? They fully charge with just five hours of sunlight.

42A Super Soft Nonslip Rug

This rug has a nonslip backing that will keep it securely in place, even on slippery hardwood floors, and the top layer is soft enough to flop on for a casual stretch or a reading session. It comes in a wide array of colors and sizes, and the 1.7”-thick pile height makes it feel absolutely luxurious on bare feet.

43A Set Of Restaurant-Worthy Table Lamps

You’ve probably seen table lamps like this at your favorite restaurant, and now you can re-create the same vibe at your own dining table. The set of two lamps is rechargeable and touch-activated, so all it takes to dim the light is a few taps on the top. They come in a couple of colors, and are waterproof for indoor or outdoor use.

44A Tasseled Shower Curtain

Getting a new shower curtain is one of those little things you don’t think will make a huge difference in your home until you do it and realize just how worn out your old one was. This luxe option is made from a thick, woven linen-blend cloth with tied tassles on the hem that make it feel like a nice piece of drapery.

45A Tiered Soap Shelf

If you’re a bar soap person, then you probably like to have a few different options in the rotation: some that are more moisturizing, and some that are more exfoliating, for example. This neat soap holder shelf has four trays with built-in drainage holes to keep your fancy soap fresh. It’s also great for sponges and other small bath products.

46Flowers That Last Forever

These artificial chrysanthemums look super realistic, and they’ll never droop or fade the way proper fresh cut flowers do. Pop them in a vase to add an instant burst of color to your space—one that you won’t have to remember to feed or water.

47Tulip-Shaped Candle Holders

This set of candle holders comes with three pieces that are inspired by long-stemmed tulips, turning the humble tealight candle into the centerpiece of your dining table. Each one is a slightly different height so you can create a layered look, and they’re available in several colors.

48Rainbow Crystal Sun Catchers

Place these metal and crystal sun catchers in any window and watch them turn natural light into a rainbow-hued display of magic. They come in a pack of six with hanging loops already tied on, and they’re weather-resistant, so you can also use them on your patio or in the garden.

49Flower-Shaped Flameless Candles

If you think flameless candles look cheesy and fake, you need to check out this set of flower-shaped pilar candles. They look exactly like legit candles, including a charred-looking wick and a realistic flickering flame. The set comes with two candles of slightly different heights, and it’s available in pink or white.

50A Way To Organize Your Linen Closet

If you’re prone to shoving extra towels and sheets in your linen closet willy nilly, it’s time to try a more organized approached. These collapsible boxes are specifically designed for the purpose, so they’re big enough to hold neatly-folded towels, blankets, and other bulkier items. The clear panel on the front makes it easy to see what you’ve stored inside.

51Privacy Film That’s So Aesthetic

If you have a window that faces the street or other area, there’s another option besides resorting to curtains if you’re not really a drapery person. This window cling film has a stained glass effect that not only blocks visibility, it can also help reduce UV rays. Plus, it’s absolutely gorgeous.

52Wall Sconces That Come With Greenery

Instead of putting together a complicated mason jar, fairy light, and flower display for your next event, pick up this set of wall sconces. They have all three elements already built in, including very convincing faux greenery that you can use again and again. They’re also battery-powered,. so you can hang them wherever.

53A Hanging Lamp That Takes Minutes To Install

This bamboo hanging lamp gives the illustion of an expensive bespoke lighting fixture, but it’s surprisingly inexpensive and easy to install. Just use two screws to secure it to the wall, then plug the long twisted cord into the nearest outlet: no electrician or complicated tools required. It’s sold in a pack of two, making it a great option to hang by the bed as a reading lamp.

54A Retro-Style Night Light

This Edison bulb plugs directly into the wall, making it a great choice for a nightlight or unfussy accent light for a smaller space. It comes in a pack of two so you can also use it as a bedside light if you have a conveniently placed outlet, and it has a built-in dusk to dawn sensort.

55Magical Garden Lights

These garden lights are solar-powered, so all you need to do is pop them in the ground or a planter pot and let the sun charge them up during the day. At night, they create a whimsical firefly-inspired effect when they blow in the evening breeze, creating a little moment of magic in your outdoor space.

56A Curtain Of Fairy Lights

Fairy lights are always a nice way to set the mood, especially for an event or special occasion. But you know what’s better? An entire curtain of fairy lights so you don’t have to string them up around the ceiling. This one comes with 300 individual LED lights with eight adjustable modes controlled by a switch on the power cord.

57Solar-Powered Outdoor Path Lights

If you have a long walkway leading from the driveway to your house or a winding garden path you want to wander after the sun goes down, these solar-powered lights will make your home so much nicer at night. They have an automatic on/off function, are easy to install, and cast a pretty geometric pattern on the groun.

58A Giant Basket For Pillows And Blankets

Throw pillows and blankets are one of the most difficult things to store neatly, but this cotton rope basket offers an easy solution. The extra-large size makes it great even for fluffy bedding, and it also makes an excellent laundry baskey or a quick place to toss your kid or pet’s toys when you want to clean up without too much fuss.

59A Cube-Shaped Projector For Small Rooms

This ocean wave projector has multiple light modes that make it feel like you’re in a mystical underwater environment. They cube-shaped projector is designed for more intimate spaces, and you can choose from a few different color options—all of which are remote-controlled. There are also both rechargeable and plug-in versions available.

60Decorative Rocks That Keep Plants Happy

These decorative river rocks have a smooth, polished finish that makes your potted plants look more put together. But they aren’t just there for aesthetics, they also have a practical function. Use them to help cover the soil and provide extra drainage, or pop them in an aquarium for your pet fish to enjoy.

61A Cheeky Heart-Shaped Light

This cozy heart-shaped night light has a genius design that doesn’t block the outlet underneath it, so you’re not wasting precious space. It has a soft silicone cover that makes it a solid choice for a kid’s room or nursery, but it can also add a playful touch of mood lighting to your bedroom for those times when you want to create a fun, cheeky atmosphere.