55 Cheap, Clever Home Upgrades That Won't Make You Look Cheap

Skip the unattractive dish-drying racks or towels on the counter — this stone dish-drying mat has a quick-drying design that effortlessly absorbs water and is easy to wash off. Crafted from diatomaceous earth, it absorbs water in as little as one minute. And it’ll look great on your counter, too.

It happens a lot — food spills, sloshes, and drops between the gaps of your stove. These silicone stove gap covers will prevent that, keeping your stove and cabinets cleaner (and the covers themselves are a cinch to clean). Made from heat-resistant silicone, they’re easy to install, trim-able to fit any stovetop, and can withstand your oven’s heat.

If you need extra storage stat, this towel bar delivers instant storage for hand towels without a drill. Made of durable, rust-proof stainless steel with a pretty brushed finish, it simply slips over a cabinet door and is ready to use. Its foam backing prevents any scratches on your cabinet.

Easily rinse fruits and veggies or store your sponge with this black stainless steel sink strainer that automatically drains water into your sink. It attaches to your sink with an adhesive panel with hooks, so you can hang it up but remove it when it needs washing. And since it’s rust-resistant, it’ll stay looking great.

Use this walnut wood vase for plant starts or dried flowers, and you’ll have a show-stopping centerpiece. Its geometric shape resembles a bougie art piece, but its glass vase is endlessly useful for cultivating plants. The transparent glass lets you watch as roots develop or simply enjoy a minimalistic bouquet.

This expandable lid organizer will give you easy storage for plastic containers and their lids, thanks to its clever design that fits inside kitchen drawers or cabinets. Its steel body has eight adjustable dividers and expands to customize your storage for lids of different sizes, keeping them neat, upright, and easy to access. One reviewer raved about its space-saving design, writing, “This is adjustable and fits perfectly in my cupboard. The little spacers can be moved to hold more or fewer lids between them, and the unit can be shortened or stretched larger to fit the space you want to put it in.”

If you have a smaller kitchen or want handy storage space, this stovetop shelf will give you easy-to-access storage for cooking ingredients. Place it on the top of your stove, and its strong magnets will hold it in place. Then, fill its three compartments with spices and cooking oils so they’re readily available.

There’s a lot to love about this soap dish. From its easy-to-clean (and cheap) ceramic to its faux marble appearance, it looks much more expensive than its price tag. But what makes it most unique is its leaf-shaped design that automatically drains water from your soap bar into your sink, preventing water from pooling inside.

• Available colors: 6

These brass cabinet knobs come in an inexpensive four-pack and feature an elegant flower design that will upgrade your furniture instantly. Install them on bathroom cabinets, chests of drawers, or sideboards to elevate their appearance; they easily screw in with the included hardware. Plus, their brass won’t fade, discolor, or corrode. One happy shopper wrote, “These are gorgeous, solid construction, and worth every penny. I feel so fancy every time I open my dresser.”

The low price of this area rug might surprise you since it has a pretty pattern and looks similar to more expensive options. But best of all, it will keep your high-traffic area looking great due to its stain-resistant, non-shedding, machine-washable faux wool. Choose from nine pattern options in pretty neutrals to fit your room.

• Available sizes: 5
• Available colors: 9

This window film will give you more privacy without blocking natural light, and as a bonus, it’ll make your window look like gorgeous stained glass. Just measure, cut it to size, and smooth it on with water. Once up, light will shine through the film, creating a stained glass effect (while blocking some UV rays).

• Available sizes: 4
• Available colors: 4

This glass butter dish is the kitchen upgrade you didn’t know you needed. Its glass lid keeps butter fresh without touching it, providing an airtight seal. Meanwhile, the acacia wood base keeps your butter at the perfect room temperature, so it’s always spreadable. And its sophisticated design will fit any style of kitchen decor.

Crafted from durable plastic in a metallic silver color, this toilet paper holder easily conceals extra rolls of toilet paper and looks great doing it. It fits up to three rolls of paper inside its removable base, while the outer container conceals it all and keeps it dust-free. “I wanted a holder that kept extra rolls out of sight,” wrote one reviewer. “I bought it to replace an ugly rusting over-the-tank metal holder, and it looks so much better! It sits next to the tub/shower, so I like that the rolls are fully covered and protected.”

Swap your coasters for these inexpensive marble coasters to elevate your coffee table. Crafted from high-quality white marble, the set brings quiet luxury vibes and protects your coffee table from water rings. It has a holder that nestles all six inside, and each coaster has a soft felt bottom to prevent scratches on your table.

• Available colors: 5

With a compact design perfect for small spaces, this trash can easily fits on your countertop or desk. Its sleek white and gold build has chic ribbing, so it looks like a storage container rather than a trash receptacle. More importantly, it fits 1.3 gallons of trash, is splash-proof, and has a smooth motion sensor.

• Available colors: 5

This wax warmer has a low price tag, but it looks anything but cheap. Its chic design is ornamental and functional, featuring a luxe gold metal holder and a white ceramic bowl. Put a tea light candle in the holder and place wax melts or essential oils in the dish for soothing aromatherapy in any room.

• Available colors:2

Put this foaming soap dispenser in your bathroom, and it’ll instantly upgrade your bathroom’s aesthetic. Its elegant glass base has a pretty ribbed design and lets you see your soap level to know when to refill. Fill it with 80% soap and 20% water, and the silver pump will create a luxe foam. One reviewer raved, “This is fantastic. Super easy to fill, and the pump is the best I have ever seen. Easily pumps with one hand and makes a very thick foam. I put one in my powder room and just bought another for the bathroom. Great bargain.”

• Available colors: 5
• Available styles: 6

Toss your store-bought laundry detergent containers and use these laundry pod containers instead. Their transparent acrylic helps you keep track of your detergent levels, while the bamboo lids with ornate knobs add a touch of elegance. Each container holds up to 3 liters of pods or detergent; the set even comes with chic premade labels.

Featuring a 26-ounce glass carafe and a 12-ounce cup that nests on top, this bedside carafe set gives you easy-to-access water at bedtime. Its pretty copper color looks way better than plastic water bottles by your bed, and because its cup seals off the top, your water won’t get dust or debris inside.

• Available colors: 7

This chic green vanity organizer has plenty of room for storing your makeup and skin care products in style. Put it on your bathroom counter or vanity to declutter your makeup space; its three drawers fit palettes, compacts, and more, while its eight top compartments conveniently store brushes, foundations, and serums. One happy shopper wrote, “It stores SO MUCH! It is really cute, and the shelves are deeper and wider than I thought. I was able to transfer my old makeup organizer items into this and add additional everyday toiletries, ANDDD still have tons of space to add more.”

• Available colors: 5

The woven pattern and tassels on these curtains look like a nod to vintage drapery but still fit seamlessly into your modern decor. Featuring embroidered white stripes on soft cream cotton-linen fabric, their semi-sheer design lets light into your room while softening harsh rays. Choose from over 30 colors with distinct retro patterns.

• Available colors: 37
• Available sizes: 9

Available in seven gorgeous colors, this diffuser might be inexpensive, but it looks like a pricey mid-century-inspired design from a boutique. Chic ribbing, metallic details, multicolored lights, and a faux marble top will have you proudly displaying this anywhere, while its 500-milliliter capacity gives off up to 20 hours of fragrance.

Whether you keep these food storage containers in your pantry or on your kitchen counter, their sleek design will make your space look more professional. Made from durable glass and bamboo lids with airtight silicone seals, a set comes with five sizes for storing dry goods like pasta, beans, and rice. “Extremely pleased with the look, feel, and functionality of these glass containers,” wrote one reviewer. “The silicone-lined bamboo tops seal air-tight. And they make my pantry pretty.”

Over 1,000 reviewers have contributed to this watering can’s 4.7-star average rating, praising its sleek design, compact size, and capacity. Its rust-resistant stainless steel won’t scratch or corrode, and its long, skinny spout helps you direct water into small pots without spilling. And although it’s compact, it holds plenty of water for several small houseplants.

• Available colors: 8

Wrap up in this luxuriously cozy faux fur throw. It's thick yet lightweight and reversible, so you can choose from a soft sherpa or silky shag. Despite its low price, reviewers say its quality feels and looks expensive. Grab it in beautiful colors like teal or burgundy or luxe neutrals like white and beige.

• Available sizes: 4
• Available colors: 23

Keep this shower squeegee handy for a streak-free clean; its minimalistic design won’t look junky in your bathroom. It has two mounting options — a strong suction cup wall hook that easily attaches to your shower or an over-the-door hanger. Meanwhile, the squeegee’s durable silicone blade will effortlessly smooth away water droplets, soap, and limescale.

This stylish stone faucet mat is designed to fit around your faucet, providing plenty of space for storing soap, sponges, washcloths, and more. Made of diatomaceous earth (a fancy word for ultra-absorbent sedimentary rock), it effortlessly soaks up water, keeping your countertop clean and free of water spots. One reviewer raved, “These stones have been a game-changer for keeping my countertops dry around the sink area where water tends to splash everywhere. Not only do they do an amazing job absorbing excess water, but they also look great on the counter!”

• Available sizes: 4
• Available colors: 3

This 6-foot cherry blossom garland will add a touch of romance to your space. Hang it over your bed, use it as a table centerpiece, or place it outdoors, and its battery-operated lights will emit a soft golden glow. You can bend each branch and choose from eight lighting modes to get your desired look.

Crafted from a soft, absorbent cotton-polyester blend, these hand towels feature beautiful decorative designs that look great wherever you hang them. Their eclectic patterns fit in with various decor styles, and each towel features pretty tassels that make them look even more expensive. The best part? Their machine-washable fabric gets softer with each wash.

• Available colors: 30
• Available styles: 4

Thanks to their roomy interiors, this set of stylish woven baskets will help you keep clutter put away. Use them inside your pantry or linen closet, or display them on shelves. Their soft cotton is durable enough to hold books and magazines but also great for storing towels, blankets, and other miscellaneous clutter. “My life is full of PT and small exercise equipment, and these are perfect,” wrote one reviewer. “They make the equipment accessible and look nice and orderly sitting on the family room table and floor. So much better than cluttered items everywhere!”

• Available colors: 8

Made from bamboo in a gorgeous mahogany finish, this sofa tray table is a stylish accessory for storing remotes, drinks, or snacks while watching TV. Its clever design folds around any couch arm while the nonslip bottom keeps it secure. The top tray’s nonslip grip will hold any drink without it spilling or knocking over.

Bring literary vibes to your space with this inexpensive book-shaped vase. Its durable, clear plastic elegantly displays floral bouquets and has a compact profile that easily fits on a shelf, your desk, or even a small coffee table. It looks especially nice wedged beside real books.

• Available colors: 5

Whether you live alone or with others, this dishwasher magnet is a genius addition to your kitchen cleanup because you’ll no longer have to guess whether dishes are clean or dirty. It attaches to your dishwasher with a strong magnet (or adhesive strips). Just flip the sign to the correct word after loading or unloading.

Featuring pretty white marble patterns, these shatterproof, anti-slip silicone trays are perfect for displaying toiletries, candles, and perfume bottles in your bathroom. Their heat-resistant silicone is easy to wash (they’re top-rack dishwasher-safe), so if something spills, leaks, or makes a mess, you can easily clean it up. They’re also a great option for in-shower storage. One reviewer notes that these blend in with their marble countertop seamlessly.

This durable vinyl wallpaper has an easy-to-apply peel-and-stick backing and costs much less than regular wallpaper. Use it to create an elegant accent wall, a pretty kitchen counter backdrop, highlight your bookshelves, or line your stairs. Once installed, it’s easy to remove and won’t leave residue behind.

Use this clever ice mold to create 3-D ice cubes shaped like roses. Made of food-grade silicone, its two sides fit together, so you can easily fill the mold with water, pop it in the freezer, and effortlessly remove the cubes when they’re ready. The large cubes are perfect for whiskey, cocktails, and more.

This outlet shelf will save you counter space by keeping your smart speaker on its shelf. Its outlet plate easily installs to either side of your existing outlet via the included screws. Once up, you can store your smart speaker on the shelf and store its cord in the bin below it. One happy shopper wrote, “[Wires in my kitchen were] a mess! But with this outlet shelf, I have one less wire to look at. It was easy to install and tuck Alexa's wires into the bottom of it, and then presto!”

Perfect for closets or garages, this wall-mounted broom holder gives you easy, tidy storage for your mops and brooms. Its tough plastic frame features five spring-loaded slots for brooms and six retractable hooks for hanging other cleaning items. It can hold up to 22 pounds, so it can even store your heavy steam mop.

Made of durable fabric and metal frames, these under-bed storage containers will help you store off-season clothing, linens, shoes, and more. Each container can hold up to 66 pounds of items inside, and their clear plastic covers keep their contents dust-free. And since they’re on casters, they easily roll out when you need them.

These motion sensor lights cost mere pocket change, and their sleek, minimalistic design will easily blend in with (without distracting from) your decor. Each light has a slim profile that doesn’t block the outlet below or above it, a dimmer switch, and an always-on setting in addition to motion sensing.

Combining cozy teddy fleece fabric and chic midcentury modern design with wooden tapered legs, this ottoman feels a lot more expensive than its price tag. Its compact size makes it perfect for small spaces, as does its hidden storage underneath the lid, which you can use to store a blanket, remotes, and more. “Super comfortable, cute, and was super easy to put together,” wrote one reviewer. “Plus, it fits perfectly under my desk, so I can get more comfortable while gaming! The storage space fits a throw blanket, which is a nice added benefit.”

• Available colors: 8

Crafted from durable, rust-resistant stainless steel, this shower head delivers luxury spa vibes for a low price. Its large surface features 81 jets that emit a soothing high-pressure spray while the jets’ self-cleaning silicone prevents limescale buildup, leaks, and clogs. Plus, it swivels 360 degrees for the perfect spray angle.

• Available sizes: 4
• Available colors: 5

Compact with an unassuming, travel-friendly, modern design, this sound machine will easily blend in with your decor and deliver soothing white noise to help you drift off to dreamland. Choose from six sounds — rain, stream, ocean, white noise, fan, and summer night — and set a sleep timer for 15 to 60 minutes.

• Available colors: 3

Keep this digital alarm clock by your bedside or use it while traveling — its sleek mirrored design means you can use it as a mirror, too. Designed with a removable luxe gold stand, adjustable brightness, auto-dimming, and a large snooze button, it has all the basics you want in an alarm clock. And it looks pretty darn chic, too.

• Available colors: 13

With a cute flower shape and a pretty white glaze, this ceramic jewelry dish will help you store accessories you use often. Keep it on your bathroom counter, vanity, or bedside to elegantly display your earrings, necklaces, bracelets, or keys. It also comes in pretty colors like blue, pink, and green. One reviewer raved, “This jewelry dish is the perfect size. I keep it at my bedside for when I take my jewelry off at night. Plus, it’s super cute, and the color is gorgeous.”

• Available colors: 6

Hand-decorated to include gorgeous pastel colors of green, blue, yellow, and rose, these Mason jar-inspired glasses give retro vibes, making any beverage feel special. Each glass has a solid base that prevents accidental spills and a comfortable rim for sipping. Their 18-ounce capacity makes them perfect for everything from water to lemonade to wine.

Gift yourself this candle that not only smells incredible but also doubles as a planter after you’ve burned it. Inside the holder is a soy-based candle that combines soothing lavender, fresh vanilla, earthy cedarwood, and citrusy orange blossoms. After burning the candle, use the holder to plant the included lavender seeds.

Available in a wide variety of colors and trendy patterns like checkerboard, this knit throw is an eye-catching addition to your decor. But where it really shines is its sumptuously soft microfiber, which feels cozy year-round thanks to its lightweight heft. The fabric is also anti-static, fade-resistant, and machine-washable.

• Available sizes: 2
• Available colors: 23

These satin pillowcases come in over 30 colors that look great with any bedding. Their soft, luxurious satin looks and feels pricey, and the fabric may also give you extra benefits like less hair breakage and frizz from sleeping. They also may be gentler on the skin than other fabrics.

• Available sizes: 5
• Available colors: 35

With elegant glass and metallic gold rims, these crystal glasses will elevate your home bar. Hand-blown with wide bases that are easy to handle, their practical shape holds 7.5-ounce sips, whether you use them to serve cocktails, mocktails, or wine. Reviewers love them, too — they have a 4.7-star average rating on Amazon.

• Available styles: 5

This chic black jewelry box has a velvet-lined bottom drawer with two large compartments for storing necklaces and sunglasses and a top storage tray with designated compartments for rings, earrings, bracelets, and watches. Closing the lid protects your jewelry from dust, while its transparent top helps you see what’s inside. “[This is] honestly one of the best jewelry boxes I’ve had,” wrote one reviewer. “There is a lot of storage, and the box itself looks expensive and aesthetically pleasing.”

Arrange this bookshelf to fit your desk space. It features two pieces you can stack together, use side by side, or use separately to customize your desktop storage. Reviewers say it’s easy to assemble and looks great for its low price. Use it to neatly store books, pens, sticky notes, trinkets, and other desktop necessities.

Whether you bake your own bread or like to buy uncut loaves, this bread slicer will help you create uniform slices. Place a loaf on the tray and adjust the slicing guides to fit. Then, follow the cut guides to slice through the loaf and store the freshly sliced loaf in the bottom bread box. One happy shopper wrote, “Love this tool for cutting homemade bread. It’s adjustable, so the loaf doesn’t move. This also allows for easy storage because it all comes apart. The bottom catches all the crumbs, so clean up a breeze.”

Not only does this lazy Susan make it easier to access your cooking oils and spices, but its two-tier design also helps you maximize your storage space. Its compact build fits inside cramped cabinets or pantries, while its stainless steel ball bearings give it a smooth, 360-degree spin to access what you need easily.

This glass pitcher has a large 63-ounce capacity and an airtight seal for freshness, making it an excellent choice for storing and serving iced tea, lemonade, or cucumber water. But unlike traditional pitchers, it has a slim build designed to fit inside your refrigerator’s side shelves. Its pretty pebbled glass is also heat-resistant.