Inexpensive Home Improvements That'll Make You Seem Like a Savvy Shopper
Updated Article
Kick back and relax, honey! The BuzzFeed team has got your back with some budget-friendly ideas to transform your crib without breaking the bank. Here's a sneaky peek at some of our favorite hacks:
1. Slap on a roll of wood grain tape
Got a big, frameless mirror in the bathroom? Give it a swanky makeover by framing that bad boy with some wood grain tape. No need to rip out the whole thing and shell out big bucks on a new one.
2. Swap out default cabinet hardware with brass cabinet pulls
Tired of those boring, run-of-the-mill hardware pieces that come standard in rentals? Swap 'em out for some antique-style brass pulls to give your cabinets a fresh, premium look. No more blasé hardware, baby!
3. Install adorable ceramic apple knobs
Make those Walmart-grade cabinets pop with a set of cute apple knobs! Think mini apples for grown-ups. A quick, easy, and affordable upgrade that'll make your guests go, "Aww, look at those apple knobs!"
4. Sass up your walls with satin nickel switch plates
Style is in the details, baby! Dress up drab walls with some snazzy satin nickel switch plates. It might seem like a small change, but it'll make a big difference in your space.
Promising Review: "Quality material that's not flimsy. Feels like a classy vintage touch for my switch. And it blends in with other non-reflective metal hardware. Great for disguising fingerprints and keeping a low profile." - Generic Dude Tom
5. Organize messy plugs and cords with an ultra-thin socket cover
Tame those pesky cords lurking behind your furniture without stickin' out. This sleek socket cover lies flat against the wall, and it neats up cords neatly along the baseboard. Your outlets will stay functional, while still lookin' fly.
Sleek Socket is a boss home solution biz that knows what's up.
Promising Review: "A lifesaver! Lays perfectly flush against the wall, and it's available in a variety of styles, including surge protectors and dual power strips. Love this product!" - Lisa Ledoux
6. Stun 'em with privacy film on your windows
Add some modern flair to your windows with this privacy film. It lets in natural light while keeping prying eyes at bay. Plus, when the light shines just right, it'll cast a damn cool rainbow effect on your walls. Talk about multi-tasking!
Promising Review: "The rainbow effect is so unexpected and delightful! It makes a big aesthetic difference in my home. I can't believe I'm still writing about how much I enjoy my light switch cover." - J.B.
7. Turn any window into a rainbow factory with colorful window film
Wanna make a bold statement? Go for this colorful window film! When the light hits it right, it turns your room into a mini Hindu temple. And when the light's not shining, it looks like stained glass. Double win!
Promising Review: "The color it casts on the wall is amazing! It's a wonderful addition to any room. I even added a second roll to my bedroom window so I don't have to draw curtains and give the neighbors a show." - J.B.
8. Go for stained glass window film for the trifecta of privacy, insulation, and cool factor
Looking for a triple threat? Choose this stained glass window film. It's stylin', keeps out prying eyes, insulates, and won't cost you a fortune like real stained glass.
Promising Review: "It's beautiful and easy to install. I love it. It's wonderful! The pattern changes color as the sun passes throughout the day. Highly recommend!" - Lily Fred
9. Touch up those scratches and nicks on walls, doors, and cabinetry with multi-surface touch-up paint pens
Got some unsightly scratches on your bathroom walls, cabinetry, or doors? Cover 'em up with these refillable multi-surface touch-up paint pens. No more sloppy DIY cover-ups!
10. Turn your bathtub into a 5-star zone with a bamboo bathtub tray
Take your bathtub from drab to fab with this bamboo bathtub tray. Holds your wine, book or tablet, and even a rolled-up towel. It's expandable to fit most tubs, making your bath-time dreams a reality - without breaking the bank.
11. Illuminate your space with a plug-in wall sconce
Don't feel like hiring an electrician to install a permanent light fixture? No worries, this plug-in wall sconce's got you covered. Plus, it's got a dimmer so you can set the mood.
12. Level up your walls with pre-made wall panels
Elevate your walls to new heights (literally) with these pre-made wall panels. All you need is a nail gun (or some Command strips if you're renting) to install these bad boys. Easy peasy!
Promising Review: "These are lovely! Lightweight, takes paint well, easy to install, and they make a big difference in the look of my home. I recommend painting before installing (and touching up afterward) and using a headless brad gun to mount them." - Catfish
13. Organize your bathroom with metal shelves
No more dangling shower caddies around your showerhead! Install these super-strong adhesive metal shelves to keep your bathroom organized and looking sharp.
Promising Review: "They're wonderful! I have two showers and only needed one basket in each. They hold a ton of stuff! Love the variety in metal finishes!" - Chris
14. Upgrade your bathroom with a wall-mounted, fog-resistant shower mirror
Want to bring luxury to your bathroom? Get this waterproof, smudge-proof shower mirror. Features include three light settings, a handy shelf for toiletries, and built-in squeegee.
15. Illuminate any room with an under-cabinet lighting kit
Add a warm, ambient glow to every nook of your home with this peel-and-stick under-cabinet lighting kit. It comes with a remote so you can adjust the lighting to your liking.
16. Get a roll of peel-and-stick wallpaper
Give your walls a fresh makeover with this chic black-and-white wallpaper. It's easy to install, and it'll instantly make your space feel more modern.
17. Revive old sofas with velvet slipcovers
Cheap sofas don't have to look cheap! Hide those worn-out sofas with these classy velvet slipcovers. No need to spend a fortune on a new piece of furniture.
18. Show off books while hiding tech with a hidden storage box
This clever hidden storage box disguises your unsightly electronics and cords as a beautiful collection of books. Pure genius!
Covogoods is a family-owned small business creating eco-friendly home decor in Utah.
Promising Review: "Having this product has been a game changer. I can't recommend it enough! It's an excellent solution for hiding routers and cords." - AmazonEmme
19. Organize your entryway with a rustic wall-mounted entry organizer
Keep your keys, mail, and essentials in one place with this handy wall-mounted organizer. It's the perfect blend of functionality and style.
20. Light up your balcony with solar-powered outdoor lights
Transform your balcony into a cozy, mood-lit Haven with these easy-to-install solar-powered outdoor lights. They clip right onto your balcony ledge for hassle-free installation.
21. Stick some peel-and-stick floor tiles on your bathroom or kitchen floors
Got tired of looking at those boring bathroom or kitchen floors? Refresh your space with these half-inch thick vinyl peel-and-stick floor tiles. They're water-resistant, washable, and can handle all that foot traffic.
22. Use Erase-A-Hole putty to cover up imperfections on your walls
Get your security deposit back by covering up those dents, nail holes, and toddler-related "oopsies" with this handy putty. No more DIY spackling. Plus, it's under $15, requires no tools, and might trick people into thinking you hired a professional.
Promising Review: "Recommended off TikTok, and I love it! It's easy to use and great for fixing those pesky nail holes." - Leigh Helsel
23. Create a floating bookshelf display
Want to give the illusion that your books are magically floating on the wall? These floating shelves are just the ticket. The secret? Hidden brackets!
24. Upgrade your bathroom's subway tile with a mold-resistant grout pen
Say goodbye to permanently stained grout with this mold-resistant white grout pen. Covers up to 150 feet of grout with an opaque coat of white paint. Sayonara, stained grout!
25. Organize your bathroom with floating shelves
Add some style to your bathroom with these sleek floating shelves. Perfect for displaying your gorgeous candles, ceramics, and hand towels.
26. Install stylish velvet curtains
Want to filter light without sacrificing style? Look no further than these velvet curtains. Great for adding a pop of color, providing privacy, and darkening the room when needed.
Promising Review: "Gorgeous! I can't recommend these enough. They're well-constructed, have beautiful lining, and plenty of detail." - Mrs.
27. Upgrade your trick with a motion-activated trash can
Say goodbye to fumbling around in the dark when you need to take out the trash. This motion-activated trash can opens with a gentle wave of your hand, and its waterproof lid keeps out water from the sink or shower.
28. Organize your closet with shelf dividers
Maximize your storage by keeping your clothing and linens stacks neat and orderly with these shelf dividers. Available in a variety of colors and designs.
29. Upgrade your stairs with decorative tile decals
Transform your plain risers with these decorative tile decals. Just roll it on like tape, and voila – instant style!
30. Upgrade your kitchen's backsplash with peel-and-stick subway tile
Add some style to your plain kitchen backsplash with this peel-and-stick subway tile. Best of all – it doesn't damage the wall, so you can easily remove it when you move.
31. Go for a peel-and-stick wallpaper backsplash for an easy, stylish upgrade
Add a splash of color to your kitchen with this peel-and-stick wallpaper backsplash. Perfect for renters who want to add some style to their space without the commitment of traditional wallpaper.
Promising Review: "I'm in love! It's an instant upgrade for my tiny apartment. And it's true to color!" - Lizzy
32. Display your shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in amber bottles
Add some sophistication to your bathroom with these amber bottles. Perfect for decanting your shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, and they come with matching labels for a cohesive look.
33. Upgrade your jar opening struggle with an under-cabinet lid opener
Tired of struggling to open jars? Say goodbye to straining muscles with this under-cabinet lid opener. It mounts to the underside of your cabinet so it's out of sight when you don't need it.
Promising Review: "Amazing! Easy to install and minimal effort required to open jars. I can’t believe it's under my cabinet!" - Carrie Comer
This convenient gadget was showcased in an article by BuzzFeed.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
- A budget-friendly way to prioritize the market-Amazon-majority home DIYers' lifestyle is through content focused on shopping for home items like ultra-thin socket covers, peel-and-stick floor tiles, or multi-surface touch-up paint pens, which can help improve home-and-garden spaces without breaking the bank.
- In the realm of home-and-garden inspiration, a priority post might involve suggesting the addition of layout-defining smaller items such as ceramic apple knobs, brushed brass cabinet pulls, or even pre-made wall panels to give a unique touch to one's home.
- To cater to consumers looking for affordable yet stylish home improvements, the market-priority-post could feature content showcasing lifestyle hacks targeted towards aspects of the household, like swapping out default cabinet hardware and adding chic black-and-white wallpaper.
