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55 Insanely Cheap Home Upgrades That Are So Damn Clever

Everything is less than $35.

by Allison Scholtz
We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

If I’ve learned anything as a homeowner, it’s that you should never underestimate the impact of cheap, clever home upgrades. A project can cost less than $35 but still look like a million bucks. Best of all, you don’t even need to visit a hardware store. These affordable Amazon finds help you modernize your fixtures, maximize your storage, boost the light in a space, and make your home significantly more functional — all without blowing your budget.

01These best-selling knobs that are modern, well-made & bacteria-resistant

Swapping out your door knobs can transform the whole door, and these best-selling interior knobs are matte and modern — not to mention “incredibly sturdy and feel so high quality,” one reviewer wrote. They come in four colors and various types (including dummy, privacy, and locking entry). Plus, they’re treated with Microban to reduce the growth of germs.

  • Available styles: 12

02This cord-free, rechargeable touch lamp you can place anywhere

Place this dimmable touch lamp anywhere you need soothing, customized light. Since it’s rechargeable, it’s cord-free and portable, and it comes with a remote control so you can change the color, brightness, mode, and automatic timer settings.

  • Available styles: 2

03A sleek, modern alarm clock with a backlit wooden design

Even if you wake up to the alarm on your phone, a physical alarm clock lets you check the time at a glance — and this one is sleek, modern, and minimalist thanks to its backlit wooden design. It displays the date, temperature, and humidity, has two USB ports to charge your devices, and has a dimmer function that brightens with a clap.

  • Available styles: 4

04These cool, crisp 100% cotton pillowcases that are “snob-approved”

Reviewers have called these percale pillowcases “amazing” and “snob-approved” because they create “a cool and crisp sleep experience.” They’re made from 100% long-staple cotton with a tight, pill-resistant texture, and they come in two sizes and 14 color options.

  • Available sizes: Queen — King
  • Available styles: 14

05These linen-like curtains that look bright, airy & high-end

Swap out your dark, dated drapes for these sheer curtains and instantly make your space brighter and airier. Made from a linen-mimicking polyester, they offer privacy while still allowing light to filter through. Reviewers have awarded them an overall 4.7-star rating due to their “high-end quality” and “beautiful, airy” look.

  • Available sizes: W29 x L24 — W66 x L108
  • Available styles: 17

06This simple, inexpensive way to redirect heated or cooled air

Prevent unwanted drafts and redirect heated or cooled air to the rooms you need it most. These magnetic vent covers come in various sizes and attach to steel vents without damage. “The second floor in my house gets too warm in winter and these vents cover the upstairs vents to help even out the house. They work great,” wrote one reviewer who called them a “simple, inexpensive solution.”

  • Available sizes: 3.5" x 12" — 9.5" x 16"
  • Available styles:

07This wrap-around curtain rod that’s extremely versatile

This wrap-around curtain rod makes hanging window treatments better because of its telescoping length and stylish industrial design. That said, since you can install it inside, outside, and on ceilings, reviewers have also used it to hang shower curtains, display flags, store pots and pans, create footrests on kitchen islands, and boost privacy in outdoor spaces.

  • Available sizes: 18''-45'' — 36''-144'
  • Available styles: 5

08Some stylish curtain tiebacks that brighten & elevate your space

These curtain tiebacks serve two purposes: They secure your curtains to the side to maximize light and amplify your outdoor view, and they elevate your space with their wooden beaded design. Get them in seven color options, all of which include both adhesive and screw-in hooks.

  • Available sizes: 2 — 4
  • Available styles: 7

09This touch-up paint to fix scratched appliances & chipped porcelain

Damaged appliances and chipped fixtures can be a huge eyesore — and difficult to fix without an all-out replacement. Fortunately, rather than replacing the items entirely, you can cover scratches, cracks, and chips with this touch-up paint. Its high-gloss formula works on most shiny surfaces, including porcelain, tile, metal, fiberglass, and enamel, plus it’s low-odor and has a precision brush for easy application.

  • Available sizes: .33 Fl Oz — 2 Fl Oz
  • Available styles: 19

10These apothecary jars that transform your toiletries into decor

In their original packaging, cotton balls, floss picks, Q-tips, and Epsom salts can quickly clutter up your bathroom shelves — but these cute apothecary jars transform your clutter into decor. They’re made from clear plastic with matching lids and they come with both pre-printed and blank labels.

  • Available sizes: 2 — 4

11This battery-operated picture light you can install anywhere

You don’t need to hire an electrician to install lights next to your bed, above your paintings, or in your reading nook. This wireless picture light runs on batteries, has automatic timers to save power, and comes with a remote control so you can adjust the warmth and brightness. It’s also easy to install anywhere with its mounting bracket and built-in bubble level.

  • Available sizes: 8.9 inch — 13 inch
  • Available styles: 14

12This magnetic screen door I’ve had for a year & absolutely love

I’ve had this magnetic screen door for over a year, and I’ll never again be without one. It minimizes bugs and maximizes airflow while the door is open, but its magnetic center slit separates as you walk through and closes behind you — plus it’s easy for pets and kids to use, too. This size fits most standard doorways and comes with both adhesive strips and thumbtacks for installation.

  • Available sizes:
  • Available styles: 6

13These plush throw pillow covers that add tons of character

If your bed or coach could use a makeover, these plush throw pillow covers are an easy, affordable solution. The faux-fur fabric and chunky stripes add tons of texture and character, plus they come in eight other shades if you prefer a bold pop of color. They’re also machine-washable with hidden zippers.

  • Available sizes: 12X20-Inch — 24X24-Inch
  • Available styles: 9

14This stylish towel rack that’ll make your bath feel like a hotel

If your home doesn’t have a linen closet, this towel rack is a stylish, space-savvy way to store rolled towels. It’s made from stainless steel with three vertical bars that hold up to six full-size bath towels, but the sides are open so you can grab one without hassle. Reviewers wrote that it’s “very sturdy” and “easy to install.”

  • Available styles: 4

15A UV-blocking canopy to create a breezy, shady sitting area

Pergolas, gazebos, and canopies can cost thousands of dollars. This sunshade canopy blocks 95% of UV rays to create a breezy, shady sitting area — for about $30. It comes with stainless steel D-rings that work with most hardware kits (sold separately) and it’s available in several colors, shapes, and sizes.

  • Available sizes: 8’ x 12’ — 16’ x 20’
  • Available styles: 6

16This game-changing toilet paper holder with a built-in shelf

It seems simple in theory, but reviewers have called this stainless steel toilet paper holder a “must-have” and a “game-changer for any bathroom.” It securely holds your toilet paper roll with its anti-slip rod, but it also has a built-in shelf for your phone, air freshener, or wipes. You can install it on virtually any surface with the included adhesive strip.

  • Available styles: 10

17Some floating shelves that maximize storage while minimizing countertop clutter

Floating shelves are a great way to maximize storage while clearing off your floors, tables, and countertops. This set of two is made from rustic wood with powder-coated metal brackets, and they’re great for everything from toiletries and decor to spices and entryway essentials. All hardware needed for installation is included.

  • Available styles: 6

18These motion-sensor solar lights you can set & forget

Since they’re solar-powered, these outdoor lights don’t require any wiring, batteries, or manual recharging. Their built-in light reflectors make them extra-bright, while their motion sensor saves power and discourages intruders. They’re also weather-proof and easy to install.

  • Available sizes: 2 Pack — 8 Pack

19This blackout roller blind that looks much more expensive than it is

A best-seller, this blackout roller shade is “very easy to install” and looks “twice as expensive” as it is, one reviewer wrote. Its UV-protected fabric blocks out 100% of light and it is thermally insulated, too. Best of all, its roller design is barely noticeable when it’s not in use, so it’s much more minimalist than curtains.

  • Available sizes: 20”Wx72”H — Custom
  • Available styles: 6

20A compact LED lamp for working, crafting & reading

Whether you’re burning the midnight oil, crafting in a dimly lit space, or reading in bed, this desk lamp is eye-friendly and convenient. Its full-spectrum LED beads won’t flicker or cast shadows, while its neck is adjustable in two places so you can direct the light as needed. The lamp also has five color modes, 10 brightness levels, and two charging ports.

  • Available sizes: 4

21These electric grinders that work automatically when you flip them over

Flip these gravity grinders upside-down, and they’ll automatically grind and dispense your seasoning without the need for twisting. They’re battery-operated, come in a pack of two for both salt and pepper, and allow you to choose between three coarseness settings, plus they have built-in LED lights so you can see how much is coming out.

22This outlet extender with a built-in shelf & night light

Not enough outlets? This outlet extender gives you five AC plugs, three standard USB ports, and one USB-C port — plus it has a motion-sensor night light and a built-in shelf for your phone, Echo Dot, or rechargeable toothbrush. No wonder one reviewer called it the “best gadget” they’ve “bought to date.”

  • Available styles: 2

23This peel-&-stick contact paper with a rustic wooden design

Thousands of reviewers have used this peel-and-stick contact paper to add a rustic wooden touch to walls, cabinets, countertops, furniture, backsplashes, staircases, and more. With a wipeable, water-resistant finish on the front and self-adhesive on the back, it’s both durable and easy to install.

  • Available sizes: 17.7 In X 18 ft — 394 In X 11.8 In

24These compact containers that make use of under-bed storage

I use under-bed containers to store my wrapping paper collection in a hidden yet conveniently accessed spot — but you can also use them for clothes, shoes, blankets, and winter coats. Their slim 6-inch profile fits under most bed frames, their built-in handles make for easy retrieval, and their transparent tops let you see what’s inside at a glance.

  • Available styles: 3

25An aromatherapy diffuser with a chic marble-look design

Even though it looks like sleek marble, this essential oil diffuser is actually made from BPA-free plastic, so you don’t have to worry about it cracking or chipping. Its 350-milliliter tank adds both moisture and essential oils into your space, while its optional color-changing night light creates a soothing ambiance.

26This suction-cup mirror that won’t fog up in a steamy bathroom

Thanks to its locking suction-cup design, this fogless mirror securely attaches to tile, porcelain, marble, glass, and enamel without damage. In addition to its condensation-resistant coating, it also has a built-in razor hook, so you can groom in the shower (or in a misty bathroom) without hassle.

  • Available styles: 4

27This customizable address sign with a solar-powered light

Guests and delivery trucks won’t miss your house anymore once you have this solar-powered address sign. It comes with letters, numbers, and blank stickers so you can create your own, and it has three color temperature settings to choose from. You can also mount it to your home or use the included stake to stick it in the ground.

  • Available sizes: 1 — 3

28A modern light fixture that’s so easy to install

Old light fixtures are one of the tell-tale signs of an outdated space — but installing a new one doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. This industrial farmhouse ceiling light has a crisscross metal design with four bulbs, and according to reviewers, the included hardware and step-by-step instructions make it “so easy to install.”

  • Available sizes: 1 Count — 2 Count
  • Available styles: 5

29Some cord keepers that attach to the backs of your appliances

Cords are an inescapable reality of modern life, but there are ways to hide them. Take, for example, these cord keepers, which attach to the back of your appliances using adhesive stickers. Just wrap the cords around the silicone prongs and secure the plug in the middle to make your countertops look much less cluttered.

  • Available sizes: 3 Pack — 6 Pack
  • Available styles: 2

30These plant clips that help you position your climbing vines

These plant clips help you position your climbing vines exactly where you want them — and since they come in a set of 110 with three different sizes, you’ll have plenty left over for wire organization. The back attaches to most surfaces with an adhesive sticker, while the flexible plastic knobs secure in place with a twist.

  • Available styles: 6

31The best broom & dustpan set reviewers have ever owned

Multiple reviewers have called this broom and dustpan set the best they’ve ever owned. The broom has a telescoping handle with four rows of bristles, while the swiveling dustpan has a rubber lip, a roomy interior, and built-in teeth to remove dust and hair from the broom. It also comes in six stylish colors.

  • Available styles: 6

32A hanging hamper that saves you floor space

Get your hamper off the floor with this hanging laundry bag, which includes steel hooks for over-the-door mounting and adhesive hooks for most other surfaces. It’s easy to load up with dirty clothes thanks to the round hole in the front — and it zippers open at the bottom for effortless emptying into the machine.

  • Available sizes: 1-Pack — 2-Pack
  • Available styles: 6

33This genius storage solution that protects & organizes your pans

This pan rack has over 12,000 five-star ratings for a reason: It files up to five pans vertically or horizontally to prevent scratches and allow you to retrieve the one you need without upsetting any of the others. You can also use it for bakeware, cutting boards, or office supplies.

  • Available styles: 3

34This pumice stone that removes rust, rings & build-up when nothing else will

Forget harsh cleaning chemicals; this pumice stone (with a built-in handle) is designed to remove rust stains, watermarks, and residue deposits on toilets, sinks, tubs, showers, and even barbecues. Most importantly, while reviewers wrote that it was “the only thing that worked” on tough stains, it still won’t scratch your fixtures.

  • Available sizes: Pack of 1 — Pack of 2

35This $4 tool that makes cleaning out your gutters so much easier

Cleaning out your gutters is a necessary but dreaded task for most homeowners. Fortunately, the Getter Gutter scoop has a high handle, a narrow shape, and an extended tongue made from flexible material, all of which are designed to remove dirt and leaves without much effort. “Made cleaning my gutters much easier (and less messy) than it could have been,” one reviewer wrote.

36These refrigerator mats that easily wipe clean

Made from food-grade EVA that wipes free of spills and gunk, these refrigerator mats make cleaning your fridge shelves so much easier. While the material is grippy and padded, they’re still easy to remove when needed, and you can cut them to size for a custom-like fit.

  • Available styles: 2

37A 4-hook key holder to boost your wall storage

Install this wall-mounted hanger anywhere you could use more storage. Its aluminum design is modern and durable with a 20-pound capacity, so you can use its four hooks to hold keys, leashes, umbrellas, towels, clutches, and light jackets. It also comes with both adhesive strips and mounting hardware.

  • Available styles: 2

38This textured shower curtain that mimics glass

Made from EVA with a unique bubble design, this shower curtain mimics textured glass to create privacy without blocking light. It’s also waterproof, odorless, and easy to clean, plus it has rust-resistant metal grommets for easy hanging.

  • Available styles: 6

39These rug grippers that prevent curling & sliding without damaging floors

Reviewers have called these rug corner grippers “a lifesaver” and “the best thing” they’ve found to keep their rugs “flat and in place.” They prevent curling and sliding using a gel texture, which grips floors without damaging them — and you can still pick up your rugs for cleaning and rearranging.

  • Available sizes: 4-pack — 8-pack

40This sink protector that catches hair without getting in the way of water flow

Designed to fit almost any sink drain, the SinkShroom has a stainless steel 3-D design that maximizes water flow while catching gunk and stray hairs. As a result, it prevents clogs so you can skip snaking and expensive plumber bills. “Have not needed a plumber in over one year,” one reviewer wrote.

  • Available styles: 2

41This viral reusable roller that picks up fur & lint

The viral ChomChom pet hair remover has earned an overall 4.5-star rating from over 180,000 reviewers because it’s reusable and works on upholstery, carpets, and car interiors. Just roll it over fur and lint, open the interior storage chamber, empty it out, and reuse it on another spot. “Best pet hair remover... ever!” one reviewer wrote.

  • Available styles: 2

42These absorbent, reusable dishcloths that replace paper towels

I use Swedish dishcloths constantly in my own home — and they’re my go-to gift for housewarmings and holidays. They’re super absorbent and easy to grab in a pinch (like paper towels), but they’re washable, quick-drying, and reusable over and over again. They’re also gritty enough for scouring yet gentle enough for all surfaces.

  • Available styles: 9

43An LED backlight strip that boosts ambiance & minimizes eye-strain

With 15 colors to choose from, this LED strip light definitely boosts the ambiance of your gaming set-up or media center. That said, it also serves a functional purpose: The contrast between the screen and the backlight minimizes eye strain and makes colors look more vivid. It’s USB-powered, installs with included adhesive strips, and comes with a remote control.

  • Available sizes: Small — X-Large
  • Available styles: 2

44Some light-blocking stickers to improve your sleep quality

Studies have found that even extremely dim lights can harm your sleep quality. Fortunately, these light-blocking stickers cover blinking LEDs and annoying illumination from routers, alarm clocks, cable boxes, and more. Each order includes two sheets: one with various-sized stickers and a page that you can cut to size.

45These bamboo dividers to instantly customize your drawers

Create custom-like storage in your dresser, desk, or kitchen drawers. These expandable drawer dividers span between 17 and 22 inches to create designated organization compartments. They’re made from water-resistant bamboo and use tension with non-slip rubber pads to create a secure fit without damage.

  • Available sizes: 4 Pack — 8 Pack
  • Available styles: 3

46These fun chenille towel balls that dry your hands fast

These fuzzy ball towels are way more fun than your standard hand towel — but they’re still absorbent and designed to dry your hands quickly with their sponge-like chenille fingers. They come in three color combinations and include free adhesive hooks for hanging in your bathroom or kitchen.

  • Available styles: 3

47This 11-in-1 gadget that makes food prep a breeze

Food prep doesn’t have to be messy or time-consuming. This 11-in-one kitchen gadget comes with interchangeable blades that you can use to slice veggies, grate cheese, julienne carrots, spiralize zucchini, and zest and juice citrus. It also comes with a safety glove, a handheld peeler, and a clear container that catches your ingredients.

  • Available sizes: 6 in 1 — 11 in 1
  • Available styles: 5

48This knife block that stores inside most drawers

If you’re limited on countertop space, you don’t have to clutter it up with a knife block. This in-drawer knife holder is only 2 inches tall to fit most drawers, but it still stores up to 16 knives and a sharpener using its tiered bamboo design.

49These versatile storage bins for food, makeup, & more

These clear storage bins have earned an overall 4.7-star rating because they’re stackable, versatile, and durable. Since they’re fridge-safe and made from BPA-free plastic that’s easily cleaned with soap and water, they’re a no-brainer for storing fresh ingredients and pantry items — but plenty of reviewers also use them for cosmetics, toiletries, art supplies, and more.

  • Available sizes: 2 Pack — 8 Pack

50Some vertical hanger organizers that maximized closet space

Instead of placing every hanger along your closet rod, use these hanger organizers, which have five tiered hooks that maximize space with their vertical design. They come in a pack of four to hang up to 20 items, and they’re made from durable plastic that reviewers called “super sturdy” and “strong enough” for purses and winter coats.

51These pen-friendly cable labels so you can identify that mess of wires

How often have you unplugged the wrong thing, or thought you were charging a device when it wasn’t even connected? These Wrap-It cable labels have a pen-friendly surface and a hook-and-loop closure that wraps around any wire, so you can easily identify that tangled mess of cords. They also come in various shapes, sizes, and colors.

  • Available sizes: Mini — Large
  • Available styles: 2

52These silicone-sleeve floor protectors that fit most chair legs

These floor protectors glide against most hard surfaces silently and without scratching. That said, unlike stick-on felt pads, their silicone-sleeve design installs without adhesive and fits most shapes and sizes of chair legs. They also come in various sizes and colors.

  • Available sizes: X-Small — X-Large
  • Available styles: 16

53This gadget so you can dispense laundry detergent with a single hand

Compatible with most detergent brands, this laundry pedestal holds heavy bottles at an angle, so you can dispense liquid detergents straight into the measuring cup at the press of a button. It also has a tray to catch any accidental drips and a strap to hold the jug in place.

  • Available sizes: 1 — 3
  • Available styles: 11

54These tablets that sanitize your washing machine

Contrary to popular belief, washing machines don’t wash themselves with every load of laundry — but these Affresh tablets are designed to remove grime and odors from the pump, valve, agitator, basket, drum, hose, and filter. They’re also septic-safe and work with both top- and front-load machines.

  • Available sizes: 3 Count — 6 Count
  • Available styles: 2

55This gorgeous hanging shelf that’s decor in & of itself

This wall-mounted shelf functions as storage and a gorgeous piece of decor in and of itself. Its three shelves are made from paulownia wood while its jute rope makes for easy hanging alongside screws, nails, or hooks. “The price is great, the quality is great, and it looks so awesome!” one reviewer wrote.

  • Available styles: 2
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