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Upgrade Your Home Without Breaking The Bank: 50 Items That’ll Transform Your Space
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We hope you love our recommendations! While every product is independently chosen by our editors, BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. You can read more about how our affiliate partnerships work in our Editorial Standards & Ethics Guide. And you don't even need to break out your tool kit for most of these. Promising review: "Where do I start? I absolutely LOVE this product. I wanted to replace our bathroom mirror, but due to the size, it would have cost a lot! I came across this on Amazon and decided to give it a try. The application process was super easy and applied without bubbles as long as you go slow and rub it down as you go. I kid you not. It looks like wood and feels like it, too! You can feel and see the 'wood grain.' It’s absolutely stunning and looks like I bought a whole new mirror." —Taylor Get it from Amazon for $6.98+ (available in two sizes). Promising review: "Our screens are on a second-floor balcony. There really isn't any good way to clean the outside of the screens. Luckily, the fibers on this screen cleaner are small enough that they seem to fit through the screen and clean both sides. I'm sure it doesn't clean the outside as well as it does the inside, but any help is always appreciated. I was actually shocked at how much dirt came off of the screens with this very simple tool. I used it wet with a small amount of dish soap, and it worked really well. I also appreciated that after I was finished I was just easily able to rinse and dry the screen cleaner for future use. A simple tool at an excellent price." —BonjourBeautyByAmy Promising review: "We had a 2005 truck parked on our paver driveway for years. The area in the photo was thick with oil leak residue. I tried several products that didn't make any difference. But with the "Pull It Out" product, the oil is gone! You can see the stark difference in the photo, with the area that was treated and the area that was not. This goes on as a liquid; it absorbs the oil from the bricks as it dries. Then I lightly scrub and hose it off, and voila! Gone! Even better, it's biodegradable!! I rarely post reviews for a product, but this product earned it. This is the best I have seen for taking leaked oil out of a driveway." —Robocop Get it from Amazon for $17.97+ (available in two sizes). OK, so painting your concrete patio may not sound like the easiest upgrade but if you're no stranger to painting and want a big impact, give it a try! Promising review: "Excellent, easy to use and clean up. My outdoor patio is a little rough, and it took a full gallon to cover 200 sq feet." —RLB Get it from Amazon for $35+ a gallon (available in two shades of gray). Promising review: "OMG!!! It works!!! After having this toilet buildup I gave up on everything, but I saw that this product 'worked' and decided to give it a try... with a little elbow grease and some music blasting in the background I managed to remove it all!!! I can’t believe it. I’m so happy, I was so embarrassed when company came over and would see that, not no more... yay!!!" —Asdrubal Orantes Promising review: "Easy to install. Lights provide ample lighting; USB allows lights to be a standalone fixture without tying up another wall socket. The USB interface also acts to turn the lights on and off with the TV. Backlighting also seems to make the screen seem sharper." —Shaun Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in seven sizes). Promising review: "I have a weird skinny window in my house where no normal window covering works. People walking on our community trail can see up into our upstairs bathroom when the light is on and it's dark outside. Not a good plan at all. So I used this window film and cut different-sized circles and placed then on this window to interrupt the view into the house. Worked perfectly! Very easy to use." —Marsgard Get it from Amazon for $5.51+ (available in 14 sizes and four colors). This kit comes with separate-to-apply elements, so it'll work on a variety of window dimensions. If this isn't quite your style, there are lots of other stained glass window decals and window cling styles. Promising review: "These stained glass decals worked great on the fireplace windows in my early 1900s bungalow. If you get up close, or look at them from the outside, it's pretty obvious they aren't real, but you'd have to be looking really closely. Don't forget to buy one package of caming lines for each set of decals, you'll need it. If you're someone who gets stressed about applying sticky things, or making things straight, don't worry too much about it. I am really bad at that stuff typically and I found it really easy. Wash your windows first, measure so you have a rough idea of where to put the center decal, and keep some scissors on hand to cut the caming. It's easy and so cool! Our house already has a lot of 'old house charm' so these fit in perfectly." —Linds I've used this several times on my rental bathroom tiled floor and normally have to redo annually. But it's so cheap that it's totally worth it. If you're doing it on tiled walls or backsplashes, the effect tends to last longer. Promising review: "I installed an expensive soft white tile (if there is such a thing) floor in the kitchen when I bought my house. At the time, it was a new product and it was beautiful – that fuzzy, warm feeling changed the first time I dropped a fork. I have been so frustrated no wanting to rip up and put down replacement tiles. The grout pen made it look new again, I am thrilled with the results!" —K. Robles Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in two sizes). SnapPower is a small biz that specializes in unique and innovative lighting products. Promising review: "I ordered this after seeing it on TikTok. I’m very happy with this product!" —Miss. Harris "Game changer. When I get up, I don’t want to wake everyone up with flipping on lights and all. These provide plenty of walking through the house light. Super easy installation, too." —Monica Martinez Get it from Amazon for $23.98 (available in two outlet styles and three colors). It has three different brightness options so you can set *~the mood~* perfectly. It also requires AA batteries, so be sure to pick those up as well. Promising review: "This light is great!!! It has three settings, to adjust the amount of brightness you need. Lowest level is great for just sitting around your patio table and having a couple of drinks with friends. Brightest setting is PERFECT for playing cards! We play cards a few times a month. We decided to try and play outside. There are two 70+-year-olds who did not complain that they couldn’t see. So, works great in my book! 😁" —Mandie Jordan I used this gadget to de-fuzz a coat that I FORGOT isn't mean to be fuzzy. You can read my full fabric shaver review here. Promising review: "Literally stopped mid-use to write this review. I never write reviews, but just wanted everyone who has cats to know that you can save your furniture! This thing is awesome!" —Melanie Abrams Get it from Amazon for $9.68+ (available in three styles). Promising review: "Works really well for holding outside decor without wear and tear as long as its not too heavy." —Kitt Smith Deco Brothers is a small biz specializing in home products. Made from heavy-gauge steel and can store up to 36 cans of various sizes. Promising review: "These units were easy to assemble. They felt sturdy. I love that they are made of metal and not cheap plastic. I'm considering buying two more, and going side by side and stocking up on canned goods!" —Amazon Customer Promising review: "This is my third set of these pillow covers. They are a great economical way to change up the decor in your living room without having to spend a fortune on new pillows. I also love that these are easier to store than several sets of throw pillows. Beautiful fabric, nice stitching, easy to launder. They are also very durable in a three-dog household." —Schonathan Get them from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in seven sizes and 30 colors). Promising review: "Can't beat the quality for the price! Solid weight, none arrived scratched, bent or broken. Definitely get the template! It makes installation a breeze! With the template, I had 24 handles installed in less than 45 minutes! Immediately upgraded my cabinets. Very happy with this purchase!" —alexa Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in quantities 1–60 and in eight colors). Pick up a sturdy rust-resistant curtain rod while you're at it! Promising review: "These curtains are AMAZING! Beautiful and elegant. Hangs beautiful, very light blocking, keeps rain out of our Tiki bar, we can sit out there in the rain, and keeps the heat in on a cool fall evening when we have the fireplace on!" —Sara Bushendorf Get it from Amazon for $30.95+ (available in 10 sizes and 16 colors). I have VERY narrow kitchen drawers in my NYC one-bedroom apartment kitchen and buying one of these organizers has transformed my cutlery drawer. I'm able to safely reach in and grab whatever I need (like a manual can opener for tuna salad or a mini whisk for a hot chocolate) without having to sift tools around. Promising review: "I’ve used these to touch up our armoire, coffee table, chair and couch legs, kitchen cabinets, bar stools. The variety of colors make it possible to touch up almost anything. I’m not sure what or how to use the wax. The end result isn’t noticeable that it’s been marked up with a marker." —FrankSFO Promising review: "I bought this so my puppies could traverse to/from their backyard pen area...and keep flying insects out. It is AWESOME! The puppies figured out quickly that they could go through the screen — the screen snapped back into a closed state immediately after they got through the opening. If only all things in life could be solved this easily!" —Lynette S Quigley Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in five sizes and three colors). And if you're especially petty, you can copy my move of saving said switch plates with a piece of marked duct tape so you know where you put 'em when you leave. This was one of the first things I did in my current apartment, thus rendering the switch plates barely noticeable — which is how I like them! Get a 10-pack of plates for plugged outlets for $7.45 and a variety of switch plates from Amazon. Promising review: "Extremely easy to use, sturdy, and the silicone tips help prevent any damages on the plate. It fit my three salad plates just right. Very easy to hang and bend. Functions just right!" —Rafaella Pavinato Get three differently sized hangers from Amazon for $7.39. Promising review: "I knew I wanted something to finish off my bench seat windows. These blinds were not only easy to install, but I am impressed with the quality and how easy it is to raise and lower them. I think all four were out of the box and installed in 15 minutes. Offers light filtering, which is perfect for my needs. If I want to take them down for my holiday garland, it will be super easy to remove and put back up after the holiday." —doug huntley Get each panel from Amazon for $46.79+ (available in 10 styles and a range of sizes). Promising review: "Perfect way to get lighting under your cabinets if you don't have any. They charge easily and fast. Light is good. They stay up with strong magnets. I actually put these ones in my stairway to the basement, where there was only a light at the bottom. There are many other places where I think they would work well if you need more light." —Glenda N. Get two from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in two sizes and three light temperatures). Promising review: "Good quality item, matches with my bedroom decor and curtains. I love the color and each magmatic clasp. I’m ordering another set of two." —Victoria Get two from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in five colors and three quantities). Promising review: "Flowers are about 2–3 inches. Very good looking. Feels like silk. Hold their shape well." —Christianfl Get two bunches from Amazon for $11.99 (available in nine colors and larger quantities). But if peonies aren't exactly your style, here are more under-$10 options: eucalyptus, and 100-piece natural-dried pampas Promising review: "One of my new favorite decor pieces. I put these on the mantel, and they immediately enhanced the space. They look great on or off, and I'll definitely be purchasing more for a few other spaces in my home!" —Autumn Thompson Get three from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in three colors and five quantities). Also check out some jarless, flameless candles or flameless votives if you already have containers you adore! Promising review: "I live in an apartment. The sink is about 35-years-old and has become badly stained and scratched from neglect and indifferent care. This has made a noticeable difference. This sink will never look brand new again, but your product removed, I would say, about 80% of the stains, without any extraordinary effort, and put a really polished look on the sink. It is gleaming and actually looks very clean for the first time since I have lived here." —David Brennan Reviewers note that you should remove the bulbs before stringing up the strands and then install the bulbs. Promising review: "These lights were perfect for my patio, I've recieved plenty of compliments so far. The Edison light bulbs and beautiful and offer the perfect amount of lighting for any occasion...the clips were ideal for my eaves, the overhang of the roof, which made for simple installation...now just need to find a dimmer capable of handling the required wattage and the package will be complete." —Brody Vins Get a strand from Amazon for $14.39+ (available in five styles and seven lengths). The kit includes a 10-ounce bottle of Cerama Bryte Cooktop Cleaner, one cleaning pad, and one scraper to make it a quick and easy job. Promising review: "Works on my new range and cleans up beautifully so that my cooktop looks as shiny and clean as it did the day it was installed. Follow the directions exactly, and you can't go wrong. Very easy and quick to use. Not a lot of cleaner is needed, so the bottle will last a long time. I clean the cooktop with this almost every day, and I find that it cleans better than with regular cleaner." —Darcy Get it from Amazon for $16.98+ (available in three styles). Promising review: "I like this so much that I actually just ordered another one for under the bathroom sink. Not only did it tidy the clutter and make items easier to find at first glance, but also made it possible for me to store another few items below the sink, including the spray cleaners I use for my countertops. I didn't configure it around pipes (as I see can be done), but actually used the flexible shelving options to place taller or larger items directly on the floor of my under-sink storage — rather than on the lowest shelf (see last photo) — to maximize my storage possibilities and keep regularly used items accessible. I also didn't fully extend the shelving, just as suggested by the manufacturer for stability purposes ... and still found it offered ample storage. Easy to assemble, with some flexibility for shelf height and placement — highly recommend!" —Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $24.87+ (available in three finishes). It has an about six-step installation process and includes all the parts you'll need. The brace adjusts to any size between 4” and 6” and fits the standard base sockets. They can be used on sloped ceilings up to 45˚, works in damp locations, has a 50-pound maximum load rating, and is paintable with no visible screws or hardware. Promising review: "This was a pretty easy installation considering the work is on the ceiling. I've been wanting to change out the two can lights over my sink for years, so I started investigating the easiest possible way to do so. Ran across this item, and watched the video on YouTube. What the heck, I thought! Rewatched the video before installation, looked at the directions on both the converter kit and the pendant light, gathered the necessary tools described in all instructions, and set upon my mission. The hardest part (for me) was getting the self-tapping screws started. I'm pretty pleased with the outcome, I must say! By the way, I'm a 55-year-old female who has worked at a bank all of my life. Yes! It was that easy. I would highly recommend it." —Trisch Reeve Reviewers attached these in different ways, with some just using mounting tape in apartments for no damage to walls. Others installed them on doors and kitchen islands! Promising review: "Moldings came in well-packed and quickly. It was super easy to install. Used White Lightning Speed Grip to adhere the panels. These panels gave a high-end look to an otherwise drab wall and peninsula. So classic and affordable and it will never go out of style!" —JM Get a single panel from Amazon for $12.79+ (available in 17 sizes). Promising review: "This bracket is awesome and was extremely easy to install. We were able to hang curtains over our vertical blinds in just a few minutes and didn't even need any tools. Great product!!!" —Amazon Customer Get a set of two from Amazon for $18.95 (also available in brown, black, gold, and brass, and also available in inside-mount brackets). Promising review: "I was happy with how it turned out! I used three coats of clear polyurethane over the top to really make it last long and protect it against water and stains. It’s a good thickness and a very cheap option to update your style look." —Sophia B. Get it from Amazon for $19.30+ (available in four colors and five styles). Promising review: "I love these. Super easy to use, they glide well, and they look so much more expensive than they are. These really elevated the look of the bathroom, and the color is spot on to the pictures." —Emma Wilson Get a 12-pack from Amazon for $9.99 (available in six finishes). Promising review: "This paint works marvelously for staining interior brick! I researched for a long time and looked at many project reports for staining a raw brick fireplace. Finally, I committed to this chalk paint and my fireplace looks better than any I have seen elsewhere. I diluted it to a half paint, half water ratio, applied one coat with a brush, and worked it into holes and crevices with a sponge. Very easy to do, especially if surroundings are appropriately protected from the very thin splashy paint." —maina donaldson Get it from Amazon for $17+ (available in 20 colors). The kit comes with two cans of cabinet paint, a roller arm, two roller covers, and an angled paint brush; it requires no stripping, priming, or top coat or sealer, and there's no need to remove your cabinet doors. Promising review: "Amazing! Amazing! Amazing! Did take more than one coat though. My cabinets were bare wood and I still needed a couple of coats. (Five to be exact, but that was just me being extra.) My kitchen is medium-sized, not too big, and it only took up one can. But I still went over a couple more times just to get a nice coating. I also let it sit for some days and saw the wood was sucking up the paint in some areas so I went over it again. The project ideally does take one day like the promotion video says, but one day as in 24 hours. This took my kitchen from looking like a cheap rental apartment kitchen to a high-quality kitchen with just this paint and new knobs. The paint is perfect for cabinets — it's not too thick, so you still see the wood grains. It comes with EVERYTHING you need. I didn't have to buy a thing. The project is super easy, paint dries fast, and I did it at first by removing the cabinets but it wasn't necessary at all. Just make sure you don't leave any dripping because it would make your cabinets look cheap. I would recommend EVERYONE to purchase this and give your cabinets a chance before making a big investment in new cabinets. Wood is wood and it can be refinished." —Brandon Moronta Get it from Amazon for $55.01+ (available two styles and 11 colors). Promising review: "We've had this swing hanging in our tree out back for two years now. Our kids, and their friends, LOVE it. I love that it's large enough to accommodate a number of kids/people, and that it's held up so well over time. Would totally recommend." —Krystal Get it from Amazon for $35.99 (available in three styles). Promising review: "As the sun sets and the evening breeze gently rustles through your garden, these lights come to life, casting a warm, enchanting glow that transforms your outdoor space into a magical haven." —April Get it from Amazon for $13.98+ (available in six pack sizes). Promising review: "My pool is awesome when it gets into the hundreds of degrees here in California. We decided to grab a 20x20x20 triangle and holy cow does it do a number on the backyard! Not only does it keep my pool better-shaded, but it also keeps the sun off of my back patio during the hottest part of the day." —Amazon Customer Promising review: "This is the second privacy screen I've purchased from Amazon. I have an area in my garden visible from the street. The screen hides all my gardening stuff (i.e. wheelbarrow, buckets, etc.). It truly looks like the real deal!!!" —soooz Get a roll from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in three roll sizes). Promising review: "I am very happy with this reed fencing. The lovely brown color and tight weave with the string is so much better than ones I've had in the past that were weaved with wire that look shabby and horrible. These are a wonderful quality for the price to make putting up large sections of fencing more affordable. They are not completely private, as people have mentioned, but that's not what I wanted. I wanted to be able to see through a little bit, but they work great to give some sense of separation and privacy." —Lauren S. Get it from Amazon for $48.99+ (available in 13 sizes). Promising review: "Where I live, it’s so dark and I have no outside electricity off my screened-in deck. I wanted lights for my stairs for safety and found these lights, which work and look great! They come with everything you need to fasten them to the stairs so they don’t fall off as well. I even bought extra and tested them in the event that the ones that are currently outside get damaged for any reason, and they are no longer sold. Definitely recommend for the price, nice and bright, and easy installation. Plus, they last all night long!" —Brooke Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in warm or cool white light and six pack sizes). Promising review: "It has doubled my closet space in my apartment where I can’t make any damage in terms of adding another permanent shelf — so this has been a perfect solution. It was easy to assemble and is sturdy. I’ve had it for a couple of weeks now with no issue. Your closet has to be pretty high for this to work or else your shirts above are going to get caught on the hangers below and for my case, some of my shirts are dragging on the floor — just keep this in mind when you’re thinking about purchasing." —Alex Get it from Amazon for $15.06+ (available in three colors). Promising review: "I have never been so excited about a slipcover. Total transformation of our couch and loveseat. I was worried about it not working on our leather couch, but it stays on really well due to the straps and the separate cushion covers. LOVE." —Brian/Liz Get it from Amazon for $35.49+ (available in seven sizes and 21 colors). Promising review: "Before and after putting it on. I couldn’t be happier. This chair has been through and lot and I just wasn’t ready to pry with it. The cover was easy to put in and so soft." —Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $17.86+ (available in 21 colors and 10 sizes). Covogoods is a Utah-based shop that specializes in storage solutions. Get it from Covogoods on Amazon Handmade for $39 (available in a variety of colors and sizes). Even the minimalists should get on board with this. Just go for one with clean lines like this one! I went a few years without one and then was floored by the difference it made in hiding all the stuff I shove under my bed. And I store A LOT of stuff under my bed! Promising review: "I could not get it to fit right at first for some reason. Probably because I was having a bad week and wanted something to be angry about. When I was in a better state of mind I got it and laughed at how simple it was. Fits well and covers the mess I am hiding now that I went up to a king." —Dennis E. Marquardt Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (11 colors, sizes twin–Cal. king). Solatec is a small business that specializes in solar-powered outdoor products. Promising review: "This is a fantastic little fountain with very good power. I shoots up to 12 inches in the air in direct sun. For $10 I cannot understand how it can be made and shipped." —Ben Phillips * Clever Ways To Hide All The Eyesores In Your Home You’ve Been Glaring At For Ages * Your Bedroom Is Your Sanctuary — Treat It Like That With These 31 Products * Inexpensive Tweaks You Can Make To Your Home For Under $10 A Pop * Products That'll Make Your Friends Think, "Wow, Your Place Looks *So* Nice" * Things To Make Your House Smell Amazing 24/7 * Products That’ll Help You Automate Your Home Beyond Clapping To Turn On Your Lights * These 31 "Dream House" Products Are Surprisingly Affordable * Things That’ll Improve Your Kitchen So Much You’ll Think You Entered The Twilight Zone * Little DIY Projects That'll Go A Loooooong Way In Your Home * Products That’ll Help Revive All The Things In Your Home That Are Currently On The Chopping Block Plus, options for your WFH space, and finds from Anthropologie, Etsy, Ikea, Urban Outfitters, Walmart, and Wayfair. Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity. BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.