Designers say these are the 50 best-looking, smartest home upgrades you can make for under $35

Upgrading your space to be brighter, tidier, and cozier doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive — take it from the experts.

Shopping
We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

When they hear “home upgrades,” most people see dollar signs, but upgrading your space so it’s brighter, tidier, and cozier doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive — take it from the experts. To find the best-looking, smartest home upgrades you can make, Mic.com got in touch with interior designers, home stagers, and licensed realtors. And the best part? These home improvement professionals shared their tips and tricks under $35.

01

A storage bench for your entryway

“Transitional spaces, like entryways and hallways, often get the short shrift when it comes to both design visual design elements and functional ones,” said Kathy Kuo, founder & CEO of Kathy Kuo Home. “Take a look around and see whether you could add a hutch or a storage bench.” This one is made from bamboo with two shelves and a bench top. Despite its compact size and affordable price, it can support up to 300 pounds.

  • Available styles: 8

02

Or a floating shelf for your hallway

Kuo also recommends adding “floating wall shelves to any of your halls,” which not only make use of functional space, but “make a strong design statement” as well. With a weight capacity of 15 pounds, this floating shelf is great for halls and entryways because it has both a flat surface for decor and hooks for bags, keys, hats, and scarves.

03

These cable management boxes that minimize visual clutter

“I am a massive fan of cable management boxes,” said Bree Steele, interior designer and trade accounts manager at RJ Living. Steele recommends these cable management boxes specifically because they’re inexpensive and “neatly contain wires, helping make a space look [cleaner], but also [taking] away the eyesore of different colored cables in a living area.”

  • Available styles: 2

04

This woodgrain contact paper that transforms any flat surface

Unless you’re specifically going for a rustic vibe, “retouching up your surfaces with wood grain paper can make wooden furniture look brand new,” said Steele, who recommends this self-adhesive contact paper. Its peel-and-stick design can be applied to most flat, dry surfaces, including walls, desks, cabinets, and countertops.

  • Available sizes: 15.7In*118In — 23.6In *236In

05

This bed caddy that keeps your essentials within reach

“For a bedroom, a bed caddy will help organize your smaller items and keep them in arm’s reach,” said Steele, and this hanging storage caddy has a flap that slips underneath a mattress or couch cushion. Its various pockets accommodate all of your essentials, including phones, tablets, remote controls, books, and glasses — and it has an opening for charging cables.

  • Available styles: 3

06

This sleek over-the-door organizer for kitchens & pantries

Steele also recommends this over-the-door organizer for kitchens and pantries because it “increases your storage space and helps you declutter.” It’s also a lot more aesthetically pleasing than your average rack. Each tier has a mesh window and built-in support to accommodate more weight than competing designs, while the elastic side pockets work well for bottles and bags.

  • Available sizes: 4-Layer — 6-Layer
  • Available styles: 3

07

Some rattan trays that add warmth & organization to your space

"Natural material accents are becoming more popular,” said Steele, and these rattan trays “are great for adding warmth and organization to living spaces.” They come in a set of three, and their shallow-basket design works well for everything from vanity-top toiletries to tablescape utensils and decor.

  • Available styles: 3

08

This macrame table runner that looks more expensive than it is

According to Steele, “Macrame decor is also getting more popular, with hanging macrame art and table runs making a home feel more welcoming.” This table runner comes in ample colors and sizes, but the delicate cotton-blend weave makes it look significantly more expensive than it is.

  • Available sizes: 12x72" — 14x72”
  • Available styles: 7

09

A colorful doormat that sets the stage for a welcoming home

"The mat by the front door sets the mood when you arrive home,” said Joy Aumann, licensed realtor, interior designer, and co-founder of the LuxurySoCalRealty team at Compass. “Consider a colorful or graphic doormat for an inexpensive welcoming touch.” Made from low-pile coco coir fiber, this recommended option adds a burst of uplifting color while still getting your shoes clean.

10

These sheer curtains that soften the space without darkening it

Sheer curtains bring softness and filter light nicely where bare windows stand out,” said Aumann. This set is made from especially thin polyester, which warms up your windows and sliding doors without darkening the space. They also fit most curtain rods and come in various colors and sizes.

  • Available sizes: 42W x 14L — 40W x 96L
  • Available styles: 21

11

This mini ceiling fan for an affordable, easy-to-install upgrade

According to Aumann, old ceiling fans are one of the fastest ways to date a room, but “upgrading to contemporary styles matching your tastes won't require much and improves airflow." This mini ceiling fan has a built-in light and installs without hassle by connecting the power cord and screwing it into a base outlet. It even comes with a remote control.

12

These inexpensive organizers to corral all of your cords

"Visible cords around the house can distract from your decor,” said Aumann, who recommends these inexpensive cable organizers to “discreetly route them out of the way.” The 192-piece set comes with all types of cord management tools, including cable sleeves, adhesive clips, tie rolls, and zip ties — all for less than $20.

13

These glass vases that look great with or without flowers

“Flower vases don't always need flowers — unique sculptural styles elevate any space right away,” said Aumann. These recommended vases come in assorted designs and are made from thick glass with textured detailing. You can also get them in tinted shades to add a hint of color to your tables and shelves.

  • Available sizes: 5pcs — 36pcs
  • Available styles: 6

14

Some versatile woven baskets that hide clutter better than see-through ones

"Keeping clutter in check makes for an organized home,” Aumann said, and these woven baskets “are versatile for corralling items” while also complementing most decor styles. They’re made from natural water hyacinth, come in several shapes and sizes, and have built-in handles so they’re easy to grab off the shelf.

  • Available styles: 5

15

Or these stackable seagrass baskets with lids

Interior designer Andrea West also loves baskets because they “do such a good job hiding your storage items.” Handwoven from seagrass, these baskets are especially effective at camouflaging clutter due to their attached lids, which secure shut with a toggle tie. The set of three is also stackable to save space on shelves.

  • Available sizes: Small — Large
  • Available styles: 4

16

These fabric storage bins that keep things neat & tidy

Baskets are “great for organizing” and setting up systems to keep things “neat and tidy,” according to West. Take these fabric storage bins, for example; their lids hide clutter, their cotton rope handles make them portable and accessible, and their structured rectangular design helps you store everything from clothes and towels to toys and books. They even come with detachable labels so you can tell at a glance what’s inside.

  • Available sizes: Large — X-Large
  • Available styles: 8

17

This portable LED lamp that’s great for vestibules

West adds that “a small nook or hallway that adjoins two larger spaces” are “often overlooked, but when you add a small drop spot and accent lighting, they make such a big difference in the coziness and completion of your home.” This portable LED lamp is a great option for any vestibule, with or without outlets. It’s rechargeable, turns on with a tap, and comes in seven sleek finishes that complement the modern silhouette.

  • Available styles: 7

18

A candle snuffer that doubles as an accent piece

West is also “currently obsessed” with candle snuffers, which offer an “elevated way to blow out your candle” — plus they “look great out on your table as an accent piece.” This best-selling candle maintenance set comes with a snuffer as well as a trimmer and dipper for the wick, all in your choice of gold, silver, rose gold, or black.

  • Available styles: 4

19

These magnetic shelves that create storage on your fridge

“For tidiness, I often work on maximizing the vertical space for storage,” said Floss Kelly, interior designer and co-founder of Yabby. “It helps keep countertops and floors clear and gives any room a tidier appearance.” These magnetic shelves make use of an unexpected spot: the side of your refrigerator. They’re a great size for spices and condiments, and each one supports up to 8 pounds with its damage-free magnet.

  • Available sizes: 2-Pack — 6-Pack
  • Available styles: 7

20

Or this wall-mounted organizer for pots & utensils

According to Kelly, “Wall-mounted shelves for utensils and appliances can save space and add a decorative touch.” This wall-mounted organizer has a wire-rack shelf for pots and pans and 10 sliding hooks for utensils. Made from hand-welded iron, it can support up to 35 pounds and comes with all the hardware you need for installation.

21

These acrylic shelves with a clean, minimalist style

“Adopting a minimalist approach to decor can help maintain a cleaner look and feel,” Kelly said, and it doesn’t get much more minimalist than these acrylic floating shelves. Their transparent design goes with any color scheme or decor style, and they’re great for toiletries in the bathroom, spices in the kitchen, decor in the hallway, and more.

  • Available sizes: 2 — 16

22

These gold-brushed switch plates that make an impactful statement

“Light switch plates are always overlooked but can add a subtle but impactful design element,” said Kelly, who recommends upgrading to something that better suits your taste. These switch covers come in a huge selection of cut-outs and sizes to fit all kinds of outlets and switches. Even though they’re relatively affordable, their brushed-gold finish instantly elevates a space.

  • Available styles: 39

23

A glazed ceramic bowl for artisan style without the price tag

“Handmade vases or decorative bowls add an element of uniqueness and craftsmanship to your space,” said Kelly. “They can serve as a focal point on dining tables or shelving units, bringing in texture and subtle color variations." This glazed ceramic bowl has a free-form edge that creates an artisan-style vibe without the price tag — and the brand makes vases and plates, too.

  • Available styles: 16

24

A floor basket to stash toys, books & throw blankets

“I am a big proponent of floor baskets for stashing items like kids' toys and books, extra throw blankets, and more,” said Kuo. This rope basket is made from a cotton-polyester blend with handles for portability. You can get it in four sizes and seven color options.

  • Available sizes: Hanging Basket — Extra Large
  • Available styles: 7

25

Or this large under-$30 basket that further hides your clutter with a lid

“Floor baskets tend to be reasonably priced and can function as a standalone decor piece on their own,” Kuo added. Take this rope basket, for example. Its two-tone design doubles as an accent piece, while its included lid keeps all of your clutter fully hidden. When not in use, it folds flat for easier storage.

  • Available styles: 7

26

Some stylish nesting coffee tables to boost surface space

Nikki Lo, designer and founder of hip&home, loves nesting coffee tables because they maximize surface space in a stylish way: “I have a set in my own home and I love that you have plenty of options as to how you configure them, including placing them apart from one another if you need tables close by in more than one part of your living room,” Lo said. These nesting coffee tables have a clean, mid-century-modern design with bamboo legs that lend some warmth.

27

This touch-up kit to repair your floors & furniture

To fill in scratches and cover small blemishes on wooden floors, cabinets, and furniture, Lo recommends this touch-up kit: “Simply eliminating those ugly little chips and scratches made my place look cleaner, less cheap, and more well-cared for.” The 12-piece set includes markers and wax sticks in six colors to match common wood types.

28

A storage basket to cover eyesores near the ground

If you’d like to hide an eyesore that’s close to the ground, Lo recommends covering the spot with a cute storage basket. This best-selling option is made from woven seagrass and has a unique flanged shape. “You can style your basket by placing pillows and blankets inside, or just use it as extra storage,” Lo said.

  • Available sizes: Small — Large
  • Available styles: 2

29

Some throw pillows that warm up your space with texture

"Lately I'm loving natural textures like rattan or linen that add coziness to a space,” said Chenise Hinds, an interior designer, home stager, licensed realtor, and a senior contributor at Momooze. These throw pillows are a quick and easy way to warm up a room with texture, and these are made from a striped cotton-linen material with a cozy fringe around the edges.

  • Available sizes: 12x20 Inch — 26x26 Inch
  • Available styles: 7

30

Or this thick linen-effect shower curtain that feels curated & luxe

“Small changes have a big impact,” Hinds said, and a different texture can help a room to feel “curated and luxe without the price tag.” Prime example: Instead of cheap plastic, try this thick linen-textured shower curtain instead. Its weighted polyester material is waterproof and wrinkle-resistant, plus it comes in ample sizes and colors to suit your bathroom.

  • Available sizes: 72.00" x 36.00" — 96.00" x 72.00"
  • Available styles: 10

31

These Velcro cable clips that “make a world of difference”

“I can't tell you how many times I've walked into a space and my eye goes straight to a tangle of cords behind the TV,” said Hinds, but cheap upgrades like these Velcro cable clips “make a world of difference.” They come in a set of 150 and their varying sizes help you organize everything from thick wires to small charging cables.

32

These storage baskets that make it much easier to speed-clean

"For keeping tidy, baskets are my best friend,” said Hinds, who recommends these nesting cotton rope baskets to make remotes and random clutter look more intentional. Place them around the house and they make it so “easy to stash clutter when the doorbell rings. A 10-minute speed clean before bed does wonders too,” according to Hinds.

  • Available styles: 10

33

Some adhesive hooks that create visual interest while keeping surfaces clear

"My favorite tidying hack is using decorative hooks to keep things off surfaces. They create visual interest while keeping spaces clean,” said Malak Bellajdel, who has a B.Arch in architecture from The Academy of Art University and is the in-house interior design expert at Pet Portraits. One idea are these decorative hooks are made from stainless steel, and they install in seconds with a strong adhesive that can support up to 23 pounds each.

  • Available styles: 5

34

A sculptural ceramic piece that makes for eye-catching decor

“I'm personally loving sculptural ceramic pieces as affordable yet eye-catching accent decor,” said Bellajdel, and this ceramic jewelry tray looks much more expensive than it is. Its irregular design elevates your vanity or bedside table while its raised edges keep trinkets contained — plus it comes in a few other colors.

  • Available styles: 8

35

Some cable sleeves that bundle & hide untidy cords

"Common eyesores people struggle with include cluttered cords,” said Bellajdel, but there are plenty of ways to corral and cover them. These cable sleeves bundle the problem for organization and camouflaging (especially since they come in three colors), and their rolled-up design makes it easy to add and remove wires.

  • Available sizes: 6.6ft - 1.2 — 25ft - 4/5''
  • Available styles: 3

36

Or these reusable cord straps with built-in labels

Reviewers also “absolutely love” these Wrap-It cinch straps, which are a “great way to organize all of the cords lying around.” The reusable hook-and-loop design not only comes in various lengths to fit most cord bundles (from charging cables to vacuum hoses), but each one has a built-in tab so you can label all of your stuff.

  • Available sizes: 5” — 18”
  • Available styles: 6

37

A chic turntable tray that’s an aesthetic way to keep things in reach

According to Bellajdel, “Often overlooked spots like [...] bathroom counters can make a huge difference when styled thoughtfully,” and you can “declutter bathroom counters with chic trays." This vanity tray is sleek, modern, and has an unexpected feature that boosts its functionality: It’s actually a lazy Susan turntable, so you can more easily access your toiletries and perfume.

  • Available sizes: 9” — 13.2”
  • Available styles: 3

38

Or this vanity tray made from genuine marble

Another way to update your counters? You can also opt for this vanity tray, which is made from genuine marble to elevate your soaps, cosmetics, cleaning supplies, and decor. It’s also dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup and reviewers wrote that it’s “heavy and great quality” — especially for the price.

39

A stylish storage stool that disguises your clutter

"Multipurpose ottomans with storage are also great for reducing clutter,” said Bellajdel, and this storage stool is more stylish than most. Its tapered metal legs and pleated velvet upholstery give it a high-end feel, while its high-resilience foam is comfortable when used as a seat or footstool — and it can support up to 220 pounds while giving you a place to stash your stuff.

  • Available styles: 2

40

Some battery-operated picture lights that enhance your space

Builder-grade ceiling and wall lights lack personality, according to Aumann, but “replacing them with attractive new fixtures under $35 is an affordable way to enhance your space." These picture lights are battery-operated so you don’t have to worry about wiring, and they’re easy to install and move thanks to their magnet base. They also come with a remote control so you can adjust the brightness.

41

Some new cabinet pulls for an easy, elegant update

"Old cabinet knobs or pulls that have seen better days are an easy update. Swapping them for sleek black hardware sold in mixed packs won't break the bank,” said Aumann, who (if you prefer color) also recommends these ceramic cupboard pulls. They come in an assortment of different shades that give them an elegant, handpainted feel, and your order includes all the necessary hardware for installation.

42

These mirror tiles that add light & glamour on the cheap

“Mirrors, especially dramatic statement pieces, open space visually and add glamour," said Aumann — all while remaining surprisingly cheap. These mirror tiles come in tons of shapes, sizes, and multipacks, so you can get creative with your design. They’re also easy to install with the included foam adhesive stickers, and the frosted edge makes them more durable.

  • Available sizes: 8''x 8'' — 48”x24”

43

These unique brass pulls that look like flowers

"One of my favorite, easy upgrades is changing hardware,” said Taylor Lewis-Costa, owner of TLC Home. “Whether that be on cabinets, drawers, or doors, changing hardware makes an immense impact.” Lewis-Costa recently worked with these brass cabinet pulls in the shape of a flower, which are both pretty and practical at the same time.

44

A plant stand that adds welcoming warmth to an empty corner

“Another simple, beautifying hack is utilizing plants in corners near windows,” said Lewis-Costa. “Plants instantly elevate a room while also adding a welcome dose of comfort.” To help smaller plants fit the space and stand on their own (literally), try a plant stand. This bamboo option makes a statement with its mid-century-modern design and is adjustable to accommodate most pots between 8 and 12 inches in diameter.

45

Some bold, textured wallpaper to quickly update a space

“Vibrant or patterned [wallpaper] may quickly update cabinets, cover up wall damage, and mask an old backsplash,” said Houna Bech, a professional interior designer, beauty and nail tech expert, and the founder of With Houna. Fortunately, Amazon is filled with affordable peel-and-stick wallpaper, like this black vinyl that elevates any space with its moody texture.

  • Available sizes: 11.8in X 78.7in — 35.4in X 118in
  • Available styles: 14

46

Or this contact paper that turns any surface into a chalkboard

“One of my favorite tips for hiding ugly things is to use contact paper,” said Bech — and with the right material, you can make the spot even more functional than it was before. This chalkboard contact paper sticks to almost any surface, so you can create bulletin boards, wall planners, home menus, and doodling areas for kids. Each order also includes 10 sticks of chalk.

  • Available sizes: 7 Feet — 18 Feet
  • Available styles: 2

47

An under-sink organizer with a roll-out drawer

To tackle chaotic under-sink areas, Bech recommends rolling carts. Compared to stationary options, the slide-out drawers make it much easier to access bottles or cleaning supplies in the back — but they’re still tiered to maximize storage space and designed to accommodate plumbing in the middle.

48

A covered vanity organizer with a stylish, dust-free design

To keep “messy vanities more organized,” Bach recommends a covered organizer like this one. The acrylic windows keep your stuff free of dust, but still allow you to see your collection at a glance. This makeup organizer also has ridged drawers with gold pulls that match the stylish feet.

  • Available styles: 2

49

These decorative farmhouse book stacks with cute phrases

“Some of my favorite items are these ‘Home Sweet Home’ decorative books,” said Bech. Made from cedarwood and available in a few farmhouse-inspired designs, they’re “great for filling empty shelves or accenting side tables,” plus “they provide personality and visual interest through colors, fonts, and motifs."

  • Available styles: 4

50

Some abstract art prints for an incredible price

Abstract art prints are one of Bech’s “favorite contemporary trends,” and this set of four (available framed or unframed) helps you achieve the mid-century modern look for a great price. They come in various coordinating patterns in all different sizes, but they’re all printed on semi-gloss paper using UV-resistant ink and shipped with chipboard to prevent creasing.

  • Available sizes: 8x10 — 16x20
  • Available styles: 13

51

These earthy terracotta vases for a warm, natural aesthetic

Bech also loves “earthy terracotta accents,” which you can fill with plants “to create a warm, natural aesthetic.” This set of vases is easy to style with fresh flowers or dried pampas grass — but the reddish, rustic construction is so pretty, they make for a gorgeous tabletop display when left empty, too.

  • Available styles: 3

52

Or these terracotta watering spikes that keep your plants hydrated

For live plants, these terracotta watering spikes add that earthy aesthetic while keeping your plants well-hydrated — and since they reuse old glass bottles, they’re eco-friendly, too. Fill empty beer or wine bottles up with water and flip them over inside the stake; the terracotta will seep moisture into the soil slowly as needed, so you can set them and forget them for weeks at a time.