Wood furniture and floors look good in just about any home — unless they’re covered in scuffs and scratches. Luckily, Ben Thomson, manager at Promain Paints, has an easy fix. “[Consider] a refinishing kit for furniture or cabinets,” he tells Mic. “These kits provide a cost-effective way of rejuvenating worn-out pieces. Just a few dollars and some elbow grease can transform furniture that may otherwise be destined for the tip.”

With that in mind, this furniture repair kit is currently available for less than $25. It comes with a variety of wood-friendly shades — from light oak to dark mahogany — and it’s so user-friendly that you don’t need DIY skills to get your wood surfaces looking good as new. Simply apply the filler into any cracks or dings, then smooth it out using the included scraper. Or, if you’re dealing with a shallow scratch, use one of the markers to “color” it in.

When no amount of scrubbing seems to get that yellowed grout looking good, it may be time to try out a paint pen. “You can consider investing in grout pens or markers, too, as a quick fix on tiled surfaces,” shares Thomson. “These provide a fresh, clean appearance without having to regrout.”

Not only does this pen have enough paint inside to cover up to 150 feet of grout, but its water-based formula is also suitable for use around kids and pets. The fine tip makes coloring in the lines a total breeze — though if your grout lines are on the larger side, there’s also a wide-tip option available.

Replacing countertops can cost thousands of dollars. Thankfully, Thomson has a cheaper alternative. He’s a fan of contact paper “as these can revamp countertops or shelves with new patterns or textures.” And since this roll is supremely budget-friendly, it’s worth taking a look. The white marble pattern looks incredibly real, even up close. The vinyl material means it’s also water-resistant, so there’s no need to worry about how it’ll fare when installed around sinks. Simply peel off the adhesive backing, then press it right into place the same way you would a giant sticker.

Countertops aren’t the only surface you can refresh using contact paper. If your furniture could use an upgrade, this roll of faux wood contact paper is a game-changer. Guidelines on the back help you cut straight lines when measuring out pieces, while the adhesive backing makes installation a total breeze. “It is thick, textured like wood, and has great adhesion and looks fantastic!” raved one reviewer. “Very happy with the desk I covered in it.”

No matter how beautifully you’ve decorated, a clean home will always look better than a dirty one. Thankfully, there’s an easy solution — “One of the best and easiest ways to improve the look of your home is to invest in good-quality cleaning tools, like a quality microfiber mop,” explains Thomson. “These help keep your surfaces gleaming, looking elegant and welcoming for guests.”

Speaking of microfiber mops, this one comes with two reusable microfiber heads as well as two reusable scrubber pads, making it just as cost-effective as it is useful. The telescopic handle stretches from 35 out to 60 inches, making it easy to clean underneath furniture, and it does just as good of a job on hardwood as it does on tile, linoleum, cement, or nearly any other hard surface.

A home-enhancing deep clean is all about the details, and a solid set of scrub brushes is another Thomson rec. This handy deep cleaning set comes with seven brushes: two large scrubbers for open areas, a tile line brush, three groove gap brushes, and one wide scouring brush. Since each one features an ergonomic handle, they should feel comfortable while you’re getting deep into the groove(s).

“One of the best ways to improve any room or exterior space is to give it a new coat of paint,” says Thomson. He suggests going with “small cans of paint or coatings that are suitable for accent walls or furniture touch-ups,” as they “help add a fresh pop of colour, as well as a protective layer.”

With dozens of colors to choose from, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding this paint in a shade that suits your home. It’s available in exterior as well as interior formulas, and comes in four finishes: semi-gloss, satin, eggshell, or flat. And unlike some paints, this one is also mold- as well as mildew-resistant.

If you’ve seen DIY videos where people are painting their furniture, there’s a better-than-even chance they’re using a chalk paint like this one to get the job done. There’s no primer necessary, and the formula dries to a matte finish in half an hour. And since it’s self-leveling, you won’t have to worry about visible brush strokes once you’ve finished painting.

If your home is on the darker side, that’s not a problem. Michael Campbell, CEO of SAT Stained Concrete, has an easy fix: “LED Lighting Strips,” he tells Mic. He says these “enhance ambiance and functionality,” and work especially well “under cabinets or behind furniture for a quick and energy-efficient lighting upgrade.”

These LED strips are battery-operated, so there’s no need for any complicated wiring during installation. At 3 feet in length, you likely won’t need more than a few of them to cover the undersides of your kitchen cabinets, shelves, or nearly any other dark space in your home. Batteries also come included with every order.

While curtains may be adding privacy to your home, the wrong set can leave your interior looking outdated. The solution? Campbell suggests “[transforming] windows with adhesive privacy film offering an affordable and stylish alternative to traditional curtains or blinds.”

This privacy film not only helps keep nosy neighbors from peering through your windows, but it also has a stained glass pattern that brings a modern touch to any space. There’s also no adhesive backing to deal with — simply press it up against glass, and the power of static cling will keep it held firmly in place.

Every home has at least one mess of cables, whether it’s clogging up the junk drawer or sitting out in plain sight. Luckily, Campbell has a cheap, quick fix: reusable cable organizers. He suggests “[tidying] up the mess of cables behind your electronics with reusable cable organizers, making it easy to manage and clean up your workspace.”

These hook-and-loop cable organizers feature blank tabs where you can label what kind of cord it is, making it easier than ever to stay organized. They’re also reusable, and come in six colors, just in case you want to color code your collection.

The outside of your home is where first impressions happen — Campbell advises you “welcome guests with a budget-friendly rug or doormat at the entryway, instantly adding warmth and personality to your home.”

With its 100% natural coconut coir and heavy-duty rubber base, this door mat is just as durable as it is welcoming. It dries quickly when wet, making it less likely to develop mildew when left outside, and many reviewers appreciated how well it holds up from season to season.

Your shelves may be the last space you think about decorating, but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a little TLC. According to Campbell, you can “refresh furniture and cabinets inexpensively by adding liners,” which do double duty by “protecting surfaces and injecting a pop of color or pattern into your living spaces.”

These liners come in eight patterns, and are easy to install with an adhesive backing that helps keep them securely in place. Plus, the waterproof material makes them so easy to clean in the event of a spill.

If you’re not ready to do a full-fledged wallpapering to spruce up bland spaces, according to Campbell, you can “easily revamp a room with peel-and-stick wallpaper,” which is “a cost-effective way to introduce new patterns or textures without the commitment of traditional wallpaper.”

This particular roll of peel-and-stick wallpaper comes in four colors: black, blue, grey, or pink. Its textured surface draws your eye from floor to ceiling, making it a gorgeous choice for an accent wall. And if you ever decide you want to change things up, simply peel it off your walls — the sticky backing won’t damage the surface underneath.

Whether you’re a professional contractor or a DIY novice, every project requires the right tools to finish the job. Though if you need convincing? Campbell suggests that you “equip yourself with a basic toolkit for simple hardware swaps and fixes, ensuring you have the essentials for minor home improvements without breaking the bank.”

Not only is this tool set chock full and ultra affordable, but it also comes with all the essentials you’ll need to finish just about any DIY project. Each tool is made from tough alloy steel that’s been treated with heat to help prevent corrosion, and they come packaged in a convenient case for storage.

For a decor-boosting infusion of freshness, plant life is a quick and (relatively) easy add. “Bring nature indoors with affordable succulents or small indoor plants,” suggests Campbell. This set of three house plants requires hardly any maintenance, as they only need to be watered once a week in order to thrive. Each plant arrives inside of a 4-inch pot — the small size makes them ideals for shelves, desks, nightstands, and more.

Your outdoor space is just as primed for improvement as any room indoors. “For an easy backyard upgrade, I’d recommend outdoor string lights,” says Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of LawnLove. “One of the fastest and easiest ways to make the exterior of your home appear elevated is by adding lighting. String lighting in particular can instantly create an inviting, cozy ambiance.”

Yamaguchi has a brand he’s particularly fond of — Feit Electric LED String Lights. In addition to being “durable and adjustable,” he appreciates that “[you] can actually dim these lights, which allows you to change the purpose of your lights from functional to ambiance.” You can also connect up to 13 strands together to cover patio both large and small. And since they’re weatherproof, there’s no need to worry about how they’ll fare when left up in rain, snow, or wind.

In addition to dating your home, an old thermostat can cause your HVAC system to turn on more often than it needs to, leading to an inflated utility bill. Yamaguchi has an easy fix: “ I will never stop recommending the Amazon Smart Thermostat,” he shares. “This thermostat automatically adjusts your home’s temperature and use of its HVAC system to maximize energy efficiency, which ultimately minimizes wasted energy (and money you have to spend on energy).”

And while this modern gadget may seem pricy at first glance, Yamaguchi goes on to say that it’s “a great deal for all of the money it saves you over time.”

Your patio doesn’t have to become unusable once fall turns into winter. “To be able to enjoy your outdoor seating area even when it’s cold out, I’d recommend getting a stylish outdoor space heater,” explains Yamaguchi. Though if you aren’t sure what sort of features to look for, he adds, “I think one of the most valuable aspects of a space heater is being able to move it around to different locations.”

He recommends this portable patio heater from Bali Outdoors because “[it’s] about three feet tall and 14 pounds, so it doesn’t take up too much space and you can easily move it around to wherever you want in your yard since there’s no cord.” And while this particular heater is compact enough to sit on an outdoor coffee table, don’t be fooled — Yamaguchi goes on to say that “even though it’s small, it’s surprisingly efficient.”

Poor lighting can make even the nicest homes look crummy. Ryan Vaughn, owner of SD Epoxy Floors, has an easy fix. He tells Mic that you should “upgrade to energy-efficient LED bulbs for improved lighting and reduced electricity costs.” With that in mind, these LED bulbs are worth a look. Not only do they cast the same warm, inviting glow that incandescent bulbs produce, but they also use up to 85% less energy, making them a money-saving upgrade. And with a lifetime of up to 25,000 hours, you won’t need to replace them anytime soon.

While throwing nails into your wall may seem like the most obvious way to hang stuff up, they also create holes that you may have to fix later. The solution? Vaughn suggests “using adhesive hooks for hanging items without damaging walls.” He likes Command hooks — and they’re wildly budget-friendly. They can hold up to 10 pounds, making them ideal for backpacks, bathroom scrubbers, and everything in between. And if you want to hang up something that’s really heavy, they’re also available in 15-pound capacity.

Sometimes the smallest upgrades make the biggest impact — like changing the hardware on your cabinets and drawers. According to Vaughn, you can “swap out old cabinet handles and knobs for a quick and affordable kitchen or furniture makeover.” And since these cabinet pulls come in seven different finishes, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that suits your style. They’re made from rust-resistant stainless steel, making them suitable for even humid bathrooms, and many reviewers raved about how they’re a total bang for your buck.

The right tools are a must if you want to get any DIY job done well. So if you plan on refreshing your walls, according to Vaughn, you can “give rooms a fresh look with a new coat of paint using an affordable paint roller kit.” — This one is currently available for under $20 and it comes with a paint tray, four roller covers (two large and two small), large and small roller handles, a paintbrush, and foam brush. Though if the space you’re planning to paint isn’t that large, there’s also a smaller roller kit available for $10.

Messy, cluttered drawers are an eyesore and make it hard to find the items you’re looking for. Instead, Vaughn suggests that you “improve kitchen and bathroom functionality with inexpensive drawer organizers for better storage” — which is only part of the reason why these bins are worth a look. Each order comes with a variety of sizes, making it easy to customize how they fit inside your drawers — the end result is well-functioning storage and a put-together look.

A mess of plugs and cords at your outlets is unsightly, and can mean having to plug and unplug devices to charge up all your things. Instead, Vaughn advises that you “upgrade your power outlets with strips that include USB ports for convenient device charging.”

With that in mind, this outlet extender is a smart buy. It adds six plugs as well as four USB ports to any outlet, giving you tons of extra room to power all your gadgets. The best part? You don’t have to leave it mounted on the wall, as each order also includes a 5-foot power cable so that you can place it right next to you if need be.

Door and window frames laden with gaps and cracks not only look unkempt, but they make your home cold and drafty. Luckily, Vaughn has another easy fix. He tells Mic that you can “seal gaps around doors and windows with weather stripping,” which “enhances energy efficiency and reduces drafts.”

But if you don’t know how to install weather stripping, that’s not an issue, as this roll of weather stripping features an adhesive backing that lets you press it into place around your windows and doors — no tools necessary. You also have the choice of two colors to complement your frames: black or white.

If you’ve got things cluttering up your closets or garage, consider making a designed place for them on underutilized wall space. According to Vaughn, you can “create additional storage space by installing simple shelving brackets for a quick and easy DIY project.”

Not only are these floating shelf brackets made from heavy duty metal, but they can support up to 150 pounds, making them ideal for items large and small. Each order comes with all the hardware you need to mount them on your walls, and many reviewers were pleased with how easy they were to install.

Richard Mann, founder and owner of Premier Porcelain, tells Mic that “for under $35, you can transform your home by adding colourful, vibrant throw pillows. These are perfect for injecting some personality into a space.”

These particular throw pillows are made from soft velvet, giving any room in your home a touch of elegance. The pleated top also makes them look way more expensive than they are — and with more than 10 colors to choose from, feel free to add more than one to your cart.

If you’ve got bare walls in need of beautification — but aren’t keen to break out paint or wallpaper — consider hanging up vibrant prints instead. According to Mann, “a set of framed art prints on certain walls are the way to go, as these help add personality and colour to any space.”

If you aren’t sure what prints to hang up, this set of 12 comes in three different sizes, making it easy to create a stunning gallery wall. Just add frames and they’re ready to go up. Plus, the thick, high-quality cardstock they’re printed on ensures they’re made to last.

Leaving hardwood or tiled floors bare can leave a space feeling cold and boring. Mann has an easy fix for that. “I suggest you opt for versatile pieces like [...] a stylish rug,” he tells Mic. “These are proven to instantly elevate a room's ambiance, and you can do this without breaking the bank.”

With 11 different styles to choose from, this area rug is an affordable choice for anyone looking to add some warmth to their hard floors. A nonslip backing helps keep it from shifting out of place underfoot, and the low pile makes it less likely to snag on doors if they swing wide.