60 impressive, clever home upgrades if you want to spend less than $30
You never knew it could be so easy — and cheap — to have a better dwelling.

The term "home upgrade" might conjure images of costly renovations and expensive appliances, but there are actually tons of clever ways to tackle some serious home improvement projects without spending a ton of money or breaking out the power tools. As people who are constantly looking for little ways to make my living space look and feel bougier, the Mic shopping team has put together a list of impactful things you can do for $30 or less — and without dedicating an entire weekend to the project.
01A Kid-Friendly Faucet Cover With A Universal Fit
Make your bathtub a little more comfortable with this silicone faucet cover, which slips over most standard faucets to provide a soft-touch finish. It comes in seven different colors, including fun pastels and chic neutrals, so you won't have to sacrifice your bathroom's aesthetic for a little extra safety.
02A Sleek Piece That Extends Your Counter Space Onto Your Stove
This black tempered glass cutting board is resistant to heat and scratches, providing a sturdy and attractive place to do your kitchen prep work. It also does double-duty as a stove cover, so you can extend the counter space in a smaller kitchen and turn your glass stovetop into extra prep space when you're not using the burners.
03A Mat That Keeps Your Coffee Station Clean
If you have an at-home coffee station, you know that keeping the area around it clean is basically a full-time job. This sizable silicone mat makes it a little bit easier. One large section is designed to hold coffee making equipment, and the other functions as a drying and storage area for mugs.
04Gallery-Worthy Frames With A Funky Wavy Design
Picture frames can be just as interesting as what's inside them, and this pair of fun wavy frames is proof. They're made from wood with sturdy plexiglass for displaying the contents, and come in bright orange, green, and a metallic gold-toned finish to add a pop of color to your walls.
05An Indoor Clothesline That Holds Up To 40 Pounds
If you hate dealing with a bulky drying rack, prepare to be obsessed with this indoor clothesline. It's wall mounted and retractable, so it takes up basically no space when not in use. The clothesline is rated to hold up to 40 pounds, so you can even use it for bulky sweaters, towels, and comforters.
06A Clever Way To Turn Your Ceiling Fan Into An Air Filter
These stick-on filters are compatible with most ceiling fans and help trap dust and other allergens as your fan circulates the air in your home. They're made with fragrance-free activated coconut carbon, and last up to three months before they need to be replaced.
07Magnetic LED Lights That Change Colors
Lighting is one of the biggest home upgrades you can make, and these rechargeable LED lights can stick to any metal surface. They have 15 RGB color options and a timer function, making them a great choice for bathrooms, closets, and pantry spaces. They're sold in a pack of two and can be recharged with a USB-C cable.
08An Outlet Extender That Rotates 360 Degrees
We may never understand why outlets are always in the hardest-to-reach places, but at least this rotating outlet extender offers some solace. The slim-designed plug comes with an attached 36-inch cord that least to a wall-mounted hub that provides four easy-to-access outlets plus two USB and two USB-C ports.
09Hidden Weights That Keep Your Shower Curtain In Place
Keep your shower curtain from bunching up with these clever magnetic weights. They're covered in soft silicone to help prevent damage to tile and ceramics and clip securely to the bottom of shower curtains (or other drapery like curtains or tablecloths) to keep the fabric from getting tangled. Each pack comes with four pairs of weights.
10A Bougie, Cloud-like Ceramic Candle Holder
This sculptural candlestick holder is made from polished ceramic with a nonslip base so you can create a glowing ambiance anywhere in your home. It’s compatible with most standard taper candles as well as smaller tea lights and votives. It comes in white, purple, and yellow colorways for an added touch of whimsy.
11Easy-To-Use Screw Covers In Neutral Colors
These plastic screw caps will help you give a more polished look to furniture and DIY woodworking projects. They're simple to install and have a hinged top so you can easily remove or replace them. The 180-pack comes in both black and white color options.
12A Sleek Electric Kettle Reviewers Love
This electric kettle can boil water in a matter of minutes minutes, which makes it a serious upgrade to your teatime routine. It has a sleek body that’ll suit any decor style and has a water level guide. With so many features, it’s no wonder that it has over 41,000 five-star ratings on Amazon.
13A Genius Tray That Keeps Shower Steamers Exactly Where You Want Them
Shower steamers are a great way to add a little bit of luxury to your daily shower routine, but it can be surprisingly tricky to keep them in the correct position to get the maximum benefits. This clever suction cup tray is designed to keep your shower steamers just outside the spray of your shower head and prevents them from falling down the drain before they're fully dissolved.
14A Filter That Turns Every Shower Into A Spa
You don't have to install a whole new shower head to reap the benefits of an aromatherapy filter. This one is compatible with most standard models, and helps reduce the effects of hard water on hair and skin. It's infused with nourishing vitamin C and comes in a bunch of different scents, like lavender and citrus.
15Pretty Ceramic Espresso Cups With Wooden Handles
Drinking out of a nice mug really does make a difference. These ceramic espresso cups come with cute knob-style wooden handles and are made from ridged ceramic with a color-gradient glaze that makes them look so much more expensive than they are. They're a great addition to any home coffee station and will make your morning routine feel a little fancier.
16A Wireless Smart Hub For Your Garage
If you've been dreaming of having a garage door you can control from anywhere but always thought it would have to be an expensive upgrade, prepare to have your mind blown. This smart hub costs less than $30 — and not only can you use it to open and close your garage door from anywhere — it can also help you protect your Amazon package deliveries when you're not at home.
17A Best-Selling Wall Bumper That Protects Your Car Doors
You can cut these flexible EVA strips to any shape or size then stick them to your garage wall to help protect your car from scuffs and scratches. They’re waterproof and scratch-resistant, come in black and white color options, and can be easily removed without leaving marks on the wall.
18A Space-Saving Shoe Organizer That Holds 16 Pairs
Prevent the chaos of an overflowing shoe rack with this clever shoe storage box, which can hold up to 16 pairs of shoes in a 17-by-17-inch space. It's made from a cotton blend with a clear top that has a zip closure so you can see what shoes are inside without having to open it up.
19A Coffee Filter Caddy That’s Remarkably Chic
You could keep your paper coffee filters in a box on your kitchen counter, but this glass caddy looks so much nicer — and it helps keep out dust and coffee grounds. It's compatible with V60, #2, and #4 sized paper filters, and comes in both gold-toned and black finishes.
20A Laundry Basket That Folds Flat
Laundry baskets are a must-have, but they can also be an eyesore when you're not using them. This one folds flat in seconds, so you can easily slip it in a closet or under the bed when you don't need it. It's large enough to handle bulky loads of laundry like towels and sheets and has ergonomic silicone handles that are comfortable to hold.
21Sliders That Make Appliances Easier to Move
It would be great if all smaller appliances were on wheels to make it easier to move them around, but these clever sliders are the next best thing. They have a self-adhesive backing and can help move things like coffee makers and stand mixers across a variety of countertop materials without scuffing or scratching.
22A Magnetic Knife Strip Made From Stylish Wood
If you're still using a knife block, it's time for an upgrade. This magnetic strip keeps your knives organized, secure, and always within reach. It's made from high-quality acacia wood with a gorgeous natural grain, and at 16 inches long, it can hold at least four or five full-sized knives.
23A Genius Key-Hiding Hack
Need to hide a spare key for your house-sitter, or for your future self when you accidentally get locked out? This clever fake rock is a great way to do it without worrying about forgetting the code or losing the separate key to a lock box.
24Magnets That Make Your Garage Look Expensive
These chic magnetic accents give the look of elevated metal finishes on your garage doors at a fraction of the cost (and effort!) of installing the real thing. The set comes with two handles and four hinges that don't require any drilling, so you won't risk damaging your doors when you set them up.
25A Fog-Free Shower Mirror That Won’t Damage Your Tile
This shaving mirror won't fog up in the shower — even if you like to turn the faucet all the way to the hot side. It mounts to the shower wall using a simple suction cup, so you can remove and reposition it without damaging your shower tile. It comes in both black and chrome finishes.
26Space-Saving Stemware Racks That Are Easy To Install
Keep your stemware smudge-free and securely organized with this pair of under-cabinet hanging racks. Each one is made from sturdy iron and can be installed in a bunch of different configurations so you can make it work in pretty much any space. Each rack holds up to three standard-sized wine glasses.
27A Cover That Prolongs The Life Of Your Air Conditioner
If you have central air conditioning, this handy cover helps keep the outdoor components protected from leaves, branches, and moisture. Just pop the mesh cover over the top of the unit and secure it with the included bungee cords which come with hooks that won't scratch your unit.
28Clear Door Handle Stoppers That Prevent Cracked Walls
These clever self-adhesive door stoppers are made from clear silicone, so they're practically invisible. They offer protection for your walls against accidentally slammed doors and heavy door handles and can also help reduce noise around the house if you have children or light sleepers.
29A Protective Washable Couch Cover That’s Actually Cute
Couch covers don't have to be ugly plastic eyesores that obscure the look and feel of your furniture. This cushion cover comes in a bunch of cute colors and is made from a soft, plush material with silicone elements on the bottom to keep it from sliding around. It's great for homes with kids or pets and is machine-washable for easy care.
30Motion-Activated Stair Lights
Stair lighting might seem like an unattainable upgrade, but this pack of three wireless LED lights is only $20. They're motion-activated, so they only turn on when you need them, and they have a self-adhesive backing that makes them easy to install. The lights run on AA batteries, so you don't need to have an outlet handy for them to work.
31Peel-&-Stick Tiles That Look Legit
Re-tiling your bathroom is both costly and time-consuming, unless you go with these peel-and-stick tiles. They're easy to wash, water-resistant, and don't require any special tools to apply. You can also trim them to any size or shape you want, so they're perfect for smaller areas and oddly-shaped rooms.
32An Aesthetic Grate Cover That Requires No Tools
This metal grate cover drops directly over your floor vents to add a touch of elegance while also preventing small objects and debris from falling into your ventilation system. It's made from durable alloy steel and comes in several classic finishes like rubbed bronze, gunmetal, and antique brass.
33Remote-Controlled Curtain Lights That Look So Charming
Whether you're hosting a special event or just want to make part of your home feel like a fairytale setting, these remote-controlled curtain lights are a great way to add ambiance to any space. Each one comes with 300 LED lights attached to thin, elegant copper wire, and the lighting modes can be controlled with an app on your phone.
34A Fun Ocean Wave Projector Light That Changes Colors
This small 5-inch cube delivers a big impact once it's switched on. The ocean wave projector has 16 different color modes with adjustable brightness that creates a relaxing, spa-like ocean wave effect, making it perfect for bedrooms, playrooms, or bathroom. It comes in a sturdy wooden base with a remote control.
35Floating Shelves That Come With Light-Up Greenery
Floating shelves instantly increase your storage space and act as decorative elements, and these triangle-shaped wire shelves come pre-loaded with faux ivy and light strips so you can create a cafe-like vibe. You can either use the self-adhesive hooks or drill them into the wall, so they'll work in literally any space.
36A Simple Hack For Taking Out the Trash
There are few things worse than going to take out the trash and discovering that your trash bag has slipped out of place and half your garbage is still in the bin. This clever trash bag cinch ensures you'll never encounter the problem again. It's compatible with most standard trash bins and comes with adhesive backing.
37A Cutout Doorbell Cover With Retro Charm
If your home or apartment has a dated-looking doorbell on the inside walls, this Moroccan-inspired wooden doorbell cover will make it look so much better without reducing the functionality. It's hand-carved and comes in multiple sizes so you can find the right fit for your home.
38Drapery Hooks That Look Like A Vintage Score
Tied-back drapery always looks so elegant, but you do need a proper drapery hook to pull it all together. This two-pack of vintage-inspired hooks have a stunning gold finish and an intricate design that gives old money aesthetic on a budget. They come with matching screws and are easy to install.
39A Nonslip, Pebble-Like Shower Mat You Can Toss In The Wash
You can use this nonslip PVC mat in the shower to create a less slippery surface or use it as a bath mat that won't slide around on your bathroom floor. It has a smooth pebble-inspired texture and features 200 suction cups on the backside so it stays securely in place. It comes in several colors and can be tossed in the washing machine.
40Golden Cabinet Handles That Install In Seconds With Adhesive
Installing new cabinet handles is a great way to upgrade your kitchen, but drilling into your existing cabinetry isn't always a great idea. These aluminum handles have self-adhesive backing, so they don't require any tools, and they have a pretty gold finish that adds a touch of elegance to your space.
41A Wireless Lamp You Can Use Outdoors
This cordless lamp is waterproof and fully rechargeable, making it especially great for outdoor use. It's touch-activated and dimmable, so you can create the exact mood you want. It's made from durable metal with a spray-painted finish, and it comes in a few minimalist finishes.
42A Handy Slim Toaster That’ll Fit Anywhere
Think you don't have space for a toaster? This two-slice slim toaster from Hamilton Beach will change your mind. It's just over 4.5 inches wide, so it really can fit anywhere. Despite its slim profile, this toaster has seven darkness settings and an easy-to-clean crumb tray.
43Magnetic Vents That Adjust Your Home’s Airflow
Heating and cooling vents don't always direct air the way we want them to, which is where these vent deflectors come in. They install with magnets, so you don't need any special tools to set them up, and they can almost instantly make your home so much more comfortable by redirecting hot or cool air.
44A Pack Of Leather Cleaner Wipes To Refresh Furniture
Keep your leather furnishings in pristine condition without making a fuss about it by using these simple leather cleaning wipes. They're made from non-toxic ingredients and are safe to use on all colors of leather as well as vinyl, making them a great all-around home cleaning product.
45A Chic Solution For Plastic Wrap
Plastic wrap boxes always seem to fall apart before the roll is done, but this reusable plastic wrap dispenser will stay in perfect condition no matter how many times you use it. It's made from durable plastic with a zip-style cutter, and comes with a 250-foot roll of food-safe plastic wrap.
46Dopamine Decor For Your Toilet’s Eyesore
Dopamine decor is especially effective when you put it in the most unexpected places, like the bolts on the bottom of your toilet bowl. These ceramic covers come in fun shapes like cute mushrooms, ducks, and cats. They're simple to set up, and they spark joy (while covering up ugly eyesores) where you'd least expect it.
47An Easy-To-Install Tiered Organizer To Make Your Desk Feel Bigger
If your desktop is starting to feel a bit cluttered but you don't have the space to upgrade to a larger one, this tiered desk organizer is a great solution. It clamps onto the edge of your desk and has two sturdy, adjustable shelves that add so much additional storage space without requiring more square footage.
48A Whimsical Toilet Tissue Holder
Give your bathroom a cute cottagecore accent with this whimsical toilet tissue holder. It has a metal branch with leaves and a ceramic bird on the end and comes in black, bronze, and turquoise finishes. It's wall-mounted, so it won't take up extra floor space and comes with all the hardware you need to install it.
49Door Hinge Accents That Are Unexpected & Cute
Sometimes the best home upgrades are the ones that surprise you, like these sweet magnetic door hinge toppers. Each small bird is made from durable brass with a vintage-inspired finish. They're designed to be perched on top of metal door hinges, but since they have magnetic bases you can get a little creative with placement.
50A Wall-Mounted Toothbrush Sanitizer & Dryer
This wall-mounted toothbrush holder also sanitizes the brush heads to keep your dental hygiene routine on point. It seals with the wave of a hand and runs a cleaning cycle every two to four hours, so you can be sure your toothbrush is ultra-clean the next time you reach for it.
51A Clever Way to Store Plastic Bags
Keeping a stash of extra plastic bags on hand can actually be useful, but not if they're wadded up in a tangled mess in the cabinet underneath your kitchen sink. This wall-mounted plastic bag holder works as a dispenser so you can grab one at a time and keep your space clutter-free.
52Self-Adhesive Shower Shelving With A Near-Perfect Rating
If your shower doesn't have built-in shelving, adding some is a great way to increase your storage space and keep your bath products organized. These durable stainless steel shelves come in multiple metallic finishes and install using traceless adhesive strips that don't require drilling and won't damage your bathroom tile.
53UV-Blocking Stained Glass Window Film
Always wanted your own stained glass window? This stained glass-inspired window film lets you live out your dreams while also helping to block out potentially harmful UV rays. It's easy to install and remove, can be repositioned multiple times, and comes in tons of gorgeous designs.
54A Tower Power Strip With 16 Plugs
Power strips have come a long way in the past few years, so if you're still using the old horizontal bar style, consider upgrading to this tower. It has 12 AC outlets and four USB ports, plus a 6-foot extension cord, making it a game-changer for desks, entertainment centers, and beyond.
55Flameless Taper Candles With A Stunning Spiral Design
Taper candles are great for setting the mood during a dinner party, but the risk of having an open flame isn't always worth it. This set of pretty tapers are sold in a pack of six and have a warm light with a realistic flickering effect — and you can use them with your favorite candlesticks or candelabras.
56Crystal Sun Catchers With Celestial Accents
These crystal sun catchers will turn any window into a work of art. They come in a variety of pretty pendant-style designs with attached hanging hooks, and can be used indoors or outdoors. They're made from genuine crystal and cast stunning rainbows around your home on sunny days.
57A Smart Outlet That Doesn’t Require Wi-Fi
Turn anything power with an outlet into a smart appliance with this wireless switch. It doesn't require any special hardware or a Wi-Fi connection, so you can use it in any home — even a rental. The remote control works from up to 100 feet away, so you can switch on lights, fans, and appliances from anywhere in the house.
58Cafe-Worthy Cereal Dispensers That Are So Affordable
These countertop dispensers are designed for keeping cereal fresh and making it easy to pour yourself a bowl with the push of a lever, but you can also use them for pet food or other dry goods. Your food will stay fresh for 45 days. They're sold in a pack of two and have a 17.5-ounce capacity.
59A Space-Adding Stovetop Shelf That Stays In Place
Add a little extra storage space to even the smallest kitchen with this magnetic shelf that sits directly on top of the back of your stove. It's perfect for storing spices or other cooking essentials and is made from heat-resistant silicone that's easy to toss in the dishwasher.
60A Solution For Tangled TV Cables
One of the simplest ways to making your living room look more put together is by getting a handle on your tangled TV cords. This four-piece cable management set does require a bit of drilling, but it's still relatively easy to assemble and will make your space feel a lot less cluttered.