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The 50 Cheapest, Coolest Home Upgrades That'll Impress The Hell Out of People

Wow guests with these functional, beautiful, and budget-friendly updates.

Written by Veronika Kero
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
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Cool home upgrades that solve annoying problems and make your home look and run better don’t have to be a major expense. Every item on this list combines style and function: There are functional picks like a one-handed jar opener and pieces of decor like a statement-making arched mirror that looks like it costs way more than it does. Even better, these easy-to-install yet dramatic changes are all budget friendly, starting at just $8.

01These wire candle holders that come with removable glass jars

Use this pair of candle holders for everyday dining, seasonal decor, or to decorate tables for a party. The gold polished wire is made of durable iron that won’t rust or fade, even when near heat. And if you want to switch things up, the glass container can also be used to hold dry flowers. One reviewer wrote, “They are sturdy, well made with nice finishing.”

02This vent cleaner that improves your dryer’s efficiency

After using this dryer vent cleaner, your machine won’t have to work as hard and the increased efficiency can lower your electricity bill. Simply attach it to your vacuum and use the included brush to suck out lint and debris.

03These expensive-looking cabinet pulls that have 26,000+ 5-star reviews

Available in matte black, brushed brass, and satin nickel, this pack of 30 cabinet pulls will instantly transform the look of any bathroom or kitchen. They’re made of stainless steel to withstand daily use and are easy to install. Several different size multipacks are available in the listing.

04This steam mop that can kill up to 99% of germs

A clean house is a happy house. To keep your home mess-free, this is steam mop is a household necessity. It heats up in 30 seconds for a quick clean and comes with a 12-foot cord so you can maneuver around the house. Made with a microfiber pad that’s safe for multi-surface cleaning, it’ll kill up to 99% of germs. One shopper confessed, "I didnt realize how gross my floors were until the 1st time I used this steam mop. I was completely disgusted & totally amazed at the same time."

05These stainless steel hooks that can hold 11 pounds each

Whether you pick them up in matte black, shiny gold, brushed silver, or bright white, this set of four stainless steel hooks will be a great addition to any room in your home. They can hold your coat next to the front door, your robe in the bathroom, or umbrellas in the garage. They can support up to 11 pounds and come with all hardware necessary for installation.

06A luxurious velvet duvet set that reviewers rave about

This velvet duvet set is a must for its plush feel and how drastically it can update a bedroom. It’s covered in microfiber on the reverse and it has a hidden button closure and internal corner ties. Choose from 20 shades and three sizes in the listing. The twin size comes with one pillow sham and the queen and king come with two. “I was shockingly pleased with it! Sturdy and soft, feels like a $1000 duvet and shams but for a fraction of the price. (And I tried those $1k duvets too, returned them!) Can't recommend it enough,” wrote one fan.

07This space-saving pants hangers with nonslip rods

You don’t have to part ways with your favorite jeans and trousers in order to free up some closet space. All you need to do is hang up to five pairs on each of the pant hangers in this pack of four. Each level has a nonslip plug on the end to keep your pants in place.

08A chic candle warmer with a dimmer & timer

Not only will this candle warmer look great on your bedside table, but it will also make the wax last twice as long as it would compared to burning. It has a dimmer that allows you to control the strength of the aroma, and it can be set on a timer for two, four, or eight hours. Choose from four colors in the listing.

09A sturdy tool organizer that can hold up to 160 pounds

This tool organizer has a screwdriver holder, bottom drill rack, hooks for hanging tools with holes in the handles, a rack for hammers, and more. It comes with all hardware necessary to be wall mounted and has a detachable design so you can separate out the organizers if you prefer. And because it’s made of alloy steel, it’s able to support up to 160 pounds.

10These motion-activated LED light strips that install with adhesive

To add light under cabinets, in a closet, or just about anywhere else, set up these three battery-operated LED light panels. They come with adhesive plates that are fast and easy to install that they attach to via magnets for easy battery changes, and they detect motion from up to 9 feet away.

11A 1-handed jar opener that works with almost any size lid

You’ll only need one hand to operate this jar opener to open up anything from a small bottle cap to a large pickle jar. The zinc-coated stainless steel teeth can handle it all and it’s shallow enough to hide under any cabinet. Install with the included screws or adhesive.

12Some oven liners that can be trimmed to fit an oven, microwave, or air fryer

After sliding in one of the oven liners in this pack of three, you won’t have to spend hours scrubbing at burnt crumbs. The nonstick fiberglass will catch every drip and can even be cut so you can place them in your toaster, air fryer, and microwave too. They are heat resistant to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and they’re dishwasher safe.

13These mushroom-shaped night lights that bring the garden inside

File this pick under “products you wish you'd bought sooner.” These mushroom-shaped night lights have an automatic dusk-to-dawn sensor that reacts to the brightness of any room. They feature a soft, warm light, that creates a colorful ambiance. One customer shared, “These are cute and work great! Colors are gently groovy and change but powerful enough to find the bathroom in the middle of the night.’’

14A modern ceramic bust that doubles as a vase

The beauty of this highly rated bust vase (other than its breathtaking design) is that it can be displayed with or without a bouquet inside. The piece is ceramic and handmade and it even comes in multiple versions in the listing, one of which is simply two hands.

15A wooden plant terrarium that comes in 3 finishes & 2 sizes

With three mini glass bulbs and a wood stand, this plant terrarium has a vintage vibe that will complete any living room, kitchen, or entryway. At less than 1 foot long, it won’t take up too much space but will bring life to any corner. It comes with hardware for wall mounting but can stand on a shelf or table as well. Choose from three finishes and two sizes in the listing.

16This vanity mirror with 3 levels of magnification

Choose between 2x, 3x, and 10x magnification by using the various panels on this vanity mirror. You can also adjust the angle and lighting between cool, warm, and natural modes. It has a removable divider in the base that can be used to store essentials, and it folds closed when not in use. Power it via USB or batteries.

17This surprisingly nice $20 picture frame set that comes with hooks

Available in natural wood, silver, gold, and more, this picture frame set fits seamlessly in any room. It comes with all the hardware you need (including no-trace nails) to install and 10 5-by-7-inch frames that can be placed on a table or hung horizontally or vertically. One reviewer wrote, “For the price, I was expecting these frames to be cheaply made, but they are not. Easy to take the back off with metal tabs and they can be used as a frame on a table or hung up on the wall. They even came with a bag of hooks.”

18This laptop stand that you can adjust for height & angle

This laptop stand not only allows you to adjust the height of your screen, but the angle too. Move it from 0 to 90 degrees so that you have a clear view that’s at eye level to avoid neck strain. It also has anti-scratch pads to keep your device safe. Choose from several colors in the listing.

19A plug-in pendant light with 3 color settings

The design of this pendant light brings a cozy yet elegant vibe to your home. The gorgeous bamboo lampshade is connected to a 15-foot cord with an in-line on/off switch allows you to adjust the height of the fixture, and it plugs right into an outlet. The LED bulb can be changed between three color temperatures: white light, warm light, and daylight.

20A water-resistant speaker with a suction cup on the back

Thanks to its compact size and convenient suction cup back, you’ll want to take this water-resistant speaker with you wherever you go. Set it up poolside or continue listening to your favorite song while in the shower. Its Bluetooth connection has a 33-foot range and it has a six-hour playtime.

21This pet mess cleaner to help eliminate any unwanted odors

If you have a furry friend, this pet cleaner is an absolute lifesaver. Simply sprinkle it onto any mess they may have made, and it’ll help eliminate any odor instantly. It’s made with natural ingredients that are nontoxic, and it's formulated with mint and lime for a fresh scented room. One fan raved, “I've tried numerous products in the past but this has been the most convenient clean up. It effortlessly eliminates nasty odors, whether it's the lingering smell of dog accidents, throw up, or the pesky litter box scent.”

22These stylish floating shelves made of solid wood

Whether you keep them separate or use them to form a honeycomb design, these five floating shelves will look great displayed in any room. They’re made of solid wood and range from 14.1 to 7.8 inches across. They feature pre-installed sawtooth hangers on the back and the listing contains several finishes and different multipacks.

23A statement mirror that comes in 5 sizes & several finishes

Thanks to its two pre-installed hooks, this arched mirror with a 4.5-star overall rating will be a breeze to mount. The aluminum frame is available in a few different finishes but you can also pick it up without a frame at all or with an LED-lit border. It comes in five sizes as well.

24These dishcloths that are so much more efficient than paper towels

Upgrade your kitchen space with this 10-pack of reusable dishcloths that might eliminate your need for paper towels altogether. Available in nine different colors, these cloths are as absorbent as a cellulose sponge, but without the bulk. They’re also great to have by your shower to help effortlessly soak up any drips or splashes.

25This wall-mounted broom & tool organizer that’ll save you so much space

If you’re looking for a quick way to organize your favorite cleaning tools, this easy-to-install holder will solve that issue. With 11 storage spots, including six hooks, all of your go-to supplies will have a permanent home. This holder can support up to 35 pounds and is also great for helping organize sports equipment and gardening supplies. Well over 40,000 Amazon customers gave it a five-star review.

26This roller that collects pet hair from your couch without using sticky adhesive

Instead of using rollers with messy adhesive tape, try the ChomChom, which works all by itself without any other expensive add-ons you need to replace. Great for both cat and dog owners, the ChomChom collects hair and small debris in its chamber, which is easy to open and clean. It’s also safe on fabric and would be a great gift for any new pet owner.

27A 3-foot macramé tapestry that can be divided into 2 displays

To fill an empty wall in a unique way, add this macramé tapestry to your cart. Each of the cotton leaves is handwoven for a lived-in and cozy feel. The entire piece is just over 3 feet long but can be split into two separate decorations. The artwork even comes with a comb so you can make sure each tassel lies flat.

28This shockingly absorbent bath mat that won’t block your bathroom door

If your bath mat has been causing unnecessary door jams, you might want to replace it with this thin yet absorbent mat that’ll solve the issue entirely. Great to place outside your shower or tub, this mat comes in a variety of sizes and colors to best fit your space. This antislip mat is backed by quality rubber, making shower time much safer.

29This set of easy-to-clean cutting boards that’ll protect your countertops

This set of three cutting boards is great for any home chef. Since they’re dishwasher-safe, they won’t splinter or crack like a wooden version might. Each cutting board has an indentation to help any juice stay on your board and not leak onto the counter, making them great for any dish prep. You can buy them in one of six colors.

30This digital food scale with over 117,000 5-star reviews

You’ll feel like a professional with this digital food scale in your kitchen. It can accurately measure any ingredient up to 11 pounds and present it in ounces, pounds, fluid ounces, grams, and milliliters on the easy-to-read LCD screen. Choose from several finishes and sizes in the listing.

31An easy-to-clean compost bin that locks in odor

To reduce waste and create a more eco-friendly household, try this 0.75-gallon compost bin. The lid flips up so that it’s easy to fill or empty and it has smooth walls that resist buildup, making it easy to clean. The lid seals to contain odors within, and the handle even rotates so that it’s comfortable to carry outside.

32A silicone ice tray that doesn’t need to lay flat

Unlike traditional trays, this silicone ice maker can be placed in your freezer any way it’ll fit — you won’t have to worry about any water spilling over or trying to make room for it to lie flat. You don’t even have to touch the ice once it’s time to pop the cubes out. Just pull the side handles and each piece will be ready to serve through the bottom opening.

33These oven- & freezer-safe glass food containers that are less than $4 each

Your leftovers will stay fresh longer in these food storage containers with airtight locking lids. The set comes with nine containers in three shapes and varying sizes, each with a matching lid. The glass can withstand temperatures between -40 and 752 degrees Fahrenheit to make storing and serving even easier.

34These fancy-looking crystal whiskey glasses that are dishwasher safe

You get three different designs in this six-pack of whiskey glasses for a vintage vibe. All are made of lead-free crystal that will resist breaking, chipping, and scratching. They’re also dishwasher-safe.

35This nonstick waffle maker with 5 browning settings

In just a few minutes, you can enjoy a warm Belgian waffle thanks to this waffle maker. It has five browning settings, as well as dual indicator lights, and cleanup is easy due to its BPA-free nonstick coating. One shopper wrote, “Whether you prefer light and fluffy or crispy and golden, you can consistently achieve the perfect waffle. [...] The non-stick surface makes it easy to wipe away any leftover batter. [...] It is very compact.”

36A modern picture light that’s conveniently rechargeable

For a museum-worthy effect, hang this rechargeable light over any art in your home. It’ll evenly illuminate a framed photo or canvas with its 16-inch design and it comes with three lighting modes you can control with the handy remote. There’s an auto timer you can set, a two-way switch to turn it on and off, and it’s easy to install with the included screws.

37These expanding drawer dividers with non-scratch pads

Your utensils will no longer be rolling around once you install these drawer dividers. Each piece in this pack of four can expand from about 16.5 to 20.8 inches so that it can be used vertically or horizontally. They’re made of natural bamboo that can be wiped down when dirty but also have rubber pads on either end to protect your furniture and keep them in place.

38This adhesive paper towel holder you can stick anywhere

Keep your paper towels off the countertop with his handy holder. It comes with a renter-friendly adhesive back, although you can also screw it in with the two-hole design. It’s made from super durable aluminum alloy, and it’s waterproof and rust-proof. The matte black coating adds a nice touch, and it measures just over 12 inches to fit any size roll.

39This set of 3 foldable storage organizers

Tidying up will be easier than ever with this set of foldable baskets. Each one is made of linen for a lightweight, yet sturdy, feel. The front and back sides feature hook-and-loop closures for easy access to your belongings, and there’s a label window for added organization.

40A budget-friendly HEPA air purifier that’s so quiet

Able to remove smoke, pollen, dander, hair, and more, this HEPA air purifier operates quietly (as low as 22 decibels). Each filter can last for up to six months and it’s designed to refresh the air of a 215-square-foot room once per hour.

41This silicone splash guard for a tidier countertop

Are you over the splash when washing dishes? This splash guard has a sloped design that allows for quick drainage. It’s made with food-grade silicone that’s easy to wipe clean, and there’s a 2.5-inch opening that fits most faucet sizes. You can also use this as a drying mat for sponges.

42This set of spatulas that has over 17,000 5-star reviews

Every kitchen needs a solid set of spatulas, and this set is worthy of that honor. These strong, heat-resistant tools can handle up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can trust them with any cooking or baking project you have. They won’t warp or melt, and can easily be cleaned in the dishwasher when you’re done using them. It’s no wonder they’ve earned a steady score of 4.7 out of five stars with thousands of reviews singing their praises.

43This damage-free draft stopper that also keeps out dust & noise

Made of two thick layers of silicone, this draft stopper can keep much more than just cold and hot air out of your house. It can also keep out dust, noise, light, and bugs. All you have to do is cut it to the size you desire and adhere it to the bottom of your door — it’s available in four colors in the listing.

44This chair leg protector set for scuff-free floors

Help protect your floors from furniture scuffs with these chair leg protectors. They adapt to any leg shape from round to square, and they’re available in a variety of finishes to match your decor. Made with a silicone cover and a felt bottom that smoothly glides across any floor surface, they’re easy to install — just slip them on, and you’re good to go.

45These washable refrigerator liners with a nonslip grip

Instead of placing your produce directly down on a shelf, keep it clean by slipping in these refrigerator liners first. The 16 liners are made of food-grade material and have nonslip dots to keep them in place. They can also be trimmed to perfectly fit in any section, including drawers. A smaller pack and other colors are also available in the listing.

46A weighted blanket made of breathable microfiber that reviewers say isn’t too warm

This microfiber weighted blanket comes in various sizes and weights in the listing ranging from 5 to 25 pounds, and the glass beads are evenly distributed into each stitched square of every version. “This blanket has helped me stay asleep at night and not twist and turn. [...] It doesn't feel heavy when it's on you. And doesn't make me hot,” wrote one fan.

47This popular hand blender with 9 speed settings

Use this hand blender with nine speed settings to mix smoothies, whip up creamy soups, and create sauces within seconds — it comes with whisk and frother attachments, too. Its copper motor is strong enough to withstand continuous use and its S-shaped fixed blade works fast. Plus, the handle has an ergonomic grip that’s comfortable to hold.

48A highly rated rainfall showerhead that installs tool-free

There are several reasons this rainfall showerhead has more than 38,000 five-star reviews. It creates a high-pressure flow using less water, and it has a no-tool installation that reviewers rave about. One shopper wrote, “Game changer!!! I’ve gone from standing in the shower waiting an age for the low powered dribble of water to warm up, and then hours spent rinsing the soap off; to standing under a waterfallesque torrent of piping warm water. It’s amazing!”

49This set of glass carafes that’ll add elegance to any gathering

There’s something inherently impressive about seeing a set of glass carafes at a gathering. Whether it’s holding party punch or chilled water, it’s a great way for guests to serve themselves. This durable glass set is designed in a way that’s easy to pour and hold, and they even come with lids to help secure any leftovers after the event. They’re perfect for holiday parties or simply for holding fresh lemonade while reading on your porch.

50These adhesive racks to display your favorite hats

Calling all hat collectors — this four-pack of hat racks is an elegant way to display your wares. They feature an adhesive back of 3M tape that covers the entire width for easy installation with a super sturdy hold. Pro tip: If you’re using drywall, use the two-hole cutouts to drill into for added support.

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