Interior designers say these are the smartest home upgrades you can make under $35

“These linen boxes can be tucked into bookshelves, entry consoles, and closet drawers to help eliminate clutter. And by doing so, they help make an existing storage solution feel less like a storage solution,” says Seymen Usta, interior designer and founder and CEO of Modern Chandelier. They’re sturdy and roomy enough to accommodate everything from file folders to sheet sets and have faux leather handles for added style and convenience.

Marta Pawlik, co-founder and director of UK-based home rental company Laik, recommends installing window privacy film. “If [your window] looks out over the [trash] bins or the back wall of the next-door neighbor, ditch the bulky blinds and put $10 worth of frosted privacy film on the window to block the view while still allowing light to come through." This peel-and-stick option features a timeless lattice pattern and a frosted finish that lets light stream in while blocking 99% of UV rays.

Updating your existing cabinets and furniture can be as simple as installing new hardware, according to Gal Cohen, a business developer and interior design consultant at JDM Sliding Doors. Cohen says it’s “a good idea to buy some [...] handles that could give a new look to furniture." And this affordable 30-piece set of drawer pulls is a great option. It includes 30 modern pulls with a sleek brushed brass finish for an instant transformation.

If you’re looking for a better way to organize your closet shelves, Chris Johnson, owner and president of Johnson Closet Co., recommends grabbing these affordable shelf dividers that help keep items in neat stacks. They’re made from durable, clear acrylic and feature a secure, tool-free design. Use them to create dedicated zones for sweaters, pants, accessories, and more.

“Good lighting is honestly one of those things that changes how a home feels before you even notice why,” says Justin Brown, home interior and organizing specialist and founder of Timber Shelves. He recommends these rechargeable under-cabinet lights as a smart option because they have built-in motion sensors and require no wiring. Brown shares, “These lights are secured to cabinets or other surfaces using the included magnetic clips. That means that you won't need to call an electrician or go through a complicated installation process. Just stick 'em wherever you need them.”

“Over-the-door shoe organizers aren't just for shoes. You can put cleaning supplies, toiletries, or even kids' stuff in them too,” notes Joy Aumann, interior designer and licensed realtor at LuxurySoCalRealty. With a 50-pound weight capacity and deep pockets, this highly rated hanging organizer is perfect for transforming unused space into extra storage.

This six-piece set of floating shelves is surprisingly inexpensive considering their high-end appearance, which includes finished edges. Justin Brown, home interior and organizing specialist and founder of Timber Shelves, says, “In the case of wall-mounted shelving, finished edges are particularly important, these are the features which will make your wall shelves fit in nicely rather than looking like an afterthought.” Brown adds, “You can arrange them however the space calls for, and that flexibility is something I always tell people to look for [...]” Each shelf measures 15.7 inches in length for ample storage.

Barbara Metzel, founder of Professional Organizing Plus, says these bedsheet organizers are helpful for “keeping your linen closet looking tidy and organized.” They’re lined in durable fabric and have clear viewing windows along the sides that allow you to easily find the set you’re looking for. The budget-friendly pack includes four organizers.

Sheeja Nair, interior designer at Raashi Design, says, “Table lamps are a great option to add lighting to spaces like the entryway, nightstands, or your dining table.” And this set of two cordless lamps looks ultra-pricey despite the low price tag. They allow you to skip harsh overhead lighting and create a moody ambiance. With linen-like shades, convenient touch operation, and a rechargeable design, they’re an effortless home upgrade that makes a noticeable difference in almost any room.

“One of my favorite organizing tricks is using a decorative tray,” says Joy Aumann, interior designer and licensed realtor at LuxurySoCalRealty, who added that trays make surfaces look neater and more organized. So take a page from the pro’s playbook, and grab this chic faux stone option for stashing perfumes, jewelry, keys, and more. Although it’s made of durable resin, it has a realistic-looking travertine appearance, and the four elevated legs keep it off your counter for a practical touch.

These sleek wall plates have a brushed brass finish and a screwless design that Seymen Usta, interior designer and founder and CEO of Modern Chandelier, says can “set the tone for the whole house.” The pack includes 10 wall plates for a budget-friendly price, so there’s enough to complete every room.

Peter Pruszynski, owner of JP Precision Glass, recommends this OXO squeegee as a must for keeping glass shower enclosures sparkling. “One of the lowest price upgrades people overlook is cleaning there shower glass. [...] I have seen great tile and fixtures get overlooked due to a haze of minerals on there enclosure,” he notes. The flexible silicone blade provides a smooth glide and streak-free results. It even has a built-in hook for easy storage.

George Holeva, founder of SnapFind, specializes in helping clients create digital catalogs of their items, and he says purchasing a label maker is a great first step towards organizing your home. “Use the labels as a starting point, then get more into organizing on a digital level,” he suggests. This compact model quickly prints ultra-durable labels and features customizable fonts, symbols, and frames. It’s easy to use and small enough to move from room to room.

Gal Cohen, business developer and interior design consultant at JDM Sliding Doors, recommends these apothecary jars for storing bathroom items. “I believe that every interior needs objects that make it complete and correct the details, so that the house feels tidier,” Cohen shares. This affordable set includes two glass jars with lids for keeping items secure and free from dust. They also include waterproof labels for added convenience and style.

Joy Aumann, interior designer and licensed realtor at LuxurySoCalRealty, says this rotating lazy Susan is perfect for placing on a “kitchen counter to hold cooking oils, salt, and pepper." Although Aumann adds that the useful item can “work well in almost any room." Try using this solid acacia wood tray to store bathroom essentials or to display candles and decor.

“You don't need expensive artwork to make a wall look sophisticated. Matching black frames create a visual boundary around even inexpensive prints, making the entire collection read as intentional rather than miscellaneous,” says Kit Maplethorpe, founder of Bloom Studio. With elegant matting included, you can easily create an affordable wall gallery with these Maplethorpe-recommended 11-by-14 inch frames.

Joy Aumann, interior designer and licensed realtor at LuxurySoCalRealty, recommends using trays to keep countertops tidy, and these absorbent trays are particularly good for bathrooms. They’re constructed from a quick-drying stone and feature a sleek design that’s sure to add an upscale touch to your space. The pair is incredibly inexpensive and available in a convenient selection of sizes.

“Any home looks positively elegant with French tea towels, and if you have small tables they can double as a runner,” says interior and fashion designer Marcia Sherrill. This upscale set features classic European floral prints and includes three large towels constructed from 100% cotton.

Wendy Glaister, interior designer and owner of Wendy Glaister Interiors, installed these smart light bulbs in her own home, noting that “with just a click on my phone, all come on and create a soft visual warmth that lifts my spirits when I walk in at the end of a long day.” Simply screw them in like you would standard light bulbs, then use your home assistant or the free Hue app to effortlessly operate them.

Barbara Metzel, founder of Professional Organizing Plus, says these high-end adhesive shower shelves are a must. “They clear the shower floor of scattered bottles (which create clutter and slip hazards) while helping to create an aesthetic, spa-like atmosphere.” The chic matte black five-piece set is surprisingly inexpensive, and is made from stainless steel that’s rust-resistant — making it a durable choice that’s sure to look great for years.

Gal Cohen, business developer, interior design consultant, and field area manager at JDM Sliding Doors, shares that smaller mirrors can be a thoughtful (and budget-conscious) choice to “decorate an entry hall or a narrow space between windows.” This 20-inch mirror comes with a sturdy alloy frame in a chic matte black — although you can also grab it in three other finishes. Installation is easy with the pre-installed hook and included hardware.

Joy Aumann, interior designer and licensed realtor at LuxurySoCalRealty, says shelf risers are a simple way to create more cabinet storage and calls them especially helpful in smaller homes where every space needs to be maximized. Aumann shares, “The empty space above items in a cabinet can be used to create an extra level for cups, plates, food containers, or even cosmetics.” This six-piece set of clear acrylic risers looks posh, and they’re easy to wipe clean, too.

Marta Pawlik, co-founder and director at Laik, says even the nicest hallway runner risks ruining a space if its edges curl up. To prevent that from occurring, she recommends these budget-friendly rug grippers. “A rug gripper makes [the runner] stay flat and in place so it looks like it belongs to the floor.” shares Pawlik. This eight-pack of dual-sided adhesive grippers is reusable and can be used on a range of flooring types, including delicate hardwood.

“Velvet hangers are an affordable way to make a closet look more stylish while keeping it neat and organized,” says Joy Aumann, interior designer and licensed realtor at LuxurySoCalRealty, who added that they also take up less space than bulky plastic versions. This surprisingly affordable set includes 30 slim velvet hangers with notches that help prevent clothing from slipping off.

“A giant French apothecary jar can anchor your kitchen [and store] a hefty gallon apiece,” says interior and fashion designer Marcia Sherrill, who likes to use them to display and store cookies, apples, and unshucked corn. This thick glass jar features an airtight lid and a wide opening that makes it easy to reach your items.

“Baskets with lids are a simple way to keep everyday items out of sight. They are useful for storing remote controls, extra chargers, pet toys, spare toiletries, or cleaning supplies,” says Joy Aumann, interior designer and licensed realtor at LuxurySoCalRealty. This stunning storage box set is woven from natural seagrass and includes three convenient sizes.

“Refreshing the look of your space with some textured pillow covers is a quick and easy way to add depth to a space and give your couch or bed a quick makeover,” says Sheeja Nair, interior designer at Raashi Design. To leverage this low-cost design strategy, grab this set of linen-look pillow covers that includes four neutral hues.

Justin Brown, home interior and organizing specialist and founder of Timber Shelves, recommends faux plants to clients looking for a low-maintenance way to decorate their homes. “If you want to bring the beauty of the outdoors inside, you can definitely have this as a décor,” shares Brown, who adds that the set “gives your space a more elegant and relaxing feel.” This trio of realistic-looking faux succulents comes in modern ceramic pots that even feature decorative pebbles.

Gal Cohen, business developer, interior design consultant, and field area manager at JDM Sliding Doors, recommends swapping cabinet handles to achieve a quick “new look.” This 10-pack of chic matte black knobs is an inexpensive way to update cabinets and furniture. A shopper favorite on Amazon, the set comes with hardware for added convenience. They’re also available in nickel, brass, and bronze colorways.

"The secret to making inexpensive storage look custom is repetition and containment. Clear drawer organizers create visual order without introducing another color or pattern, so the drawer immediately feels cleaner and more considered,” says Kit Maplethorpe, founder of Bloom Studio. This inexpensive set includes 65 clear bins in a range of sizes perfect for organizing everything from makeup to desk supplies.

“Cheap plastic storage boxes tend to shout their contents at you,” says Seymen Usta, interior designer and founder and CEO of Modern Chandelier, who recommends instead using "a linen storage box set in a very subtle neutral.” For photo storage specifically, this highly rated box is hard to beat. It’s covered in elegant linen fabric and includes dividers that help you organize all your photos. You can use it to store other mementos and documents, too.

Marta Pawlik, co-founder and director at Laik, says of curtains, “If they're cheap, they hang in lumpy, uneven folds. A set of curtain clip rings keep them in neat, even folds, looking custom-made. No need to buy new curtains!” These curtain clip rings look incredibly expensive but are shockingly affordable — the 14 smooth-gliding rings come with strong metal clips and a warm, matte gold finish that looks elegant.

“I have found these little glass containers [...] make things look so organized and put together. It's a joy to open the door to the fridge and see everything in its place,” says Wendy Glaister, interior designer and owner of Wendy Glaister Interiors. The shockingly affordable set includes five heavy-duty glass food storage containers with leakproof lids.

Marta Pawlik, co-founder and director at Laik, says window privacy film is a smart alternative to bulky blinds. This modern option features a colorful mosaic pattern that’s versatile enough to match a variety of home styles, and as Pawlik shares, “[It] block[s] the view while still allowing light to come through." Plus, this cut-to-size film comes with all of the tools needed to help you have it up in no time.

Wendy Glaister, interior designer and owner of Wendy Glaister Interiors, calls this hand soap “a little touch of quiet luxury.” With a clear bottle and minimalist black pump, it’s sure to look great on your kitchen or bathroom countertops, too. Glaister describes the scent as having the “most beautiful, sophisticated scent.”

George Holeva, founder of SnapFind, says the “first step is to organize better,” and he recommends "a set of clear containers with lids that can be stacked.” These versatile storage bins are ideal for organizing garages, pantries, closets, and more. The affordable set includes six large stackable bins with lids and handles. Use them to stash snacks, small tools, accessories, and more.

Sheeja Nair, interior designer at Raashi Design, recommends table lamps for adding lighting to key areas around your home, like nightstands. This mid-century modern-inspired lamp features a milky glass shade for a soft glow, plus stylish ribbing. Built-in USB ports provide a perfect spot to charge your tech.

Sheeja Nair, interior designer at Raashi Design, is a big fan of using decorative trays, and this chic option doesn’t disappoint. Nair shares, “Decorative trays can be used to give an organized and neat look to spaces by grouping similar items together." Not only does the faux stone construction give this tray an incredibly high-end look and feel, but it’s also easy to wipe clean, making it perfect for coffee tables.

“Swapping a flimsy or generic rod for a simple, substantial-looking one can make inexpensive curtains feel much more intentional and tailored,” explains Kit Maplethorpe, founder of Bloom Studio. This minimalist curtain rod features a classic matte black finish and is constructed from heavy-duty stainless steel that can hold up to 30 pounds.

“Motion-sensor lights can be added to closets, cabinets, and pantries to make them more functional [...],” explains Sheeja Nair, interior designer at Raashi Design. These ceiling lights automatically flip on when you open doors, then shut off a few seconds after you close them, providing light when you need it and saving energy when you don’t. You get two lights in a pack, both with a 7.5-inch diameter.

This shower door water repellent helps keep glass spot-free, according to Peter Pruszynski, owner of JP Precision Glass. Just spray it on and watch water bead and slide right off, working to prevent water stains and soap buildup. With two large bottles in the pack, it’s an affordable maintenance product for your shower glass enclosure.

Seymen Usta, interior designer and founder and CEO of Modern Chandelier, recommends these under-cabinet lights, advising, “Tack one of these bad boys up inside your pantry, linen cabinet, closet, or even behind your bathroom vanity and suddenly those everyday spaces feel really thoughtfully designed.” Usta adds, “The effect is actually pretty high-end, as it eliminates the need for switches, cords, and electrical work [...]." This four-pack features adjustable color and brightness modes, plus convenient motion sensors.

Sheeja Nair, interior designer at Raashi Design, recommends adding textured pillowcases to give your bed a quick makeover — and this silky satin pair adds luxe texture that feels so pampering. They’re incredibly soft and smooth to the touch and available in a wide range of sizes and upscale colors, so you’re sure to find the perfect pair for your needs.

“Adhesive hooks can be added to a drop zone like the entryway to organize bags, towels, or other items,” explains Sheeja Nair, interior designer at Raashi Design. It doesn’t get easier to install than this peel-and-stick wall hook set with a minimalist design and impressive 50-pound weight capacity per hook. You get 10 hooks in a very affordable pack.

“If you want a room to feel more expensive without changing the furniture, change the lighting,” says Kit Maplethorpe, founder of Bloom Studio. And he says these rechargeable under-cabinet lights “add a warm secondary light source that makes kitchens, shelving, and even closets feel more intentional and custom-designed.” With a sleek gold finish and an easy magnetic mount design, there are no unsightly wires to deal with either.

According to George Holeva, founder of SnapFind, these drawer dividers are a must for sorting junk drawers. “Once you’re able to see what your working with, you’re one step closer to having an organized home.” These drawer dividers features adjustable sides that lock in place to create a secure fit, an ideal solution for keeping utensils, tools, and clothing neatly organized and easy to find. With 12 dividers in the adjustable pack, there’s enough to organize your entire kitchen or bedroom.

Gal Cohen, business developer, interior design consultant, and field area manager at JDM Sliding Doors, shares that while she prefers larger mirrors, if budget is a consideration, she notes, “There are many smaller beautiful mirrors” for adding a refined touch to entryways, between windows, and more. This highly rated, budget-conscious oval mirror features a sleek gold frame and a matching strap, plus a solid wood backing.

Wendy Glaister, interior designer and owner of Wendy Glaister Interiors, says, “"All the cooking and prepping and leftovers and extra groceries make for a lot of fun...and a lot of chaos in the refrigerator...which, for some reason drives me absolutely crazy.” Opt instead to use this affordable produce saver from OXO to help keep your fridge more organized. Plus, it doesn’t just make your shelves look tidier; the basket insert and lid vents also help food last longer, so you can save on your grocery bill too.

Interior and fashion designer Marcia Sherrill says this stunning tablecloth is an easy way to infuse French character into your home. It features a vintage botanical print and is made from a linen blend that has an expensive look and feel. It’s also machine washable, making cleanup after meals effortless.

“Decorative trays can be used to give an organized and neat look to spaces by grouping similar items together,” says Sheeja Nair, interior designer at Raashi Design. This wood tray features a distressed finish that gives a rustic chic look. Use it as an entryway table catchall, a coffee station organizer, or as a place to display decor.