65 Stunning Home Upgrades That Are Actually So Cheap & Easy

Shopping
By Maura Ende
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Giving your home an all-over upgrade doesn't have to look like doing an expensive full-scale renovation. In fact, there are a ton of cheap, easy ways to improve your home. This list is full of affordable hacks to make your bathroom look way nicer, upgrade your lighting, and keep your home clutter-free. In addition to being inexpensive, all of these DIY upgrades feature easy setup and installation. From custom tile backsplashes to motion-activated under-cabinet lighting, you'll find tons of things that will make your home look bougie AF, even if you're on a strict budget.

An Instant Stained Glass Window

This stained glass window cling film comes with multiple layers of protection to keep your windows from getting scratched while filtering harsh UV rays and making it harder to see through your windows from the outside without fully blocking out the natural sunlight. It comes in a variety of pre-cut sizes and tons of patterns.

Flexible Light-Up Vines

Create stunning lightscapes anywhere in your home with these flexible LED vines. Use them as a fun alternative to a traditional headboard behind your bed, or create cool shapes on your bathroom walls for some serious mood lighting. They can be controlled via the included remote, and have multiple brightness options and timer modes.

Solar-Powered Walkway Lights

This ten-pack of solar-powered lights is perfect for illuminating your driveway, the walkway to your front door, or a garden path in your backyard. Each one comes with a pre-installed stake that makes them easy to stick in the ground, and they'll charge up fully with just eight hours of sunlight.

An Abstract Doorbell Chime Cover

If your doorbell chime is ruining the vibe of your entryway or living room, get this pretty wooden chime cover. It's designed with a universal fit that can cover up most doorbell chimes, and comes with all the hardware you need to install it. You can also paint it to match your walls.

A Dimmable, Waterproof Lamp For Your Bathroom

If you've ever wished your shower had better lighting, consider this your sign to spring for a simple upgrade. This touch-activated lamp is fully waterproof, so you can put it it on shower shelf or on the side of your bathtub. It comes in three color options and has multiple brightness and color modes.

Faux-Flowers That Look So Real

Having planters filled with flowers outside of your home looks great, but it can also be high-maintenance. These planters have realistic-looking artificial blooms that will look colorful and healthy even if you go on an extended vacation, which will make your home look so much more inviting when you get back.

Gauzy Curtains That Filter Sunlight

Getting a set of gauzy white curtains is one of the quickest ways to make your home look super chic, and at under $20 per set, you can re-do all of your window dressings with these. Each set comes with two panels, and they're available in tons of neutrals as well as a few bright sheer colors.

Elegant Peel-And-Stick Wallpaper

If you want to play around with wallpaper but don't want to commit to an all-day project involving complicated installation, this peel-and-stick wallpaper is a great alternative. It comes in a roll so you can cut it to size for use on everything from accent walls to resurfacing old furniture.

Deck Lighting That’s Easy To Install

These solar-powered deck lights can be mounted to your stairs or railing using either strong adhesive tape or screws, so you can choose the option that best suits your space. They're fully waterproof, solar-powered, and turn on automatically, so you can pretty much set them up and forget about them.

Privacy Film That Looks Like Expensive Glass

This privacy film will make plain windows look fancy and expensive thanks to the elegant diamond glass lattice pattern. They attach to your windows using static cling, so you can set them up in seconds and remove them without dealing with any sticky residue.

Flameless Candles That Help Set The Mood

Having a room filled with flickering candles is a whole vibe, but actually dealing with those candles can be a headache. This set comes with seven flameless candles in pretty jars that reflect and soften the light, so you can create a mood without accidentally starting a fire.

A Vibey Rainbow Shower Light

This shower light sticks to the ceiling or wall using a strong magnetic base, so you don't have to deal with drilling, screws, or self-adhesive backing. The single panel provides brights, adjustable light in multiple color modes so you can turn your shower or bath into an atmospheric experience.

Motion-Activated Stair Lights

Never trip on your stairs in the dark again once you install these motion-activated stair lights. They're sold in a pack of eight, and can be easily attached directly to individual stairs or to the wall beside your staircase using the included strong self-adhesive backing. You can also use them around your house as mini night lights.

A Glimmering Light-Up Curtain

Make a statement with this curtain of fairy lights, which comes with a whopping 300 individual LED lights. They come in a wide variety of color options like warm white, pink, and multicolor, and come with a remote control that you can use to control the brightness, flash setting, or put the lights on a timer.

A Sleek Night Light

These night lights have a sleek wooden base that mounts directly to the wall using either screws or self-adhesive backing, and they're motion-activated, which makes them seem way bougier. They come in walnut and ash wood styles, and also have RGB modes so you can create a whole vibe.

Hanging Plants You Never Need To Water

If you dream of having plants hanging in all of your windows, but your home actually gets extremely sub-par natural light, there's nothing wrong with getting some good falsies. These hanging planters come in a pack of four and look so realistic, your house-sitter might try to water them next time you're on vacation.

Anti-Fatigue Mats That Look Like Antique Rugs

These anti-fatigue mats are anything but ugly. In fact, they look like vintage carpets, but you don't have to worry about spilling stuff on them since you can toss them in the washing machine. They're made from supportive memory foam that makes it way more comfortable to wash dishes or work at your standing desk.

Layered Curtains That Give Multiple Options

Sometimes you want thick curtains that can block out natural light, but other times you might want a lighter, sheer option. Instead of deciding which is more important to you, get the best of both worlds with these double-layered window dressings. You can tie one layer back and leave the other long to get a variety of lighting options.

A Roll Of Faux Marble

Give new life to a cheap old dresser by giving it a faux-marble top, or redo your kitchen counters on a shoestring budget. This roll of contact paper has a luxe, shiny finish that makes it look a lot like real marble at a fraction of the cost.

A Eucalyptus Bundle That Makes Your Shower Smell Amazing

Your shower will instantly become more spa-like once you hang this dried eucalyptus bouquet next to your shower head. The ambient heat and steam will release natural essential oils to create an aromatherapy experience. Plus, you can use it for months before it needs to be replaced.

DIY Wall Molding

Gorgeous molding can make any room look more expensive, and while you might think you need to buy or rent a house that comes with built-in molding, it's super easy to DIY. Just cut strips of this self-adhesive molding and go wild. Even if you live in a rental, you can remove it without damaging your walls.

Botanical Curtain Tiebacks

Sometimes the smallest details can really tie a room together, like these adorable lead-shaped curtain hooks. They screw directly into your walls to provide a sturdy anchor point for your window dressings. Once they're set up, just tuck your drapes into the hooks and marvel at how much more put-together your windows look.

An Absorbent Stone Faucet Mat

Nothing makes a bathroom or kitchen look messy faster than having standing water around your faucet, so get this clever faucet mat to keep your bathroom looking clean. It has a two-piece design that fits around most faucets, and is made from naturally absorbent diatomite that stays dry.

Decorative Toilet Decals

Why shouldn't lifting the lid of your toilet bowl spark joy? That's the theory behind getting these PVC toilet bowl stickers, which add a little flair where you'd least expect it. They apply easily and won't leave behind sticky residue if you get tired of them, or want to switch up the design.

Hanging Shelves For Plants And Knicknacks

These rustic hanging shelves are perfect for making sure your smaller houseplants get the best light, but you can also use them as a creative alternative to traditional bookshelves or as a way to display awards or collectibles. They come in multiple tiered configurations, and are made from natural cotton rope and sturdy pine boards.

A Magnetic Dishwasher Cover

Dishwashers make your day to day life a lot easier, but they're not exactly known for making your kitchen look nicer. This magnetic panel will change that. Choose from a variety of designs that will snap securely to the front of your dishwasher, and can be swapped out with ease.

Whimsical Garden Lights

These garden lights don't need to be plugged in, because they're powered entirely by sunlight. During the day, they'll store up natural energy, and at night they'll turn your garden or planters into whimsical space that looks like it's lit by fairies or fireflies thanks to the way these lights sway in the breeze.

Peel-And-Stick Wall Tiles

You can create an elaborate tiled accent wall anywhere in your home for just $25 and a few hours of time. This pack of 24 peel-and-stick tiles comes in a few chic colors with metallic accents that make them look like actual tiles rather than wallpaper, create a luxurious look.

A Cozy Candle Warmer

If you love burning scented candles but always forget whether or not you blew them out once you leave the house, this candle warmer is about to be your new best friend. It looks like an elegant vintage lamp, and helps to gently diffuse the scent of your candles throughout your space without open flame.

A Rug That’s Perfect For Corners

Finding the right rug to fit into oddly-shaped rooms or cozy corners can feel impossible, but this one is literally made for the job. It has a unique curved design on one end and comes to a point on the other so you can tuck it into any corner of your home without annoying gaps. It's also washable, so you can use it in the kitchen.

A Chic Couch Cover

Not all couch covers are made of plastic, so if you want to protect your furniture, know that you have some aesthetically-pleasing options. This one is made from a soft, plush fabric that feels great to sit on and can also help to protect your couch from spills, tears, and pet hair.

An Aromatherapy Diffuser With A Built-In Salt Lamp

If you've ever spent time in a salt room at the local spa, then you know how soothing Himalayan salt can be. This aromatherapy lamp has a built in space to hold salt crystals that emit a relaxing pink glow, and it also has an aromatherapy diffuser so you can turn any space in your home into a relaxation room.

A Set Of Stylish Bowls

Elegant dishware doesn't have to be expensive, and this set of pretty ceramic bowls is proof. They're sold in a pack of six, and have a four-ounce capacity that's the perfect size for ice cream, bowls of cereal, and fruit and yogurt. The set is coordinated without being super matchy, which makes it look even more expensive.

A Slim Toilet Paper Stand

This multifunctional cabinet is designed to fit in event the smallest bathrooms, adding valuable storage space while performing the essential task of keeping your toilet paper close at hand. It comes in a few different sizes and color options, and has built-in shelves and cabinets.

Aesthetically-Pleasing House Numbers

One of the simplest ways to give your home a subtle upgrade is by installing new house numbers, and these have a slim, modern design that will make even your beloved old house look like it's up to date. They're made from weatherproof metal, and have a cool floating design.

A Self-Adhesive Backsplash

These peel-and-stick tiles come pre-loaded with everything you need to put together a custom kitchen backsplash in an afternoon. Just remove the adhesive backing on each sheet and apply them directly to your walls. They come in a variety of colors, and look super realistic.

Cordless Blinds

These zebra blinds have a cordless design that filters and softens sunlight rather than fully blocking it out, making it perfect for spaces like your bedroom or bathroom where you want both natural light and privacy. The zebra design means you can stop the blinds at any point, and they come with everything you need to install them.

Monochromatic Throw Pillow Covers

Give your tired old couch or armchairs and instant facelift with these throw pillow covers. They're sold in a pack of four and are made from a soft ribbed fabric that looks and feels so much more expensive than it is. Choose from a variety of monochromatic or coordinating color sets.

Solar-Powered Globe Lights

These globe lights come with sturdy pre-installed stakes, so all you need to do to set them up is stick them into the ground. They're solar-powered and fully weatherproof, making them perfect for year-round outdoor use. They're sold in a pack of two, and come in multi-colored and warm white options.

Champagne Glass Cabinet Pulls

One of the quickest ways to give your old furniture or cabinets an upgrade is by replacing the knobs, and these glass knobs will make even your IKEA furniture look like an heirloom piece. They're sold in a pack of eight, and come with all the hardware you need to install them.

Patterned Ceramic Knives

You probably don't think about aesthetics when you shop for kitchen knives, but this set will make you think twice about that. They're made from rust-resistant ceramic that will stay sharp even with daily use, and they come in pretty beige floral patterns that will make your kitchen a little more whimsical.

Ceramic Hooks That Stick To Your Walls

Sure, you could install boring metal hooks to hang things in your kitchen, but these cute ceramic hooks are a way prettier option. They're also super easy to install thanks to the strong self-adhesive backing, and come in a bunch of pretty blue and white floral patterns.

Outlet Covers That Only Look Expensive

These antique brass-style outlet covers are a simple way to instantly elevate the look of any room. They install using a single screw, and also come in bronze, nickel, silver, and copper color options, as well as designs that fit over entire panels of light switches as well as standard double outlets.

A Makeup Organizer With Lots Of Compartments

You can never have too many beauty products, but it is possible for your collection to get a little unruly if you don't have the right organizer. This makeup box has two separate pieces, including a mini chest with drawers that keeps your stuff within reach but out of sight, and a specialized brush caddy.

An Art Deco-Inspired Trash Can

Who says trash cans can't be chic? This art deco-inspired trash can is made from shatterproof ribbed transparent green plastic with gold accents, so it looks more like an intentional piece of decor than something you have to have. It has a 2.6-gallon capacity that's perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.

A Set Of Sculptural Vases

Instead of going for a classic vase, why not pick up this pair of modernist ceramic vases? They'll make even supermarket flowers look high end thanks to their sculptural, interlocking design. They come in a few elegant color options, and also work great for things like feathers and dried or faux florals.

A Clever Corner Shelf

This set of modular shelves is designed to snuggle into the corners of your kitchen and bathroom counters, which can make it a real game changer in terms of organization. It's made from sturdy stainless steel and engineered wood, and is perfect for things like spices and beauty products.

A Rope Basket For Quick Tidying

You can make even the messiest room look tidy in minutes if you have a giant rope basket, and while it won't replace a true deep clean, sometimes that's all you need. This oversized basket is a clever way to hide things like your kid's toys when company is coming over, and also makes an excellent hamper.

A Relaxing Tabletop Fountain

A lot of sound machines are just ugly electronics, but this one from Homedics doubles as a soothing tabletop fountain that you can put on your desk or bedside table to maximize your relaxation. It's made from natural river rocks and has subtle accent lighting, so you can also use it as a night light.

Space-Saving Wicker Bins

Aesthetically-pleasing storage bins are so helpful when you have random stuff that needs a place to go when you're not using it, and this set of wicker baskets is perfect for things like crafting supplies or coffee pods that tend to clutter up your space. They're made from natural sea grass, and have a nesting design.

A Set Of Propagation Vases

Turn your plant propagation station into wall decor with this adorable set of glass propagation vases. They come with nail hooks for easy installation as well as a cleaning brush so you can keep the vases clean—all you need to do is add water and plant cuttings.

Crystal Coaster For Cocktail Parties

Upgrade your coaster game with this set of pretty glass coasters that are cut to look like crystal. They're sold in a set of five, and are available in a several vintage-inspired colors including a pretty amber glass option, clear pink, and bottle green. You can use them for both hot and cold beverages.

A Wall Mural You Can Just Stick On

Want a custom wall mural, but don't want to spend a ton of money or repaint your entire room to make it happen? These wall decals are a quick and easy alternative. They stick directly to smooth surfaces and won't leave behind any residue when you peel them off.

A Shower Curtain With Contrast Trim

This elevated bathroom curtain has details like scalloped edges and contrast trim that make it look like something you'd find in a high-end hotel. It's made from a thick, waterproof faux-linen fabric that drapes beautifully, and it comes with a dozen rust-resistant metal hooks so you can hang it right away.

Lightweight Peel-And-Stick Tiles

If you love the look of tile but don't have the time, money, or skill to execute a big DIY project, self-adhesive tiles are the next best thing. These are made from lightweight PVC, and they're sold in packs of multi-tile panels that made putting together a backsplash or accent wall so easy.

Gold-Toned Toilet Bolt Caps

Decorations for your toilet bowl? Why not! These gold-toned toilet bowl bolt covers are super cute, but still sleek enough to be part of more sophisticated bathroom decor. They install easily, and also come in black, white, and silver color options as well as adorable bear shapes.

An Artsy Glass Night Light

This hanging night light plugs directly into your wall outlets, no hardwiring required. It has an automatic dawn/dusk sensor, so it turns on and off exactly when you want it to. The unique design offers full rotation so you can get the right angle, making it an excellent choice for a bedside reading light.

Mesmerizing LED Light Bulbs

You can have fireworks indoors at any time of year when you install this infinity light bulb. It screws directly into your existing lamps and light fixtures, and has a colorful 3D firework effect that will create a tiny light show in any room in your home.

A Double-Sided Night Light

"This night light ended up being such a great purchase. The warm light is soft, comforting, and gives off a really beautiful pattern that makes my hallway look so much nicer at night," raved one shopper. It plugs directly into any standard outlet, and has an automatic dawn/dusk sensort.

A Waterproof Projection Lantern

This gorgeous projection lantern looks like it has a candle inside to cast pretty patterns on your patio, but it's actually a solar-powered light. The lantern is made from weatherproof materials, so you can make it part of your outdoor decor. Just charge it in the sun during the day and watch the magic happen once night falls.

Outdoor Lights That Look Like Fireworks

Each one of these solar-powered outdoor lights looks like a brilliant burst of fireworks. They're sold in a pack of two and come with tall stakes that are simple to install, making these an excellent choice for illuminating a walkway or a garden path. They come in both warm white and colorful options.

A Quick Way To Put Together A Patio

Want a new patio, but don't want to spend thousands of dollars on it? These interlocking tiles are a simple shortcut to making that dream a reality. They're made from waterproof, nonslip material with built-in drainage, so in addition to being great for outdoor spaces, you can also use them in a mud room or entryway.

A Sleek Air Vent Cover

This air vent cover is made from durable acrylic plexiglass that's built to last, and it will make your walls look more intentional. It's available in a wide variety of sizes, so you're sure to find one that's compatible with your home's air vents. And if you're nervous about screwing it into your walls, there's also a self-adhesive option.

Baseboard Trim That Installs In Minutes

A simple way to make your rental look more expensive is by installing this peel-and-stick baseboard molding. It comes in a roll that you can easily cut to size, and it can be applied to basically any smooth surface—including glass. It comes in a few classic neutral colors like black, grey, and creamy white.

A Roll Of Wood Grain Wallpaper

This roll of wood grain wallpaper comes in a few different colors and sizes, which makes it a versatile option to keep on hand for quick projects and small fixes. You can use it to create a border around a mirror or wall-mounted TV, repair existing trim, or resurface furniture.

Self-Adhesive Tiles That Can Make Over Any Room

Retiling your bathroom floor is a time-consuming and expensive project, unless you're using these clever self-adhesive tiles. They're made from durable vinyl with a slight texture that makes them look and feel like actual tile, and the self-adhesive backing that they come with is permanent, so it's just as effective as installing tile with grout.