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60 Smartest Home Upgrades You Can Make for Under $30

Big impacts for little bucks.

Written by Amanda Pellegrino
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
60 Smartest Home Upgrades You Can Make for Under $30
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There are so many things you can do to elevate and refresh your home that make a big difference without spending big money. Sometimes it’s the simplest changes — like swapping out original packaging for matching glass dispensers, adding luxe throw pillows to your couch, or using clever organizing hacks to keep your space tidy — that pack a huge punch without breaking the bank or undergoing any kind of construction project. Here are 60 impressively smart upgrades you can make to your home for under $30.

01These easy-to-install rug grippers that prevent sliding & curling

These grippers stick to the underside of the corners of your rug to keep them from curling and sliding around. They’re thick and use a sticky gel that will hold firmly in place without leaving any residue when you want to take them off. Plus, they attach to the rug so you can still easily lift it up to clean underneath.

02These battery-powered stick-on lights that are tap or remote controlled

The great thing about these puck lights is that they’re battery-operated so they’re an easy and budget-friendly way to add light to commonly dark areas that might not have easy access to an outlet. You can control the brightness, timers, and ambience with a remote, so they’re great for under kitchen cabinets and in closets, garages, and more. You can also simply tap them on for easy lighting.

03These clear turntables with a near-perfect rating

These clear turntables spin 360 degrees so you always have access to your bathroom, refrigerator, or pantry essentials. They’re great for spices, medicine, condiments, and more, and they have a raised edge so everything stays in place. Plus, depending on what’s inside, they’re stackable to save additional space. It’s no wonder that these have a 4.8-star rating on Amazon.

04These discreet chair leg covers with protective felt bottoms

Don’t let your chairs and tables permanently scratch up your gorgeous wood floors. Instead, check out these protectors. They have a silicone base that stretches to fit around circular, square, and asymmetrically-shaped legs with a felt base that’s soft and gentle to prevent scratching on your floors. Plus, they’re reusable and won’t fall off.

05These long-lasting paint brush pens for expert-level touch ups

These brush pens make it easier to touch up scuffs, scratches, nicks, and more around your home easily and neatly. Simply use the included syringe to add matching paint to the brush when initially painting — the paint inside will stay fresh for years. Then use the brush-like tip to paint your walls, trim, cabinets, baseboards — you name it.

06These roomy under-bed storage bags with clear tops

Declutter your home and take advantage of the valuable storage space underneath your bed with these convenient and durable storage bags. They’re made of reinforced fabric with a fully opening clear, plastic cover so you can see everything inside at a glance. They even have handles to easily pull them out when you need them.

07A sleek under-counter paper towel holder with bestseller status

This sleek paper towel holder can be installed on your wall of under your cabinets with the included adhesive tape to instantly declutter your counter. It has a modern design available in seven colors to perfectly match the rest of your kitchen. And if you don’t believe in this easy yet effective kitchen upgrade, just peep the 19,000-plus five-star reviews and bestseller status.

08This window screen repair tape with 24,000 5-star ratings

Holes and tears in your screens not only let bugs, dust, and pollen into your home, but they’re also an eyesore. This screen repair tape makes it quick and easy to patch over issues to have your screens looking brand new. All you have to do is cut the tape to size, remove the adhesive strips, and attach it to your broken screens.

09These stylsh woven storage baskets that hang on the wall

These hanging baskets are great for keys and sunglasses in your entryway, succulents in your office, or sundries in your bathroom. Truly, they’re that versatile. Made of stylish yet neutral jute with leather handles, these baskets can match any decor and they’re able to be hung on your wall to save floor and counter space.

10An easy-to-install draft stopper that keeps out air, light, bugs, & more

This reinforced draft stopper uses super strong adhesive tape to stick to the bottom of your door to fill in any gaps and keep noise, air, bugs, odor, dust, and more, out of your home. It’s also temperature regulating — to help you save on your electric bills — as it keeps warm air out in the summer and cool air out in the winter. Plus, it blends in with your door so you don’t even notice it’s there.

11A refrigerator deodorizer that lasts for 10 years

This refrigerator deodorizer is made of a stainless steel shell and uses advanced decomposition technology to decompose in-fridge gasses and eliminate odors from the source. It can last up to 10 years before it needs to be replaced, and it requires no maintenance — just put it in the back of your fridge and let it work its magic.

12These under-cabinet hooks that rotate 360 degrees

A great way to declutter and get unnecessary things off your countertop is with these under-cabinet hooks. Each one has six prongs to hold your spatulas, spoons, oven mitts, and more — and the entire thing rotates 360 degrees so you always have easy access to your kitchen essentials. And don’t worry, each hold up to 4.4 pounds.

13This furniture repair kit with easy-to-use markers & wax sticks

This wood furniture repair kit comes with six shades of markers and wax sticks — black, mahogany, walnut, cherry, maple, and oak — so you can cover up and fill in holes, nicks, scratches, and more in your tables, chairs, and cabinets. The markers are best for scratches and discoloration, while the wax sticks are best for deeper chips and nicks.

14This stainless steel shower caddy basket with a matching soap dish

Made of premium stainless steel, this caddy instantly organizes your shower and clears off the sides of your tub. The shelf can hold up to 20 pounds and has a railing to keep your things from falling off, and it comes with hooks to easily hang a razor and loofah. Both the shelf and the soap dish have a fast-drain design so excess water doesn’t build up, and they’re waterproof and rust-proof.

15A sleek wireless doorbell that’s very customizable

This wireless doorbell is a great way to make sure you never miss out on a guest or delivery again. It’s totally waterproof so you don’t have to be afraid to leave it out there all year long. And the song library has over 50 chimes so you can pick and choose what you want to hear when someone’s at the door while also choosing between four volume levels.

16These scented drawer liners that help revive old furniture

If you’re looking to revive old furniture or add a touch of personalization to build-your-own furniture, check out these scented drawer liners. Just measure and cut the liner to size and lay it in place. It doesn’t use any adhesives so the paper is reusable and your drawer won’t be left with any sticky or tacky residue inside.

17These narrow containers to refresh your pantry & fridge

These narrow plastic storage containers are great for organizing your fruits and veggies in the refrigerator, snacks in your pantry, or spices on your counter. They’re stackable and feature built-in handles that make them easy to grab. They’re made of shatter-resistant plastic that’s see-through, which is convenient so you always know what’s inside.

18This 9-shelf organizer that hangs in your closet

If you need more shelf storage space but don’t have the room for another dresser, check out this organizer. It hangs in your closet and provides five drawers and five shelves that are great for your pants, hats, belts, linens, and other hard-to-hang essentials. And, if that’s not enough, it also has eight mesh outer pockets for small things like sunglasses, scarves, and more.

19These brass cabinet pulls with a modern half moon shape

An instant way to refresh without spending a lot of money — or dealing with any major construction — is by swapping out old or dated hardware for something like these trendy cabinet pulls. They have a luxe half moon shape and are made of solid brass that’s resistant to fingerprints. Plus, they can be used together for cabinet doors or alone for drawers.

20This waterproof mat that keeps under your sink protected from leaks

Anyone who’s ever had a pipe leak knows how inconvenient and expensive it is — not to mention the permanent stains and damage it leaves behind. Protect the area under your sink with this silicone mat. It fits on the shelf or floor underneath your sink and is waterproof, flexible, anti-slip, and has a raised edge to keep up to 2 gallons of water from leaking everywhere.

21A bamboo drawer organizer for silverware & utensils

Get your utensil drawer into shape with this bamboo organizer. It expands from 13 to 20 inches to match the width of your drawer and up to eight multiple-sized compartments to fit your silverware, knives, cooking utensils, and other kitchen tools and gadgets. The bamboo isn’t just stylish, it’s also water resistant and easy to clean.

22This toothbrush & soap container to organize your bathroom countertop

A cluttered bathroom is an immediate eyesore. Get your essentials in order with this convenient and cute organizer. It has five compartments — one short soap holder, one tall area for makeup brushes, toothbrushes, or hair brushes, and three smaller containers for razors, tweezers, bathroom sprays and more. It has an elegant marble look and a rubber padded bottom for added support.

23These versatile plastic storage bins with convenient handles

With a 4.8-star rating, these plastic storage bins are great for organizing your pantry or underneath your kitchen or bathroom sink. They have a deep design to keep your things secure and sturdy and handles to easily grab and move them around. Plus, they’re clear so you can see what’s inside at a glance.

24This peel-&-stick chalkboard wallpaper with 10 chalk sticks

Upgrade a wall or section of your kitchen, mud room, office, or wherever with this peel-and-stick chalkboard wallpaper. It’s super easy to install with a gridded back that makes trimming to size a breeze. It’s made of high-grade vinyl with a matte finish that works with all kinds of chalk. Plus it comes with 10 sticks to get you started.

25These stainless steel salt & pepper grinders with adjustable coarseness

Not only do the right salt and pepper grinders look good on your table, but they also help you create better tasting food in the process. These have a glass base with a stainless steel top that allows you to adjust the coarseness to five different grind sizes depending on your needs. And they come with a funnel to easily refill.

26A linen textured shower curtain with a weighted bottom

A shower curtain can be a statement piece in your bathroom, so make sure you get something like this gorgeous textured one that’s sod worthy of the attention. It’s made of premium fabric that’s waterproof, dense, and thick to give you privacy while you shower. And the holes are reinforced with metal so they won’t tear or break while you’re using it.

27A shoe organizer with 6 sturdy compartments

This shoe organizer is made of super durable and reinforced fabric so it’s freestanding and strong enough to hold up to six pairs of shoes — one in each compartment. At only 13 inches high, this unassuming organizer can fit underneath your entryway bench, on your closet shelves, or even underneath some beds to keep your clutter at bay and your shoes in one place.

28This modern bedside lamp with 2 built-in USB chargers

Declutter your nightstand by getting a bedside lamp that doubles as a charger for your phone, watch, headphones, and more. The light has a gorgeous rectangular shade with three color temperatures — from cool white for the day to warm white for nighttime — and the base has two built-in USB ports to charge your devices without excess wires and plugs.

29This nonslip bath mat that absorbs water in under 3 seconds

Keep your bathroom dry and protect yourself from slipping around the after a shower with this super fast-absorbing mat. With four layers — a super soft top layer, a permeable layer, a sponge layer, and a rubber nonslip backing — the mat starts to absorb water in under three seconds and completely dries in minutes for a safer, mess-free bathroom.

30This 5-slot mop & broom holder with a 38-pound capacity

This cleaning supply holder will add as much convenient storage as you can to your garage or broom closet. The holder has five spring-powered slots that grip to the handles of your brooms, brushes, mops, and more to hold up to 38 pounds. And it comes with six hooks to hang smaller cleaning supplies like dusters and rags.

31These highly rated silicone coasters with raised edges

Don’t let water stains ruin your wooden surfaces when you use these coasters, which have a 4.7-star rating on Amazon. They’re made of nonslip silicone that will keep your drinks in place and have a slightly raised edge, resembling bar mats, to prevent excess water from dripping onto your surfaces. They’re waterproof and durable so you can use them indoors and out.

32This peel-&-stick tile to refresh your kitchen backsplash or bathroom

Adding a peel-and-stick wall tile to your bathroom or kitchen is a wildly easy and way to completely change the look of your home without breaking the bank or undergoing time consuming construction. It’s water-resistant, easy-to-clean, and super easy to apply. Plus the three-dimensional texture makes the tile look much more expensive than it is.

33These realistic looking flameless candles controlled with a remote

If you love the look of candles but hate the live flame, check out these battery-operated flameless candless. You can turn them on and off, and control the timer and brightness options with a convenient remote. They flicker to look super realistic and come in these gorgeous grey glass votives that exude luxury.

34This textured silicone sponge holder with a 4.7-star rating

Place your sponge, dish brush, soaps, and more on top of this silicone tray to keep water, soap scum, and grime from building up or staining your counters. It has a textured, ribbed base to elevate your items from any excess water. Plus, it’s heat-resistant up to 450 degrees so it can also act as a trivet.

35This 1.8-gallon wastebasket with a sleek ribbed design

This small wastebasket is a great option if you’re looking for something low-key and functional in your bedroom, bathroom, or office. It has a ribbed design and round shape that looks great aesthetically while keeping your garbage out of sight and out of mind until it’s ready to dispose of.

36These down alternative pillows that are super supportive

Refresh your bed and your night’s sleep when you swap out old pillows with these hotel-quality ones. They’re filled with 100% cotton down-alternative that’s breathable, lightweight, supportive, and cooling — no matter which side of the pillow you wake up on. Best of all, these have a buttery soft 230 threat count cover.

37These stackable egg trays that are made of durable plastic

Protect your eggs from damage while taking advantage of oft overlooked vertical storage space in your refrigerator by storing your eggs in these trays. Each tray can hold up to 14 eggs, and they come with textured lids so you can stack them or store other food items on top. Plus, since they’re see-through you know when you’re running low on eggs.

38The soft & breathable fleece throw blanket with 131,000 5-star ratings

This fleece throw blanket has over 131,000 five-star ratings because of how ridiculously warm, buttery soft, and wildly breathable it is. It comes in dozens of colors from snowy white to vibrant teal that will look great whether you’re snuggling underneath it or draping it on the back of your living room couch. It’s plush high-density microfiber weave is super fluffy and cozy, which is exactly what you want.

39A 4-pack of magnetic storage racks that can hold 8 pounds each

If you’re short on space, take advantage of the blank surfaces on magnetic appliances with these super strong racks. Each shelf holds up to 8 pounds and they’re great for storing spices, oils, plants, dry cereals, kitchen utensils, and so much more. They have raised edges to keep your things secure, and built-in draining holes so you can even keep your sink essentials in one.

40These hand-poured candles that are unscented

If you want the aesthetic of burning candles without the scent, check out these hand-poured ones. They have up to 55 hours of burn time and are made of food-grade wax and boast a cotton wick, so they’re smoke-less and drip-less, which makes them great for tables and tubs. Between the rustic texture and vibrant colors, these will look amazing around your place.

41These 2-prong hooks to hang outdoor string lights

String lights can instantly refresh your yard, patio, balcony, or porch, but only if they’re hung evenly and inconspicuously with something like these two-prong hooks. They use this two-prong design and super strong adhesive tape so the weight of the lights don’t pull the hook down. Plus, they’re weather-resistant, UV-resistant, and waterproof so you can keep them outdoors all year round.

42A 5-hook key holder with a built-in shelf

Your entryway is the first room in your home anyone sees, so it’s important to keep it organized with something like this key holder shelf. It has five sturdy hooks to hold your keys, purses, reusable grocery bags, and more. And above the hooks is a strong shelf with a raised edge where you can toss your mail, sunglasses, wallet, and other non-hanging things.

43These colorful fridge liners that are super easy to clean

If you’re looking for an easy and budget-friendly way to upgrade the inside of your refrigerator, check out these colorful mats. They’re waterproof, super easy to clean in case of a spill, and can be cut to the perfect size for your shelf. The have a slightly textured surface that prevents things from rolling around, too. If colors aren’t your thing, these also come in a clear pack.

44These apothecary jars with adorable, easy-to-open bamboo lids

Store everything from cotton balls to floss picks in these super stylish apothecary jars to turn them from an eyesore to an adorable bathroom accessory. They have a clear, plastic base and a stylish bamboo lid with a cute, round handle that’s easy to grab. Plus they come with six white labels and six transparent labels for even more organization.

45A breathable bed sheet set with over 110,000 5-star ratings

Upgrading your bedding is an easy and, in this case, budget-friendly way to freshen up your bedroom. The linen set comes with four pillowcases, one fitted sheet, and one flat sheet, so you can have the coordinated bed of your dreams. The breathable, cooling, and silky soft fabric feels luxurious and high-end, and they’re moisture-wicking so you’re comfortable all year round.

46This popular organizer that neatly keeps your pots & pans stacked

This best-selling organizer comes with six racks you can adjust to size so you can stack your pots and pans in a way that keeps them safe from scratches and easy to grab whenever you need them. It can be used with two sides vertically or one side horizontally, and it can also be used to store lids to keep them from falling out every time you open the cabinet.

47This stunning peel-&-stick wallpaper that looks custom

It will be so hard to believe that you got this stunning peel-and-stick wallpaper for this price on Amazon because of how luxe and expensive it looks. It has a show-stopping watercolor leaf design that exudes elegance and adds a custom touch to your home. Secret is: it’s easy to do yourself.

48This rolling laundry basket that’s slim enough to fit almost anywhere

This laundry basket is extra tall and extra slim so it can fit in your closet, bedroom, or bathroom without taking up a ton of floor space. It rolls so it’s easier than ever to transfer your dirty clothes into the laundry room. Plus, it has a built-in netting with a drawstring top to prevent things from falling out while you’re in transport.

49This oil pourer & misting spray set that are really handy

Putting your go-to cooking oils in one of these pretty dispensers instead of keeping it in the original packaging is a great way to level up your kitchen. The green glass bottle holds up to 17 ounces of oil and comes with two spouts — a snap lid top and a pourer with a rubber cap. The smaller misting bottle holds 3.6 ounces of oil and has a dustproof nozzle, which is much more attractive than an aerosol can.

50These luxe throw pillow covers with a textured boucle design

Upgrading your living room is as easy as refreshing dated throw pillows with these super trendy, boucle designed pillow covers. They have invisible zippers for a seamless look and come in a bunch of colors that can be mixed and matched to coordinate with your space. And the boucle design is buttery soft while adding a little texture to your space.

51This glass soap dispenser set with stainless steel pumps

An easy way to elevate your kitchen or bathroom is by swapping out your store-bought containers and putting your hand or dish soap into these dispensers. They have glass bases that hold up to 17 ounces, and stainless steel pumps, which make these look rather luxurious. Plus, the seamless internal tube prevents dripping, leaking, and spills.

52This clever scrunchie holder with a 4.7-star rating

Sometimes the best home upgrades are ones specific to your needs — like if you have scrunchies scattered all over your home, this stand is a great way to organize them and keep them all in one place. It has a stable wooden base with one center metallic rod that’s tall enough to hold between 25 and 35 hair accessories.

53These artificial plants that elevate your space without the maintenance

This set of faux plants come with four different species to add some texture, variety, and nature to your space without the maintenance of real plants. They have a small footprint — they’re only 7 inches tall and 2.5 inches wide — and are designed to look real.

54These nonslip anti-fatigue mats with thick cushioning

These nonslip mats are great to bring to spots where you stand a lot, like in front of the kitchen sink or stove, at your bathroom vanity, or underneath your standing desk. They provide superior cushioning to keep your feet, knees, and joints comfortable thanks to the 0.4-inch, three-layer construction.

55These minimalist ceramic vases that look way more expensive than they are

Adding luxe and expensive-looking decor accents like these ceramic vases around your living room, kitchen, and bedroom, is a great way to instantly elevate your space while on a budget. This set comes with three vases in three different sizes which can store faux flowers or fresh flowers with water without leaking.

56A bamboo serving tray with handles & a raised edge

Treat yourself or someone you love to breakfast in bed without worrying about messy spills when you have this bamboo serving tray. It has two convenient, extra-large handles to easily carry and transport it as well as a raised edge to keep food secure and prevents any spills from leaving the tray. It’s water-resistant and can be treated with bamboo oil to keep it looking good as new.

57A coordinated pack of 10 frames to create a gorgeous gallery wall

Create the gallery wall of your dreams with this set of 10 matching picture frames. Each order comes with two 8x10 frames, four 5x7 frames, and four 4x6 frames without mats to mix and match on the wall to design a show-stopping display of memories and artwork wherever the mood strikes. They have a durable plastic frame, a polished glass frame, and a cardboard backing.

58This high pressure shower head with an 80-inch long hose for cleaning

Replacing your builder-grade shower head with something that looks — and works — way better is another easy upgrade that won’t break the bank. This one has an 80-inch stainless steel hose and a large shower head with six spray settings from misting to massage. It also has a two-mode jet on top that can be used to power wash your shower walls.

59A heavy duty curtain rod with a modern, sleek aesthetic

Naked windows not only prevent you from getting any privacy at home but also make your space look less expensive. Dress up those windows with this sleek, modern curtain rod. It can hold up to 33 pounds, expands to fit the width of your window, and comes with three sturdy brackets to keep it secure and in place no matter how often you’re opening and closing the curtains.

60This essential oil burner that uses everyday tea candles

Creating a signature scent in your home is another easy way to elevate your space, and when you use this burner it’s super easy — and looks impressively luxe. Simply add water to the golden diffuser bowl, mix in a few drops of your favorite essential oil, place a tea candle underneath, light it, and sit back while your home begins smelling absolutely delicious.

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