55 Clever, Cheap Ways To Fix The Eyesores in Your Home
Your house has never looked this good.

When the floors are a mess, the closet is chaotic, and the furniture is stained and scratched, it can feel like you need to move or spend a fortune to love where you live. But there are so many affordable and clever ways to fix all of that, fast. Even if you rent or invested in a fixer upper, you can come home to a space that is comfy, pretty, and clean. Here are some clever, cheap ways to fix the eyesores in your home.
01The caulk trim that creates a professional finish
You don’t have to tolerate that gap between the counter and the backsplash tile or the old caulk in the shower. This self-adhesive caulk trim is easy to apply and covers all sorts of ugly construction mistakes or imperfectly installed fixtures. Just peel and stick it right over the problem. The results are professional and water-resistant. Choose from six sizes and five colors.
02Cord hiders that look like books
The wires that power your bedside table charger or desktop lamps do not have to create visual clutter. Hide them in this book-shaped decorative cable management box and make that mess look like your to-be-read pile. Holes in the back let you run wires in and out, and the top lifts off to make plugging and unplugging easy. Choose from 11 books and four box styles to hide the wires all over your house.
03A grout brush that’s big & easy to hold
Dirty grout makes an otherwise clean bathroom look perpetually aged and unclean. This scrub brush helps you get it clean. The big handle is easy to hold, and the thin, stiff bristles are perfect for getting between tiles and scrubbing that grout clean. “My shower was a disaster, and the grout was quite gross,” wrote one reviewer. “This brush did an excellent job [and...] the handle is comfortable.” It comes in six colors.
04A faux brick wallpaper to cover any ugly or dmaged walls
If you hate the wall color in your house, wish you could afford a statement wall, or are simply trying to cover scuffs and damage in your rental, this peel-and-stick wallpaper creates the look of a brick wall without any big renovation projects or expensive price tags. This white faux brick is timeless and a great neutral, and you can choose from a bunch of sizes to fit your space.
05The smart way to organize the remote controls
An expanding collection of remotes might make it easy to control everything from blinds to TVs, but it makes a mess on the coffee table — and every other surface. This remote control holder lets you conceal those tools without losing track of them. Stick it to the side of the coffee table, a bookshelf, or even a wall, and tuck the remotes into it. An adjustable divider keeps them upright and organized. It comes in three colors.
06This clever way to store toilet paper
Storing toilet paper on an open shelf or holder can quickly turn ugly as the paper gets wet and torn. This toilet paper storage bin keeps a nice, tidy stack of TP within reach and looks cute doing it. The greenery on top transforms this utilitarian piece into decor while keeping the paper products dry.
07This tool for cleaning baseboards
Cleaning baseboards is the chore everyone hates because hunching over — or crawling — to wipe them is backbreaking work. This baseboard cleaner tool turns that task into something you can do while chatting on the phone. The specially designed cleaning head fits right over the base trim, while the long handle lets you stand up. It comes with extra cleaning pads and converts to a mop and a broom.
08This genius hack for hiding ugly power cords
Cord clutter is not a good look, but, given that everything needs to be plugged in, it can seem inevitable. This power strip system, though, cleverly manages it. Plug the flap plate into the outlet to conceal it and tap into its power. Then run the cord along the wall or counter and hide the power strip behind your furniture or appliance. Cover and control the cord with the included adhesive cord concealer strips and clips, and that mess is gone — but the power is still there.
09A sticker that conceals screw holes in furniture
When you are done installing shelves or building your flat-pack furniture, you might find that you are unhappy with how those exposed screw holes look. That’s so easy to fix with these screw hole covers. Choose a wood grain or color that matches your piece, and peel and stick it right over the screw. This pack of 648 stickers has every color you will ever need.
10The duster that gets ceiling fans clean
Dusty ceiling fans give the impression that your space isn’t clean, even if it otherwise is. This microfiber ceiling fan duster makes it easy to keep them clean. The bendable duster head reaches over the blades, removing dust from all the edges at once. And the extension pole handle helps you reach. It’s great for dusting other high and hard-to-reach places, too. Choose from five lengths.
11Tiles that install right over your current flooring
The ugly floor you have been living with because you think it’s too expensive to replace it is a lot cheaper and easier to deal with than you thought. These peel-and-stick floor tiles sit right on top of an old wooden, tile, or other hard floor, using it as a substrate. All you have to do is choose a color, peel off the sticky back, and lay them carefully. This is a pack of 10 12-inch-by-12-inch tiles. Choose from five colors.
12Stickers that stop the lights from blinding you
The illuminated clock on your stove, microwave, and actual clock are handy when you want to know the time but when you are trying to sleep, they are all like an army of blue light sleep preventers. These light-blocking stickers let you see the time without blasting your brain with blue light. Peel and stick one right over any lighted indicator or clock. There are shapes for everything you have, and a big sheet in case you need to cut a custom piece.
13This caulk tape to fix the ugly gaps in your bathroom
Create a seamless connection between the counter and wall, the tub and the tile, or the toilet and the floor. This white caulk tape is a versatile, peel-and-stick solution for so many common household eyesores. “We had some thick, unsightly, yellowing caulk,” wrote one reviewer. “This caulk tape looks SO much better!” The result is waterproof and professional-looking. It comes in white or clear.
14The alchemy that removes hard water stains
Hard water stains are tenacious. You can scrub, spray, and scour with no perceptible change to the mess in front of you. This is about chemistry, not elbow grease, though. And this hard water stain remover is the right concoction for the job. It also manages to be eco-friendly. “This stuff works miracles!” wrote one reviewer. “Hard water spots and stains melted away.”
15Light switch covers for a fast & easy update
Ugly light switches punch above their weight when it comes to dragging down the look of your space. And they are so fast and cheap to replace that there is no reason to endure it. This classic light switch cover brings an elegant, clean, architectural look to your interior, costs very little, and requires only a screwdriver and five minutes to install. The style comes in lots of configurations. This is a pack of three.
16This trick for fixing flawed furniture
There is no reason to live with burned, stained, or marked-up wood in your home. Scratched furniture and cabinets are easy to repair with this clever furniture repair kit. Just pick a color that matches and draw right over the blemish. The eight crayons can fill deep scratches, while the eight wood-colored markers cover up stains and water marks. The kit comes with a sharpener for the crayons.
17A rug you can throw in the wash
Dirty rugs trap smells and mustiness in your home. If you use these washable runners instead, it is so easy to keep them clean. Just toss them in the laundry like all your fabrics. That makes them perfect for hallways, kitchens, and other high-traffic areas. This pretty botanical pattern brings modern style to your space, too. Choose from seven colors and 12 sizes.
18This clever trick for hiding those scratches on your stove
If your stovetop is covered in scratches and other blemishes, you may be contemplating a new stove purchase. But this stove cover mat is a better option. It covers those scratches so they don’t make your kitchen look bad. And it turns that stovetop into a useful surface when you aren’t cooking on it. The ridges make it the perfect place to dry pans or other dishes. Choose from six colors and seven sizes.
19A secret stash on your bookshelf
Got something you want to hide? This secret bookshelf will keep it out of sight. It looks like a collection of hardcover books, but has a secret compartment behind it that will keep your cash, stash, ugly router or modem, or whatever else you want to keep handy but hidden.
20A pretty way to keep tissues handy
Turn those messy-looking tissue boxes that are strewn all over the house into decorative items with this leather tissue box cover. It covers the writing and cheap cardboard with a stylish, textured PU leather and makes that flimsy utilitarian item more substantial, so it stays put. Choose from eight colors and styles.
21This solution for ugly — & annoying — ceiling vents
The air conditioning and heat vents in your home can turn into an ugly, immovable mess that’s difficult to clean and even more difficult to move or remove. When they aren’t being used — or are in an inconvenient place — cover them with these magnetic vent covers that are easy to install and remove. The magnet backing clings right to the vent, and the smooth, white (or black) front looks neat and tidy. Choose from 16 sizes.
22The film that turns old windows into beautiful stained glass
If you have an old window that is impossible to clean from the outside because it is too high or otherwise inaccessible, you don’t have to stare out of a dirty window. This stained glass window film can be used as a clever hack to hide that mess. Install it on the inside. That window will be beautiful with light pouring through the floral patterns. No one will ever know the outside is dirty.
23This couch cover that’s stylish & washable
Don’t let the dog ruin the couch! This couch cover enhances the look of your furniture while protecting the upholstery from muddy footprints and shedding pets. It’s soft and cozy to sit on, so you and your pet will love it. And when it gets messy, throw it in the wash. It comes in eight colors and three sizes.
24The wood grain contact paper that looks like the real deal
Transforming an ugly desk into a nice wooden table does not have to involve sanding, painting, and a mess. Cover it with this wood grain contact paper. You will be amazed at how durable, waterproof, and convincingly wood-like the result is. “Made our tired-looking desk look fresh again!” wrote one reviewer. It comes in 11 sizes.
25This fast fix for damaged walls
A broken wall can make your home look like a war zone. Fortunately, it’s easy to fix with this drywall repair kit. Whether you have a crack, a hole, or peeling, just squeeze out some of the mending agent and then scrape and sand it until it is smooth. “I had several small holes and scuff marks on my walls,” wrote one reviewer. “This product made fixing them unbelievably simple.”
26The fix for wires hanging from the wall-mounted TV
You didn’t intend to create an eyesore when you mounted the TV to the wall. The plan was a sleek, modern look. But those cords have to go somewhere, and now they are dangling from behind the TV. This TV cord hider is the solution. Use its included drill bit to cut the perfect hole in the drywall. Press the cord guides into those holes. And run the cord behind the wall. Now you have the look you were going for!
27The easy way to fix a damaged tub or sink
A chip or hole in your bathtub doesn’t require an expensive replacement and bathroom remodel. You can fix that hole with this tub repair kit. “I debated getting the tub replaced,” wrote one reviewer. “But found this [and...] my tub was good as new!” The fast-curing fiberglass is durable, bonds to most tubs, and creates a nearly invisible repair.
28This cord cover that lets you run wires across the floor
If your home entertainment goals are thwarted by the need to run wires across the room, this floor cord cover lets you achieve those goals without creating an ugly, dangerous situation. Peel and stick the wood-grain cord hider to the floor and run the cords through it. It will prevent tripping, keep the cords contained, and blend in with your flooring. Choose from 10 colors and 12 sizes.
29A smart solution for stashing cords
If you need more power on your desk but don’t want to look at a power strip, this under-desk cable tray is the solution. It clamps to your desk and holds a power strip within easy reach but out of sight. It’s great for standing desks, too, since the cords ride along with the desk as it moves. The clamp can attach to horizontal or vertical surfaces and comes in two colors.
30Paint pens for fast fixes
With these refillable paint pens stashed in a convenient place, you don’t have to worry about scratches, dings, and marks on your new paint job. Fill them with the color you used to paint. When the dog scratches the door or a kid draws on the wall, pull one out and draw right over that blemish. They are easy to fill and keep the paint fresh for years. This is a pack of five.
31This solution that gets oil stains out of concrete
Someone with a leaky engine parked on your previously clean driveway, and you are mad about it. This oil stain remover will lift away the stain so you can move on and forgive. “I had a large oil spill on my very coarse surfaced concrete driveway and was so depressed,” wrote one reviewer. “Thankfully, I found this product. It totally cleaned the oil out of the concrete!” It is very easy to do, too. It works on brick, concrete, and stone pavers.
32The whitewash that brightens brick
A brick wall or fireplace surround is a beautiful feature, but a big expanse of dark brick can make your space feel dank and depressing. Brighten everything with this whitewash paint that lightens the color with a transparent wash of white without covering the brick. It’s easy to apply, dries quickly, and looks amazing.
33The fast way to get rust & stains out of the toilet
“The rust ring buildup in the toilet bowl was an eyesore!” wrote one reviewer. “Nothing worked until this.” This pumice stone scrubs away the mineral deposits, rust, and hard water stains that accumulate — and are nearly impossible to remove — on toilet bowls, sinks, tubs, and tiles. Just scrub them away with the business end. The big, comfy handle means you never have to touch the mess.
34Rug grippers that stop the rug from curling
Rug corners that curl up and will not lie flat are more than a visual mess. They are dangerous. Stick these rug corner grippers to those corners before someone trips and gets hurt. The weight of them holds the corner down, and the grippy texture keeps the rug from moving around. This is a pack of four.
35The LED stair lights that solve your dark hallway problem
Dark hallways make your house scary and difficult to navigate. You don’t have to run wires to fix this, though. These LED stair lights are battery-powered and turn on only when someone walks into the hallways, so the batteries last a long time. Peel and stick them to the baseboards. Set one on a shelf. Or mount them to stair risers.
36This privacy screen so you don’t have to look at nearby eyesores
When the eyesore that’s troubling you is on the other side of your fence, you might be powerless to do anything about it. But you don’t have to look at it. This ivy privacy screen creates a visual barrier between you and that mess, and it looks green and cozy on your side. Attach it to the fence with zip ties, and that view is gone. Choose from 19 sizes to match your fence.
37Cute frogs for your toilet
Maybe you have never noticed how ugly the bolts are on the base of your toilet. But once you look at them and realize it, you will agree that these frog toilet bolt caps will make that space much cuter. They fit right over the caps and install in seconds. “Super cute,” wrote one reviewer. Choose from four colors.
38A fast fix for that bad floor transition
If the tile in your kitchen or bathroom meets the wood of the hallway or dining room in an unsightly manner, this floor transition strip will tie it all together. It’s easy to install, too. Just peel and stick it right over that messy joint. It is waterproof and can handle foot traffic while stopping people from tripping over that lip. Choose from 11 sizes and 10 colors.
39The big box of dusters
This big pack of 20 duster refills with a handle makes dust easy to eliminate. The fluffy dusters fit into tiny crevices, then open up to tackle wide surfaces, and the electrostatic fibers grab and hold dust. Walk through the house, dragging one over all the flat surfaces, and throw it away when you’re done. Your house will look so much better.
40An electric scrubber that can clean anything
Dirty floors, messy sinks, and even a dirty car do not have to weigh your to-do list down so that you feel like you can’t keep up. This electric spin scrubber makes every one of those tasks easier and faster to accomplish. The long handle makes cleaning floors and vehicles easy. And when you need to scrub a tub or a sink, switch to the short handle and keep going. It comes with eight easy-to-switch brush heads, sponges, and scrubbers. Choose from a few colors.
41This bed skirt for a neat & tailored bedroom
Your bedroom will look so fancy when this bed skirt transforms the biggest piece of furniture in there into a neat, upholstered beauty. The box pleats are elegant and modern. And the long skirt hides whatever you have stored under the bed. “[It] gives your bed a very polished, clean look,” wrote one reviewer. It comes in five sizes and four colors.
42The storage basket that’s perfect for TP
Stacks of toilet paper might be necessary, but they create a messy look in the bathroom. Hide them in plain sight in this paper storage basket that sits on a shelf. The paper will be there when you need it, but the ugly mess will be replaced with a tidy bin. It fits on the back of the toilet or under the sink if there are no shelves in your bathroom. Choose from blue or gray.
43This clever cable management system
Instead of letting an ugly snarl of cords create a mess under your desk, mount them all to the desk with this cable management under-desk kit. It runs wires under or around the desk through these tidy neoprene cord-hiding channels. Just peel and stick them to a smooth surface. It’s easy to get cords in and out of them if your rig changes. This is six units. They come in three colors.
44The paint that fixes scratched appliances
If your appliances get scratched, dinged, or dented, fixing them is easier than you think. Pull out this appliance touch-up kit and hide that imperfection fast. It dries in minutes to a durable finish that you won’t be able to tell is a fix. “An accident with a dropped pot badly marred the edge of my stove,” wrote one reviewer. “It was EASY to apply, and once the paint dried in about 10 minutes, even my husband could not find the area previously damaged.” It comes in four colors.
45Trays for organizing drawer interiors
This big collection of drawer organizer trays is a fast, affordable way to turn a messy junk drawer into a tidy, serviceable storage solution. The variety of sizes is perfect for everything from kitchen tools to cosmetics to desk accessories, and they all fit neatly together. This is 20 pieces.
46The backsplash you can install yourself
A kitchen or bathroom backsplash is the decor piece that really ties a room together and gives it a punch of color. It can be expensive to install tile and mortar, but these stick-on backsplash tiles are fast, easy, and affordable. Once up, that wall is stylish and easy to clean. “It’s super easy to install and looks like tile. People can never tell,” wrote one reviewer. Choose from eight colors.
47The right cleaner for stone counters
If your kitchen is blessed with granite, marble, quartz, or another fine stone for counters, take care of them by using this stone countertop cleaner. The plant-based formula is gentle on those fine surfaces while effectively removing grease, hard water stains, and other difficult-to-remove spills. Spray it on, wipe it off, and it cleans away messes while leaving your counters shiny and your kitchen smelling terrific. You can use it on stone patios and other areas, too.
48The bling that adds style to the shower curtain
Why use plain shower curtain hooks when these pretty, celestial hooks let you turn that functional necessity into an opportunity to add some bling? The hooks slide easily over the shower curtain rod on a set of balls and the moons and stars hang from them, transforming the bathroom with celestial beauty.
49A rechargeable air duster that’s better than cans
Skip the cans of compressed air and invest in this rechargeable compressed air duster instead. It is powerful, you can adjust the blast of air for the item you are cleaning, and it comes with five nozzles and three brushes to clean all your electronics and hard-to-reach crevices. An LED light illuminates your task.
50Stove gap covers that are made of steal
Before something spills into that gap between your stove and counter — forcing you to pull the stove out to clean up the mess — plug that space with these stove gap covers made of stainless steel. They slide easily into that space and create a nearly invisible connection that won’t allow spills through. They expand to fit your space and come in three sizes and six colors.
51The shelf liner that cleans up messy closets
Items you set on the wire shelves in your closet tip over, small items slip through, and it all leads to chaos. This clear, precut wire shelf liner turns those shelves into a usable surface so you can clean up that mess. “Our pantry shelves were always such a jumbled mess because items didn’t sit level on them,” wrote one reviewer. “It only took a few minutes to place the liners on our shelves. Now, nothing sits all wonky, and everything is neat.” It comes in two sizes.
52A super absorbent drying mat that makes your space pretty
There is no question that you need a place to set just-washed pans and dishes to dry. But does that mat have to be ugly? No! This dish drying mat makes your sink-side drying station cute. Choose from 20 patterns and set your wet dishes on absorbent microfiber so they dry quickly. It has a loop so you can hang it when you want to use that counter space for something else. It comes in two sizes.
53This basket that hides clutter but keeps it handy
Fighting clutter can be an overwhelming task. But failing at it leads to a messy home. This storage basket is a genius tool to help you get your gear under control. Open the lid and toss everything from the kids’ toys to the sweater pile you pull from daily into it. Then close the lid. The clutter is gone. But your gear is right there. It comes in three colors and four sizes.
54A better way to clean stainless steel
Your hopes for a gleaming, shiny stainless steel kitchen are too often thwarted by a haze left behind by your spray cleaner and the fingerprints of everyone in your family. This stainless steel cleaner kit is the hack for that. Spray it on. Wipe it off with the included microfiber cloth. Your appliance will shine. And it leaves a protective coating that prevents fingerprints.
55This pretty cover for your ugly doorbell chime
That ugly doorbell chime has been clinging to the wall for decades, and it’s dragging down your decor. This chime cover will clean up that eyestore STAT. Paint it to match your walls or leave it white. Either way, it fits right over that ugly artifact of bygone days and makes it look pretty and fresh.