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60 Weird Things You Didn’t Know About That Make Your Home Look So Much Better

Upgrade your space with these clever finds.

by Jessica Booth
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
50 Weird Things You Didn’t Know About That Make Your Home Look So Much Better
Amazon
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The best home decor pieces start a conversation: think fun and aesthetically pleasing items that add something to your space and stand out as something unique. It’s even better if these items are functional and versatile, adding convenience to your life while looking good. Amazon is full of products that, while strange at first glance, end up becoming essential in your everyday life. I’ve searched the site to find the best weird but efficient items that make your home look so much better — so just scroll on to start your home upgrade.

01A cool toilet paper holder that doubles as a night-light

There’s no reason to buy an extra night-light or turn on the overhead bathroom light when you have this toilet spindle light. It works on a motion sensor at night, automatically turning on when you are within 12 feet of it, then turning off on its own after it detects two minutes of no movement. It’s powered by three AAA batteries, so you don’t need to worry about charging it.

02A versatile silicone mat for drying dishes & more

This simple silicone mat can play two roles in your kitchen — you can use it to cover up an electric stovetop or as a drying mat when washing dishes (or both at the same time). Not only does it keep the stovetop protected and clean, but it also adds space to your countertop. Since it’s waterproof, it’s easy to wipe clean as needed and can even go in the dishwasher. The flexible material also makes it a breeze to stow away as needed.

03A handheld showerhead that can also clean your tub

This handheld showerhead pulls double duty as a powerful stream of water to shower under and a tool to clean the tile and tub. There are eight settings to choose from to get your most comfortable shower, and a flip of the handle turns it into a high-pressure power wash with the ability to either rinse off large areas or use a more pointed setting to get rid of grime in smaller spots. It also has a self-clean and anti-clog nozzle to prevent buildup, ensuring it won’t lose water pressure over time.

04This slim basket that discreetly holds up to 12 rolls of toilet paper

Keep up with the aesthetically pleasing decor of your bathroom and ensure that no one ever runs out of toilet paper with this bamboo basket. The simple style and slim design make it surprisingly compact, but it can still hold up to 12 rolls of toilet paper. It’s waterproof and lightweight and can easily fit next to your toilet.

05This slim desk lamp that comes with a remote control

Add some much-needed light to your desk without compromising on space. This slim LED lamp clamps onto a desk to provide brightness-adjustable lighting for reading, writing, and working. The extendable head makes it great for most workstations, while the wireless remote is a convenient extra. “The photos don’t really do it justice,” one reviewer notes. “I thought having a bright ceiling light was enough, but this really helps me focus.”

06This clever drain stopper that is a breeze to clean

Avoid unnecessary clogs and keep your sink in better shape with this strainer and stopper. One twist of the tab makes it work as a stopper that collects food scraps as you’re washing dishes. Once full, you can easily pick it up and dump everything out. Another twist of the tab allows it to stop the drain so you can fill the sink with water if needed. It’s made of soft silicone and durable stainless steel and can be cleaned in the dishwasher as needed.

07A sleek light that captures annoying flying pests

Unfortunately, it’s not unusual to deal with fruit flies, mosquitos, gnats, and even black flies in your home. If something needs to be done, try plugging in this indoor fly trap. It emits a blue light that attracts the flying bugs, with a super sticky backing that traps them once they get too close. It has a sleek and subtle look, with a replaceable sticky backing you can slip off and toss in the garbage once full. Best of all, it’s odorless and chemical-free.

08A relaxing lamp that really looks like the moon

With a soft glow, this moon lamp can act as the ideal night-light for any room. It truly looks like the moon, thanks to 3-D printing technology. You can change the color from white to warm yellow with a simple tap and adjust the brightness as needed. The overall effect is soothing and this lamp looks cool even when it’s not turned on.

09A tiered organizer with a convenient sliding drawer

Although it’s marketed as an under-sink organizer, this tiered set can be used just about anywhere — in your pantry, on a bathroom countertop, on a vanity — you get the picture. It offers plenty of storage space for items of various sizes, and the best part is the convenient bottom drawer that slides out and offers easier access to whatever you’re looking for. There’s no mounting necessary and suction cups on the bottom keep it in place without damaging surfaces.

10A heavy-duty silicone mat to protect your cabinets

Cabinets underneath the sink are a great spot for stowing cleaning supplies, but they can also be susceptible to spills and leaks. Protect the space using this silicone waterproof mat, which has a thick feel and raised edges to keep spills from making too big of a mess. It’s easy to wipe clean thanks to the waterproof surface, with a textured pattern that helps hold products in place.

11This folding storage ottoman that doubles as a footrest

This storage ottoman has so much going for it. Firstly, it’s perfect for storing miscellaneous clutter such as extra blankets, pillows, toys, or books. Secondly, it doubles as a comfortable place to rest your feet or act as additional seating. And thirdly, it can fold up to take up barely any space when stored. It is designed in chic faux leather and comes in coffee brown, chestnut brown, dark gray, and ink black.

12This unique mushroom light that offers a soft glow

If you’re looking for a little extra light in your bedroom, bathroom, or hallway, consider this cool mushroom night-light. With three mushroom-shaped lamps and faux leaves, it adds woodland whimsy to the room. Each mushroom glows a different color, giving off a soft, warm light, and the brightness automatically adjusts to the ambient light in the room.

13This charging station that holds up to 8 devices & hides cords

This bamboo charging station is a must for anyone with a bunch of different devices. It has the space to hold up to eight devices at once, with removable slots you can arrange as needed. The box keeps cords and cables out of sight, making for a much more aesthetically pleasing charging area.

14An outlet concealer that eliminates cord clutter

Keep messy power cords out of sight with this clever outlet concealer. The sleek cover plugs into your outlet and connects to a power strip you can hide behind furniture or appliances. Use the included concealer kit to neatly attach the power cable to the wall, eliminating any distracting cord clutter.

15This pull-out cabinet organizer that makes it easy to reach things

Instead of straining to reach things at the back of the cabinet, use this pull-out organizer to keep everything tidy and easily accessible. Made from sturdy metal, the sliding basket can hold up to 30 pounds and fits most kitchen and bathroom cabinets. “These roll out shelves are smooth and sturdy. They are easy to assemble and hold quite a bit,” one reviewer shared.

16A super plush bath mat that feels like “walking on a cloud”

This plush bath mat is made of thick memory foam, offering a comfortable place to put your feet after a shower or bath. Reviewers say it feels like stepping onto a cloud, and it’s available in a variety of colors to match your decor. Plus, a nonslip base on the bottom keeps it in place on the floor.

17This useful jewelry dish with a sweet message

A jewelry holder like this one is great to have in your bedroom or bathroom to store your rings, bracelets, and more, keeping them safe and in one place. It also features a hand making the “I love you” sign, so it’s especially great as an engagement ring holder gift. It’s made of heavy-duty ceramic and is available in a gold, white, or silver finish.

18These glass food storage containers with airtight stainless steel lids

Keep pantry staples fresh for as long as possible with these popular glass food storage containers. They come in a set of two in a long, 72-ounce design and include stainless steel lids that provide an airtight seal. Their clear finish lets you easily see the contents and their wide mouth makes them a cinch to clean.

19These flameless candles housed in chic smokey gray glass

Add ambiance to your space without having to light one wick by using these elegant flameless candles. They come in a set of three, all featuring a smokey gray glass that adds a touch of glam to your interiors. Each candle uses two AA batteries to operate with a remote included to set timers and adjust brightness levels.

20A wax-melting lamp with a convenient timer function

Change the way you burn candles by using this candle warmer lamp. The light from the bulb acts as a wax melter, allowing the candle to release its scent without emitting any smoke or fumes. It’s an eco-friendly and convenient way to use candles — it’s dimmable, has a timer function for auto shut-off, and doesn’t require an open flame.

21An easy-to-clean silicone rest for multiple utensils

This silicone utensil rest is essential if you spend a lot of time cooking. With four notches, it can easily hold multiple spoons, forks, and other utensils, and the pad with elevated sides keeps messes from spilling over. The heat-resistant rest can be thrown in the dishwasher for simple cleaning and comes in various colors such as gray, bright red, and mystic violet.

22A space-saving jar opener that does the work for you

You’ll never struggle with opening a very tight lid again once you install this clever jar opener. The slim design and strong adhesive backing allow you to place it underneath a cabinet so it’s always in reach while remaining out of the way. Its strong carbon steel teeth open most jars with a simple twist, saving your wrist from strain.

23These colorful bookends you’ll want to put on display

Put some of your favorite books on display on any shelf or simply jazz up your bookshelves with these agate bookends. Colorful and interesting to look at, they act as decor but are also heavy enough to keep large books firmly in place. Choose from four colors: teal, natural black, nature, and pink.

24This faux ivy garland that reviewers swear looks like the real thing

There’s no reason to spend a lot on real ivy garland when this inexpensive faux garland exists. Made of green silk, this garland is easy to manipulate and can be used in a variety of situtions (like as a photo backdrop, the addition to a large floral arragnement, or decor in your home). “The leaves have multiple hues, shapes, and textures so it's not just a flat green leaf,” one reviewer notes.

25A stylish & multifunctional tissue box holder

Disguise unsightly tissue boxes by using this minimalist cover. The matte black shade is understated and stylish, fitting right in with modern decor. The top also doubles as a small storage tray, great for holding jewelry and accessories when you’re in the shower.

26These sleek metal wine glasses that promise to be “unbreakable”

Made of super durable stainless steel, these wine glasses are not only easy to clean but can also help keep drinks chilled. They promise to be unbreakable, making them ideal for outdoor use. Featuring a wide base for stability, the glasses are also designed to prevent toppling.

27An LED night-light that features a backlit design

With a near-perfect 4.8-star rating, this LED night-light is a great choice for casting a subtle glow come evening. It features a clever backlit design that can be turned on either via a motion-activated setting or an automatic dusk-to-dawn setting thanks to built-in sensors. Adjust the brightness level easily to customize your desired amount of light.

28These flower bud vases made of vintage-inspired amber glass

Perfect for adorning dining tables or any surface that could use a little decor, these flower bud vases lend a classic vintage look to your home. They come in a set of six and are all made of amber glass with a stylish ribbed texture. Use them to showcase gorgeous flower stems and minimalist plants or as an ideal holder for aromatherapy sticks.

29An adjustable pot & pan rack to keep your kitchen cabinets organized

Clunky and sometimes heavy, pots and pans can take up a lot of space in your cabinets — and they can easily turn into a teetering pile constantly threatening to fall over. This organizer rack is an ideal storage solution, with the space to hold up to five pots, pans, and lids, or even cutting boards and sheet pans. It’s adjustable to fit your needs and comes in chrome, bronze, or silver.

  • Available styles: 3

30This highly rated hanging organizer with tons of space

Make the most of your closet space with this hanging organizer. With five removable bins, several cubbies, and mesh side pockets, this organizer can hold clothing, accessories, shoes, and more. It has built-in hangers to install easily on a closet rod and comes in gray or black.

31A toilet paper holder with added storage space

Maximize space in smaller bathrooms by using this toilet paper holder. It doubles as convenient storage space, with two open shelves and one cabinet. You can use the organizer for decorative items, extra toilet paper, and cleaning supplies, and it comes in black, light gray, white with bamboo accents, and more colors to match your bathroom.

32These super bright light bulbs for large spaces

Make your garage, workroom, or basement much more pleasant to be in with these ultra-bright LED light bulbs with six panels to illuminate every corner of your larger space. The bulb is easy to install with no wiring required and has thousands of great ratings and reviews on Amazon. One shopper raves that the bulb is “lightweight,” adding, “Bright and easy to adjust direction of the light if wanted or needing to.”

33These decorative vent covers that are so easy to install

Give your floor vents an instant update with these decor grates. Available in a variety of finishes, like gunmetal and bronze, these offer an interesting pattern and a sleek look. They’re also very easy to install with no tools necessary — just drop them into place over the vent.

34A set of heavy-duty mats to keep your oven clean

It’s safe to say that no one enjoys the chore of cleaning the oven, scraping old food off the bottom and trying to get rid of lingering odors. These oven liners are an excellent way to protect your oven from stains and damage, making it easier to clean and keeping it in great condition. They’re dishwasher safe and heat safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and you can reuse them as often as you need.

35These vacuum storage bags that help save on space

Great for storing out-of-season clothes, these vacuum storage bags are a real space saver. Once you’ve packed them full of stuff, you can use any vacuum to seal them up nice and tight, making what was once an unmanageable mess of clothing or bedding into a compact pile. They’re heavy-duty and puncture-resistant and can protect your items from odors, dust, and bugs. This set also comes with a travel hand pump.

36A nonslip grip to keep your rug in place

Rugs that easily slip and bunch up are not only annoying, but they’re also a potential tripping hazard. This nonslip rug pad fits under most area rugs to keep them firmly in place without adding any height. Made from PVC foam with a breathable design, you can also easily cut the rug pad to size if it’s too big.

37A side table that fits perfectly against your couch

Especially ideal for small spaces, this sleek end table features a convenient C-shaped design that makes it fit neatly over the arm of almost any couch. The table comes in four finishes and has a storage pouch with pockets to hold small items like remote controls and tablets. The table can hold up to 22 pounds, has height-adjustable feet, and is lightweight for portability.

38This sturdy shoe organizer that gives you more closet space

Make good use of the space underneath your bed with these sturdy shoe storage boxes. They’re designed to hold up to 16 pairs of regular shoes and four pairs of boots, but you can use them for other storage needs as well. The plastic top allows you to easily see what you’re looking for, while handles on the sides make it a breeze to pull them out from under the bed.

39A set of minimalist drawer organizers that are endlessly configurable

These drawer organizers come in a set of 25 in four different sizes and can be configured in multiple ways to lend order to your crafts, cosmetics, jewelry, or kitchen supplies. They’re made of durable clear plastic that lends a minimalist look and come with nonslip silicone pads to help them stay neatly in place. Stack them easily if desired and wipe them clean with a damp cloth for a consistently tidy look.

40A versatile tray that keeps your sink area dry

Protect the countertop around your kitchen or bathroom sink with this silicone tray. It’s waterproof and nonslip, with raised edges to prevent water from simply dripping off the sides. The grooves allow airflow to help items dry faster, and it’s a great size for storing sponges, cleaning brushes, and soap. It’s also available in several colors.

41This rope storage basket as a stylish way to collect clutter

Corral clutter and do so with style in mind using this rope storage basket with a large capacity. It’s made of a sturdy blend of cotton and polyester and features double-stitched handles on either side for easy maneuverability. Available in colors ranging from harvest gold to folkstone gray as well as a neutral two-toned option, it’s perfect for getting all those extra throws, books, knick-knacks, or toys neatly out of sight.

42This waterproof cover that keeps your deck box in great condition

Use this waterproof deck box cover to protect your outdoor storage from the elements and bugs. Made from durable polyester, the cover offers UV protection and can also withstand rain and snow. Designed to fit most deck boxes, it’s easy to secure with adjustable drawstrings.

43Some easy-to-use repair tape to fix torn window screens

A torn window screen is much easier to fix than you think — all you need is this screen repair tape. Simply cut a piece to size and place it over the hole in the screen to create a long-lasting bond. Made from durable fiberglass, the tape stays put through extreme temperatures in all seasons.

44A cozy buffalo plaid rug that’s machine-washable

Add a touch of cozy decor with this buffalo plaid rug that comes in six colors and various sizes. It’s hand-woven from 100% cotton and feels soft on your feet. Thick and durable, the rug is great for high-traffic areas and can be cleaned easily in the washing machine.

45A stain-resistant dry erase board for family notes

Make the refrigerator a hub for essential information with this magnetic dry-erase board. It comes with four bright neon dry-erase markers that are fun to use and it’s large enough to write out grocery lists, important events, and more. It also promises to be stain-resistant for up to 40 days, so once you wipe away the marker, it should look good as new.

46These minimalist towel hooks that are easy to install

Great for a small bathroom or minimalist space, these stainless steel hooks are a sleek way to hang your towels in a bathroom or kitchen. They attach to the wall easily with self-adhesive backing and have a triangle shape that holds towels firmly in place. One reviewer wrote that these work well, noting a bonus feature: “Its curved design eliminates it snagging your clothing as you brush up against it.”

47A functional pitcher that is slim enough to fit on fridge doors

This durable plastic pitcher is an underrated kitchen essential you’ll use daily. It’s great for keeping ice-cold water on hand, but can also be used for iced tea, mixed drinks, and even hot beverages. It’s nice enough to use when serving guests but versatile enough to use every day. Plus, the slim shape makes it fit easily in compartments on the fridge door, saving precious space for other items.

48These linen curtains that create an airy, sunlit vibe

To let sunlight filter into the room while maintaining some privacy, hang these wildly popular linen curtains. They’re available in lots of colors such as natural, sage, and dove gray, and have metal grommets for easy hanging. The sheer material lends an airy vibe to the room and launders easily in the washing machine.

49This clever way to store your handbags while saving on space

A large collection of purses and handbags can be tricky to store efficiently, but this over-the-door purse organizer is a great option. It has spacious compartments to hold up to six bags, with clear slots that keep contents in full view. Even if you don’t want to use this for bags, it can be great for towels or blankets.

50A gap cover that prevents gross food buildup

You know that tiny gap between the countertop and stovetop in your kitchen? Take a closer look and you’ll more than likely realize it’s full of old food scraps, dust, and other grime. This silicone gap cover is a great way to seal it up so nothing falls down there, with a flexible design and dishwasher-friendly material that makes it so easy to use.

51These expensive-looking square plates that are a breeze to wash

This minimalist plate set has a unique square design that will make any meal you make look elevated. Each one is microwave- and dishwasher-safe, so you these plates will look super expensive, but they’re actually budget-friendly and a breeze to take care of.

52A space-saving towel bar that resists scratches

This sleek towel bar has a double-bar design, so you can hang two levels of towels at once and save a ton of space. It has a simple stainless steel finish that’s designed to resist scratches and even corrosion in the damp bathroom (AKA — it will look expensive for a long time).

53This minimalist organizer that makes bathroom or cleaning products look chic

This two-level organizer looks super chic on your kitchen or bathroom counter as a tidy place for skin care, cleaning products, decor pieces, and more. It has a slim, easy-to-store design and comes in three minimalist color options, so you can match your kitchen or bathroom decor.

54A sink caddy with a clever pour spout to drain extra water

This sink caddy comes with three tidy storage slots and a built-in drainage tray to catch all of the extra water that drips from your brushes and sponges. Simply tilt it to pour out the extra soapy water, or pop off the entire tray to give it a rinse.

55An expensive-looking toothbrush organizer that’s *super* versatile

This bathroom organizer has a chic marble-like design that will look way more expensive than it actually is hanging out on your bathroom counter. Its slim design comes with three slots that are the perfect shape for toothbrushes, a razor, small skin care bottles, and more.

56These minimalist organizers that keep everything upright & perfectly tidy

These organizers have a simple transparent design that’s sleek and minimalist enough to work anywhere in your home. Each one comes with dividers to make it easier to keep everything upright and looking perfectly organized (as if you paid for a professional organizer).

57This multitasking cleaner & polish kit for your granite or stone countertops

For an easy way to keep countertops clean and polished, this spray uses a plant-based formula with a neutral pH level that’s suitable for granite, marble, and quartz countertops, according to the brand. Plus, it has a pleasant scent with notes of citrus and eucalyptus. And you’ll also get a soft microfiber cloth that’s gentle on surfaces.

58A cooling waffle-weave blanket with a breathable cotton design

For a pretty accent that will keep you warm without leaving you overheated, this waffle weave blanket is the move. It’s made with a soft and breathable blend of cotton-rayon, with a variety of sizes to choose from. And it comes in over a dozen colors, making it easy to find your favorite.

  • Available sizes: Throw — Oversized King
  • Available styles: 18

59This magnetic paper towel holder that’s perfect for your fridge, grill, & more

You can free up surface space while making sure you always have paper towels handy with this clever magnetic holder. It consists of two magnetic pieces that allow you to customize it to fit virtually any paper towel roll. And it features a black finish that looks sleek wherever you mount it, whether it’s on the side of your fridge, at your grill station, or in a workshop.

60This cable management box that cleans up the cord clutter

The mess of cords and plugs is an all-too-relatable problem, but with these cable management boxes, it couldn’t be easier to tidy things up. Available as a set of two in varied sizes, they come in your choice of black or white. And the lidded design keeps the mess out of sight while still letting you access plugs when you need to.

  • Available styles: 2

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