How did I live without these clever home upgrades? (& they’re shockingly cheap)

“Retro florals? Sold.” — Ali Drucker, Mic editor

Whether you want to create a statement wall or completely drench your room in retro color, this peel-and-stick wallpaper instantly upgrades your space into something worthy of a designer showroom. It has a vintage-inspired design with large florals, intricate greenery, and a textured surface that makes it feel expensive. It’s waterproof and stain resistant, so you can put it in your kitchen or bathroom knowing it can withstand everyday wear and tear.

“I bought this after I missed a kitchen sink leak, and I haven't had any water issues since.” — Martha Sorren, Mic editor

This waterproof mat sits on the bottom of the cabinet underneath your bathroom or kitchen sink and features raised edges to help protect your wood from spills and leaks if you don’t quite catch them in time. Shockingly, it can hold up to 3.3 gallons of water while also creating a great space to hold your extra toiletries, cleaning supplies, and more. It comes more than a dozen different sizes to fit a variety of cabinet dimensions.

“Surprisingly charming, these kitties make otherwise boring or unsightly toilet bolts a cute little detail.” — Cassandra Seale, Mic editor

Have you ever noticed how gunky the metal bolts at the base of your toilet are? It feels like they collect dust, dirt, and grime and feel impossible to keep clean. That’s where these ceramic caps come in. Shaped like adorable kittens, these caps slip right on top of the bolts so no installation is required. They’re also such a nice way to add some unexpected whimsy.

“Washer mold? I don't know her.” — Ali Drucker, Mic editor

This washing machine door prop is such a cheap and easy way to extend the life of that appliance so you’re not paying for expensive upgrades before they’re totally necessary. It magnetically attaches to the side of your front-load machine to keep the door a little bit open, which helps air circulate and prevents mold from growing in the seal and other hard-to-reach areas. It has a flexible design so you can shape it to fit around the door perfectly.

“Shockingly chic for the price.” — Ali Drucker, Mic editor

The best part about these table lamps isn’t just the way they look but also that they’re battery operated so you can use them basically anywhere without dealing with tangles of wires. They have the most chic bubbly base with an exposed Edison-like bulb that gives off a cool industrial vibe. Better yet, they even have a built-in timer to turn on for six hours and off for 18 to preserve battery and only shine when you need it.

“I chronically spill drinks, so this couch cupholder was more of a need, not a want. But it looks so good on my couch, I might get a second one.” — Amy Biggart, Mic editor

This tray can turn any armrest into a side table, giving you ample space for your cups, mugs, remotes, glasses, phone, and more. It has flexible panels that secure around furniture arms and features two compartments that snugly hold onto your stuff — no coffee table necessary. It has a nonslip silicone surface that’s easy to clean as an added practical bonus.

“This window film looks so expensive and adds such a charming, vintage touch. It’s also great for creating some privacy on first-floor windows.” — Amanda Pellegrino, Mic writer

From the textured design to the vivid colors to the totally custom look, this window film is an absolutely stunning way to add privacy without blocking natural light to your space. Despite how expensive it looks, it installs with just water and static cling, making it easy to adjust and remove without leaving any sticky residue behind. It can be cut to the perfect size for your windows.

“This genius, wedge-shaped hamper fits perfectly into tight corners.” — Ali Drucker, Mic editor

This laundry basket is functional and actually adds to your decor. It has a bamboo exterior that looks so expensive and a unique shape that tucks neatly into the corner of your room or closet to save space. And the internal liner can be removed to easily transport all your dirty clothes from the hamper to the laundry room.

“If you're going to use your feet to pry open cabinets anyway, you may as well make it easier.” — Ali Drucker, Mic editor

This small and virtually invisible panel mounts to the bottom of your cabinet or drawer so you can open or close it with your foot for maximum convenience. It has a soft pad on the inner surface so it’s comfortable whether or not you’re wearing shoes. It mounts with adhesive or screws depending on how permanent you want it to be. It’s a clever way to maneuver around your home when your hands are full or you simply don’t feel like bending down.

“Such a clever way to divide a room.” — Ali Drucker, Mic editor

These hanging panels are a smart and easy way to divide a room, adding privacy and separation without blocking light. The set comes with a dozen abstract floral-shaped panels that attach together so you can completely customize the look and shape of the divider, depending on the look of your room. Their design is so eye-catching, creating a statement temporary wall without paying for any expensive construction.

“Make streaky glass a thing of the past.” — Ali Drucker, Mic editor

This squeegee has a flexible silicone blade that cleans off water droplets from your shower glass to get it looking squeaky clean without leaving any annoying streaks behind. It has an ergonomic handle that’s easy to maneuver and comes with a hanger, detachable silicone hook, and stainless steel suction cup to easily customize the storage to your specific bathroom.

“Sling one over the side of the tub and bingo, you've got a giant yet gentle night-light that looks cool and is easy on the eyes.” — Cassandra Seale, Mic editor

These lights install inside the bowl of your toilet (or yes, even tub) and have a motion-activated design that automatically turns on when it senses activity. This way, you can see what you’re doing when you get up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. It has 16 color options and five adjustable brightness levels so you can create a soothing bathroom environment or a total midnight bathroom rave, depending on the vibe.

“I use these to store extra sponges, plastic shopping bags, and cleaning rags. They keep everything neat and tidy, and they're narrow enough that I can still store things in my cabinets without them taking up too much room.” — Andrea Gale, Mic editor

Sometimes the best upgrades just involve solving a specific problem. That’s where these tall racks come in. They’re a total game changer when it comes to neatly storing plastic bags and condiments in the kitchen, cleaning supplies and toiletries in the bathroom, and so much more. They install with adhesive tape so they don’t damage your surfaces with holes or messes.

“A simple addition to save your sanity.” — Ali Drucker, Mic editor

These magnetic catches are such an easy-to-install upgrade to your cabinets and doors, keeping them securely closed to make your space look more put together. They have a single magnet with a force of 10 pounds and they’re designed thin and flat to sit flush against your cabinet or drawer. They mount with screws or adhesive tape and are such a great way to make sure your drawers and cabinets stay closed.

“I have these next to my laundry machine and under my sinks — I've had leaks before that really damage the cabinets in my kitchen, so these give me so much peace of mind.” — Amy Biggart, Mic editor

Place one of these water detectors underneath sinks and around appliances like washing machines and dishwashers to make sure you know a leak is happening before it turns into a pricey repair. They have a built-in alarm that will sound loudly when water is present. They’re battery operated so they don’t need to be plugged in and don’t have any wires to worry about to boot.

“This easy-to-apply strip helps keep pests, dust, and cold air out around my garage and basement doors.” — Martha Sorren, Mic editor

Draft stoppers not only upgrade the look of your doors so they actually touch the floor, but they also upgrade your electric bill. That’s because they keep your air conditioning from leaking out in the summer and contain your heat in the winter. This one installs with adhesive tape in minutes and has a three-layer design that keeps out drafts, bugs, dirt, pollution, sound, and more. Plus it’s also really easy to remove without leaving any sticky residue behind.

“These keep my baseball cap collection neat and in full view so I remember to wear all of them.” — Cassandra Seale, Mic editor

These over-the-door hat racks can hold up to 36 caps effortlessly. The hooks attach to the back of each hat to prevent it from distorting with improper storage. Each of the clips can be moved up or down to adjust to the perfect spot. The straps hang above any standard door, taking advantage of that space to add much-needed storage in your bedroom or entryway.

“I use this shelf to store my coffee supplies, and it fits perfectly under an awkward corner cabinet.” — Martha Sorren, Mic editor

This three-tier shelf is a brilliant upgrade because it’s so versatile. You can use it in your bathroom to store toiletries, in your kitchen for coffee supplies, or on your vanity for makeup. It can be oriented to sit flush against a wall or angled 90 degrees to fit into corners and take advantage of overlooked storage opportunities. It even has four hooks on the side for all those random things you want easy access to but don’t quite have the right spot for.

“This incense holder keeps spare sticks handy — and more importantly, keeps ash contained by inverting the sticks. The green glass is luxe, too.” — Lauren Beach, Mic editor

If you love burning incense to set the vibe but absolutely hate the mess that the ash creates all around, you need to check out this holder. It has two glass containers, one of which hangs the incense stick upside down, allowing the scent to rise and the ash to fall in a neat heap that’s easy to clean up. The second jar can be used to store excess sticks so you’re always ready for the next one.

“Not only does this snail add a ton of personality to my outdoor garden, but its solar light adds much-needed visibility without being too distracting to the neighbors. A win!” — Karen Belz, Mic editor

This snail figurine is the cutest addition to your garden, elevating the look of the space and making it feel more charming and whimsical, all while bringing in some practical outdoor lighting. The little lantern is solar powered and can work for up to 10 hours on a single charge. Better yet, it automatically turns on in the dark and turns off during the day so you only have the light when you need it.

“A small addition but a big impact.” — Ali Drucker, Mic editor

One way to upgrade your space that requires very little time, effort, or budget, is by adding this molding trim if you don’t have baseboards. Made of vinyl with an adhesive backing, it adds a nice finishing touch to the overall look of a room, while preventing scuffs and scratches from accumulating where the wall meets the floor. It even has an angled bottom so dust doesn’t pile up. It installs in minutes and can be cut to the perfect size for your space.

“I'm seriously surprised by how well these work — and how much space they've given me back in my closet.” — Anna Anderson, Mic editor

These hangers have a vertical design that can hold up to five pairs of pants in the space of one hook so you can take your closet back. The rungs have a nonslip coating to prevent your pants from slipping off, too. They’re especially brilliant because you can remove each individual pant, regardless of where they are in line, so you don’t have to remove and refold all of them to get to the pair you want.

“In trying to cat-proof my home, I bought these window planters — and they're incredible. They look great, and can hold a surprising amount of weight.” — Karen Belz, Mic editor

These clear, acrylic shelves use strong suction cups to mount to your windows, holding up to 17.6 pounds of your favorite plants and keeping them in the sunlight to help them grow. They have raised edges to keep your plants secure even if the shelves get bumped and have support brackets on the bottom for added structure.

“Nothing is worse than a poorly lit room. This is a budget-friendly solution that lets you set the exact ambiance you want using an app or remote.” — Lauren Beach, Mic editor

This hanging pendant light can absolutely transform the look of your space by making the lighting seem custom and not just whatever was there when you moved in. It plugs into the wall so it doesn’t require any electrical wiring and connects to an app for basically endless customization when it comes to colors and brightness levels. The modern, round design goes with nearly any aesthetic and it also has a remote to control it from anywhere in the room.

“If you're a brownie fan, you need this in your cart yesterday.” — Kate Miller, Mic editor

The corner pieces are the best brownie pieces, and I will be hearing no arguments. Apparently other people agree, because this 18-compartment brownie pan exists, turning every single piece into a much-desired corner serving. It’s made of high-carbon steel that provides even heat distribution to make sure every single piece is perfect. The metal divider cuts the pieces while baking so you don’t have to worry about ruining their shape by slicing them too soon after they’re out of the oven.

“I would buy this 100 more times.” — Ali Drucker, Mic editor

This caddy is such a nice addition to your kitchen countertop, giving you the perfect spot to store soaps and sponges that feels neat and tidy but still practical. What makes it an upgrade from an average caddy is that it has a wired design with a sloped bottom that drains any excess water directly into the sink — no pooling, no buildup, no problem. It also has a removable tall basket that can hold bulkier brushes and scrubbers.

“This makes grabbing a pinch of salt while you cook so fast and easy. Great for gifting, too.” — Kate Miller, Mic editor

It’s time to upgrade your salt cellar and this one is exactly where you should start. The angled design makes it way easier to grab a pinch mid-recipe, and it has an airtight bamboo lid that keeps moisture out so your salt stays fresh. It has a ceramic base with a gorgeous shiny glaze that might just make the salt cellar the statement of your countertop.

“Having a light scheduled to come on when I'm out of town brings a little peace of mind. It's also just nice to be able to flip the lights on from my phone, so my place is lit up when I walk inside.” — Anna Anderson, Mic editor

The best part about this smart light bulb is that you can control basically everything about it with your phone. It has 16 million color options, it’s fully dimmable, and the color temperatures are completely adjustable. You can set up schedules for lights to turn on and off even if you’re not home as a security precaution, too. Plus, it’s compatible with voice control via smart speakers.

“It works shockingly well.” — Ali Drucker, Mic editor

This pod was designed to make your fresh herbs last so much longer. Whether you grow them yourself or picked some up at the store, the pod had a basin at the bottom that submerges the stems in water to keep them properly hydrated so they stay fresh and crisp. It’s great for basically everything: basil, mint, cilantro, rosemary, chives, dill — you name it. It has a compact design that easily fits in your refrigerator door, too.

“I didn't want paper towels on my counter but I have no idea how to use a drill to install a holder — this was the perfect answer.” — Anna Anderson, Mic editor

This magnetic rack allows you to save valuable counter space by storing your paper towels on the front or side of your refrigerator. It’s compatible with regular, super, and mega rolls, with a slightly bent end that keeps it secure. It can be hung vertically or horizontally, whichever fits your space better. It can hold up to 6 pounds and makes grabbing a paper towel so much easier, all while freeing up your counter space for more meal prepping.

“This textile lamp is just so romantic and sweet.” — Ali Drucker, Mic editor

This isn’t just an adorable, decorative crochet flower. Each of the 10 blooms has a tiny LED light inside that lets off a warm white glow, illuminating your space in the most interesting way. The stems are flexible so you can mold them into the exact shape you want and battery operation means there are no wires to worry about. It’s 10 inches high and the best part is that when it’s not being used as a lamp, it just looks like a work of art.

“I'm obsessed with this! I got two to organize a closet that was lacking in shelf space, and it holds so much.” — Danielle Kraese, Mic editor

Upgrade your closet so it actually fits your specific needs with this hanging organizer. It hangs on the closet rod and adds three shelves and one basket — perfect for linens, jeans, workout clothes, sweaters, and so much more. The shelves are really sturdy and secure and the basket on top has raised edges that are great for hats or other unconventionally sized things. It has pouches on the side for even more storage.

“It's absolutely an upgrade when your decor stays where it should. This putty is reusable without leaving any residue behind, and incredibly clever.” — Karen Belz, Mic editor

This putty is designed to keep small decor items in place, even if you have kids, pets, or other things that sometimes ruin the vibe. That’s because it can be placed underneath all kinds of decor, artwork, lighting, and more, keeping things in place so your home looks polished. And if you want to switch things up and move things around, the putty comes off completely without leaving any sticky adhesive behind.

“I was running out of room in my cabinets but had a sliver of space between the fridge and wall — this fit right in and gave me all the additional storage I needed.” — Anna Anderson, Mic editor

Because of the narrow profile of this cart, it can slip into tricky spots to add more storage and keep your space feeling way more organized. It has four shelves that are great for toiletries in the bathroom, spices and oils in the kitchen, and more. The top compartment has three removable dividers and it comes with three hooks to easily hang other accessories.

“Perfect for keeping my odd array of knives, and unlike a lot of similar holders, I love that this has a spot for steak knives.” — Carolyn Menyes, Mic editor

Not only does this natural acacia wood block look expensive, but it’s also designed to hold basically any knife, regardless of size. That’s because both levels of the block contain flexible bristles that adjust to the shape of the blade to secure everything from a steak knife to a chef’s knife. The bristles can also be taken out to easily clean, unlike the inside of normal knife blocks.

“This shoe rack is great and, since it's expandable, I've been able to move it to a new closet. It really streamlines my shoe storage.” — Amy Biggart, Mic editor

If you’re dealing with a stack of shoes in the closet or around the entryway, you need to upgrade your shoe storage with this two-tier rack. The best part about it is that it’s expandable from about 18 to 32 inches so you can customize it to exactly how many shoes you have. When expanded completely, it can fit up to 12 pairs of adult shoes and at its smallest, it holds four pairs. It assembles and installs in seconds to transform the look of your shoe collection so you have easy access to your favorite pairs.

“It's incredible you get two of these solar lanterns at this price. They're over 5 feet tall and solar powered to majorly elevate your yard, garden, or patio.” — Lauren Beach, Mic editor

These lanterns have the perfect charming, vintage-inspired touch that instantly elevates the look of your outdoor space while also adding so much light when you need it. They’re solar powered and they can work for up to 10 hours on a single day’s charge. They use standard E26 bulbs and let off a warm-white hue that’s easy on the eyes when you’re lounging, hosting, or eating outside in the evenings.

“My linen closet has so much more space now that I stashed some bedding (and other items) under the bed.” — Anna Anderson, Mic editor

These storage containers are specifically designed to slide underneath your bed to take advantage of that often-overlooked storage area. They have a structured frame that maintains its shape even if it’s not completely full. Each one has a clear zippered top so you can see what’s inside at a glance. And there are labels on the end to take your organization one step further.

“Hang these by your front door for reusable totes and thank me later.” — Carolyn Menyes, Mic editor

Add more simple storage around your space with these reusable wall hooks. They can each hold up to 13 pounds and they can be used in the entryway for coats or in the bathroom for towels. You can even mount them on the ceiling to hold decorations or lightweight lighting. They’re waterproof and have a clear adhesive base that blends into the wall so you’ll basically forget they’re even there.

“Using these means I never have to look at a gross old dish sponge again, which is a great thing (they dry super quickly).” — Cassandra Seale, Mic editor

These scrubbing cloths are made of a cotton blend that’s tough on messes and gunk while staying gentle on your surfaces. They work on everything from nonstick pans to ceramic to glass to cooktops, and can be used wet, dry, or with cleaning solution. The best part? You can put them in the top rack of your dishwasher to clean them and reuse them over and over again.

“I bought this bias lighting for my TV and it genuinely changed my living room so much. It makes watching movies so much more fun.” — Amy Biggart, Mic editor

This LED strip light can be installed anywhere around the room, whether you want bias lighting behind the television, or vibe-setting lighting around your ceiling or furniture. It’s controlled with an app that allows you to create different color patterns with 16 million colors to choose from for the moody space of your dreams. It has 11 music modes that can sync with your songs for a totally immersive home concert experience, too.

“So you can actually find your charger at night.” — Ali Drucker, Mic editor

We love a weighted cable holder on your desk or nightstand to keep your chargers from falling behind your furniture. But why not take that one step further and try this cable holder that glows in the dark? You read that right. It holds up to six cords and has a hefty steel block inside with a silicone finish that’s soft, squishy, and won’t scratch your surfaces.

“I will never cut berries by hand again.” — Ali Drucker, Mic editor

This handheld slicer is a total game changer when it comes to meal prepping in the kitchen. It’s perfect for strawberries, cucumbers, grapes, hot dogs, chives — really any small fruits, veggies, or herbs. Just place the berry between the base and the stainless steel blades and press down to create perfectly sliced fruit in minutes. The handle is far away from the blade to help protect your hands and keep your fingers out of the danger zone.

“Like everyone else, I started making sourdough and it was so annoying that one slice couldn’t fully fit inside a normal toaster. I’d have to toast one side and then flip it over and do the other. Not anymore!” — Amanda Pellegrino, Mic writer

This toaster has one 10-inch long slot that can hold two normal slices of bread and, you guessed it, one full slice of sourdough lengthwise. It has six toast settings depending on how dark you like it and a crumb tray in the bottom that’s easy to remove to clean. What makes it a real upgrade is that it comes in gorgeous pastel colors with matching matte controls that make the whole appliance look so fancy on your countertop.

“Just trust me, these storage containers are game-changing and they genuinely feel really expensive. I'd expect them to be way more expensive given how nice they are.” — Amy Biggart, Mic editor

These stackable storage containers pull out like drawers so you can organize the area under your sink or deep inside your closet or pantry and still have easy access to everything in the back. They’re completely clear so you can see what’s inside at a glance. And they have convenient handles that make maneuvering them totally seamless.

“I have a tub that requires two shower curtains, and I wanted cool, modern-looking shower curtain rings that didn't max out my budget. The slightly elongated oval design makes these look so expensive — and they come in a pack of 24.” — Andrea Gale, Mic editor

Replace your flimsy plastic curtain rings that are constantly coming undone and swap them out with these metal ones that are sturdy, sleek, and ultra secure. These rings have extra-large openings that make hanging your curtain so much easier, and the snap design prevents the curtain from coming unhooked every time you touch it. They slide smoothly over your curtain rod and are rust and corrosion resistant.

“It's such a small thing, but since I got this, my shower bar soap feels like it lasts forever — and it's not sliding all over the ledge of my bathtub.” — Danielle Kraese, Mic editor

This soap holder actually does what it says it does: keeps your bar lasting longer and makes your countertop look cleaner and more organized. That’s because it has a rack-like design that allows proper airflow to dry the bar faster so it doesn’t get that gooey, messy quality. Because it’s silicone, it’s flexible and all you have to do is rinse it under water to clean it.

“Get the exact amount of detergent you need every time.” — Ali Drucker, Mic editor

This electric detergent pump is an absolute game changer in the laundry room, instantly upgrading how easy it is to get your clothes cleaner than ever. A rubber pump installs directly into the large detergent container and the top features a control panel with five different dispensing amounts depending on how large a load you’re doing. It even has an attachable pedestal to hold the cup that also collects any drips to keep your space clean.

“I use these by my door for beanies and headphones, in my office for extra cables, and in my cabinet for my spices. Truly universal.” — Carolyn Menyes, Mic editor

These plastic storage bins are a must-have upgrade because you can use them to organize basically any space in your home. Store snacks in the pantry, toiletries in the bathroom, cleaning supplies under the sink, pet accessories in the closet, seasonal outerwear in the entryway — you name it. With convenient handles, they’re easily portable and stackable to store between uses.

“Now I always have fresh cut fruit in my fridge, ready to eat. I love these colander storage containers.” — Amy Biggart, Mic editor

The reason our editors — and reviewers — love these food storage containers is because they’re designed specifically to help fruits and veggies last longer. That’s because each of the five containers has a built-in colander basket that sits inside. The colander slightly elevates the fruits and veggies, encouraging proper airflow and keeping your produce out of any pooling water that may accumulate on the bottom.

“I added these to my kitchen drawers a couple years ago, and I never looked back.” — Danielle Kraese, Mic editor

This drawer and shelf liner is nonadhesive (so it doesn’t stick and leave a gooey residue behind), has a grippy surface (so everything sitting on top of it stays in place), and features an open-grid design (so the airflow can prevent moisture from getting trapped there). It comes in a roll that you can use to cut the liner to the exact size you need for a totally custom fit.

“Consider these a functional piece of decor for your bookshelf that also looks so expensive.” — Mallory Moreno, Mic editor

Calling all book lovers and decor lovers: These bookends are absolutely stunning and heavy-duty enough to prevent your books from falling all over the place. They each have a slight weight to them — about 2.5 pounds — to bring some reliable stability to your bookshelf. Don’t worry, they also boast nonslip silicone pads on the bottom that prevent them from scratching your surfaces.

“I have one of these in my office and one in our guest bathroom. I love that I can turn it on, fill the space with scent, and then forget about it because there’s no actual flame.” — Amanda Pellegrino, Mic writer

If you love the vibe of candles but hate the worry of having to check on the live flame all the time, you need a candle warmer lamp in your life. Simply put your favorite candle onto the wooden base, adjust the glass shade to the best height, and turn it on. The bulb melts the wax to release the scent without burning the wick. It even has multiple timer settings so you can truly set it and forget it.

“Elegant illumination without taking up too much space or blinding you.” — Cassandra Seale, Mic editor

These sleek, tall table lamps have everything — they’re rechargeable and cordless so you don’t have to worry about tangles of wires, they have three color temperatures and an adjustable brightness, and their long-stem design makes them look so much more expensive than they really are. They can be used indoors and outdoors and can work for up to 40 hours on a single charge depending on the settings.

“It's a buzzkill when your candle wick is too clumpy and produces extra smoke. Enter this genius hack that makes wick trimming effortless.” — Kate Miller, Mic editor

These candle wick scissors helps prevent extra smoke by keeping your wicks trimmed to help extend the life of your favorite candles. The stainless steel design works on thick and thin wicks alike. Plus, the extra-long handle means you can reach deeper jar candles. They offer a super-precise cut in just one pinch, getting your wicks the perfect length every time.