50 Weird Things That Make Your Home So Much Better
These unique upgrades are as cost effective as they are easy.
Improving the look, feel, and function of the rooms in your home doesn’t have to be hard if you know where to look. Sometimes, you just have to think outside the box. There are some unique (and weird) solutions out there that will make every space so much better. Whether you need to add organization, boost aesthetics, or find ways to get rooms clean faster, scroll on to see your next home project.
01A lidded glass mixing bowl set that can go in the microwave, oven & freezer
Every kitchen needs high-quality mixing bowls for prep work, and this glass set takes the cake. Included are four sturdy tempered glass bowls — with capacities ranging from 27 to 128 ounces — plus coordinating lids that’ll create an airtight seal to keep food fresh. The bowls are safe for the freezer, microwave, dishwasher, and even the oven. And they nest for compact storage.
02A slim outlet concealer with a 3-foot cord
With a 4.7-star overall rating on Amazon after 59,000-plus reviews, this outlet concealer is a popular pick for concealing an outlet and electronic cords. Universally compatible with standard outlets, the wall-hugging device plugs in, then the 3-foot power cord can be hidden behind furniture so you can charge and power your devices as normal. “The best plug I’ve ever gotten, so helpful that it is flat and keeps our home looking sleek and neat,” wrote one reviewer.
03A pair of nonskid anti-fatigue mats for less than $30
These anti-fatigue mats are made from soft yet firm foam to provide your body extra support, particularly when standing for extended periods of time. The set includes two mats for less than $30 and the nonslip backing prevents them from shifting or slipping. Choose from black, blue, or gray in the listing.
04A motion-detecting night-light that can mount on a wall or be carried around
When motion is detected within 13 feet, this unique-looking night light will automatically turn on to illuminate the space. The base of the light can stick onto a wall using adhesive, but the light itself can also be taken off (it’s held in place with a magnet) and carried around if desired. It’s powered by a rechargeable battery that can last up to one month on a full charge.
05This 9-device outlet extender with a built-in night-light
This outlet extender has nine total ports (including three USB-A ports, a USB-C port, and five three-prong outlets) that are spread across three sides so even bulky plugs won’t block the other outlets. This pick features surge protection, plus a built-in night-light for visibility when the sun goes down.
06These trays that make 416 mini balls of ice at once
Make up to 416 mini ice balls at once with these ice trays. They’re simple to fill — pour water into the tray, then close the lid to press out any excess — and once frozen, you can easily pop out all of the ice by twisting the trays a few times. The ice balls are only a half inch in size, so they’re ideal for iced coffee, smoothies, and more.
07This small but mighty humidifier that can run for up to 8 hours
Whether in the car, office, or at home, this mini humidifier can come to the rescue, adding the optimal amount of humidity to the air to help with allergy symptoms, congestion, and general dryness. Despite its small size, the device can operate for up to eight hours straight (thanks to the 250-milliliter water tank), and it can run either continuously or intermittently. It’ll shut off automatically once the water tank is empty.
08A contoured memory foam chair pillow with a washable cover
This U-shaped memory foam cushion will make sitting in any seat or chair infinitely more comfortable. It provides the necessary support to help you maintain good posture and the ergonomic design has various benefits like increasing blood flow, helping with muscle fatigue, and more. The cushion comes with a breathable mesh cover that you can remove for washing.
09A roll-up drying rack that doubles as a trivet
Ordinary drying racks are bulky, taking up a lot of space on the counter and wherever you choose to store them. However, this roll-up drying rack is designed to be used over your sink, allowing water to drip right back into it for less cleanup. And when not in use, it rolls up for compact storage. The rack is made from stainless steel with a silicone coating that’s heat resistant up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit so you can use it as a trivet as well.
10This wall-mounted pump that installs without drilling
Wall-mounted shampoo, conditioner, and soap dispensers aren’t just for hotels. This stainless steel dispenser is ideal for your home’s shower because it’ll eliminate bottle clutter and make it easier to get product out, particularly with wet hands. Plus, it can hold up to 15 ounces at once for less refilling. It installs using adhesive tape and double- and triple-pump options can also be found in the listing.
11A sleek cable management box that comes in 3 colors
This unobtrusive cable management box is designed to conceal a seven-outlet power strip and electronic cords while allowing them to remain plugged in (there are various entry and exit points). It’s made from resin with clean lines for a modern vibe and it comes in three colors in the listing.
12This memory foam roll pillow with a machine-washable bamboo cover
Place this 18-inch cylindrical pillow behind your neck for added support to help ease neck, spine, or back discomfort. It can also be used behind your back or underneath your knees. The pillow is made from high-density memory foam and the cover features a breathable bamboo fabric that’s machine washable. “This pillow is perfect if you have any kind of back pain which is what I use it for. Made a big difference the first night,” wrote one shopper.
13Some fridge bins that reviewers call a game-changer
Organization bins for your fridge are a game-changer — you’ll be able to more easily see everything you have, preventing lost food from spoiling in the back. The set includes eight shatterproof bins with built-in handles. Each one can hold about eight standard cans, but reviewers use them for everything from fruits and veggies to condiments and cheese. One shopper wrote, “Purchased these for the fridge but will be purchasing more for the pantry. Pasta boxes, cans, most things fit perfectly fine and these are really a gamechanger.”
14This customizable wireless doorbell that you can set up in minutes
You don’t need to hire an electrician to put a doorbell in your home — this doorbell kit has everything you need for DIY installation in just minutes. Included are a doorbell transmitter (which you hang next to your front door) and a plug-in smart doorbell receiver for the interior, plus mounting materials. The wireless doorbell features more than 50 chime sounds and four volume settings. Pick from various colors in the listing.
15A pair of puck lights that can be installed 2 ways
You can install these LED touch lights in pretty much any area of your home; reviewers found them particularly beneficial in spots like a pantry, garage, bathroom, or closet. The pair of puck lights put out a warm white glow and the LEDs will never need to be replaced. Adhesive tape and screws are included.
16An LED light strip that sticks to the back of your screen
Hang this LED light strip on the back of your TV to make the picture on the screen more vivid and rich — it also helps to minimize eyestrain. It installs using the included 3M adhesive backing and you can utilize the wireless remote to tweak the brightness and color of the lights. This pick is meant for 30- to 40-inch TVs (the strip is 78 inches long in total), but options for other screen sizes can also be found in the listing.
17This cleaning tool for window blinds with a machine-washable head
Cleaning your blinds can take a lot of time, but that’s not the case with this unique dusting tool. It features three arms and a microfiber dusting head to clean both the top and bottom of two blinds at the same time, speeding up the entire process. Once the job is complete, the duster head can be machine washed and used again.
18These static-reducing wool dryer balls that can last for 5 years
Stop using dryer sheets and fabric softeners and instead throw these wool dryer balls in your machine to reduce your clothing’s dry time, cut down on static, and reduce wrinkles. Handmade from 100% New Zealand wool, the six dryer balls are a good choice for those with sensitive skin. They can last up to five years, so they’ll pay for themselves over time.
19These floating shelves that can hold 11 pounds each
Display photos, plants, and other small items on these stylish and functional floating shelves. The pair of shelves are made from engineered wood for sturdiness (each one can support up to 11 pounds) with a small ledge in front to prevent items from falling off. There are four finishes to consider in the listing, including white, espresso, gray, and walnut.
20A pan & lid organizer that can be used vertically or horizontally
If your pans are haphazardly stacked in your kitchen cabinets, this steel organizer is the fix you need. It can be used in either a horizontal or vertical position and there are five slots for nearly any size of pan or lid. Consider bronze, white, and silver finishes, all of which can be found in the listing.
21This sleek USB-charging lamp that can be controlled with just a tap
Using just a quick tap, this bedside lamp can be turned on and off. But the features don’t end there: It has three brightness settings that you can cycle through, plus two built-in USB ports to charge your electronics. “Very simple, gets the job done, and stylish,” wrote one shopper. There are various shade and base options to check out in the listing.
22These microfiber towel balls that are surprisingly absorbent
These fuzzy towel balls likely look different than any other towel you’ve come across, but they function surprisingly well. The material is highly absorbent, drying your hands almost instantly. Each ball has a loop at the top so you can hang it up when not in use. This two-pack includes a light and dark blue ball, but there are two other color combinations to pick from in the listing.
23A pair of over-the-door organizers that work in a pantry or a closet
Maximize organization with these two over-the-door organizers. Each one has 24 clear pockets to accommodate various items — like cans, spices, or condiments in the pantry, or extra cleaning supplies or smaller accessories (like shoes, hats, or belts) in a closet.
24A silicone drink holder that sticks to smooth surfaces without adhesive
This drink holder is made from silicone to grip onto glossy, smooth surfaces like glass or tile — no adhesive or suction cups required — and it’s big enough to hold any standard can of beer, soda, or seltzer. The holder can be relocated as desired with ease. Peruse the listing to see all of the style and color options.
25This never-soggy stone bath mat that dries almost instantly
While a stone bath mat may sound weird, it’s a major upgrade. The mat is highly absorbent; any water that drips onto its surface will get sucked up instantly, yet the mat will feel dry to the touch. The stone bath is nonslip and it can be rinsed under running water to get it clean. This pick features a modern herringbone design and comes in three colors (off white, gray, or dark gray) in the listing.
26A 2-pack of nonskid drawer organizers that can be stacked
Grab these stackable storage drawers to organize items throughout your home — use them for toiletries in your bathroom, extra supplies in the office, snack bags in the pantry, and more. Made from clear acrylic, the two organizers have a handle in front for easy access to the contents inside. Place the included silicone pads on the bottom to prevent them from sliding around.
27A pair of double-walled glass mugs that are dishwasher safe
The double-walled design of these glass mugs serves a dual purpose — it’ll keep your drink hot but your hands cool. Handblown from sturdy borosilicate glass, the pair of mugs is microwave-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe.
28Some cord, wire & hose straps that can hold 50 pounds each
Use these heavy-duty straps to wrangle cords, ropes, hoses, and more. Made from heavy-duty polypropylene with an industrial-strength hook-and-loop closure, the six straps can hold up to 50 pounds each. And the rustproof grommet at the top allows you to hang up the item for better organization. This is the 13-inch option, but there are shorter and longer picks to consider in the listing.
29This faux leather desk pad that comes in lots of colors & sizes
This faux leather desk pad will protect your desktop from spills, scratches, heat, and scuffs — but it also adds a fun pop of color to your workspace. It features faux suede on the backside to stay in place and the large size (23.6 by 13.7 inches) is roomy enough for a laptop, mouse, and keyboard. Pick from 20-plus colors and four sizes in the listing based on what works best for your space.
30A set of 2 under-bed shoe organizers that hold 12 pairs each
If you’re short on shoe storage, grab these under-bed organizers. The set includes two organizers, each of which has 12 individual sections to hold your sneakers, loafers, and boots. Made from non-woven fabric, the organizers feature a transparent window on top to find the pair you’re looking for without digging.
31This adjustable alarm clock that simulates sunrise to gently wake you
If you’re having trouble waking up in the morning, this unique alarm clock simulates the sunrise to help. The light will gradually increase from 10% to 100% brightness (in either a 10-, 20-, or 30-minute time span), plus it plays nature sounds to aid your waking further. There are various adjustable settings — like the light’s color, for example — for a custom experience.
32These slim space-saving velvet hangers with 154,000+ 5-star reviews
You won’t regret making the upgrade to these highly rated velvet hangers because they’re sturdier than their plastic counterparts (each one can hold up to 10 pounds). Their slim profile allows you to maximize your closet space and the nonslip velvet material combined with the notched shoulder indentions ensures your items stay in place on the hangers.
33This toothbrush holder with an automatic dispenser & magnetic cups
Not only does this toothbrush holder have spots to hang six toothbrushes at the same time, but there is also an automatic toothpaste dispenser, two magnetic mouthwash cups, and various storage areas (including a drawer) for anything else you may need. The unit mounts on the wall with adhesive so you don’t have to worry about causing any damage from drilling. Check out the listing for various styles and colors to consider.
34These corner grippers that can be used on all kinds of rugs
Prevent your rugs from curling and sliding with this four-pack of corner grippers. They’ll stick onto rugs of all materials (including outdoor ones), yet won’t cause any damage to the surface below. “Super easy to use and stick great! My rug no longer curls,” wrote one shopper.
35A powerful pumice stone that removes tough stains with just water
This pumice stone can remove stubborn stains, grime, and unwanted deposits on toilets, sinks, tiles, and more. It’s powerful yet gentle to not scratch or damage surfaces. You don’t need to use any cleaning products to achieve these results — just pair the pumice stone with water.
36This pasta maker that clamps onto your counter for stability
Make restaurant-quality pasta in your kitchen with this pasta maker. It features a hand crank for operation and seven thicknesses to create various types of pasta, including spaghetti, linguini, lasagna, and more. The machine is made from steel and a table/countertop clamp is also included for extra stability.
37A quality 7-piece measuring cup set with a 4.8-star overall rating
Utilize these highly rated measuring cups to bake and cook with accuracy. The set includes seven stainless steel cups with capacities ranging from 1/8 cup to one cup (there are metric equivalents engraved on them as well). Larger 12- and 15-piece sets can also be found in the listing.
38A baseboard cleaning kit that comes with 3 reusable microfiber pads
Cleaning your baseboards by hand can do a number on your back and knees, but this baseboard cleaning tool features an extendable aluminum handle that reaches up to 4 feet in length so you can complete the job without bending over. The cleaning head swivels to reach nearly any angle and the three included reusable microfiber pads can be used wet or dry — either way, the textured fibers will trap dirt and debris.
39A wall-mounted tool organizer with 11 total slots & hooks
Get your brooms, mops, rakes, shovels, and other tools off of the floor with this tool organizer that mounts on the wall (indoors or out, since it’s waterproof). It has five spring-loaded slots and six retractable hooks to hold everything. It’s a favorite on Amazon with a 4.5-star overall rating after 58,000-plus reviews.
40This bamboo cutlery organizer that expands to almost 20 inches wide
This best-selling bamboo cutlery organizer expands in width from about 13 inches to 20 inches to fit in pretty much any kitchen drawer. It has six to eight compartments (depending on how much you expand it) to organize knives, forks, spoons, and other tools.
41This 40-pack of Velcro ties to wrangle electronic cords
“Someone needed to invent these earlier. They work so well,” wrote one fan about these cable ties that can be used to wrap up and organize various electronic cables in your home. The set comes with 20 5-inch ties and 20 8-inch ties — with an adjustable hook-and-loop closure. Utilize the various colors to set up an organization system or go with the all-black pick in the listing.
42This solid marble mortar & pestle set for less than $15
Grind herbs, spices, nuts, seeds, and more using this mortar and pestle — you can even use it to pull off a small portion of guacamole for taco night. Both pieces are made from solid white marble with gray veining. And they’re petite in size (the pestle is 4 inches long, while the mortar is just shy of 4 inches in diameter) to not take up much room in your cabinet.
43A 5-tier floating shelf that can hold 11 pounds
Mount this five-tier floating shelf in the corner of pretty much any room in your home. It can hold up to 11 pounds and all of the installation hardware is included. Choose from various finishes in the listing to vibe with your space, including this natural option or a rustic turquoise pick.
44A bug zapper racket that makes getting rid of annoying pests fun
While it may look similar to a tennis racket, this is an electric bug-zapping racket that can be used to eliminate mosquitos, flies, and other pests in a single swing. The zapper has a built-in LED light so you can use it around the clock and attract the pests right to you. It can zap 10,000 times on a single charge; it’s rechargeable via the included USB cable. Choose from mini, medium, and large in the listing.
45A lengthy bed skirt that comes in plenty of sizes & colors
This bed skirt has a 14-inch drop to cover even thick mattress and box spring combos to give any bedroom a more finished look. It’s made from a brushed microfiber material for softness and the pleated corners create a clean, finished look. There are five size options in the listing for beds ranging from twin to king, as well as 12 colors to match the rest of your bedding.
46This fuzzy throw blanket made with different textures on each side
You can never have too many blankets. And this fuzzy throw is wildly comfortable for year-round use. It has a reversible design with plush fur on one side and short fleece on the reverse. In addition to cuddling up, the blanket also would look luxurious draped over a bed, couch, or chair. Pick from four sizes (three of which are specifically designed for use on a bed) and a myriad of colors in the listing.
47These adjustable strap-on lawn aerators that attach to your shoes
Aerating your lawn can make it greener and healthier and it’s easy to do with these aerator shoes. They attach to any pair of shoes using the three adjustable straps and buckles, and the 13 heavy-duty metal spikes on the bottom of each one will penetrate the grass and soil as you walk.
48This waterproof cover to keep your grill protected
A grill is expensive, so you should protect it from the elements with this premium cover. It boasts a waterproof and UV-resistant design, and there are adjustable hook-and-loop straps to secure it in place. This size will fit many popular gas and charcoal grills, but there are others to consider in the listing based on the specs of your particular model.
49A 6-pack of drawer & shelf liners that reviewers say are high quality
While these rose-scented drawer and shelf liners might seem strange, reviewers indicate they’re a simple yet helpful upgrade. “These drawer liner sheets are amazing! The scent is fabulous, not at all overpowering, the quality of the paper is wonderful,” wrote one fan. The set includes six nonadhesive floral liners (each one is about 14 by 19 inches in size) that can be trimmed to the exact size needed. Other scents and designs can be found in the listing.
50These unique brackets that lets you secure a curtain rod to your blinds
Secure a curtain rod directly from your blinds with these unique bracket attachments — because sometimes you don’t have the room or desire to mount a separate rod on the wall. The satin nickel brackets can support up to a 1-inch curtain rod. And there are three of them included for stability (with a maximum weight capacity of 22 pounds total).