People who stage homes swear by these cheap, genius tricks that'll make your home way better

Clint Collins, the home stager and owner of Houston Furniture Rental & Sales, swears by this specific under-cabinet lighting “to help make a kitchen look more open and inviting.” The two lights can be set to a few different modes and brightness levels to create a custom ambiance.

Jacob Naig, a real estate investor at We Buy Houses Des Moines, offers a low-priced yet genius trick to update an otherwise worn or out-of-style couch or bed. Grab fresh furniture legs like these (which are finished off with golden caps) that “can lift (literally and visually) the whole room. It’s a small change that will instantly make your home feel modern.” They come in four finishes in the listing, as well as various heights.

Jacob Naig, a real estate investor, licensed agent, and contractor at We Buy Houses Des Moines, shares a secret to make the lighting in your home more exciting. Replace “bright overhead lighting” and layer in other lights instead, like this wall sconce. It boasts a built-in battery (that can be recharged), plus it can be set to three color temperatures or 15 rainbow hues — use the included remote to make these changes from across the room.

And sticking with real estate investor Jacob Naig’s concept of layering lighting in a home, a pendant light like this is a simple way to bring visual interest to your kitchen or dining space. It plugs into an outlet for power, so you don’t have to figure out tricky wiring (the cord is 15 feet long). It also comes in silver and black in the listing.

“A decorative tray [...] on the coffee table, bathroom counter or dresser can take a wealth of small clutter and make it look ‘styled,’” noted Jacob Naig, a real estate investor at We Buy Houses Des Moines. And this particular wooden tray has interchangeable handles to match the finishes in the room you choose to place it in.

Decorative molding doesn’t have to be left for the pros: Jacob Naig, a real estate investor at We Buy Houses Des Moines, shares that peel-and-stick wall molding like this can cheaply and easily “transform the look of any room,” making it far less “builder basic.” The three precut sets have a white finish but are paintable.

“Toss a small neutral carpet over an old carpet or tile to create dimension and cover wear,” advises Jacob Naig, a real estate investor at We Buy Houses Des Moines. And this particular rectangular rug would work for this concept — it features muted colors and has a thin design to not be a tripping hazard. Other colors and sizes can be found in the listing.

Jack O'Neill of O'Neill Home Buyers refers to swapping out old kitchen cabinet knobs as a “personal favorite affordable” upgrade that can “be completed in minutes.” These particular knobs combine black and gold finishes for a modern, two-tone look. Two screws sizes are included for installation. They come in five color combinations in the listing, too.

Jacob Naig, a real estate investor at We Buy Houses Des Moines, shares that hanging plug-in sconces like these above your nightstands (and clearing out any nearby clutter) can “add a feeling of luxe” to your bedroom. They come as a pair and are simple to install with a flexible head that can shine up or down. An all-gold version can be found in the listing.

An unexpected way to use peel-and-stick wallpaper like this? Jacob Naig, a real estate investor at We Buy Houses Des Moines, says you can apply it to just the back panel of bookshelves or built-ins. “It brings depth and designer flash — without an actual designer,” he adds.

Damage to wooden furniture, cabinets, floors, and trim can be fixed with a repair kit like this, which Jacob Naig, a real estate investor at We Buy Houses Des Moines, shares he keeps on hand for emergency repairs. Included are six markers and six wax sticks in a range of shades to match the surrounding surface, plus a sharpener and buffing cloth.

Joy Aumann, a licensed realtor, interior designer, and founder of Luxury SoCal Realty, recommends turning to these velvet covers to give sofas a new lease on life. They deliver “a clean and cohesive look to living spaces while protecting furniture.” Four pieces are included to cover the base and three cushions. There are lots of colors and sizes in the listing to match your space.

You don’t need to start getting bids to install a backsplash. Christina Giaquinto, a professional organizer and brand ambassador at Modular Closets, recommends this peel-and-stick backsplash to “add texture and personality to your kitchen” with “minimal effort and maximum visual impact.”

Suzette Conrad, the marketing director at BOLT Builders, indicates that a large woven basket like this one is ideal for stashing “blankets, hats, or scarves.” This pick is made from 100% cotton rope with dual handles for carrying. It comes in lots of eye-catching styles in the listing.

Christine Sommer, a real estate investor and cofounder of Liberties Homes, stresses the importance of letting in as much natural light as possible. Grab these magnetic tiebacks to pull open your curtains to achieve this. They cost just $5 for the pair, and each one is more than 18 inches long to work with drapes of any thickness or material.

Ron Myers of Ron Buys Florida Homes shares that decorative trim like this can be used on walls to create “an instant architectural upgrade, making a space look custom-built.” It sticks in place with an adhesive backing, and you only need scissors to trim it to length. The 1.4-inch-wide roll is more than 16 feet long.

This contact paper “gives countertops, cabinets, and bathroom surfaces the sleek, modern look of marble,” explains Eric Bramlett, the realtor and owner of Bramlett Real Estate. And for less than $10. It has a peel-and-stick backing for straightforward installation, and the 15.7-inch-wide roll is nearly 10 feet long to cover plenty of space.

Christine Sommer, a real estate investor and cofounder of Liberties Homes, shares that solar lights like these “instantly upgrade a backyard” and “make the space feel more finished.” They’re straightforward to install on your deck or fence, and they glow a warm white hue once nighttime falls. The set comes with 16 lights for plenty of coverage.

This strip light is over 16 feet long to enhance your home’s ambiance and overall visibility. Christina Giaquinto, a professional organizer and brand ambassador at Modular Closets, suggests it, particularly for “behind your TV, under shelves, and along baseboards.”

Andrea Thompson, an interior decorator at Drea Design Services, calls large-scale books a “stalwart of high-end homes.” But decorative books like these cost under $30, so “the masses can copy the same look” for less. And as a bonus: The pair books have hidden storage inside.

Suzette Conrad, the marketing director at BOLT Builders, shares that wooden trinkets and accents bring “warmth into the room and brings nature inside.” And this wooden tissue box cover — which fits over square boxes — is a simple, budget-friendly way to embrace this sentiment.

Andrea Thompson, an interior decorator at Drea Design Services, shares the trick of incorporating plants and flowers into a space. “Small plants distributed through the home always add a fresh and crisp vibe to any room,” she shares. And it doesn’t matter if they’re artificial — she pointed to this faux flower arrangement as a favorite that’s “bursting with color.”

Andrea Thompson, an interior decorator at Drea Design Services, refers to this turntable as a “visually interesting way to display your diffusers, candles, faux plants, small mementos and other items.” It rotates smoothly for all-around access, and the metal rim prevents things from falling off. Choose from five finishes and eight diameters in the listing.

Eric Bramlett, the realtor and owner of Bramlett Real Estate, shares that these flameless taper candles enhance the atmosphere of a room. “These look incredibly realistic with their flickering light and come with a remote, which makes them convenient to use anywhere in the house,” he adds. Two come in the set.

“Drafty doors or windows can make a home feel uncomfortable and inefficient,” explains Eric Bramlett, the realtor and owner of Bramlett Real Estate. But he pointed to these stick-on door draft stoppers as a quick fix. “These are easy to install and work wonders for blocking cold air, noise, or even light from creeping in under doors,” he notes.

Suzette Conrad, a marketing director at BOLT Builders, shares the value of hanging a picture light like this one above art, photos, or other similar decor. It “can add a beautiful look and allows you to show off your art,” she adds. It’s powered by battery, so you don’t have to be tethered to an outlet to use it.

An easy and cheap way to boost curb appeal, per Christine Sommer, a real estate investor and cofounder of Liberties Homes? Swapping outdated lighting with a modern sconce like this to “instantly make a front porch or garage look more updated,” she says. It’s solar powered and can be set to four lighting modes.

Founder and CEO of New Horizon Home Buyers Erik Wright notes that a garage door hardware set like this provides “maximum curb appeal impact for minimal effort and expense.” Included are two “handles” and four “hinges” that magnetize in place on a steel door. A weather-resistant design means they’ll last season after season.

Installing solar-powered lights like these “along pathways or in gardens [adds] an elegant touch and [improves] curb appeal without any wiring required,” shares Jonathan Faccone, the managing member and founder of Halo Homebuyers. When on, the lights cast a pattern onto the surrounding ground, further contributing to the style factor. Ten come in a pack.

“Clearing off counters and boxing up personal stuff instantly makes a room feel bigger and brighter,” notes Ken Corsini, an HGTV personality and cofounder of RED BaRN Homebuyers. To accomplish this in a smart, budget-friendly way, he shares that he relies on bins and baskets, like this pair of clear organizers. They have an easy-to-access open front, plus a stackable design to take up vertical space.

“A big mirror can give even a tiny room in your home purpose,” expresses Jacob Naig, a real estate investor at We Buy Houses In Des Moines. And this aluminum mirror is not only large, but it’s also quite nice-looking with its arched shape and golden finish that shines. This mirror measures 36 by 24 inches, but other sizes and finishes can be found in the listing.

“If there is a dingy sofa or chair, brighten it up with a throw pillow,” explains Barbara Brock, the professional organizer at Barbara Brock Inc. These velvet throw covers fit over an existing pillow or insert, and Brock confirms that “color draws the eye,” so pick from any of the vivid hues in the listing to incorporate her advice.

Andrea Thompson, an interior decorator at Drea Design Services, calls these ceramic vases “durable, modern, [and] timeless,” adding that they make a stylish addition to any surface, including “coffee tables, kitchen and bathroom counters, even side or night tables.” For less than $35 for the trio, they’re also a good deal.

No true entryway in your home? Jacob Naig, a real estate investor at We Buy Houses Des Moines, says no problem. Hang a grouping of adhesive hooks like these “in a vertical row near the door with a small rug that sits at the base and voilà, you’ve made an entry moment.” They come off damage-free if desired.

Use this wicker basket as a way to incorporate more storage into your home. Suzette Conrad, the marketing director at BOLT Builders, confirms the style looks “great on your shelves in the pantry or mudrooms,” but you could utilize it anywhere you need.

“Make sure the home smells of luxury by infusing it with the scent of a hotel, because — almost — everyone loves a hotel, right?” remarks Andrea Thompson, an interior decorator at Drea Design Services. And she points to this diffuser set for this because it has “aromas from cashmere vanilla to eucalyptus & lavender.”

Elevate your book collection with these resin bookends. “With curved lines and artistic poses, these resin pairs are perfect for display and function,” notes Andrea Thompson, an interior decorator at Drea Design Services. Choose from four finishes in the listing.

Jerry O'Reilly, a real estate investor at Cash Home Buyers Crew, indicates that he turns to this heavy-duty VELCRO tape for outdoor projects. It can hold up to 10 pounds’ worth — like decorative lighting, planters, and more — and it’s water resistant to last. The pack comes with 16 feet of tape.

Jacob Naig, a real estate investor at We Buy Houses Des Moines, recommends incorporating cedar sticks like these into bathrooms and entryways. “They smell fresh, they look great [...], and you don’t have to plug anything in,” he adds. Three come in the set.

Christina Giaquinto, a professional organizer and brand ambassador at Modular Closets, refers to these cable management boxes as musts “for maintaining a clean, organized, and safe home.” Use them to stash power strips, charging cords, and other cables, keeping them out of sight. They come as a pair; one is 12.6 inches long, and the other is 16.1 inches long.

Christina Giaquinto, a professional organizer and brand ambassador at Modular Closets, swears that this particular over-sink drying rack streamlines the dishwashing process and declutters your kitchen. “It has a practical, efficient design and can also be easily stored,” she adds, noting you could also use it for rinsing produce, cooling baked goods, and more.

Christine Sommer, a real estate investor and cofounder of Liberties Homes, calls garage clutter “a huge turnoff.” Use these six storage straps as a clever solution. They are heavy-duty — with a polypropylene design and hook-and-loop closure to support up to 50 pounds — so you can wrap up hoses, cord, and other tools. Hang them using the grommet on top.

Christine Sommer, a real estate investor and cofounder of Liberties Homes, indicates that even a “simple under-sink shelf makes a huge difference in kitchens and bathrooms.” And this two-tier organizer goes a step further with its dual pull-out drawers and movable dividers to create custom storage compartments.

“Let me say this again—throws are THE most budget-friendly way to ‘soften’ a room,” notes Jacob Naig, a real estate investor at We Buy Houses Des Moines. This fuzzy fleece option fits within his recommended color palette, and he suggests draping it intentionally over a couch or chair “for that lived in but [luxe] look.”

Hang a tool organizer to wrangle mops, rakes, brooms, and other similar tools. “We use them in closets, laundry rooms, garages and basements,” explains Christine Sommer, a real estate investor and cofounder of Liberties Homes. “It makes the space feel more organized and even a little bigger.”

Swap out dingy outlet covers with fresh, crisp white ones like these that cost $5 each. “Less than a cost of a coffee run, and it visually upgrades every wall,” says Jacob Naig, a real estate investor at We Buy Houses Des Moines.

Don’t forget about swapping out switch plates: These particular toggle plates boast a modern black finish, keeping with real estate investor Jacob Naig’s recommendation. The four plates are made from thick, sturdy metal with coordinating screws.

Maximize storage even in tight spots — like between your washer and dryer or next to the toilet — with a narrow cart like this, which comes recommended by Christine Sommer, a real estate investor and cofounder of Liberties Homes. “It adds storage without making the room feel cramped,” she explains. It’s on wheels for easy access.

To quickly update a kitchen or bathroom, Jonathan Faccone, the managing member and founder of Halo Homebuyers, mentions turning to backsplash subway tile like this, indicating it’s “incredibly easy to apply,” thanks to its peel-and-stick backing. Hang it straight across, in a herringbone pattern, or any other way you want. This pack comes with a whopping 102 pieces that each measure 6 by 3 inches.

Replace regular outlet plate covers with these ones that feature an LED light. Daniel Zisman of Platinum Z Home Buyers shares the idea, indicating they offer a “cleaner and more flush look than having to physically plug in [an] accent light/night light.” The built-in sensor turns the light on and off automatically.

This tube of latex caulk costs only $4, yet it goes a long way. “Fresh caulk around tubs, sinks, and backsplashes makes everything look new,” shares Christine Sommer, a real estate investor and cofounder of Liberties Homes. It’s simple to apply, drys quickly, and it’s paintable, too.

“Switching out old light bulbs for bright white ones makes a huge difference,” shares Christine Sommer, a real estate investor and cofounder of Liberties Homes. These six LED light bulbs glow at a color temperature of 5000 Kelvin (which is daylight white), and each one can last 10,000 hours, making them cost-efficient.

Christine Sommer, a real estate investor and cofounder of Liberties Homes, recommends eliminating plastic items throughout your home and replacing them with metal or fabric alternatives to make “a space feel more put together.” This trash can is a good place to start with this trick. It has a satin nickel finish, foot pedal control, and compact design.

Continuing with real estate investor and cofounder of Liberties Homes Christine Sommer’s suggestion to eliminate plastic items around your home, these cube storage bins feature a fabric design. They have a sturdy structure to hold up to 11 pounds each and dual handles for carrying. Six bins come in the set.

Marketing director at BOLT Builders Suzette Conrad stages all of the company’s photos, so it’s safe to say she has some tricks up her sleeve. One that you can incorporate into your home? Using all-white dinnerware pieces like these. “It brings a crisp and clear look that can contrast well with a colorful wall. And it will look very designer,” she notes. The 16-piece set includes service for four.

Suffer from that “old house” smell? Christine Sommer, a real estate investor and cofounder of Liberties Homes, points to an air purifier like this to help get rid of it. It features a three-layer filter to refresh the air every hour (in rooms up to 287 square feet), and it runs whisper-quiet.

Ken Corsini, an HGTV personality and cofounder of RED BaRN Homebuyers, shares that his number one trick is touching up “dinged-up baseboards or door frames” with fresh paint because “it goes a long way in making a place feel fresh.” For less than $30, you can grab this quart of satin white paint that goes on smooth, dries quickly, and won’t fade.

When staging a home, Barbara Brock, the professional organizer at Barbara Brock Inc., indicates that lighting is “of the utmost importance.” But that concept applies in daily life, too. She suggests this floor lamp as a solution “for dark corners (or other areas) because [it] light[s] up the ceiling which spills over into a lighted area.” The lamp stands 72 inches tall with adjustable color temperatures and brightness levels.