Small updates that make a big difference.
Updating your home doesn’t require a full-blown renovation. Small changes here and there can make a world of difference to upgrade a room both visually and practically. With that in mind, I’ve found a cheap fix for some of the most common mistakes you probably don’t realize make your home look dated. From new cabinet hardware that’ll spruce up your kitchen to easy-to-use chalk-style paint to breathe new life into an old piece of furniture, these tried-and-true reviewer favorites are the perfect way to upgrade your home on a budget.
01
Mistake: Exposed cords that clutter surfaces
Solution: A thin cover with a power strip to discreetly hide an outlet
Eliminate cords cluttering every surface with the help of this thin outlet concealer with a power strip to keep your home neat. This small change makes a big impact, discreetly hiding bulky cables and making the outlet seamlessly blend into the wall. Additionally, the power strip lets you plug in up to three appliances at once.
02
Mistake: Old cabinet pulls that make the whole kitchen appear dated
Solution: These sleek pulls for an instant facelift
Give your kitchen a quick, easy, and cheap makeover by simply switching out old pulls that make the whole room look dated. These matte black pulls have a streamlined design that works with a variety of decor styles and cabinet colors. They’re clean and elegant and a fan favorite with over 26,000 perfect five-star reviews that mention their high quality, hassle-free installation, and modern appearance.
03
Mistake: Having threadbare throw pillows on your sofa
Solution: These textured throw pillow covers that offer a quick refresh
Cozy up your sofa with this set of throw pillow covers that add a pop of color, pattern, and texture. Throw pillows can get ridiculously expensive, which is why this under-$20 set is a total steal and a reviewer-loved Amazon find. The corduroy covers are available in multiple colors, from a warm terracotta to a soothing sage green, and they come in several sizes, and a square and lumbar shape.
04
Mistake: Grimy grout that makes the bathroom look shabby
Solution: This cordless power scrubber to make dirty tile look new
Restore shine and sparkle to your bathroom tile with the help of this cordless power scrubber. The small handheld tool cleans up to two times faster than a regular brush thanks to its oscillating head that scrubs 60 times per second. Choose from a pulsing or continual scrubbing setting to clean grout lines, tight spaces, and all the dingy nooks and crevices that could use a good scrub down.
05
Mistake: Your home is lacking curb appeal
Solution: These garage magnets that look just like real windows
The outside of your home is the first impression you make on guests, so why not upgrade your garage with these magnets? They look just like real windows — and since they only take a few minutes to install, they may just be the easiest DIY project you ever take on.
06
Mistake: Having a single source of light in a room
Solution: These wireless puck lights that add ambient lighting
Create a cozy ambiance and elevate your kitchen by installing these wireless puck lights under upper cabinets. Since they’re battery-operated, you don’t need to worry about a hefty bill for electrical work, and in addition to placing them in the kitchen, these lights are a great addition to a closet, staircase, or dark hallway. They come with a remote for easy operation, are dimmable, and have a handy timer feature.
07
Mistake: Your caulk is starting to crack & leak
Solution: This white caulk tape for a great DIY update
Don’t wait for a full renovation to give your bathroom a much-needed update — take the DIY route and refresh that cracked caulk with this tape. Unlike real caulk, installation is a total breeze, as all you need to do is press it right into place the same way you would like a regular roll of tape. And since it’s waterproof, there’s no need to worry about it peeling inside of damp, humid bathrooms.
08
Mistake: Your home’s exterior lacks curb appeal
Solution: This stylish solar-powered house number sign for a welcoming touch
Boost your home’s curb appeal and help guests find your place more easily with the addition of this solar-powered house number sign. The waterproof LED lights have a smart sensor that turns them on at dusk and off at dawn and they automatically charge when in direct sunlight. It’s suitable for all weather conditions and year-round use, and the simple design complements any architectural style.
09
Mistake: An outdated shower head with a trickling stream of water
Solution: A high-pressure shower head for a spa-like bathroom upgrade
Add a spa-inspired feature to your bathroom in the form of this high-pressure shower head. Not only will the beautiful chrome fixture dress up an outdated space, but it’s also a cheap way to bring in a touch of luxury. The rain shower head is easy to install without the use of any tools and its flexible silicone jets prevent limescale buildup, so you can start every morning with a rejuvenating rinse.
10
Mistake: Your sliding doors are hard to open
Solution: These instant handles that are *so* easy to install
Few things are as annoying as having to struggle against a stubborn sliding door — which is why these handles are worth a look. Their adhesive backing makes it easy to press them right into place, eliminating the need for any drilling during installation. And if your sliding doors aren’t in need of an upgrade? You can still add them to cabinets, glass windows, drawers, and more.
11
Mistake: Using an old, stained shower curtain
Solution: This waffle-textured curtain that adds a stylish touch
If your shower curtain has seen better days, replace it with this stylish waffle-textured shower curtain for a quick update. The heavy-duty polyester blend repels water and stains and the curtain has rust-proof grommets for easy hanging. The elegant weave pattern gives it a sophisticated look that’ll dress up your bathroom and the shower curtain is available in multiple colors and sizes so you can find the right fit.
12
Mistake: Cluttered surfaces that make your home look messy
Solution: A modern floating shelf to tidy your space
Declutter your home and keep surfaces clean by stashing small items in this modern floating shelf. It comes with strong adhesive plates so you can mount it on the wall without drilling holes and it’s made from durable plastic that can hold up to 5 pounds of weight. Use the multi-purpose shelf for small toiletries in the bathroom, as a charging station above your desk, or to hold craft supplies in a playroom.
13
Mistake: A closet that’s bursting at the seams
Solution: These storage bags that’ll make you feel like you hired an organizer
One of the best updates you can ever give your home is to declutter and organize rooms and closets. These foldable storage bags will help you do just that; if your closet is bursting at the seams and bulky blankets have taken over the sofa, neatly fold and store out-of-season and excessively large items in these bags. Pop them under the bed or on top of a closet shelf and quickly identify their contents as needed thanks to the clear front panels.
14
Mistake: Leaving smudge marks on your stainless steel appliances
Solution: A cleaner that restores a streak-free shine
Keep appliances shiny and smudge-free using this plant-based stainless steel cleaner. The formula is made with coconut oil and scented with lavender essential oil to restore sparkle without leaving behind streaks or residue. The popular spray has garnered over 14,000 perfect five-star ratings and in addition to cleaning, it creates a protective barrier that repels fingerprints, dirt, and dust.
15
Mistake: Old rusty shelves that ruin your bathroom’s aesthetic
Solution: These caddy shelves with a streamlined design
Maximize bathroom storage with a two-pack of these caddy shelves that have a streamlined, contemporary design to give your shower a quick update. The rust-resistant shelves allow for good drainage thanks to their open construction and don’t require drilling, but can instead be mounted using the provided super strong adhesive hooks that can hold up to 40 pounds. The shelves also come in eight colors, including black, golden, and silver.
16
Mistake: A permanently stained toilet bowl
Solution: A pumice stone cleaner with an easy-to-grip handle
Remove rust stains, hard water rings, and calcium deposits that make your toilet look extra dated using this pumice stone cleaner. It has an easy-to-grip handle for comfortable use and ensures a deep clean without scratching the porcelain surface. The odorless cleaner can also be used on other areas of the bathroom, such as the sink, floor tile, or bathtub.
17
Mistake: Using old, mismatched dish towels
Solution: These 100% cotton dish cloths with a stylish waffle weave
If your dish-drying towels are looking worse for the wear, upgrade them with these 100% cotton waffle-weave dish towels that also happen to be a more sustainable alternative to single-use paper towels. Available in 22 colors, the cloths have a honeycomb design that ensures excellent liquid absorption and helps scrub tough stains without scratching surfaces. They’re also quick-drying and have a hanging hook for convenient storage.
18
Mistake: Ratty bedding that messes up your bedroom vibe
Solution: This bed sheet set that’s as elegant as it is comfy
Treat yourself to a new set of bed sheets and give your bedroom an elegant makeover on a budget. The soft microfiber set includes a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and pillowcases whose moisture-wicking texture will keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Choose from one of the multiple neutral colors the set is available in and upgrade both your bedroom and maybe even your sleep quality.
19
Mistake: Harsh outdoor lighting that ruins the ambiance
Solution: These solar deck lights for gentle illumination
Add lighting to your outdoor space and create a warm ambiance with a set of these solar deck lights. Since they’re powered by the sun’s rays, no wiring or distracting extension cords are needed. The minimalist design gives the lights a discreet look and offers versatility, making them a great choice for a deck, staircase, or fence. They’re available in a warm white or multi-colored version and can be secured in place using the provided screws.
20
Mistake: Overused towels that have lost their absorbency
Solution: A set of plush bath towels that are quick-drying
Ratty old towels can make your bathroom look dated, plus they may have lost their original absorbency — but these plush bath towels are an everyday luxury that can make a huge difference, both in style and function. This four-piece set consists of large, quick-drying bath towels that are made from 100% cotton to soak up moisture and feel ultra-soft and fluffy. There are nine colors to choose from such as cool gray and soothing shades of blue and green.
21
Mistake: Mismatched, bent hangers taking up too much closet space
Solution: These velvet hangers that maximize space & look chic
Get these velvet hangers and maximize closet space while making it look like you hired a professional organizer. The nonslip hangers prevent garments from slipping off and their slim design creates up to 50% more space in your closet. They also add a beautiful uniform appearance that’s much more appealing than a collection of mismatched, bent, or broken hangers.
22
Mistake: Not switching out an old bath mat
Solution: A bamboo mat that’s chic & durable
Replace a torn-up bath mat with this stylish bamboo mat that’s durable and adds a beautiful decorative touch. It has rubber pads on the bottom to help keep it securely in place, and the slightly raised design and open weave construction allow for good air ventilation and quick drying to maintain its finish and prevent fading or sagging.
23
Mistake: Tangled wires making a mess
Solution: This cable management box with a sleek wooden lid
Instead of letting all your wires and chargers make a mess, conceal them all in this cable management box. Its wooden lid will keep them all dust-free and the side slots make each still easy to access. At over 11 inches long, it can store an entire power strip.
24
Mistake: Curled rug corners that look messy
Solution: These rug grippers that secure corners in place
Prevent rugs from shifting and stop corners from curling and looking messy by securing them in place with these rug corner grippers. They use a super sticky gel to hold corners down but don’t leave behind any tacky residue when lifted, and you can refresh the gel’s stickiness by wiping it with a damp cloth as needed.
25
Mistake: Not fixing the scratches on your wood furniture
Solution: A furniture repair kit to hide scuff marks
Fill in small scuffs and scratches on wood pieces with this furniture repair kit that includes markers, wax sticks, and a sharpener. The touch-up markers and wax sticks come in six different shades so you can closely match them to the exact wood tone of your furniture for a flawless finish.
26
Mistake: Scuffs on the walls that make the paint look dated
Solution: A touch-up pen for a quick way to freshen wall paint
Quickly remove scuffs and scrapes and give wall paint a quick refresh with this touch-up paint pen. It’s much easier than pulling out an entire paint can, less messy to use, and allows you to make small, detailed touch-ups. The pen is refillable and you’ll be amazed at what a difference it makes in making your home look much neater and more updated.
27
Mistake: Letting furniture slip & scratch hardwood floors
Solution: These felt furniture pads that protect flooring
Stick these felt furniture pads on everything from sofa and chair legs to the bottom of your desk to protect floors from getting scratched. The set includes square and round self-adhesive pads that are easy to stick on and don’t require any glue. The weight of the furniture helps keep the pads in place and their anti-slip texture prevents any potential floor damage.
28
Mistake: Your desk is cluttered with office supplies
Solution: Using these drawers to add subtle storage space to your desk
If your desk could use some extra storage space, consider taking a look at these drawers. They mount underneath your desk using double-sided adhesive — though each order includes screws if you’d prefer a more permanent fit. The best part? They’re large enough to hold phones, books, office supplies, headphones, and more.
29
Mistake: Your home gets *really* hot from natural sunlight
Solution: These door curtains that help insulate your home
While natural sunlight is great for making your home feel inviting, it can also leave it feeling uncomfortably hot — which is where these door curtains come in handy. They’re made from thick, blackout fabric that helps insulate your home against the sun’s warming rays. And with dozens of colors to choose from, you shouldn’t have any trouble matching them to your existing decor.
30
Mistake: A jumble of coffee pods in your junk drawer
Solution: These coffee pod holders that adhere to the side of your machine
You no longer have to sacrifice drawer, cabinet, or counter space to enjoy a freshly brewed cup each morning. With these coffee pod holders, you can have everything you need right on your appliance instead of having it make a mess of other parts of your kitchen. Each of the dispensers can hold up to five pods at a time and come with adhesive tape for easy installation.
31
Mistake: Random passerby can easily peek into your home
Solution: Adding some much-needed privacy by installing this window film
Whether you live on a busy street or have nosy neighbors, this window film is worth a look. Not only does it help block the sun’s warming rays, but it also prevents people from being able to peek into your home. The best part? Installation is a total breeze — simply press it onto your windows, and it’ll stay in place using static cling.
32
Mistake: Leaving your laptop flat on a table, desk, or coffee table
Solution: This aluminum stand that raises your laptop to eye level
Made of 100% aluminum, this laptop stand will keep your device sturdy as you work. It lifts your laptop up so that you don’t have to strain your neck, back, or eyes in order to see your screen clearly. Plus, it has rubber pads on the bottom to prevent any scratching.
33
Mistake: A staircase that relies on overhead lighting only
Solution: These LED stair lights that don’t require wiring
Illuminate a dark staircase and add a contemporary feature with these wireless LED stair lights. With built-in motion sensors, these battery-operated lights will turn on automatically when you need them and turn off after 30 seconds of no motion. Plus, they’ll only turn on when it’s dark to preserve energy and come with mounting screws and adhesive tape for easy installation.
34
Mistake: The top of your sink is covered in unsightly water marks
Solution: This silicone splash guard that helps keep your sink top looking clean
Winding up with water marks on your sink top is almost unavoidable — which is why I’m a fan of this splash guard. It catches all those stray drips to help keep your sink looking clean, and the silicone material easily rinses clean under running water. Plus, an adjustable fastening strap works to keep it from shifting around.
35
Mistake: Leaving cabinets an unorganized mess
Solution: This 2-tier organizer with removable dividers
To prevent messy piles from forming in your cabinets, use this under-sink organizer to neatly line up all your dish soaps, skincare products, or even spices if used on your kitchen countertop. The bottom tier smoothly slides out for easy access to everything you need and it sits atop nonslip feet that keep it stable. You can also make use of the included hanging cup and eight side hooks.
36
Mistake: Surfaces showing signs of visible heat & moisture damage
Solution: These stylish coasters that look nice while protecting furniture
Protect furniture from water rings and heat damage and add a stylish accent to your coffee table with a set of these ceramic coasters. The three-layer design provides ample protection and consists of a marble-like top, a highly absorbent dolomite middle, and a cork bottom that prevents scratching and sliding.
37
Mistake: A messy pile of pots & pans in the cabinet
Solution: A cabinet rack to keep everything organized
Upgrade your kitchen cabinets with this sturdy rack to organize pots and pans of various sizes. It can be installed horizontally or vertically and has the capacity to hold up to eight items. The tiers are adjustable and the clever organizational tool comes highly recommended by more than 13,000 shoppers who have given it a positive review.
38
Mistake: An over-stuffed pantry that creates chaos
Solution: These airtight food storage jars
Give your pantry a polished look and help staples stay fresher for longer with these airtight food storage jars. Their airtight lids help keep everything inside fresh, while the wide mouths make it easy to fill them up with cereal, pasta, flour, or nearly any other dry ingredient. They also come with chalkboard labels so that you can take your organizational game to the next level.
39
Mistake: A cluttered sink that makes for a messy kitchen
Solution: A caddy that neatly holds cleaning products
Keep your kitchen sink neat and organize brushes, sponges, and dish soap in this stainless steel caddy. Available in black and silver, the sturdy metal construction gives it durability and a timeless look while providing good drainage to help prevent mold and mildew from forming. Plus, the caddy would work just as well in a bathroom if you could use a little help getting your vanity organized.
40
Mistake: Letting your feline friend scratch the couch
Solution: A scratch deterrent that protects furniture
Extend the life of your furniture and protect it from your feline household member’s claws using this cat scratch deterrent. The flexible shield wraps around and adheres to a variety of sofa fabrics using the built-in adhesive that keeps it securely in place, but it can also be attached using pins. You can cut it down to size to fit your furniture and it’s easily removable without leaving behind any residue.
This article was originally published on
