50 Tacky Mistakes You Don't Realize You're Making In Your Home — & What To Do Instead

It might be close to impossible to keep your pets off your couch, but you can keep things less messy (and hairy) with this couch cover. The knit look and selection of colors makes it so stylish, while the anti-slip bottom keeps it firmly in place. It’s comfy, it can be thrown in the machine for easy washing, and it’s a breeze to take off and put back on.

• Available colors: 5
• Available sizes: 3

Small holes, cracks, and nicks in the wall might seem like nothing, but as they add up, they contribute to making a room look old and beat up. Instead of putting time and money into replacing the drywall, use this repair putty. It glides easily over imperfections and fills them nicely, blends seamlessly, and won’t crack or shrink over time. Even a beginner can manage this one.

Stacking cans tall in the pantry or shelf can be a recipe for disaster — they take up a lot of shelf space and can topple over. These stackable organizers can be arranged however you want, and each one holds about nine standard size cans. They have handles so you can move them around and the open front gives you easy access even when they’re stacked.

You often don’t realize how filthy your screens are until you clean them with a spray cleaner. This one comes with a soft microfiber cloth and is gentle enough to be used on any screen, making fingerprints and smudges disappear with a swipe. “It cleans screens well, leaves no streaks, and makes everything look clear and fresh again,” one shopper affirmed.

It can feel easier to ignore that your ceiling fans need to be cleaned rather than figuring out how to actually do it. This cleverly designed brush makes it a lot easier to just tackle the job. The donut-shaped brush wraps around the blade, top and bottom, wiping away dust and grime off the entire thing in one shot. The longm extendable handle makes it a breeze to reach up high, and reduces to a compact size for storage.

Make your staircase look nice and feel safer with these budget-friendly stair treads. Less expensive than a rug but similar in vibe, these mats have a rubber backing that prevents them from slipping and helps keep the stairs more secure-feeling (AKA less prone to allowing people to slip and fall). There’s no adhesive, and they can be thrown in the washing machine when they get dirty.

• Available sizes: 4

If you’re placing your area rugs directly onto the floor, you’re doing it wrong (sorry). Not only does this allow the rug to shift, but it can also damage your floors underneath. This rug gripper, made of a vinyl material that doesn’t budge, helps keep the rug in place and adds a thick layer of cushioning that protects your floors. It can be trimmed to size, but it’s also available in a wide range of sizes.

• Available sizes: 20

Stainless steel easily shows off smudges, and cleaning with the wrong product can lead to scratches and damage. This stainless steel cleaner kit comes with all of the items you need to make your appliances shine like new, including a spray cleaner and microfiber cloth. It gets rid of smudges and streaks while protecting against more, and has a relaxing lavender scent to boot.

Don’t wait until your washing machine (and all of the clothes inside it) develop an odd mildew smell before giving it a cleaning. These washing machine tablets make it incredibly easy. Just pop them in the machine and turn it on. They dissolve slowly, helping remove buildup and residue that can cause odors. Not only does this leave everything smelling fresher, but it can also extend the life of your machine.

Your old toilet brush is nothing compared to this pumice stone scrubber. While it might look abrasive, this scrubber is actually excellent at making hard water stains and stubborn marks disappear without leaving a scratch in sight. “Invention of the century,” one shopper raved. “I had doubts but it beat my expectations. Cleared off all nasty difficult to remove scales in the toilet.”

Wood furniture can easily get scratched, nicked, or dented, which can leave it looking old and worn out. Instead of replacing it, try first using these wax crayons. Available in a range of different colors to match the wood, they fill in marks so everything looks good as new. It will last a while and save you some money in the meantime.

• Available colors: 3 multipacks

This baseboard cleaner tool comes with five different brush heads and an extendable handle, all of which help make it a versatile piece you’ll use all over your home. It comes with two chenille and three microfiber brush heads to use on almost any surface, with a long handle and rotating head to get in every nook and canny. Use it on baseboards, floors, wall tiles, and more.

This surprisingly chic-looking absorbent mat is popular among shoppers for a reason. It’s thick and slightly cushioned, with a rubber backing that keeps it from slipping, and an absorbent surface that soaks up spills before they hit your countertops. Use this at a coffee station or even as a drying mat for dishes.

• Available colors: 15

Bulky items stored loose or in bins or bags can take up a ton of space in your basement, attic, or closet. Cut down on that with these vacuum-seal bags, which come in a pack of six and are simple to use. Just pack them with the clothes or linens you want put away, seal them shut, then use a vacuum to suck out the air. It instantly cuts down size and saves you space.

Add some much-needed storage space to your shower with these easy-to-install shower caddies. They come with an adhesive backing that is surprisingly strong, so you just stick them to the wall and wait a few hours before filling them up. Each one can store a few bottles of shampoo and conditioner and such, and there are also hooks and a small bar for hanging razors, brushes, and more.

• Available colors: 3

The unique design of this grout brush makes it the perfect tool for scrubbing tile lines, leaving things looking clean and brand new. Its unique pivoting head makes it easy to clean in long, swooping motions rather than bending over and crawling along the floor. It attaches to most broom or mop poles, and the firm bristles make quick work of dirt, debris, and more.

Messy, cluttered drawers become a thing of the past when you start using this drawer organizer set. It comes with 20 small trays in a variety of sizes, all of which can handle little bits and bobs in an array of drawers. Each tray has raised edges to keep contents contained, and they’re made of colorful plastic that is easy to wipe down.

Let’s be honest: the box your trash bags came in is ugly, and probably bulkier than it needs to be. This bamboo dispenser is much more aesthetically pleasing and even more functional. The slot and tear edge makes it so simple to rip off one bag at a time without making a mess, and you can place this on a shelf, the floor, or mount it on a wall or inside a cabinet.

At a certain point, neutral paint colors on the walls starts to look a little boring. Add a unique feel to any room with this brick contact paper. While it’s actually peel-and-stick paper, it has a textured finish and immediately looks more interesting than a simple paint job. This is easy to install, with a self-adhesive backing that means it’s also easily removed.

• Available sizes: 8
• Available colors: 2

These lights are a nice-looking addition to any staircase, and easy enough for even a novice to set up. They run on battery power, so there’s no wiring involved, and adhesive tape makes them a breeze to install (though they come with hardware if you’d prefer to screw them in). Plus, they’re on a motion sensor, so you don’t have to think about them once installed.

This bed skirt helps hide whatever is underneath your bed, whether that’s a hidden storage bag or just an embarrassing collection of dust. The tailored drop pleating and crisp corners help give your bed a more cohesive, pulled-together look, and you can shop a variety of colors to find something that matches with your sheets and comforter.

• Available colors: 11

This wood contact paper is made out of a vinyl PVC lamination film that makes it look surprisingly real. Grid lines on the back make it so easy to measure and apply to any surface, and the peel-and-stick installation means you don’t need to use any messy glue. You can cut this to size and use it on almost any smooth surface.

• Available sizes: 5

Don’t sleep on beautiful pillowcases. They can make your bed look clean, neat, and put-together, and can also enhance your sleep experience at night. This set of four pillow cases comes in at an impressive price point. The cases are made of soft, lightweight microfiber that has a cool-to-the-touch feel and helps to regulate temperature.

• Available colors: 10

These velvet throw pillow covers are soft to the touch and add luxe color and texture to beds, sofas, or chairs. Finished with cute pom-pom edges and a hidden zipper, they’re easy to slip on and off. Made from lightweight microfiber, they feel cozy without being heavy and hold up to everyday use. Choose from two sizes and 10 colors.

• Available colors: 10

An outlet full of clunky plugs can quickly look cluttered and messy. This sleek power strip instantly tidies up the area. The slim wall plate plugs in to create a much more sophisticated look, and is attached to a power cord that gives you three AC outlet spaces instead of just two. It’s a smarter and nicer-looking option.

If opening your cabinet feels like a high-stakes balancing act, your mug situation might be the culprit. These expandable coffee mug organizers stack mugs vertically instead of piling them sideways, instantly freeing up shelf space and helping to prevent chips, scratches, and surprise avalanches. Plus, the squeeze-to-lock design adjusts to different mug sizes.

• Available colors: 3

Garbage disposals are notorious for hiding odors deep within. Fortunately, this extra-long cleaning brush is designed to reach deep inside the disposal, scrubbing away trapped food residue that causes lingering smells. The stiff bristles tackle buildup, while the sturdy handle keeps your hands safely away from the blades. The brush is also dishwasher safe when you’re done.

A forgotten pile of clothes can instantly make a room feel messy, even when everything else is tidy. This canvas laundry hamper solves that problem with a clean, farmhouse-inspired design that blends right into your space. The sturdy fabric has a 15-gallon capacity, and the rope handles make it easy to carry. Plus, the foldable design saves space when not in use.

Pet hair, muddy paws, and surprise accidents can quietly wreck your couch over time. This reversible, waterproof furniture cover protects your sofa in style. The quilted fabric is made to resist scratches and repel hair, while the leakproof layer helps stop moisture from soaking through. And when it needs a refresh, you can toss it straight into the washing machine.

• Available colors: 6
• Available sizes: 4

When pantry containers aren’t labeled — or worse, labeled inconsistently — finding anything becomes unnecessarily annoying. These clear water-resistant pantry labels bring instant order with elegant black cursive lettering that works on jars, bins, and baskets. With 135 preprinted options covering nearly every food staple, your pantry will end up looking calmer, cleaner, and far more put-together.

• Available colors: 2

Nothing ruins a clean bathroom or kitchen vibe faster than a trash can you have to touch with messy hands. This compact, touchless trash can opens with a simple wave, thanks to its responsive infrared sensor. The retractable butterfly lid opens inward, so it fits neatly into tight spaces without looking clunky. Plus, it’s battery-powered (AA batteries are included) for long-term operation.

• Available colors: 4
• Available sizes: 2

Glass stovetops can show every crumb, drip, and scratch — even when they’re technically clean. Good thing this silicone stovetop cover protects the surface while doubling as usable counter space when the stove is off. The raised ridges catch drips and improve airflow, so the cover also works as a drying mat or heat-resistant trivet. The mat is easy to wipe down, dishwasher safe, and rolls up neatly when you’re not using it.

• Available colors: 6
• Available sizes: 6

Most people forget about their indoor doorbell chime — until they notice how outdated it looks. This wooden chime cover slips right over the existing box, instantly upgrading the wall with a clean, modern look. It installs with the included screws, fits most standard chimes, and fully conceals the hardware underneath. The white finish looks polished as-is, or you can paint it to match your space perfectly.

Hard water stains are sneaky — they build up slowly and can make clean bathrooms look permanently dull. This oxygen-bleach cleaner is designed to tackle soap scum, calcium, lime scale, and rust. It’s made to work on shower doors, tile, grout, tubs, sinks, and glass, lifting residue instead of just masking it. Bonus: It leaves behind a fresh mint scent and is formulated to be safe to use around kids and pets.

Old, cracking caulk around sinks, tubs, and counters can make a space look worn out. Get this peel-and-stick caulk trim to create smooth, professional-looking edges in minutes. It’s paintable, simple to apply, and the flexible strip resists water and stains so it can stay put even in high-moisture areas like kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms.

• Available colors: 6
• Available sizes: 6

Loose cables dangling under your desk don’t just look messy — they also collect dust and create tripping hazards. But now this under-desk cable tray can solve that. It clamps onto the table (no drilling required), keeping power strips, adapters, and cords neatly tucked up and out of sight. The sturdy metal mesh design holds up to 15 pounds, and the rubber pads protect your desk from scratches.

• Available colors: 2
• Available sizes: 3

Tiny wood nicks and scratches might seem minor, but they can make furniture look older than it is. This scratch remover set includes both light and dark formulas, making it easy to match a wide range of wood finishes. You simply apply, rub, and wipe — no sanding or tools required. The coconut oil-based formula helps conceal marks while refreshing the surrounding finish.

Harsh lighting can make a room feel flat or uncomfortable no matter how well it’s decorated. These smart LED bulbs let you customize brightness, color temperature, and more using the accompanying app or voice control device. With preset modes, scheduling, and music sync options, the bulbs adapt to everything from focused work sessions to relaxed dinner parties.

Set-in stains can make floors and furniture look permanently dirty. But this oxygen-activated stain remover can break down old messes, tackling everything from pet accidents to food and drink spills. The formula is designed to be safe for carpets, upholstery, rugs, and even mattresses, while not leaving behind any residue. The spray is also made to be gentle enough for homes with pets and kids.

Exposed power strips and tangled cords can ruin the look of an otherwise tidy room. This cable management box hides everything inside a book-shaped design that looks like chic decor instead of a boring utility fix. The magnetic closure keeps cords contained, while the expandable design lets you add more space if needed.

• Available designs: 11

Overhead lights are efficient, but the coziest vibes come from layered lighting. This tall floor lamp adds a warm, adjustable glow that instantly makes a space feel more comfortable. It comes with a dimmable LED bulb that lets you shift from cozy warm light to bright task lighting, plus a remote and foot switch for easy control. The linen shade diffuses light softly, and the slim base fits neatly into corners without cluttering the room.

• Available colors: 6

Unframed mirrors can make a space feel unfinished. This peel-and-stick wallpaper border adds a black wood-grain frame effect without tools, nails, or commitment. The product is designed to be waterproof and heat resistant, making the vinyl especially useful in bathrooms or kitchens. You can cut it to size for a custom fit.

• Available sizes: 2

Tiny marks on walls are easy to ignore — until they’re suddenly everywhere. These refillable paint pens let you load your exact wall color and fix scuffs, dings, and nicks with precision. The twist-control tip helps prevent drips, and the airtight design is made to keep paint fresh for years. These pens offer a simple way to make walls look freshly painted without breaking out rollers or drop cloths.

Water rings quietly ruin tables over time. These thick wooden coasters absorb condensation before it reaches your furniture, protecting surfaces from stains and scratches. The coasters also come with a holder so they don’t end up scattered around the room when not in use, and they come in a set of four or six.

That constantly damp area behind the sink makes even a clean counter look messy. This diatomite stone mat sits around the faucet and absorbs splashes instantly, drying itself in minutes. It helps prevent water spots, mildew, and soap residue, while keeping the counter tidy. With a slim, modern look, it works just as well in a kitchen as it does in a bathroom.

• Available colors: 5
• Available sizes: 7

Wet boots, muddy sneakers, and salt-stained shoes can destroy floors and make an entryway feel chaotic. This heavy-duty boot tray gives shoes a designated landing zone — trapping water, dirt, and debris before it spreads. The raised edges prevent overflow, the textured surface keeps footwear from sliding around, and the thick rubber is made to stay flat without curling. It’s easy to rinse clean and works just as well for pet bowls or litter boxes.

• Available designs: 3
• Available sizes: 3

When everything is stacked in loose piles, it’s almost impossible to keep closets tidy. These stackable storage baskets turn clothing chaos into a clean, modular system you can build vertically or horizontally. The set is ideal for clothes, towels, toys, or pantry items. And the bins fold flat when not in use.

• Available colors: 4

Loose container lids sliding around a cabinet are one of the most frustrating kitchen annoyances. This lid organizer uses adjustable dividers to keep everything stored upright and easy to grab. The container fits a wide range of lid sizes, while preventing round ones from rolling away. No tools, no assembly — just a calmer cabinet in minutes.

• Available sizes: 6

Murky vase water makes fresh flowers look past their prime. This reusable copper charm helps keep the water cleaner by limiting the buildup that shortens flower life. You simply drop the charm into the vase and let the copper get to work cleaning the water. It’s a reusable solution to keeping bouquets looking vibrant for longer.

• Available designs: 2

This ruched faux fur throw and matching pillow cover set adds instant depth and softness to your space, turning seating areas into intentional focal points. The lightweight blanket is made to be warm without being bulky, while the textured pillow design gives your space a layered, styled look. Plus, the set is machine washable.

• Available colors: 5