Shopping
These Easy, Under-$30 Upgrades Make a Surprisingly Huge Difference Around Your Home

Big differences — on a strict budget.

Written by Bimini Wright
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Your home is your castle, and even the most beloved castles need a facelift from time to time. If you’re dreaming of remodeling your home but don’t want to spend a ton of money, you’re not alone. In fact, there are plenty of ways you can improve your home without breaking the bank. Breathe some new life into your space with these easy, under-$30 upgrades that make a surprisingly huge difference around your house.

With solutions as simple as treating yourself to an elegant new duvet cover that brightens up a bedroom to installing a smart doorbell that makes you feel like a tech wizard, this list has you covered.

01

These easy-to-use touch lights that add chic accent lighting

This pack of LED touch lights is the perfect way to add accent lighting on stairs, underneath cabinets, or even in a small rooms like closets. Offering up a warm white glow, these bulbs are battery powered and can be installed easily with either the included adhesive tape or screws. At $10, you can stock up for every room.

02

This set of oven mitts and pot holders for a coordinated kitchen

Help protect your hands from burns in the kitchen with these colorful oven mitts and pot holders. A silicone exterior gives a nonslip grip and makes them waterproof and easy to clean, and a soft quilted cotton lining keeps your hands comfy while handling scalding pots and pans. They’re the perfect kitchen accessory — and are machine-washable and available in different colors, to boot.

03

The sleek box that makes hiding messy cables simple

Tidying up unruly charging cords and more is an easy way to make your space look neater and more streamlined, and this cable management box can do the trick. It has three different slots through which you can feed and conceal wires and fits an entire surge protector. It’s also a great way to keep pets from chewing on your power cords.

  • Available colors: 2

04

These nonslip velvet hangers for maximizing closet space

Unify and maximize your closet space with these ultra-thin velvet-lined clothes hangers. Capable of withstanding up to 10 pounds, with soft-cut notches for delicate straps and a convenient 360-degree swivel hook, they can hang everything from coats to lingerie.

05

A pair of modern floating shelves for displaying your decor

These sleek and stylish floating shelves come in four different colors and have a handy ledge to help prevent items from falling off. With pre-drilled holes so they’re easy to install, these lightweight but sturdy shelves are ideal for displaying photos but are also great for holding everything from spices in the kitchen to toiletries in the bathroom to CDs or artwork in the bedroom.

  • Available colors: 4

06

This plush cashmere throw blanket that makes any room cozy

Instantly add beautiful and functional decor to any room with this reversible blanket. Microfiber cashmere on one side and faux sheepskin on the other means you’ll be snug and cozy no matter which side you snuggle. Supersoft and lightweight, it’s fade-resistant, machine washable, and comes in a wide range of colors and sizes.

07

The handy containers that can help you organize and store clutter

Overly full closets bursting with mess can really detract from your space, so store that overflow with these under bed storage containers, which are great for housing out-of-season clothes until you need them. They come with a transparent mesh top to help you keep an eye on your items and convenient handles for easy access. Just zip them closed when you’re done loading them up.

  • Available colors: 3

08

These glass oil & vinegar dispensers that bring elegance to your countertop

Control your pour, ensuring smooth flow every time with these beautiful glass oil and vinegar dispensers. Marked with measurements for convenience and accuracy, they have a gorgeous slim design that makes them excellent for daily use. They have airtight, leak-proof caps and come with four pouring spouts, a stainless steel funnel, and chalkboard labels for identification.

09

This stainless steel utensil caddy for decluttering your drawers

Make space in your overcrowded kitchen drawers with this stainless steel utensil holder. It rotates 360 degrees on a foam base that sits firmly on your countertop without slipping or sliding and comes in multiple colors to match your decor. With a removable divider that makes it easy to clean, its matte surface is both elegant and fingerprint-proof.

10

A brushed steel plastic bag dispenser for storing grocery bags

Doing your part to help save the environment has never been more convenient with this stainless steel plastic bag dispenser. All the necessary hardware is included to install it easily on the wall or inside a kitchen cabinet, and its extra-wide openings make filling it and reusing your plastic grocery bags easy-peasy.

11

These liners for protecting your wire shelves from scuffs & scratches

Upgrade your pantry or garage in an instant with these heavy-duty shelf liners. Pre-cut edges form a seamless fit with standard wire shelves, making a smooth surface and preventing anything from falling through the gaps. Waterproof and durable, they help to avoid accidental leakage and are easy to clean.

12

The oversized robe basket that holds clutter while looking chic

One of the easiest upgrades out there is to take loose, messy items like linens or toys and store them in a chic container, and this extra large cotton rope basket fits the bill. It comes in lots of neutral color ways, each featuring a trendy color-blocked pattern. Thanks to the handles on both sides, you’ll be able to move it around with ease.

  • Available colors: 10

13

These absorbent cloths to replace paper towels

Wipe up messy spills or drips from any surface with these incredibly absorbent Swedish dishcloths. Reusable, fast-drying, and odor-resistant, they can absorb up to 20 times their weight in liquid. They come in a pack of 10 and are available in multiple colors to complement any kitchen decor.

14

This reusable mop system for cleaning all floor types

With an adjustable telescoping handle and a 360-degree rotating swivel head, this microfiber mop floor cleaning system is excellent for reaching hard-to-reach areas. Suitable as a wet or dry mop, it comes with two reusable scrubbing mop heads and two reusable microfiber heads that can be used on all different types of flooring to pick up dirt, dust, pet hair, and debris.

15

A lazy Susan for organizing your kitchen shelves

Whether you use it to hold spices in the kitchen, as a fruit-holding centerpiece on your table, or for decluttering cleaning products in your under-sink storage, this two-tier lazy Susan spice rack will get the job done. With a nonslip base and a raised rim that prevents items from falling off, it’s the perfect way to keep things organized and within easy reach.

16

These durable bowls that stack to save space in your kitchen

Made of durable and lightweight food-grade stainless steel, this set of mixing bowls is odor-resistant and freezer and dishwasher-safe. Comfortably nesting inside each other to save space, they come in six different sizes, so whether you’re prepping, mixing, tossing, or stirring, there is a bowl for every task.

17

A set of shatterproof wine glasses for outdoor events

Shatterproof and dent-resistant, these unbreakable wine glasses are great for outdoor parties. The stainless steel is not only durable but also keeps your drinks cool for longer. There is a beautiful variety of colors to choose from, and the sleek bulb shape of the glass is comfortable in the hand, allowing the wine to breathe.

18

This dual-blade chopper for making attractive & delicious salads

Not one but two blades work to get the job done quickly on this nifty and ergonomic salad chopper. Dishwasher-safe, it’s made of stainless steel so that it won’t rust or corrode. It also comes with a protective sheath so it can be stored safely. While it is great for salads and vegetables, this chopper is multi-use, making it excellent for nuts and chocolate as well.

19

A descaling solution to help extend the life of your coffee maker

Improve the taste of your morning cup of joe with this natural and odorless descaling solution. Tough on grime but easy on machine parts, it’s twice as effective as other leading brands and five times as effective as vinegar at removing buildup from mineral deposits that contribute to an unwanted metallic taste in your coffee maker.

20

The matching set of storage bags that will make you feel totally in control of clutter

Don’t let disorganized closets and basements get you down, because these large storage bags can help you store lesser-used items with ease and coordination. Users report how sturdy they are, which is due in part to the reinforced seams and double-layer handles. The transparent panel in front helps you identify items with ease, sparing you from endlessly digging through boxes. You get six bags per set.

  • Available colors: 3

21

An airtight canister to keep coffee beans fresh

Sleek and airtight, this 44-ounce stainless steel coffee canister is durable and functional while still stylish and modern enough to look good on your shelf. A BPA-free rubber seal locks in flavor while locking out light and moisture, and a built-in date tracker makes it easy to keep track of freshness.

22

This all-inclusive mixology set for bringing the bar to your own home

Whether you’re a professional or just a beginner, this 13-piece bar kit includes everything you need to seriously upgrade your mixology game. A beautiful bamboo stand holds a Boston shaker, ice tongs, bottle opener, mixing spoon, strainer, muddler, jigger, pourers, stoppers, and even recipe cards —all you have to add is the booze.

23

These oven-safe glass containers for convenient meal preparation

Made from borosilicate glass that won’t absorb smells or stains, these versatile meal prep containers can tolerate rapid temperature changes, meaning it’s safe to transfer them from the freezer to the oven and back again without fear of cracking or warping. With an excellent stackable design, they each have a 32-ounce capacity and BPA-free lids that won’t leak and keep food fresh.

24

A collapsible popcorn popper for making a tasty snack

This colorful popcorn popper is made of non-breakable food-safe silicone that distributes heat safely and is easy to clean and store, collapsing to a mere 2.2 inches in height. Heat resistant so you won’t burn your hands, it’s available in over a dozen fun colors and can make and hold up to 15 cups of crisp and tasty popcorn at a time.

25

A sleek honey dispenser for no-drip pours

No more messy, sticky honey leaking down the side of the bottle with this beautiful acrylic honeycomb-shaped honey dispenser. Using a gravity-fed system, it is airtight, keeping it fresh and ensuring your honey is always ready to pour. It can hold up to 8 ounces of honey, syrup, or any other liquid you’d like.

26

These motion-activated lights for illuminating dark corners

Great for closets, pantries, and other dark spaces, these battery-powered LED motion sensor lights have a nifty daylight-sensing capability, so they won’t turn on when they aren’t needed. Super easy to mount, they come in a pack of three and have a simple peel-and-stick adhesive that will install on any clean, dry flat surface. With a sensitivity distance of 9 feet, they’re a durable and convenient answer to your lighting needs.

27

A bamboo organizer for decluttering your drawers

Solid dividers and deep compartments make this expandable drawer organizer a stylish storage solution for cluttered drawers. Made of high-quality bamboo, it’s water-resistant for easy cleaning and can be expanded from three to five compartments, providing all the extra space you need.

28

These handles for improving the look & functionality of your cabinets

Upgrade your cabinets in a flash with these functional and stylish cabinet pulls. This modern and elegant hardware is made of stainless steel and available in classy black, brass, or nickel finishes; they are a quick and easy update that transforms the feel of your space.

29

The matching storage bins that fold away when you’re done using them

One super practical feature of these cube storage bins is that they fold flat so you can tuck them away when they’re not in use. When they are in use, they’ll give your space a coordinated feel while helping keep stray items neatly out of sight. The cut-out handles make them easy to move around, too.

  • Available colors: 9

30

A smart doorbell for alerting you of visitors

With a three-year battery life and no need for wifi, this smart doorbell only requires an electric outlet for easy installation. The receiver has over 50 chimes from which to choose, with adjustable volume and a range of up to 1000 feet, making it great for large homes, apartments, and warehouses. Choose from multiple colors.

31

This indoor thermometer for measuring humidity

Make like Goldilocks and get the temperature (and humidity) just right with this indoor humidity meter. Available in five different colors, it comes in a pack of two and calibrates in a matter of minutes. It has an accuracy of ±2℉, with a large clear display that makes it great for greenhouses, wine cellars, terrariums, or anywhere else you need to know the exact temperature and humidity.

32

A nine-in-one outlet expander that doubles as a night light

Containing five AC outlets, three USB-A ports, and one USB-C port, this nine-in-one USB wall charger also comes with a night light and a handy shelf to hold your device as it charges. In addition, it has a built-in 1800J surge protector to defend your expensive electronics against overload, lightning strikes, and other electric dangers.

33

These bamboo canisters for storing salts, herbs & spices

These adorable canisters are made of 100% bamboo, making them attractive, eco-friendly, and easy to clean. Magnetic rotating lids are aesthetically pleasing and create a nice tight seal when closed, making these boxes perfect for things like salt, herbs, and spices or small items like jewelry.

34

The cute but sturdy kitchen sink organizer

Instead of leaving your cleaning supplies in a damp heap, organize them with this kitchen sink sponge holder. It’s made out of rust-proof brushed stainless steel for durability and features a convenient, removable drip tray below to prevent spills and messes. It stays in place, too, thanks to the rubber grippers on the bottom.

  • Available colors: 6

35

This easy-to-apply putty for repairing holes in your walls

Feel like a DIY master with this simple-to-use drywall repair putty. Invented by a drywall professional, it requires no tools to use and is excellent for filling ugly or unwanted holes — ensuring you can get that security deposit back.

36

A stackable rack for storing water bottles

Declutter cabinets and keep your water bottles, travel mugs, and shaker blender bottles neat with this stackable water bottle organizer. It stores beverage containers horizontally in individual compartments for space and visibility and is constructed from thick, BPA-free shatterproof plastic that can hold even the heaviest water bottles. They’re perfect for pantry organization, or you can use them in the fridge to keep drinks chilled.

37

These self-adhesive stoppers for keeping out drafts

Keep cool air from escaping during the summer, and prevent icy drafts from getting in during winter with this silicone draft stopper. With over 20,000 five-star ratings, this door seal is effortless to apply; just cut it to size, peel off the backing film, and stick it to your door. Save money and energy in your home by maintaining the ideal temperature year-round — they can even aid in noise reduction.

38

A pack of wooden hangers to upgrade your wardrobe

These beautiful and functional clothes hangers are made from smooth, high-grade lotus wood, lending a traditional sophistication to your closet. Their hooks are made of anti-rust chrome metal that swivels a full 360 degrees, which allows you easy access to your clothes. Available in three different colors, they’re slender, neat, and built to last.

39

This soft and fluffy duvet insert for sprucing up the bedroom

Give your bedroom five-star hotel vibes with this soft microfiber duvet. Its elegant box stitching and piped edges immediately upgrade any bed, or it can be used as a cozy duvet insert if you have a cover you prefer. Machine washable and with convenient corner tabs that keep it in place, over 78,000 five-star ratings can’t be wrong.

40

These engraved measuring cups & spoons for effortless baking

Universally readable, this set of stainless steel measuring cups and spoons has both U.S. and metric measurements embossed so that they won't rub off over time. Dishwasher-safe and built to last, the utensils are thoughtfully designed to have slim bowls and long necks, making them convenient for getting ingredients from even the narrowest jars. In addition, this set's seven cups and seven spoons nest together for easy storage, saving space in your drawers and cabinets.

This article was originally published on

Related Tags